Binoculars vs a starter scope for a small city yard

I moved to a place in Austin with a tiny fenced yard and light pollution everywhere, so I had to pick between a decent pair of 15x70 binoculars or a cheap 4.5 inch reflector on a wobbly mount. I went with the binoculars after reading that they're easier to grab for a quick look, and honestly Saturn still just looks like a bright star to me. Should I stick it out with the bins or bite the bullet on a decent tabletop scope like a Heritage 130? Has anyone else hit this same wall in an urban spot?

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andrew85429d ago

Saturn looking like a bright star with 15x70s, been there. My own Saturn looked like a weirdly patient firefly until I finally got a cheap tabletop dob, and even then the mount shook like I was trying to hold it during an earthquake drill. The Heritage 130 is a solid jump because the extra aperture and steadier base actually gave me a tiny ring, not a blur. I'd say give the bins one more clear night aimed at the moon or Jupiter's moons, but if you really want that planet moment, the tabletop scope is the move, just budget for a cheap chair too.