The x factor in binocular astronomy, as with so many other pursuits, is experience. I am constantly reminded of this as I hunt for old deep-sky friends with
binoculars from my horribly light polluted patio, here in the Chicago suburbs. It is can be a challenge, even for an old-timer like me, to spot some of the old familiar Messier and NGC objects under these skies with my
astronomy binoculars. Believe me, the sky is a much different place under limiting magnitude 2.5 than it is under limiting magnitude 6. (Yes, I was fortunate enough to grow up in a rural area with magnitude 6 skies.)
So, for me, the binocular astronomy game has radically changed. My definition of fun and my challenge, these days, is to determine just how many objects can be seen under conditions of severe
light pollution. Last night was a good example. It took a couple of passes with my
Nikon 10x70 Astroluxe, but I finally managed to spot open cluster M34, just to the southeast of Mirfak. Under most skies, even with a fair amount of light pollution, M34 would be an easy object, even in a small
binocular. Not under magnitude 2.5 skies - it was there, but just barely. I doubt a beginner would have picked it up at all. Just the same, seeing an old friend brought a BIG smile to my face.
I may be stuck in the big city, but any sky is better than no sky and just being under the stars with a binocular in hand is the important thing. I encourage everyone, no matter what your situation, to get and do some astronomy. No matter how poor your observing site, there is always something to see. Be glad to show you.