astronomical binoculars

Archive for June, 2009

Marine Binoculars: A Guide For Buyers

fujinon binoculars1 Marine Binoculars: A Guide For Buyers
Dave Text asked:

If you are contemplating on buying beautiful water -proof marine binoculars, it is imperative that you carefully choose from a small range of brands. Given the fact that you can use this for a very long time, procuring the best binoculars is necessary.

A binoculars’ purpose differs on every type of user. If you are a marine then you are entitled to use one for your line of duty. However, this can also be beneficial to hunters, soldiers and the like. It is more used by those who work or thrive on the great outdoors. Hikers also use this on their trips. It is especially helpful when you would like to spot a bird or other animals that are at a certain distance in the wild or wherever. There are also those who go to football or baseball games and bring a pair of binoculars in order to get a closer view of the game. Of course, not everyone can afford the ticket prices to be near the fields, but these people can definitely afford marine binoculars.

Hence, magnification is the first thing you will possess if you have 7×50 binoculars. This magnification factor determines the power of your lenses and it is always followed by an “x”. This means that if you use a binocular with 7x magnification you may see a view seven times more than without the binoculars.

Some experts even claim that more magnification doe not necessarily mean that it’s better because as it increases, the clarity and the brightness of the image often diminish. Aside from this, the depth of the field tends to become shallower and the field of vision becomes narrower as well. Plus, the thing with this high -powered device is that they are heavier than the usual binoculars. This would mean that having this on your neck and making handshakes with other people will be very uncomfortable on your part.

Moreover, the aperture is the second thing to consider subsequent to magnification. This refers to the lens diameter that is measured in millimetres which is similar to camera lenses. Hence, the 20-25 mm ranges are typically pocket sized binoculars. This type is perfect for those nature trips. Plus, it can fit right into your camera luggage.

Nevertheless, with regards to marine binoculars, it is imperative to have at least a 50 mm aperture. This is in order to promote better light gathering which is crucial in dark, heavily shaded areas. For astronomical uses, over 50mm or around 70 to 80 mm is used for obvious reasons.

For light gathering purposes, prisms are used. This is due to the fact that they can employ high quality glass prisms, which can provide clearer and more circular exit pupils. In addition to this, glass quality can directly affect the clarity of the image. This means that the best glass can give you a clearer flat field as compared to the whole field of view, making it a higher priced product.

The exit pupil, as mentioned above, is those indicators that depict how well an image can be seen in particular conditions like sunny/bright, night/twilight/dusky views. This exit pupil can also be characterized in millimetres by having the aperture divided with the magnification factor. This is like if you have 7×50 binoculars, then your exit pupil will be 50/7 or 7.14mm, making it way better than the 10×50 ones having only a 5mm exit pupil. With this, your view will become very difficult to hold at a steady motion, especially in the water.

This means that it is way better to have a larger exit pupil due to the fact that you can have an excellent viewing convenience under the said conditions. Thus, if you are in a sunny condition, then the pupil size of a normal individual would range from 2 up to 3 mm, meaning, even the smallest exit pupil like a 7x 20mm or a 2.86mm exit pupil pair of binoculars can take in more light as compared to what your eyes needed to see.

Furthermore, this can be a match to those 7 x 50mm binoculars. However, when twilight or dusky shaded area becomes the background, you will not be able to see a clear field of view on a 7×20mm. On this type, a 7×50mm binocular is better because of its larger exit pupil.

Furthermore, Porro Prism versus the Roof prism designs is mostly discussed by people who are confused by their uses. To settle this account: Porro Prisms are the bigger, classic binoculars that have two offset barrels and are connected by a centre axis rod. They tend to give a wider field of view and crisp sharp images. In contrast to this, the roof prism is sleeker in design and is more compact. This is even without the gaps between the barrels and centre axis. Plus, this is more durable and less prone to contamination by some elements; although, of course, it is more expensive. With this fact, it will just come down to the better judgement of the user, especially with regards to how it can be beneficial to him or her.

Lastly, being a waterproof type of device is a very essential feature of this binocular. This is for the reason that there will be times wherein you will be exposed to rain showers. When you go on hiking, when you’re on a ship or a yacht, you still have a tendency to get wet. Having this water proof binoculars will definitely provide you with quality images amidst several water exposures. Furthermore, many of these types of binoculars are even fog proof and nitrogen purged.

However, it is important that you do not get deceived by the water resistant models that pose themselves similar to the waterproofed ones. Water resistant models would mean that it is okay even if it gets splashed by some water. Thus, submerging it in the water is a whole lot different because it can surely break and damage this type, particularly during the rainy seasons.

These are the reasons why it is best to choose the right kind of marine binoculars. It is as critical as getting your money’s worth.

Famous Brands of Marine Binoculars are as follows:

• Avian

• Bushnell

• Canon

• Fujinon

• Nikon

• Steiner

The price of these binoculars, depending on the model and features, would range from 189 Euros up to 939 Euros.

Ultra Compact Binoculars For Everyday Use

small binoculars Ultra Compact Binoculars For Everyday Use
Rich Russell asked:

Binoculars have become more and more popular over recent years, having many uses in a range of outdoor recreational activities and pursuits. If you are going hunting, camping, hiking, fishing or sailing, a pair of binoculars can add a new dimension and in some cases could be an essential piece of equipment. But could ultra compact binoculars do the same thing for our everyday lives?

Only a few years ago, it would have seemed ridiculous to suggest that we wouldn’t consider leaving the house without taking a phone with us. And yet now, carrying a cellular phone has become the norm and it seems strange not to have one. They seem to grow in sophistication on an almost weekly basis, with improved cameras, music players and software. What was once a toy for the techno geek is now mainstream.

Binocular technology has also advanced, particularly in the area of compact binoculars. Some of the models that are available now look very different from the larger, more traditional designs. They look modern, sleek, stylish and very, very small. The newer ultra compact binoculars would easily fit into a purse or shirt pocket and are just as easy to carry around as the ubiquitous cell phone.

Small size doesn’t equate to low quality though. It is now possible to get very good optics and quite high magnification in a very small package. They won’t break the bank either with prices comparing very favourably with some of the other technology that we carry around. So what use would we city dwellers make of these shiny new devices?

There are obvious uses such as at sports events such as football games, horse racing or track and field. But what about indoor sports like basketball or ice hockey. There is also the theatre, ballet and opera. These modern devices are just as unobtrusive to carry around, and of far better quality than traditional opera glasses.

These devices are not just for viewing objects at great distances. They can also have a very short minimum focusing range, enabling you to better appreciate the detail on object that is quite close. From taking a closer look at the ornate carving on the walls of a building, to picking out the finer points of a painting or sculpture in a gallery, compact binoculars can enhance your viewing pleasure.

And, let’s be honest, it’s not all about the pursuit of culture, binoculars can just be fun. Who doesn’t like to people watch from time to time? When you leave the gallery, you can find a pavement café, drink a coffee and watch the world go by. And if something interesting seems to be happening on the other side of the square, you can zoom in for a closer look. Go on, you know you want to.

We have become accustomed to being able to carry our entertainment around with us. With developments in ultra compact binocular technology opening up new possibilities for fun on the move, could they become the latest ‘must have’ accessory? They are certainly available at prices to suit most budgets without stinting on quality. Will you be ahead of the trend?

Binoculars Tripod Adapters

star binoculars1 Binoculars Tripod Adapters
Jayson Pablo asked:

A binocular tripod adapter provides you a steady and hands-free viewing. It can typically be fitted into any binocular that has a standard 1/4 – 20 thread tripod socket. There are different types of tripod adapters like L-Type, Roof Prism and Centre Focus. These adapters come handy when you require a high degree of viewing stability. They can also be fitted to any standard photographic tripod.

Bushnell’s light-duty binocular tripod adapter is particularly suitable for prolonged star-gazing and terrestrial viewing. The tripod connects to any binocular whose lens has apertures ranging from 35 mm to 50 mm. As the adapter measures only 3/4 inches in width, it can easily be fitted to any roof prism type binocular.

Some people may develop neck pain if they do not use this device properly during prolonged stars observation. The best way to use the adapter is to lean back in a lawn chair and let two of its legs straddle of their own. Now tilt the tripod a little towards yourself so that its far leg leaves the ground. The hand that you use to hold the tripod acts as its third leg. This allows you to lean forward and backward to explore the skies. Also remember to position the pan handle of the tripod under the objective lens of the binocular, pointing away from you. This will allow you to control the motion of the tripod pan hand and at the same time will prevent it from poking into your chest or throat.

The adapters have become a useful accessory for those who often use binoculars. These help you to get a vibration-free viewing. You can watch wildlife or observe the stars for long hours with the help of the binocular tripod adapters. Retailers like Bushnell and Fujicom are offering tripods that have rugged corrosion-resistant finishes and adjustable legs. They provide you a solid foundation for viewing at high magnifications. These tripods and binoculars are available at leading online retailers of the UK.

amateur astronomy How to Get Into Amateur Astronomy With Tasco Telescopes

For many people there first home telescope happens to be a Amateur astronomy telescope. A Amateur astronomy telescope may not be the best amateur astronomy telescope on the market, however, it has allowed people easy entry into the hobby of astronomy and looking at the stars and other space objects.

I remember a amateur astronomy telescope from Toys R Us. Walking down the isles around the science section, there was a astronomy telescope. I simply had to get it the Tasco astronomy telescope. After all I had a fond interest in seeing the Moon, stars and other space objects.

Having taken the Tasco astronomy telescope home, and pointing the Tasco astronomy telescope to the sky, from my bedroom, it took a bit to get used to. I used the Tasco astronomy telescope for a while, though it just wasn’t capable of seeing other planets in any detail or size So, the astronomy telescope got taken back.

I have since found that many people start with a Tasco astronomy telescope, then few years later buy a true astronomy telescope such as Orion, Meade, Celestron. The experience of owning a Tasco astronomy telescope may not be the best but it does allow easy access to start your astronomy hobby.

Tasco astronomy telescopes are considered to be one of the basic most popular first home telescopes for under $100. Tasco astronomy telescope also make rifle scopes. They are easily available in sporting goods, photography, astronomy, department, and big chain stores like Kmart and Wal-Mart.

I usually don’t recommend buying a Tasco astronomy telescope, because of its basic parts. A astronomy telescope is a scientific instrument after all, and getting better astronomy telescope parts, will have the effect of giving you many years of happy viewing of the heavens. A Tasco astronomy telescope does have its benefits however. If it is your first home telescope and you don’t know if you want to continue the hobby of astronomy, then a Tasco astronomy telescope may be ideal.

If you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a amateur astronomy telescope, then a Tasco astronomy telescope can be ideal. Also a Tasco astronomy telescope is usually small and compact so doesn’t need a lot of space when using or to store the astronomy telescope.

Tasco astronomy telescopes are lightweight and can be easily moved around. This is great news for kids, as the astronomy telescope can easily be taken inside or outside with ease. This however is not all good, as a lightweight tripod and mount can make even the slightest breeze move the astronomy telescope out of view of the space object.

A Tasco astronomy telescope is also great for viewing birds and wildlife. This can not be achieved with a powerful astronomy telescope which is designed specifically for amateur astronomy. So a Tasco astronomy telescope could be beneficial if you want to use it for multiple purposes.

The main reasons for buying a Tasco astronomy telescope would be, if you want to keep within a certain budget. If it is your first home telescope, then a powerful astronomy telescope costing several hundred dollars or even possibly several thousand dollars, may not be an avenue you want to enter. Though remember for best results, get the best amateur astronomy telescope you can. A Tasco astronomy telescope is cheap and cheerful, the Tasco astronomy telescope can be used to look at objects in the sky, and also for wildlife viewing.

Jean Asked:

I’m looking for the name of a redfield binocular type toy from the early
eighties (i think). You could insert a disc into it and view pictures.
You could pull a black lever to move on to the next picture

Many of the discs were pictures from films and told a story. Any clues?


Reply:

Viewmaster

Astronomy 7×50 stargazing binoculars for?

Kate Asked:

Hello, can someone please PLEASE suggest a good beginers for stargazing binoculars. I don’t want so spend more then $100, and I only intrested for 7×50 size. I been looking for 3 days and i have a headache, there’s so many different ones and all those multicoating, BaK4 etc. driving me crazy. I stoped on these here “Nikon Action 7×50 Binocular” Can u please tell me if they are good for Stargazing binoculars ?


Reply:

Kate V,

I own a very simple pair of Bushnell 10X50 Binoculars that I use for stargazing binoculars (as well as, bird / animal watching). They are multi-coated (most decent binoculars are these days). My wife bought them for me as a Christmas present from Wal*mart. They have turned out to be a surprisingly good pair of stargazing Binoculars. I have had them for about 8 years had they’ve held up really well .

You can go crazy looking for binoculars but I employ few simple rules and that’s enough for me.

1) Don’t buy binoculars with red coating. (everything will appear red)
2) Don’t buy image stabilized binoculars (unless you’ve got the doh-re-me for it). You can accomplish almost the same with a steady hand or a simple mop pole and a binocular mount.
3) Anything bigger than 10X50 is too heavy to handle and you’ll need a stabilizing mount of some type. Again you can use a simple mop pole (the pole you attach to a mop) and binocular mount to steady it.
4) Look through the binoculars you are about to purchase at the store
4.1) The view should contain the same color that you see with normal eyesight, if not, don’t buy them.
4.2) As you peer through the binoculars find a vertical wire (in the store) and zoom in on it. Center the vertical wire in your field view (FOV). Now turn your head slightly to the left and then to the right so that the wire travels from your far left FOV to the far right FOV. As the wire goes from the far left to the far right there should be no colors up and down the wire (like blue on one side red on the other of the wire). This is known as vignetting and you shouldn’t buy binoculars with this defect.
4.3) Images should not be distorted on the edges or in the middle or any where in the FOV (coke bottle bottom effect).
4.4) At least one of the oculars should be focus-able (sometimes both are)
4.5) When zooming the binoculars there should be no distortion in the zoom and both eyes should remain in focus before, during, and after zoom.

That’s pretty much it. Lay your money down, take you new binoculars home, and go out and start enjoying your binoculars.

The binoculars you mentioned look like a decent set of binoculars but for night sky viewing, however, I strongly recommend 10X50’s. You just get more light, magnification, and a larger feild of view. The book Night watch is also an excellent book to start off with, as well as, the Audubon Society’s Field Guide to the Night Sky”.

Also, for free you can download the Binocular Messier List from the AL and start looking for night sky objects. (see the link below).

Finally, consider connecting with your local astronomy club they can also help you with your decision, as well as, give you great tips and pointers on how to view the night sky.

Good luck with your purchase decision.

PS Never look directly at the sun with a pair for binocular you will cause irreparable eye damage. You should buy (or make) a pair a solar filters for solar observing.

Where can I get cheap/discount telescopes?

Brandon Asked:

Where can I get cheap/discount telescopes? I am a beginner but I *REALLY* want the “Orion StarBlast 6 Astro ReflectorTelescope” It is listed as $279 and I just don’t have the money. I’ve tried to get jobs and everything. I am a college student so do any companies like Meade or Orion offer discounts? Are there sites that offer telescopes for discount telescopes  prices?

Reply:

1) Your best bet is to joing your local club. Even if their web site is disorganized, that does not necessarily mean the club in general is.

2) Orion has a clearance centre on their web site where they sell seconds. From everything I’ve heard, these are indistinguishable from regular stock except that the packages have been opened. I believe Meade has an online factory store as well.

3) Used telescopes from local dealers, AstroMart, Canada Wide Buy and Sell, etc.  unless you _really_ know what you’re doing.

4) There are three major differences between the StarBlast 6 and the SkyQuest XT6:
i) Focal ratio. StarBlast is f/5. making it better for low power, deep sky. SkyQuest is f/8, making it better for Moon and planets.
ii) Mount. StarBlast has a single arm mount. SkyQuest has a double arm mount, more stable.
iii) Eyepieces. StarBlast comes with two eyepieces, 30x and 75x, SkyQuest with one, 48x. For planetary observing, you will need an additional short focal length eyepiece for either scope, but the shorter focal ratio of the StarBlast will require a better quality eyepiece than the SkyQuest.
iv) I would go for the SkyQuest, all things being equal.

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