Best binoculars according to redditors
We found 554 Reddit comments discussing the best binoculars. We ranked the 169 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 554 Reddit comments discussing the best binoculars. We ranked the 169 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
The tent is pretty useless unless you are only interested in a tiny spot of sky. The mirror isn't an observatory at all, just a way to kinda be lazy and decide you'd like to look through the imperfections of a non-optically-polished surface while looking at the sky. It'd honestly be easier just to inflate a small kiddy pool and lay back in it to support your head. (Binocular astronomy is really awesome, by the way. Buy a $50-$70 pair of wide-aperture binoculars and a copy of Left Turn at Orion, and you'd be floored by all the cool stuff you can see at night!)
The shed-looking observatory is pretty standard, it's one of a number of roll-away model observatories, of which this one is my favorite. Wide, shallow, plenty of room, plenty of sky. The one in the instructable is a bit tall and cuts off a ton of sky unless you're using a schmidt-cassegrain on a tall tripod, but if you're using a Dobsonian (which pivots much closer to the ground than a SCT), you've lost most of the sky.
here ya go it's on amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/SZCO-Supplies-Brass-Crusader-Helmet/dp/B007XP1ECS
very basic but these bushnell binoculars are actually free after rebate
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004SABB/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Some people are looking for suggestions. I second the suggestion and I have a pair of these that work well for me.
(edit: formatting)
The best "telescope" in that range is a pair of binoculars. Anything else is more likely to cause someone to be turned away from astronomy.
These are $56 at amazon right now (normally $90). Get those and a decent tripod (the binoculars are a little heavy), and the total price should be well under 100 pounds.
I use this
A little bulky but I don't keep my wife up with excess light.
Here are some good beginner Binoculars
I have a suggestion
Amazon has it.
I happened across it while looking for headgear to wear on days when I can't decide whether to ride my motorcycle or retake Jerusalem.
http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-71018-SkyMaster-20x80-Binoculars/dp/B0007UQNTU
$50 less than the link you provided :)
Get a helm to go with it.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007XP1ECS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_X-R8yb5CBTVSP
How about this, it's 65$ in US and 25x70. Bigger aperture means better light capturing ability. I guess this is not all purpose, it's astronomical binocular and it's heavy. I don't have one myself so really can't say about the quality.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003AM87Q4/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1479669954&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=celestron+binoculars&dpPl=1&dpID=313pkGWRIUL&ref=plSrch
10x 30cal Ammo Cans - $87 shipped
I shared the deal with /r/gundeals
I ordered on Tuesday and they landed Thrusday.
Ammo Cans
Also picked up an iPhone to Binocular adapter to use with my spotting scope.
Works with iphone 4/4s/5, and I'm assuming 5s. Here are the links to the items:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003N7NQOY
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BTBPCWA
The fit is a little loose on the eye piece but a thin layer of gorilla tape around the eyepiece made it perfectly snug. The focus works flawlessly and between the scope's focus and zoom, and the phone's focus and zoom, it makes for a great image.
I had this idea to help relieve the eye fatigue I get after spotting someone for a while - the eye relief on spotters under a few hundred bucks is generally not the best. It works great!
Celestron 71198 Cometron 7x50 Binoculars (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DV6SI3Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_4Y.SAb8HRKFV2
These are probably the cheapest decent thing you can get for ~$30 brand new. Binoculars are a good entry level tool for stargazing.
You might be able to find a used Astromaster 70 refractor online for ~$30.
You can see them even with a crappy set of binoculars. It’s what got me hooked on astronomy.
hey, you probably already know this, but your icon/flair is on Amazon
To be clear, everything you see with the naked eye is not a star. You can see galaxies too, and if you know what you're looking at, nebulae. Take a pair of high powered binoculars out some night and it's like you've never seen the sky. Better yet, get a pair of these. You won't be disappointed.
I started looking to get a telescope a while back and a lot of what i read is for beginners to start with some high powered binoculars rather than a telescope.
They are normally quite a bit cheaper, easier to use, and do a great job for a beginner to get the hang and feel for things. Then if you really like star gazing and want to get a bit more serious about it, start looking into a more expensive option.
What I ended up getting was the following:
http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-SkyMaster-Binoculars-Tripod-Adapter/dp/B00008Y0VN/ref=sr_1_4?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1396379520&sr=1-4&keywords=star
Might not be the same model, but they were this brand and looked almost identical to those (I am at work and can not check to be sure).
Posters:
Chart of Cosmic Exploration
History of Space Travel
Cutaway View of a Space Shuttle peel and stick wall decals
NASA Saturn V Cutaway
Skylab Cutaway illustration
International Space Rockets
X-15 Cutaway
Smithsonian Milestones of Flight
Space Stations Poster
International Space Station Planet Earth
SpaceX Falon 9
Shuttle Atlantis & Mir Space Station
T-Shirts:
Spacex Falcon 9 T-shirts
SpaceX Kids T-Shirts
NASA Logo T-shirt
NASA KIds T-Shirt
Organizations:
Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS)
Planetary Society
Tech
Get email or text alerts when the space station is flying over
NASA App
Star Walk App
Celestron SkyMaster
Celestron 71020 SkyMaster
Toys:
3D Laser Cut Models
Model Rockets (starting with easiest to make and launch) First Rocket, Second Rocket, Third Rocket, Forth Rocket, and Fifth Rocket.
LEGO City Space Utility Vehicle
LEGO City Space Port
LEGO Ideas NASA Apollo Saturn V
Videos:
Huble IMAX
NASA: A Journey Through Space
Moon Machines or watch at YT - this series rocks.
NASA Live - Earth From Space
HOW IT WORKS: The International Space Station
SKYLAB : SPACE STATION I
The Mir Chronicles
Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Mission
The Space Shuttle
North American X-15
Events:
Total Solar Eclipse 2017
Meteor Showers in 2017
Vandenberg AFB Launch Schedule
Launch Schedule
Dark Sky Map People who have never been to a dark sky area do not think that it is worth the effort to see. People who have gone to a dark sky site are blown away by the amount of stars they can see with their naked eyes. Go on a trip to a dark sky area (dark gray on the map) on a moonless (new moon) night, here is a moon phase calendar.
You'll need some paint.
No idea why you got downvoted as this was a perfectly reasonable answer and suggestion for OP.
OP, try here.
Edit: Fuck all of you.
Looks like $45 USD for the helmet, the sword could run you from $10 to $150, depending on how realistic you want it to be, and if it is metal or not. The shirt could just be a white sheet sewn into a that shape, kinda like a burlap sack. For the bible, you can probably get one for free from your local AA meetings, or maybe a motel nightstand. I would say total around $80 bucks if you want a sword that's not literally a children's toy, and if you can put in a bit of the effort yourself for the shirt.
Hello :-) That's pretty generic ;-)
Size requirements? Targets? Expectations? Prior experience?
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For $549 you can get a Zhumell z10 which has better accessories than the Orion or Skywatcher (dual speed focuser, large right angle finder, laser collimation tool, moon filter, decent 30mm70° 2" overview eyepiece worth $70 alone...).
A dobsonian has a simple yet sturdy rockerbox, leaving more money for the actual optics. They can be used comfortably while seated.
$50 of the budget left for "Turn left at Orion" and one or two gold line eyepieces for planets (e.g. 6mm) and perhaps deep-sky (15mm) to get the most out of the telescope. And/Or binoculars as their large field of view makes it easier to get oriented. Even some of the cheaper ones (1 2) will do.
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Do not buy eyepiece kits (overpriced, mediocre) or zooms (narrow apparent field of view on one side of the spectrum). Be vary of stability issues when buying a set on tripod despite good in-store reviews.
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You can also get something like the Celestron Nexstar SLT 127 within the budget. But the smaller aperture will show less. Also, computerized GoTo telescopes do not make everything easier: You (he) will still need to know a few basics, and "Turn left at Orion" is a much easier read than the GoTo controller's manual ;-)
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Clear skies!
OP, something like these: http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-SkyMaster-Binoculars-Tripod-Adapter/dp/B00008Y0VN/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323787386&sr=8-1
Do you already own astronomical binoculars? If not, I recommend you start there.
tl;dr - two eyes is greater than one
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008Y0VN I had those long time ago, and sometimes on those moon days I would go out and let others view through them too, everybody was impressed.. how much better is the view through those?
These are stellar
Just did a bunch of binocular research last year. I was looking for a pair for similar things as you, though mostly stargazing and hiking. Personally, I wound up buying a pair of Pentax PCF II 10x50s, which are waterproof, well-built, steady, sharp, and ~$150.
8x vs 10x is a personal thing. I'd heard people say 10x was harder to hold still, but I found the difference there to be negligible and the extra magnification very nice to have. I'd go to a store and try out models that come in both magnifications (e.g. comparable 8x and 10x Nikons or something) to figure out which you like more and what you can hold steady comfortably. The field-of-view difference is there, sure, but again it's a matter of taste; to me, 5º for my set vs 6.5º for some others wasn't a deal-breaker.
It sounds like you're leaning towards mostly daytime use, which makes things a little easier, because the other big variable with binoculars is the exit pupil (= objective diameter / magnification), which controls how much light gets to your eyeballs. For the same magnification, a bigger objective size gives you more light-gathering power at the expense of more size & weight (& cost, usually). As an example, "standard" 7x35 binoculars have an exit pupil of ~5 mm, which is a good balance of weight and dusk-time visibility. 7x50s, on the other hand, sometimes get called "night glasses" because they're so much better at gathering light than your eyes that they really bring out detail well in crappy lighting. If you're going to be using these exclusively during the day, you could get away with a 4mm exit pupil, but I'd consider something larger if you're thinking about astronomy use or if you might be attending night-time games (especially poorly-lit high school or collegiate games).
So, in your 8x vs. 10x case, that means your choices are really 8x40 and 10x50 in a 5mm, or 8x56 and 10x60 in a 6mm. There's lots of good pairs in all of those categories; I'd skip the 7mm-exit-pupil pairs, since they get heavy fast at 8x or 10x. Generally you get better quality at a lower price point with porto-prism binoculars than roof-prism pairs, so that's a consideration, though the Monarchs are consistently well reviewed (they were also above my own price-point). Nikon does make a very-well regarded pair called the Action Extremes, though. I'd also look into Pentax and Oberwerk models. Oh, and if you wear glasses, make sure you get something with adequate eye relief so you don't have to pop your glasses or shades on and off every time you want to use the binoculars.
Good hunting! =)
> Olympus 8x40 DPS-I
Amazon.com link. $50.00
Maybe this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-71018-SkyMaster-20x80-Binoculars/dp/B0007UQNTU/ref=tag_stp_s2f_edpp_url
You WILL need a tripod. This thing is big and heavy.
Yeah they are their own beast. I did a decent amount of research and I got these for hunting and general looking around at nature while hiking etc.
Celestron 71332 Nature DX 8x42 Binocular (Green) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B73JONS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wF68AbP82DKED
I cant remember 100% but I know I paid significantly less than that. With that being said I would have rather paid 9$ for the amount I use them, which is MAYBE a few times a year.
I had Celestron SkyMaster 15x70 for a couple of years, first impressions were immense, really enjoyed them for what they are.
If you're completely psyched about Astronomy, you should probably get them and the tripod too of course. Mind that you will have to buy a metal bracket as well, as the plastic one which comes with these binos is too wobbly.
On the other hand, if you think you'd need more versatile pair of binoculars, try these 10x42 Nikons, better quality, more versatile, bright and sharp. There're a bit bigger ones at 10x50 , but 10x42 is enough for Astro use as well. They're more lightweight , so you can hold them steady without a tripod, unlike 15x70 Celestrons. Very travel friendly indeed.& since i bought them i never looked back , and stopped using Celestron whatsoever.
Have fun!
I'm confused? You have an assignment to build a telescope to look at the sun, due in a few days? That is a weird assignment, can you please elaborate.
Building a telescope is usually a multi month deal. Do you have a primary mirror? Secondary? Eye pieces?
Or do you already have a telescope you would like to use to look at the sun?
Please be very very careful. Looking at the sun with a telescope can permanently blind you. There is a specialized material that is used for this. You can either buy a premade solar filter that fits on the end of your scope, or buy a sheet of this special material and make it into one yourself. I did this for the eclipse a few years ago and it was amazing.
Please do not try any other wierd method that does not involve this special material. You will go blind.
Here is a link to said material.
10"x10" Solar Filter Sheet for Telescopes, Binoculars and Cameras https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DS7SCBQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_pbm3DbZTD2RXM
This, but here is a much better purchase
Having been at it all of two months may I recommend:
Like I said, I'm only at this a month or two but really enjoy it. People here are amazingly helpful.
Ah, as a side note - I tossed all this in a backpack that I can grab and go or can leave in my car if see an opportunity.
what about these links?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00004SABB/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new
https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0006G4PRC/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new
You can get some pretty decent binoculars to look up at the moon or even planets. But if you decide to get serious and choose to get a telescope, I recommend nothing smaller than 6" telescope. This should get you started to explore the sky.
Some info here: http://www.telescopenerd.com/six-inch-telescopes.htm
I got my space-loving ex these binoculars for stargazing and he really loves them. I also got him a print of the heart and soul nebula, if she has space (heh) for art on her walls. I think this goes with her interests and is also pretty lovey-dovey (heart and soul!). I used the hq image from NASA and got a poster made through a company in the UK (I'm sure there are other companies who do the same with good prices).
These tend to get a lot of praise as really good Binoculars for Astronomy. Thinking about buying a pair myself.
Nikon Action EX
A tripod improves everything. For 10x42s you don't even need an expensive one. Just a regular old camera tripod will do. Your Binoculars should have a little screwhole between the two barrels (sometimes covered by a cap) that looks like this. You just get a cheap tripod adapter and you're all set.
Great start on the binos. I have the same pair. Make sure you have a tripod though and I'd highly recommend upgrading the bino holder to something sturdier. For example: BARSKA Binocular Tripod Adaptor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BYH8EQ/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_UKfPybX5P9Z99
The adapter that comes with those binos is a bit flimsy, so it can shake a lot while you're trying to spot things. That gets quite frustrating and fast. Otherwise, if you don't have a tripod, get used to laying on your back and letting the binos rest on your upper cheek while you hold the far ends with your hands to help make it more stable.
For your first scope I'd go with something like this. http://www.ozscopes.com.au/dobsonian-telescope-skywatcher-black-diamond-collapsible-8-inch.html
Just as much aperture, but much cheaper too! That means money to put towards decent eye pieces!
Equatorial mounts are great for go-to scopes, tracking the sky, and Astrophotography. But they have a steeper learning curve for beginners. You have to balance them out, polar alignment them, carry them around in pieces, and if they aren't substantial mounts they tend to be a little shaky. If you plan on upgrading the mount to a full go-to do to Astrophotography, then you should plan on purchasing a mount that is up to the task. I.E. 1500.00 (USD) and up from there, just for the mount.
Dobsonians are so much easier to use and frankly are my preferred viewing for visual astronomy. Just aim the thing and look. You just have to track by hand, which correct me if I'm wrong but you would have to do that with the scope you selected originally. The dob I linked to will collapse for easier transport too.
At the end of the day, you want the scope that you're most likey to use. For most beginners that means something simple. Set the thing down and start watching the sky. Otherwise, you might get caught up being frustrated with balancing it and polar aligning and then the odd movements an equatorial mount will seem to make, etc.
Anyways, that's my recommendation.
SZCO Supplies Brass Crusader Helmet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007XP1ECS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_LlvUBbYWXX5WV
https://www.amazon.com/SZCO-Supplies-Brass-Crusader-Helmet/dp/B007XP1ECS
This one is pretty good and also not that expensive.
Tell her you're getting bored with her and this is the only way to save your marriage...
In all seriousness though you could start with a pair of 10x50 binoculars. They're actually a lot of fun and will give you an idea of whether or not you'll have continued interest. Or as others have said you could check out an astronomy club first.
I use these - https://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Falcon-10x50-Angle-Binoculars/dp/B000051ZOA/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=10x50+binoculars&psc=1&qid=1572970529&sr=8-4
Edit: Also a nice pair of binoculars are a lot of fun on their own on a dark night, so you'll end up with binoculars and a scope in the end. There are much nicer binoculars out there as well. I used to have a pair of Nikon, but the image was honestly so close to these that I returned the Nikons.
It kind of depends on how deep your going to get into it. If your just sniffing about astronomy for the first time, then go for it. It's 42 bucks and you can sell it at a yard sale if you don't like it, you might actually turn someone on to astronomy with it
If you think you actually might want to get into astronomy as something of a hobby, go with binoculars first, good ones are a bit pricey but you can do some excellent viewing with them, I started with and still use these
http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-SkyMaster-Binoculars-Tripod-Adapter/dp/B00008Y0VN
These are excellent and not to heavy so your shaking all the time, but give great views, in dark skies I've gotten all four gallelian moons and a couple of Jupiters equatorial bands
And of astronomy ends up not being for you, you have a great set of binoculars for the upcoming zombie apocalypse
Edit-hey I just promoted a celestron product, can I get a hook up ???
Consider getting some good binoculars if you're a beginner. Million times easier to use, cheaper, you can explore much quicker, wider field of view. I find it a much more intuitive way to explore!
I have a pair of these - http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00008Y0VN which are perfect for starting out.
I have been using Olympus 8x40 since 5 years now for casual birding and I love them. I just checked Amazon, they sell them for $64. If they're in your budget, I highly recommend them.
https://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Trooper-8x40-DPS-Binoculars/dp/B0001M3612
> https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003AM87Q4/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1479669954&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=celestron+binoculars&dpPl=1&dpID=313pkGWRIUL&ref=plSrch
Can confirm. I purchased these and it's almost impossible to really see anything due to how jittery it is.
The helm looks like this one.
The rest is probably just a cheap 10-20$ crusader costume.
So in total the entire set goes for around 70$
Absolutely its only $40
https://www.amazon.com/Szco-Supplies-Brass-Crusader-Helmet/dp/B007XP1ECS/ref=pd_sim_193_6?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B007XP1ECS&pd_rd_r=QZQNV57MFCTN73GVZARZ&pd_rd_w=Revv6&pd_rd_wg=9d1vi&psc=1&refRID=QZQNV57MFCTN73GVZARZ
I'd recommend binoculars. You can get these. I have these and even though I live in the middle of a city with 7 million people in it I enjoy looking at the night sky.
How much magnification a set of binoculars has (i.e.: power) doesn't always correlate to the price. For astronomy, the second number for binoculars is the one that will be more expensive in your 20x50, since it refers to the diameter of the lenses on the end. The larger the diameter of the lenses on the end, the more light they can catch, and often the more expensive and heavy they are.
You could also try getting two pairs, the one that has 20 times magnification for when you want to be closer, and a 7x50 for when you want an overview binoculars (I have these cheap ones), they work ok. The other guys are right, if you want to zoom in you're going to need to be able to steady those 20x50 binoculars.
Also just to make sure, if you're seeing a super bright planet in the early evening that's Venus. Jupiter won't rise until 10:25pm right now. When you're looking at Jupiter through the 20x50 binoculars you should be able to see a small bright white disk and the four Galilean planets at tiny white dots. I don't know if you'll be able to see much detail on Jupiter itself.
OØÓÖÕMAN THE RARE TEN BROK PUPPO W0W
There are several different issues here.
ISS moves pretty quickly on the sky. You either need binoculars (as cheap as $29 ) and a steady hand, or a telescope with tracking complex enough that it can track satellites - those are not cheap.
Furthermore, all that tracking and stuff is money not spent on the optics, so while that telescope can pull this neat trick of following the ISS on the sky, it's not that good of a scope otherwise (for the money you spent).
A good general purpose telescope would be something with a very simple mount, no motors, no bells and whistles, but a good and large primary mirror. Basically, a Dobson or some other simple alt-az mount. Yes, there are good beginner scopes at $100, if you know where and how to look - for that money you get around 100mm (4") of aperture, good enough. For 150mm (6") or 200mm (8") aperture you need to spend around 3x more.
http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=beginner_scopes/~pcategory=telescopes/~product_id=09541
http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=HP_ProductZone1/~pcategory=HOMEPAGE/~product_id=09814
http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=dobsonians/~pcategory=telescopes/~product_id=08942/
http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=dobsonians/~pcategory=telescopes/~product_id=08943/
The bigger the aperture, the more stuff you see.
Here's an older post, the context was different (OP was looking for a general purpose beginner scope) but some info may be useful:
http://www.reddit.com/r/space/comments/eeltj/telescope_question/c17jkxm
i hear you, friend. i think the library is a great idea. even if you don't check anything out, it would be fun just simply browsing the stacks.
i'm really glad you mentioned you're into space. i'm a bit of a space geek myself (highly recommend /r/astrophotography). easily one of the best purchases i made last year was sky watching binoculars. i don't know anything about your budget, but they are relatively cheap for what you can see with them (described towards the end of this paragraph). these are 15x70, meaning they have 70mm lenses so they can gather a lot of light, and objects are magnified 15 times, so they appear 15 times larger in the binos. the downside to 15x magnitude is holding them by hand means the image will shake a bit - it's doable by hand, but it helps to hold them but rest the lens-end on something like a chair to hold them steady (a tripod would be best if you have one or can buy one, but i have simply laid on the ground outside and basically used my face to keep them steady while looking straight up). anyway, i can reliably see 3 to 4 of jupiter's moons with these. now, they are pinpoints of light in the image, but you can definitely see them and see how they are all in similar planes. saturn becomes oblong because of the rings, you can almost see the gap between the body and the rings. shadows in the craters at the moon's terminator are visible. depending on where you are, you can see the general shape of the gases of the orion nebula (m42, or messier number 42).
anyway, i kind of rambled here but if you're into space, 15x70 binos are an excellent place to start before diving into the telescope world. happy to provide more info if needed.
Story Here
I'm pretty excited for the lunar eclipse tonight. I live on the West Coast so it's not too late for me. But my dad has these binoculars which work awesome, and I really want to see the shadow creep across the moon. I'm excited!
You need an Edmunds Astroscan. I don't think there's any other contender for this category. It's surprisingly steady and comfortable to use and you can even sit cross-legged and plop it directly in your own lap. It'll give you great views on a dark night, and the thing is so easy to use that anyone who is with you will be able to use it.
You might also consider a set of astronomy binoculars. I have a pair of Celestron Skymaster (15x70) and they're just about perfect for observing Messier class objects and planets, though looking at the full moon through them is a blinding experience. :-P
But seriously, you can't go wrong with that Astroscan.
I got these a few weeks ago and they've been great.
http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-SkyMaster-Binoculars-Tripod-Adapter/dp/B00008Y0VN/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317308265&sr=8-1
I was able to see jupiter's moons, and even caught a very faint glimpse of M31 (Andromeda). I was finally able to check out the moon during Halloween and the detail that I could make out exceeded my expectations. While it was pretty small even through the binoculars for the first time looking at the moon actually felt like looking at a piece of land, for the lack of a better term, rather than a white ball in the sky.
Note you'll need a tripod for this because it is quite heavy (3 pounds) and there is no way you will be able to hold it steady.
I bought the Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15x70 Binoculars with Tripod Adapter for a Christmas gift to myself and the family. Although I've only used them once before wrapping them, for every star I saw with the naked eye (which is less than a dozen on a good night with all the light pollution) I saw at least two dozen more looking through these. And that was holding them with my shaky hands. They fit on a standard camera tripod.
> I feel like telescopes should be one of those things people can rent for a day, like a kayak.
Well, kayaks are pretty hard to break, while telescopes are pretty fragile. Kinda like renting an iPhone for a day.
If you want a cheap entrance to the hobby, look at getting a pair of Celestron Skymaster binoculars. You can pick up for under $60 and they are great for looking at many objects. You can easily identify the moons of Jupiter with them.
Here's the thing about optics for astronomy. The reason that we can't see stuff isn't because it's very far or small, but because it's very dim. To see the most interesting things in the sky, you don't really need to zoom, but just collect more light (effectively make your pupil larger). It's also comparatively much less expensive to make a larger light collector than it is to make something with a lot of zoom. Zoom is good for looking at the moon or Jupiter. Light buckets are better for everything else, like galaxies or nebulae.
So my advice to you is to look at 2 options. 1st is a "dobsonian telescope" which is basically a big tube with a concave mirror at the bottom to direct something like 12" of light into your 1/4" pupil. $3000 is more than you need, and many people actually just build them, because the mirror to eyepiece alignment is the important part and the rest is just for making it easy to aim, adjust and transport. The 2nd thing which I recommend you can do inexpensively right now is to buy some astronomy binoculars and a basic camera tri-pod to mount them on. With these you'll be able to find tons of stuff. Most of the stuff you'll look for with 12" dob scope, but just with less definition. These are the ones that I have and they're great!
I paid less than $70 for the Celestron 15x70's. They're worth it for the price, but you'll need a tripod to get the best out of them.
For those who use them with the included tripod adapter, you can remove the flex and make it stiffer by filling the side gaps with epoxy.
You may want to get a good pair of binoculars first. This will allow you to see if you like it, and you can use the binoculars for other purposes.
Read more here and here. Maybe try a pair like these.
I'm a huge space geek myself. Here are some of the things my gf has given me as presents that I've loved: Lego Space Shuttle http://shop.lego.com/en-US/Spaceport-60080 (it's above your price range but they do have a smaller version); Metal Art Apollo Lunar Lander http://www.amazon.com/Fascinations-Metal-Earth-Laser-Model/dp/B00JMQR448 (they also make a Mars Rover version); Celestron Binoculars http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-SkyMaster-Binoculars-Tripod-Adapter/dp/B00008Y0VN (great for checking out the moon, stars & planets - I would also suggest a tripod to go with it). Hope those help!
The problem with binos is that you'll never be able to hold them steady enough to study things. You'll need a tripod and mount.
Nevertheless, enjoyable viewing can be had with a good set.
Here's what I'm working.
Celestron SkyMaster 15x70 $75
https://www.amazon.com/Celestron-SkyMaster-Binoculars-Tripod-Adapter/dp/B00008Y0VN/
70-Inch Pistol Grip Tripod with Bag $55
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-70-Inch-Pistol-Grip-Tripod/dp/B01LQX0P8Q
Total Cost ~$140 shipped
This is slightly more costly than most decent starter scopes.
Celestron 127EQ PowerSeeker Telescope ~$133
https://www.amazon.com/Celestron-21049-127EQ-PowerSeeker-Telescope/dp/B0007UQNKY
If money is of little object, get a basic scope and the binoculars I stated earlier. You'll enjoy having both capabilities and it will help you hunt down objects. Also fun for people who come with you to have something to do while you work the scope.
I will say that binoculars get uncomfortable if you're not laying down, or sitting naturally and even then it can get tiresome on the eyes and neck. Nothing beats a telescope imho. You can learn the sky and develop good habits just the same.
I have a Celestron SkyMaster
15x70 which i like very much. With the one you linked, with such high magnification, you would require som sort of pod to keep it stable, or else you'll tremble too much to see anything.
Celestron Sky Master 15x70 about $60. Very well reviewed for purpose of amateur astronomy
Get binoculars. Celestron 15x70's in particular.
https://www.amazon.com/Celestron-SkyMaster-Binoculars-Tripod-Adapter/dp/B00008Y0VN
They're a good value and you can spend your time learning the night sky first with a book like this
https://www.amazon.com/Turn-Left-Orion-Hundreds-Telescope/dp/0521153972/ref=mt_spiral_bound?_encoding=UTF8&me=
or this.
https://www.amazon.com/Binocular-Highlights-Revised-Expanded-Celestial/dp/1940038448/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1526757470&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=binocular+astronomy+book
Get a pair of good binoculars. You can do a lot of viewing with something cheap and easy as this. Make sure you have a tripod, so you can stabilize it, since it is a heavy binocular. You can use an L-bracket to mount it to a tripod.
Join a local astronomy club and attend a viewing night. In my local club, about 10-20 people show up and bring all of their gear. You can learn a lot about telescopes, mounts, optics, etc. by viewing the constellations through different types of scopes. Also, many clubs have a telescope lending library. I borrowed a 16" Dobsonian telescope and kept it for a month. I saw pretty much all of the Messier Objects with it and didn't have to spend $2000 for a telescope.
I'm new to amateur astronomy myself, and just ordered these binoculars after hearing good reviews.
Are there any ways to get long-exposure shots, or, pictures in general from using these?
Sorry if that's a stupid question, I've been interested in space all my life but am just now trying the optics out.
Try these if you don't want to always use a mount.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00008Y0VN/ref=redir_mdp_mobile
My guess would be that the cost of making one is much higher than the expected demand for that product making it uneconomical to pursue. Nikon for example makes high quality binoculars as well as camera lenses and they haven't made a cross over.
I think it comes down to the quality of the optics. With binoculars, you only need the center of the image to be in focus for your eyes, since you can only focus on one spot at a time. Also, your eyes have a much smaller focal point then say a camera image sensor, and your natural lens can do some focal adjustments that would need to be mechanical for a camera.
I found this Nikon 7245 binoculars which have a 50mm objective and a magnification power of 10x. To get the same "zoom" with a camera lens, you would need a 500mm lens which has a massive amount of glass, weights a ton, and costs thousands. Of course, the camera lens will give you an image where the entire field of view, from corner to corner is sharp, which the binoculars can't.
http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B002LIO8FM/
暗視ゴーグルが安くなってるぞ！急げ！！
This is the cheapest I could find with prime shipping (2 for $8). Monoprice is a little cheaper ($3.61 each).
Just find the cheapest one you can. Quality doesn't matter with short digital cables like this, either they work or they just don't.
Red_Spork is refering to these. Very good quality for the price.
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-High-Speed-Supports-Ethernet-Standard/dp/B0052SCU8U/ref=pd_ys_iyr2
Looks like you can get one from Amazon. Kinda pricey, but I sorta want one too: https://www.amazon.com/Szco-Supplies-Brass-Crusader-Helmet/dp/B007XP1ECS
I got mine from https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007XP1ECS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 make sure to order from Sharp knives brother
Edit: you will have to untie the cushioning in the helmet if your head is like mine
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007XP1ECS?ref_=mw_olp_product_details
Painting it wasn’t too hard and it was a lot of fun. All you need is some painter’s tape, spray paint, an xacto blade, and patience
This is the one I got https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007XP1ECS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 it has straps and it is good quality
Celestron Nature DX 8x42's
$139. Ok so $39 over, but I've been super impressed with these. Good value, easy to adjust, durable, portable, lightweight & compact.
Heavier, bigger bin's made me fidgety, ornery & exasperated to the point of not even using them. Stumbled on these & have been pretty happy with them. They were on backorder for entirely too long, but in hindsight, the wait was worth it.
http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-71332-Nature-Binocular-Green/dp/B00B73JONS
Over 10K? Fancy!
Cool contest!!
I bought one off Amazon. Here it is: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DS7SCBQ/
I got a set on a cruise on The Love Boat back in 77 (still have them) they are like this and they were decent.
Back in Jan in Hawaii and purchased something simular to these and they are very nice. Almost the same view and smaller, therefore easier to take with you. Think of that consideration when purchasing. Are you going on excursions, can they get wet, what do you want to see.
Our trips have been in late Aug and mid Sept, so we missed out on most of the wild life.
The set I got in 77 was taken with us on our second cruise and they were very good, but the optics in the new smaller one are better.
I guess it comes down to what you are hoping to get a closer look at; Slower items like scenery or whales are not at problem. Birds are another issue.
https://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Falcon-133410-Binoculars-Black/dp/B00004TBLW
Hey look, I just saved the US military like twenty million bucks.
I just recently got into birding and wanted a cheap pair of binoculars for a trip I took to Panama. I ended up with these from amazon for just about 30 dollars. I am sure there are tons of issues with them that someone with more experience would notice, but they work great for me. Focusing is really easy and the clarity honestly seems nice. One problem I had in a humid climate was fogging, but once I was out in the field for about 15 minutes, the fogging actually went away.
I plan on upgrading soon, but I am glad I got this cheaper pair to make sure I would even enjoy the hobby.
Honestly if your set on a $200 telescope the onesky or z130 best options. You may want to start with a pair of binoculars and tripod (for extended viewing) to help you get familiar with night sky. Binoculars are best value when starting in this hobby and unlike most beginner scopes you'll never outgrow them.
Zhumell 12x70 good for the price a bit large to be held by hand work best with tripod. I use bushnell 10x20 for quick viewing sessions light so easy to move from object to object.
I recommend starting with binoculars rather than any of those scopes also inside viewing no good with either. IMO to get the experience you want from having a telescope you'll have to invest in something likeZhumell Z8. That's why starting with binos will help you better decide if investing in a telescope is for you.
I bought my son these for Christmas and they are surprisingly really good.
No unfortunately I couldn't make it because it was a Tuesday and I had to work. I'm planning on making the next one for sure! I ended up getting these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000051ZOA/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
How was the launch? Was it all that you anticipated and better?
I got these for around $40 a few years back. I don't think you need to drop over a hundred dollars immediately. The advice I was given was to start out with binoculars and then move up to the usually more expensive telescopes when you get serious.
I just wanted to second the binoculars recommendation. I got a pair of these (non-affiliate link to Amazon) and use them all the time. If you have a reclining outdoor chair, you can just lay back and enjoy the view!
You can't go wrong with a Dobsonian in the 6"-8"-10" range. At the lower end they'll be less expensive and more portable, but at the higher end you'll be able to see more.
http://www.telescope.com/Telescopes/Dobsonian-Telescopes/Classic-Dobsonians/pc/1/c/12/13.uts
I have an Orion 8" Dobsonian. They also sell Intelliscope models that will assist you in finding objects. I like finding things on my own, by star-hopping, but it takes a little patience and experience. These books will help:
http://www.amazon.com/Turn-Left-Orion-Hundreds-Telescope/dp/0521153972
http://www.amazon.com/NightWatch-Practical-Guide-Viewing-Universe/dp/155407147X
I recommend getting one with at least two eyepieces, or at least one eyepiece and a Barlow, so you'll have a choice of magnifications.
And whether or not you get a telescope, a pair of binoculars is a good thing to have. 7x50s are nice and easy to use without a tripod. 10x50s will show you a little more but are a little harder to hold steady. Anything larger and you'll probably want a tripod for them. I have 10x50s and am considering getting these:
http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-SkyMaster-Binoculars-Tripod-Adapter/dp/B00008Y0VN
These are a pretty good deal: http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-SkyMaster-Binoculars-Tripod-Adapter/dp/B00008Y0VN/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2Z2C05O0RA7A0&colid=2NQSDZMQCLGHE
If you are in the USA or Canada this might be useful for satellite watching. There are apps for this on smartphones too (iPhone and Android).
http://www.spaceweather.com/flybys/
A good pair of binoculars can really be useful from a dark location (not just for satellites).
http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-SkyMaster-Binoculars-Tripod-Adapter/dp/tags-on-product/B00008Y0VN
Using both of your eyes to view the night sky is much more satisfying. Binoculars are a great addition even if you plan on getting a standard telescope. Try to resist the urge to get higher and higher magnification powers. These become much more susceptible to shake and are more difficult to aim. The lower power options, 10x to 15x, will allow you to take in a larger expanse of the night sky.
I would like to point this out:
>And don’t settle for a 99% partial eclipse just outside the path. “There’s no comparison between partial and total solar eclipses when it comes to sheer grandeur and beauty,” Michael Zeiler, longtime eclipse chaser and creator of the Great American Eclipse website told Universe Today. We witnessed the 1994 annular solar eclipse of the Sun from the shores of Lake Erie, and can attest that a 99% partial eclipse is still pretty darned bright!
Do yourself a favor and make the short trip up to the Nashville area where you can see "Totality" for up to 2 minuites and 40 seconds.
I also recommend a good pair of solar sunglasses and maybe a good pair of binoculars with a solar filter.
Do not ever stare directly at the sun without protective gear on
I wouldn't recommend the 127 EQ for anyone. The mount is too wobbly and it's just not a good scope in general. With that budget, just get a tripod and some really nice binoculars. You will get much better views with it. I personally have these binoculars. They are great, you can just spend hours looking at random portion of the sky just gazing in them. They also show things like the Orion Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, and the Pleiades really well.
Also, collimation could be an issue if you hit a lot of bumps. If you wanna bike or walk to your viewing spot you could start with some ballernoculars like these http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-SkyMaster-Binoculars-Tripod-Adapter/dp/B00008Y0VN
I don't know much about the tunnels, but I'm sure others do. Check out other local parks, big and small, to find places you like [Winton Woods, Sharon Woods, Mt. Storm, Ault Park, etc).
Take The Cake [Cafe+Bakery] in Northside has a chalkboard menu, so every day the food is different, but awesome. (I'm biased towards this place. Others will say MELT, etc)
If you like music, be sure to keep track of all the local venues, big and small.
Arcade Legacy is popular amongst redditors, they moved to Cincinnati Mills Mall, haven't checked out the new location yet, but they have $10 all you can play, plus a large selection of music and games that are very reasonably priced.
MPMF Indie Summer Series is going on now. Every Friday on Fountain Square there's live music, 3 bands each night, and sometimes they have really good tunes. My highlights from last year were Pomegranates and These United States.
If you like stargazing, or just want to be able to see stars, I recommend Stone Lick State Park. It's about 50 minutes East of Cincy, and the park is a dark sky site, so there's not much light pollution and you can see the sky much better than you can in the burbs or the city. I've got a pair of these Celestron binoculars, you can see some incredible stuff on a clear night.
That's all I've got off the top of my head. Cheers!
*Edit: Final Friday's in OTR/Cincy, most of the galleries have stuff going on [wine & cheese], same thing with a lot of the bars. Second Saturday in Northside is the same deal. Going to gallery openings is fun because you can feel fancy, see some good art (sometimes), and drink free booze.
You want these. This is such a ridiculously good deal--these should cost at least $200.
http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-SkyMaster-Binoculars-Tripod-Adapter/dp/B00008Y0VN/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453001226&sr=8-1&keywords=skymaster
I have been reasonably happy with these. But I use them for looking at "stars".
My girlfriend bought me these for my birthday earlier this year. I bring them everywhere I go - especially when I have the opportunity to escape the light pollution barriers of the cities.
I highly recommend downloading Stellarium for you computer, or Google Sky for the android phones. (I'm sure iPhone has something similar). With this tool, you have an interactive star map you can use from anywhere. You can even track satellites!
With high powered binoculars like mine, or larger Newtownian / Cassegrain scopes, my favorite things to look at in the sky are (you can use stellarium or google sky to find them):
Awesome! Good on you for parenting and teaching the beauty of the natural world. If you've never tried stargazing with binoculars, I highly recommend it.
I have these, they're cheap and a pain in the ass to get focused, but once that's done they're incredible: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008Y0VN/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I've seen these recommended and it's what I plan on getting. Celestron SkyMaster 15x70
Nikon 7245 Action 10x50 EX Extreme All-Terrain Binocular https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001HKIK4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_lwSzyb9FMP803
Both of those scopes would pretty much qualify as "toy" telescopes. The Celestron is fine as a spotting scope, or for birding. It will let you see the moon quite a bit better, that's about it. The other won't work as a terrestrial scope as it flips the images upside down, and again it won't show you much in the sky.
Neither one will be any good for taking photos. Taking astro photos is tough, complicated and generally pretty expensive (think $1,000 to start) although it can be done cheaper if you're handy and know what you're doing, but not for any less than $500 US probably as a bare minimum. Forget get about that for now.
Rather than wasting money on a lousy telescope, I'd buy him a decent set of binoculars for comparable money. Here's a nice pair, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Olympus-8-40-DPSI-Binocular/dp/B0001M3612/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1415296493&sr=8-15&keywords=nikon+binoculars. Those will show him the moon, some star clusters and nebulae and can be used for lots of other uses such as birding. They're much higher quality and much more versatile than the scopes you're looking at and they're £55. I'd be thrilled to get a pair as a gift.
I bought some of these a while back. Olympus 8 x 40 DPSI Binocular https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0001M3612/
Really impressed.
The one I referenced above will cost more then people would expect to pay. But you will get excellent optics, the two most common eye pieces, and it will be small enough to easily take with you in the trunk of most cars. I bought the 8-inch version, and while I love it, I wished I had gotten the smaller one. There is no reason the one linked above or one like it could not last you the rest of your life.
Now if 270 is a bit too much you can check if there is a telescope store near you, most sell used scopes on consignment.
Or binoculers are a good alternative. The one linked should last the rest of your life. Will proved decent views of the heavens, and can be used by a nosy neighbor as well.
A third alternative is a good spotting scope. Through my brothers you can see Jupiter and its moons. For Binoculers and Spotting Scopes you will need a tripod for the best views.
Differences in these options.
Through the scope with a good night, and the right eye pieces you should see Jupiter's Major cloud bands and maybe the Red Spot. as well as all Galilean Moons and sometimes others. In the right conditions you will see Saturn's Rings and the Cassini division.
Binoculars and a spotting scope should yield views similar to OP's photo.
I'm on mobile, so my apologies for the terrible formatting. I bought Celestron 20 x 80 binoculars.
https://www.amazon.com/Celestron-71018-SkyMaster-20x80-Binoculars/dp/B0007UQNTU/ref=asc_df_B0007UQNTU/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241980329968&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=295537256250747200&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030158&hvtargid=pla-355937355830&psc=1
They are way bigger than I thought they'd be. Haha I'd recommend getting a tripod. I'm going to get one so I don't have to rely on my backyard wall! :)
There are adapters to be able to mount a pair of binoculars to tripods, like this one. But I just freehand it most of the time. Leaning against my car, a tree, or lying on my back on the ground. Now if you go with something larger than 10x50 binoculars you pretty much need a tripod/monopod. But even then they are awkward to use I find unless you drop some more cash on ones built for stargazing like this one where it angles it so you don't have to strain your neck trying to look through them.
Read away
Getting your first scope is so exciting! I'm very much an amateur and casual observer myself, but my dad and I have been into astronomy for about four years now.
First, I recommend looking into some space/astro societies in your area, there's Tacoma Astronomical Society and Rose City Astronomers in my area for example! Each club has different resources, but they can be super helpful. You can meet locals and see if they have resources you can rent- like telescopes, or books and whatnot. It's saved me a dime or two. Sometimes they have online forums too. I also highly recommend going to star parties, it's where I've learned the most! You can see other people's set ups, ask loads of questions, and get a better sense for what you might want. We did this for about 6 months before getting our first scope, and before that we nabbed a pair of nice binoculars .
Now, you have to consider, when you get a scope you aren't just getting a scope. You're probably getting filters, eye pieces, protective gear, batteries, red lights, etc. etc. and then probably a tool box to carry all of this- which you might want to customize with foam or something to keep everything safe and tidy. It's an Investment. Now, looking at jupiter and saturn won't require much, but eventually you might want to look at the moon (needs filters), or special eyepieces that let have more magnification, or there's even filters that let you see some colors, etc!
I, personally, would highly recommend getting a manual (specifically, Dobsonian *) scope for your first one- not computerized. Learning the sky and it's constellations is part of astronomy, and having to find stuff yourself is really helpful- and rewarding! Plus, computerized scopes require pretty hardy batteries, especially if you want to take it out to darker skies which usually means more rural aka no plugs. They also require certain stars to be be visible to be able to calibrate. Manual scopes require no plugs, no consistent power source, and no learning computer programs-NexStar can be a pain imo, some reading required (plus Jupiter and Saturn are pretty easy to spot with the naked eye anyways). Plus it's fun being able to point out stuff to friends just by knowing where a few stars are. We only got a computerized equatorial mount (meaning it tracks objects) when we wanted to try out long exposure astro- photography. This 8in dob was our first scope, and I still love it- it's the go-to (Craigslist, amazon used, and other shops are worth a gander too).
*I'm 99% sure dobsonian and newtonian telescopes are the same, except for the mounts they're on (newtonian is tripod, dobsonian is a base that can move up down and in a circle)
Also, I consider Sinnott's Sky Atlas a must!
Lmk if you have any questions!
(Edit: sorry if this is repetitive- reddit says there are four comments, but isn't letting see me them atm.)
Honestly, in reasonably dark skies you can see truly extraordinary things with binoculars. I've done a fair bit of astrophotography, but these days with very few exceptions I'm looking through binoculars. But you need astro binocs, not some random binocular. Regular binoculars have apertures that are too small - everything looks dark. I own and use these and only these -- Celestron 25x70s for 65 bucks. It comes with a thing to connect it to any tripod, so you don't have to hold it. If you don't own a tripod, you can get one on Amazon for 15 bucks.
Clear skies!
In reality, the binoculars are literally two small refractor telescopes:)
You'd be surprised how awesome a decent set of binoculars can be for just starting out. Throw them on a tri-stand and star gaze away. Doesn't have to be super expensive to get some results.
https://www.amazon.com/Celestron-71008-SkyMaster-25x70-Binoculars/dp/B003AM87Q4/ref=sr_1_5?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1479672679&sr=1-5&keywords=binoculars+celestron
Even in the middle of the city, we look up and see all kinds of stars we cant see with the naked eye and our minds are pleasantly blown.
I bought these from amazon. They're pretty amazing and not too bad for looking at the stars. The orion nebula blows me away every time.
Do you have prime?
I sure hope you do!
Also, It's too quiet in here! In fact, so quiet that I might launch a contest later, it's still undecided.
I'm trying to be as gentle as I can figuring out what you need my friend. I'm also going to try to help you the best I can too.
I'm going to assume that you currently don't have anything to help out your TV audio. We are going to start with a blank page if you will. Now for some more assumptions:
Ok so now on to what I think you should look at.
Right? I couldn't believe they packaged a standard HDMI cable with a console which only outputs video from a standard HDMI port!
Too bad the HDMI Forum hasn't gotten off their lazy butts and finished that next spec, what with its 4:2:0 chroma subsampling and all.
You definitely don't need to spend multiple hundreds of dollars for your first pair of binoculars. Consider these Celestrons as a similarly-priced alternative - actually, I'd probably choose these since they are tripod-adaptable without having to resort to a clamp. Astronomy can be a money-hungry hobby so the money you save now can be used for a tripod later. Your priority should be learning to use the binoculars really well. You should feel comfortable using the focus wheel, the diopter, setting the interpupillary distance for your eyes easily, and of course scanning the sky with increasing accuracy as you learn where things are. Seeing things is also a skill that requires practice, which sounds kinda funny, but as you start to learn which objects are where and return to them over and over you'll develop observing skills that will increase the efficacy of your binoculars. Spending a couple hundred more bucks won't get you any closer to that; the only thing that will is time invested in the hobby.
You should know that binoculars can get very expensive very fast, like everything else in this hobby. Later, if you want to upgrade your binoculars, you can go for stuff like these 25x100s and eventually binocular telescopes. But that's a long way off, and $50 and a field guide will have you well on your way. I suggest taking a look at the Astronomical League's observing challenges and setting some goals for things to look at with your binoculars. That way you'll have a sort of structured curriculum to try out while you get used to using them.
Get a nice set of binoculars, these are good and inexpensive:
https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B006ZN4TZS/ref=acr_search_see_all?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
Trust me on this. Many want to start with a telescope, and I did myself, but the scope I got I outgrew quickly and now these are my go to. Get to some dark lands and whip these bad boys out and you will be astonished all you can see with them. It's like having a telescope in your hands that you can hang around your neck.
Once you get the hang of space and what's out there to view, then get a telescope. But start with some good nocs. You wont be sorry.
Clear skies!
SZCO Supplies Brass Crusader Helmet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007XP1ECS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BEzgDbE2YAF1W
Amazon is my homie
I get not knowing to the specialty websites that sell this stuff. But even Amazon carries this stuff now.
https://smile.amazon.com/Szco-Supplies-Brass-Crusader-Helmet/dp/B007XP1ECS/
This helmet looks bad-ass xD
ANd you may pick anything from my US/UK lists if I'm lucky enough to win :P
I love Kevin
I know they sell them at the Tower of London, but I’d imagine they’re priced up for tourists. I got one there of pretty good good quality, but if you’d rather buy online they’re pretty cheap on amazon
I got it on Amazon... $58 plus shipping. Very good quality, fits nice, just needed to put some foam in the top.
Edit: Here is the link on Amazon Price went up a bit. Must be getting popular.
http://www.amazon.com/Carson-HookUpz-Adapter-Binoculars-IB-542/dp/B00BTBPCWA
After realising there is a solar eclipse not too far (10h drive) from me in 3 weeks time I figured I should do something about it.
Only I have never photographed the sun before and I would appreciate some advice.
I googled around but other than "use a filter" I couldn't find anything specifying what I should do to get a successful image.
First things first, my tools.
I will be using my DSLR, Pentax K-5, due to the remote locations needed I can't carry a telescope.
I have a selection of lenses ranging from 17-50 F2.8, 50 prime F1.7, 18-135mm F3-5.6 and this is my longest, Sigma 70-300.
I also have a doubler so it doubles the focal length and also a 10 stop ND filter.
One thing I have looked for is a filter, not finding a specific lens filter but this stuff.
My questions are:
Thanks for reading
I've been using one of these. Works great once you figure out the right adjustment.
Eyeskey Universal Phone Spotting Scope Adapter Mount Compatible with Telescope, Spotting Scopes, Binoculars, 106g (3.75oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J9F19I8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_3Q6ZAbC4TGKD6
You'll want to look for something like this, but not necessarily that exact one. You'll want to make sure you find one that will fit the phone that will be used. The more expensive you go, the more universal and rugged they will be. The trouble is that the scope will lose balance if you go to heavy, making it hard to aim it (though you could always add some kind of a counterweight to the back).
This will not attach to a tripod, and I would absolutely not recommend trying to. The scope is heavy enough with enough mass that even a high-end camera tripod will not hold it steady enough for telescope observation. And if you're going to spend money on a tripod to go with this thing, then you might as well just spend more money on a bigger, full-size scope that doesn't require a tripod.
You will need a solid surface for this to sit on, ideally a surface that is separate from anything you're sitting on, as the slightest movements will induce vibrations that will be visible through the eyepiece. That is, try to avoid using it on a picnic table or something else that also serves as seating. Ideally, you'll have a platform like this:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F2KeHJjSDzE/VMGNE5azqCI/AAAAAAAAPn4/lvMC7EXmY5E/w549-h732-no/2015-01-22.jpg
Except I don't know any place that sells tripod stools like that commercially, so you might have to get creative.
[These] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DV6SI3Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
$35 star gazing binos are great for surveillance. They give you a wide Field of view and send more light than your dilated pupils can use.
Primary Arms
makes good scopes. I have one from this company on my precision rifle but mine is first focal plane which this is not; this one has a illuminated mildots. $160.
Eyeskey Universal Cell Phone Adapter Mount - Compatible with Binocular Monocular Spotting Scope Telescope and Microscope 106g (3.74oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J9F19I8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2shCyb5EYFKZ5
This specific link said it was sold out , but I have seen it many times on Amazon in the past. This is just the exact link of where I got it
I don't know much about rental services, and there are very few truly cheap (<100$) telescopes that this sub would recommend for you. Have you considered a good set of binoculars? They can be much cheaper, still great quality, excellent for sweeping along the spine of the Milky Way and you can use them for daytime terrestrial viewing as well.
I own a pair of 10x50s, but often people recommend going a little less than 10. I've always been intrigued by how cheap these are:
https://www.amazon.com/Celestron-71198-Cometron-Binoculars-Black/dp/B00DV6SI3Q/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1499258675&amp;sr=8-3&amp;keywords=astronomy+binoculars
But I'm not sure if they have hidden drawbacks over the ones closer to the 100 dollar mark.
I have [these] (https://www.amazon.com/Celestron-71198-Cometron-Binoculars-Black/dp/B00DV6SI3Q). They're nice, clear glass for pretty cheap (I linked Amazon out of convenience but you can find them cheaper) and work well for me out to 150 yards.
> For casual observing with binoculars, check out the Celestron Cometron.
You mean these, at $33? https://www.amazon.com/Celestron-71198-Cometron-Binoculars-Black/dp/B00DV6SI3Q
My thoughts: Buy 3 pairs and share them with strangers I encounter? Most the people I stand next to in Jax Beach seem to not understand why I'm standing there looking south - and I show them the live video broadcast on my phone and countdown. There is a social aspect of people not realizing they could see it. The 1:30am launches have really been cool in this regard. it's like RocketMan GO!
what do you think about this https://www.amazon.com/Celestron-71198-Cometron-Binoculars-Black/dp/B00DV6SI3Q/ref=pd_sim_421_2?_encoding=UTF8&amp;pd_rd_i=B00DV6SI3Q&amp;pd_rd_r=8HYX4PT23WWFZ60B49QE&amp;pd_rd_w=wU3ta&amp;pd_rd_wg=sAiCQ&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=8HYX4PT23WWFZ60B49QE
I’ve gotten Jupiter with the 70AZ, but nothing I’m proud enough to post yet. With how close it is right now you should be able to get a picture with the moons all in one shot. Do you have a bracket or something to hold the phone? There’s a bunch out there if you don’t, you can get them overnighted from Amazon for a total of less than $10. See below, hopefully the link works
Eyeskey Universal Phone Spotting Scope Adapter Mount Compatible with Telescope, Spotting Scopes, Binoculars, 106g (3.75oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J9F19I8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_whCbBbE27VCWJ
Check this out.
What kind did you get? I got this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J9F19I8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_nJLYAbKCMH30Z
I think it actually is 5x70, this is the link from Amazon.
https://www.amazon.ca/Celestron-71198-Cometron-7x50-Binoculars/dp/B00DV6SI3Q
I kinda want this for taking pictures of the stars telescope adapter
> I have a tiny little step ladder that would perfect and folds nicely
Great! And you can also use that stepladder to sit on, since you'll rarely be using the scope when it's fully vertical, however, having somewhere to sit on is a great way to increase your stability and enhance the observing experience. And stepladders happen to be one of the quick-and-dirty solutions I suggest around quite often.
> I'm so glad you mentioned binoculars! I didn't even think about that but it is such a great solution. Any tips on binoculars?
Well, it depends on your budget. Basically, the best 7x50 bins you could afford. Something like Celestron Cometron 7x50 if you're super tight on budget, or Nikon Aculon A211 7x50 if you want a more durable set that'll last you for longer. There're a lot more options, these are just the two that immediately came to my mind :)
Binoculars are also great aid to have aside the telescope as well. you can use them to plot star hopping route, or just look at objects that would be otherwise too large to fit into telescope's field of view.
I started with these, then when I still really wanted a telescope a year+ later I got a Z8. Happy with all my decisions.
The queen got these :
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Celestron-71198-CGL-Cometron-Porros-Prism/dp/B00DV6SI3Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1492367493&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=Celestron+71198+Cometron+7x50+Binoculars
After some research I landed on the binoculars since a telescope was just too heavy and you'd have to make too many sacrifices for it to be lightweight enough.
Celestron 71198 Cometron 7x50 Binoculars (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DV6SI3Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_lA2AzbBMA4M22
These Bushnell's are stupid cheap after a $15 mail-in-rebate. I'm sure they would work fine for spotting at 50 yds. I just picked up a pair yesterday and will end up paying like $.40
Bushnell Binoculars were on sale as part of Amazon Black Friday Week. Some of them are off the deals, while other still are. And you get free shipping:
https://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Falcon-133410-Binoculars-Black/dp/B00004TBLW
This was my first pair and honestly they are pretty great for the low price point. Magnification typically runs in 7x, 8x, 10x, and sometimes 12x, so these binoculars are on the lower end. However, I think this is a great thing for beginner birding because you can more easily get a bead on fast-moving birds. The paddle makes it easy to quickly focus, and for $30 you won't be devastated if something happened to them. I've actually taken these on bird walks and found that, with a little patience, you can keep up with the birders carrying $500+ binoculars just fine.
Simple bushnell binoculars. Here is an amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000051ZOA?pc_redir=1397182662&amp;robot_redir=1
> Celestron SkyMaster 15x
These guys? https://www.amazon.com/Celestron-SkyMaster-Binoculars-Tripod-Adapter/dp/B00008Y0VN
What would be the next higher binoculars? I could easily swing something more expensive than $55.
I have a pair of these and like them just fine. Not sure if these were the ones mentioned in the previous thread, but the "somewhat heavy"" and "best with a tripod" descriptions would apply to these.
It appears a tripod isn't a necessity, but certainly makes for better viewing. Here's an Amazon review discussing this fact:
>My first night out under dark skies with these binoculars was a terrific experience. In ninety minutes of observing I had great views of M36, M37, M38, M44, M50, easily saw the Trapizium in Orion's nebula, saw the Andromeda galaxy and it's companions streaching across 75% of my FOV. It had taken me two observing sessions with my 5" reflector to find M33, with the Binoculars I found it in two minutes, M81 and 82 were also easy.
>
>All this and I don't even have a tripod yet. I may well spend more time with the 15 X 70's than I do with my telescope.
There are some great links on the side about choosing a first scope. Your best bet would be to buy some binoculars first and learn the night sky. You'd be surprised how much you can see with something like this, and you'll still use them when you move up to a telescope. As far as telescopes are concerned I see these recommended again and again for beginner scopes.
Dude, like the other used said, a good pair of binoculars are much better than low end telescopes. You get better optics, and larger aperture. The only place where binoculars might lag is magnification. That being said, I own a pair of Celestron 15x70 which I'd recommend to anyone in a heartbeat. They're brilliant to get started with, not much set up involved(except collimation, that's easy but), and I even managed to get a glimpse of saturn's rings recently!
https://www.amazon.com/Celestron-SkyMaster-Binoculars-Tripod-Adapter/dp/B00008Y0VN/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1543074895&amp;sr=8-2-spons&amp;pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&amp;keywords=15x70+binoculars&amp;psc=1
I got these before they stopped shipping to Aus, amazing for the money, can see the moon clearly! ( in AUD plus delivery around $120)
Looking to upgrade to 25 x 100 even more powerful.
As an armature astronomer my self this is good advice OP. You will want something big lenses in the front (aperture) to collect lots of light and you want good optical quality so you can see as much detail as possible. I recommend something with a prism built in. I have these and they work great.
Here you go! My $50 pair.
Large, Crisp and bright enough that the moon's terminator can be seen to ripple with the relative depth of the terrain. Also, will amaze you during the day - I had no idea there were that many birds in the sky at seemingly all times!
However, don't expect the planets to be more than bright blobs. For that kind of detail a telescope is the only way to go. These Binocs are good for watching animals/people other things at great distance though.
I second this, if you can only spend 400 or less defiantly look at dobonians. Any scope that comes packaged with a tripod at that price range is going to be a headache to use, the stability problems are rampant. A decent mount alone will run more than 400 by itself. Many will say a good pair of higher aperture binoculars, coupled with a tripod with adapter will give you much better views (and less stress) than a cheaper scope package.
Celestron Binoculars
I would invest $50-100 in a good pair of binoculars before you invest even more in a telescope. Telescopes are much more stable and customizable (namely in terms of changing the eyepieces/magnification), and you'll be able to pick out details like the rings of Saturn which you won't get from binoculars. However, they require a larger investment, more setup time, and are not nearly as portable (a big deal if you want to do some stargazing on a hiking trip). They're also just more complicated to use, at least at first.
A few years back I purchased some Skymaster 15x70 binos. They are quite powerful and work well on a tripod. However, there have been systemic issues with the lenses falling out of alignment over time. This can be fixed by adjusting a few screws (you can Google it), so if you don't mind a bit of mechanical work I can recommend them.
If I could bother you again, I'm looking at both of these binoculars and am trying to decide, based on the specs, which one I should get, but I'm mainly relying on the reviews to guide me and was wondering, if you had a moment, if you could recommend one or the other:
http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-71018-SkyMaster-20x80-Binoculars/dp/B0007UQNTU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1334868191&amp;sr=8-2
And
http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-SkyMaster-Binoculars-Tripod-Adapter/dp/B00008Y0VN/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1334868191&amp;sr=8-1
Sorry to be a pain if you're busy!
http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-SkyMaster-Binoculars-Tripod-Adapter/dp/B00008Y0VN These get good reviews for their price-point. They are a bit large to hand-hold though. Look to add a camera tripod rated at 6lb+ to hold the binoculars.
http://www.telescopes.com/binoculars/astronomy-binoculars/celestronskymaster15x70binocularandtripodpackage.cfm Something like this kit.
Corrent me if I'm wrong but aren't the ones in your link the same as these?
Thanks for the link though, I think the detailed specifications just sold me on it. Being in Florida and planning on primarily star-gazing near a canal the water proofing definitely stands out to me. The lifetime warranty even more.
What price range are you looking at? I recently did some research and found the following:
Garrett Gemini 15x70 LW
Oberwerk 11x70mm and 15x70mm Fully Multi-coated Giants
Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15x70 Binoculars
Unreal Developer's Kit. It's Epic's game engine, free to download, but if you sell any games made with it, you either have to purchase a license or give epic a percentage of all profits.
As far as telescopes go, if you can look to go to some sort of star party first to get an idea of what does what. A lot of people opt to start off with a good set of binoculars until they get their celestial body finding chops to a point that they can get the full enjoyment of the more expensive stuff.
This was my first star gazing purchase
The club I'm a part of has an observatory in a park with a 16 inch telescope. Those will run you about 10,000 USD. Portability is also a big issue, especially if you live in a city. A lot of people opt to buy an 8inch scope after the binoculars, as its a good improvement, and is still manageable size wise. Those will cost closer to the USD $500 range not including the costs of different eye pieces you'll need. I really recommend looking into a local club if interested, they can really help out, and you can test the equipment so you won't have to go into it blindly. Also there are other directions you can go into - some members are into solar astronomy, others radio astronomy and some are more interested in astrophysics than star gazing.
Son of a bitch. Just bought Celestron 71009 purely on this post. Damn it! The kids will have to starve!
The Celestron 15x70. they had Prime shipping when I got them.
In in the same boat as you. But I did purchase these with the recommendation from another Redditor. I'm waiting for them to arrive.
Also look up the Astroscan telescope. It's about $250 and suppose to be really good.
Less than $200 CAD would get you a nice pair of binoculars.
https://www.amazon.ca/Nikon-Action-Extreme-Terrain-Binoculars/dp/B0001HKIJK/
If you can bump the budget to $328 CAD (overpriced but I only did a quick search), you can get 10x50 which is a little more magnification to bring out some of the Messier objects in more detail.
https://www.amazon.ca/Nikon-Action-Extreme-Terrain-Binoculars/dp/B0001HKIK4/
Are these the ones you're talking about? They do sound nice, and well within the OP's price range at around $140:
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-7245-Extreme-Terrain-Binoculars/dp/B0001HKIK4/
(not an affiliate link, just being helpful!)
If you're going real cheap(almost disposable), Celestron Upclose, or anything that's 1)not zoom, and 2) not ruby coated. Better yet is preferabley fully multi-coated with BaK-4 Prisms. Optics is one area where more money can definitely buy you much better veiws.
But really one sweet spot is the Nikon Action Extreme 10x50 for $130(but NOT the plain Action).
Nikon AE 10x50
You might also consider the $15 Galileoscope.
For these binoculars, should I go for the 7x50 or the 10x50?
https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-7245-Extreme-All-Terrain-Binocular/dp/B0001HKIK4
I use http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-7245-Extreme-Terrain-Binoculars/dp/B0001HKIK4 Nikon 10x50, works great. You can not see details on Jupiter tho.
Yes, its the Olympus 8 x 40 DPSI , they seem like a good cheap option.
First, no matter what you get, you're not going to see images like this or anything close to it. IMHO, amateur astronomy is about pushing the limits of your equipment, whether its your eyes, binoculars, or a telescope that will put you in debt for years. Perhaps more importantly, it's also about appreciating the significance of WHAT you're seeing. Even when I look up at the moon with my crummy unaided eyes, I still marvel at the fact that it's up there and we've actually landed men on its surface.
I started out with these binoculars and a tripod to hold them (they're heavy). The moon is spectacular, Saturn's ring structure is evident, and Jupiter is a bright white disc with its four moons lined up like ducks in a row. When I saw Jupiter's moons, I was blown away. They're little pin pricks, but the historical and scientific significance of their observation by Galileo can't be understated. Oh, and I was able to see the Andromeda galaxy. It's a little fuzz ball in the binoculars, but it's the damn Andromeda galaxy for crying out loud.
I then graduated to an Orion Dobsonian XT8. The moon is even more mind blowing, Saturn's rings show much more detail, and you can start to see cloud bands on Jupiter's surface. Andromeda is a brighter fuzz ball and other galaxies start to become accessible.
Flash forward a couple of years and I now have this because I'm trying to learn astrophotography, and I also bought a solar scope.
Once you start, you may never stop.
Good luck.
Since you mentioned stars, do you live in an area where a telescope would make sense? Even if you have some light pollution, as long as you're not right in a city, you can see a ton with good binoculars or a fairly affordable telescope. (I live within walking distance of a big mall with obnoxious lighting and can still see plenty from my yard.)
Check out r/astronomy first since I'm pretty new at that whole hobby, but I have binoculars from Celestron (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007UQNTU/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awd_teQ4wbX0HFY8W) and it's absolutely breathtaking how many stars you can see. The guide Night Watch is a good side gift to go along with it, although there are tons of free apps (I like Google sky map) that work well, too.
I bought these for Xmas '11 Celestron SkyMaster 20x80
And tbh I'm a little disappointed, I wonder if I'm doing something wrong, because Mars for example doesn't look much different than a red bigger dot. It's pretty cool for the moon to be that big though!
Now if I can recommend one thing, like others have, is to buy a REALLY good mount, I got a cheap 30$ mount and it's really annoying, I cannot touch the lense one tiny bit or the entire thing vibrates due to the heavy weight of the binoculars.
Here's my setup, I used to have a spotting scope but I found I like this binocular setup more.
There's skinny ones by Celestron that are too weak and wobble in the wind. Sturdier ones like this one work great if the binoculars have room for it
I have these as well and paid about $30 for them used. Excellent binoculars. OP I recommend getting them with the tripod you linked. The binocular adapter that comes with it isn't very good you may want to buy another one. I got this one for like $10:https://www.amazon.com/BARSKA-AF10546-Binocular-Tripod-Adaptor/dp/B000BYH8EQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=photo&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1479749705&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=binocular+tripod+adapter
The cheapest Gen-1, that I've seen and that allow you to walk about (ie: no magnification), are still around $500.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002LIO8FM/
They aren't that great, but Yukon - NV 1x24 Goggles are what I had until I could afford NVG-7's
this is a great DIY book:
http://www.amazon.com/Yourself-VISUALLY-Astronomy-Richard-Talcott/dp/0470343826?ie=UTF8&amp;keywords=teach%20your%20self%20astronomy&amp;qid=1465437802&amp;ref_=sr_1_sc_2&amp;sr=8-2-spell
astrophysics uses a lot of "classical mechanics", pretty advanced mathy stuff. But you'll get to that slowly. If you want to start now, try to get to Calculus as fast as you can. Calc and Trig are pretty damn important in astrophysics.
More important to have fun, learn everything you can (math doubly so), and maybe buy some binoculars to really learn the night sky. You can get a pair of 70mm binoculars (Celestron) on amazon for about 50 dollars now. Incredible deal.
Scratch that, they're 68 dollars. still an incredibel deal. http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-71008-SkyMaster-25x70-Binoculars/dp/B003AM87Q4?ie=UTF8&amp;keywords=celestron%20binoculars%2015&amp;qid=1465437970&amp;ref_=sr_1_2&amp;s=sports-and-fitness&amp;sr=1-2
Just don't drop them, they cannot be collimated (meaning, if you drop them, you may knock the lenses out of alignment, and there are no adjusters to fix it).
Try these... At 25x you will see the moons of Jupiter, nice crater detail on the Moon, and excellent wide field views of deep sky objects. I have a pair of 20x80 and use them more than my 12" Meade Lightbridge. IMO this is the best place to start with a limited budget.
I am thinking of getting binoculars. I have never owned a telescope but I was told that a good pair of binocs will be better for a beginner like me. Which ones do you have or would suggest?
I was thinking of getting this http://amazon.com/dp/B004GX094Y. Are they decent enough to get a view you're talking about?
My other question is that do you go to a place with low light pollution for viewing?
It seems like I already have that adapter? Is that the same one that came with this package?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GX094Y?psc=1&amp;redirect=true&amp;ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01
Thanks for all your help.
The only thing I can think of is an HDMI cable, if you need one. Not too many monitors come with those just yet. AmazonBasics has a nice cheap 2-pack.
Well, unless you have a 4K display and 4k source, just get the cheapest version 1.4 you can find.
Amazonbasics for example
I already have all of this set up except for the XB1. Right now the switcher just goes into the TV. I've had it for about a month so I'll tell you my experience so far.
First off, here's the switcher I got. It's $87 but it's on sale for $34.99. That's why I got it all now, I couldn't pass that price up. Installation is really easy. In the picture you can see there are 5 numbered ports that you plug the devices into. There's one port for output. And, of course, a power input. The front has 5 LED's, one for each input. Whichever input you use is the LED that is currently lit. Also there's an LED to indicate that it's on. What isn't shown is the remote (I don't know why). It's very small. I'd say about 3"x2"x1/4". It takes one of those round watch batteries. It only has 8 buttons- 1 for power, 5 for inputs, 1 with a left arrow, 1 with a right arrow (for quick input switching). The IR detector is on the front next to the LED's. The switcher is black, so it blends in. It was very easy to set up and use, this coming from a guy that knows nothing about wiring things or any of that. If you can install a game console into a TV, you can install this thing. Basically, plug all your devices into the inputs via HDMI cable (if your device doesn't have one, look for an HDMI out port on it or a converter for the device). Then, plug an HDMI cable from the output of the switcher to the input of your TV and you're done. Just turn on your cable box, for example. Let's say it goes to input 1 on the switcher. Put the switcher on input 1, and the TV will show the picture. What I've been finding is if I have my cable box on in input 1, and I turn my xbox 360 on (in input 2), the switcher will automatically switch to input 2. However, when I turn the xbox off, it doesn't automatically go back to input 1 which is weird. Also, the LED's on the front are bright. I'm not kidding, it was somewhat blinding. Especially since the remote has to be pointed directly at the box, so you can't exactly hide it. I put a piece of black paper over it. It's dark enough to dim the light, but thin enough to still show what input I'm on. These are just some things to consider.
All in all, I love it, and I can't wait to use in on the XB1. It'll be great.
TL;DR: Mine was on sale for $35, but regularly is $87. No, setup is a breeze, even for a guy like me who knows nothing about wiring. If you can hookup your game console to your TV, you can hook up one of these.
EDIT: I'd also like to point out to anyone wondering, there's no lag caused by this at all. It's just like the XB1 passthrough. It doesn't do any upscaling of definition or anything like that.
I have soft restarted it from the menu. I have not powered it off by unplugging. As I menteiond, when I had the switchbox between the fire and the TV the resolution menu in the fire would tell me the display was not HDCP2.2 compliant. Once I removed the switch I replaced the hdmi cable with https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0052SCU8U/ So there are only 4 devices hooked to the TV, HDMI 1 is the DirectvDVR which feeds through an Xbox one. HDMI 2 is the FireTV. and the Optical audio output is connected to a Vizio soundbar. Near as I can tell everything is correct, the FireTv just wont enable its menus.
From the manual;
> HDMI 2 (ver.2.0) – HDMI 2 houses a HDMI version 2.0 connection. Under
ultra HD 4K x 2K resolution this connection supports 60 Hz refresh rate and
HDCP 2.2. This HDMI also supports CEC (consumer electronics control)
function. HDMI connects to devices that use HDMI cable, such as Blu-ray or
HD DVD player, or HD cable / satellite set-top box. This connection port
receives pure digital audio and high definition signal through one single cable.
This port also can accept a HDCP video device for video.
>HDMI 1 (ver. 2.0 / MHL) – HDMI 1 houses a HDMI version 2.0 connection.
Under ultra HD 4K x 2K resolution this connection supports 60 Hz refresh
rate and HDCP 2.2. This HDMI also supports CEC (consumer electronics
control) functions. HDMI connects to devices that use HDMI cable, such as
Blu-ray or HD DVD player, or HD cable / satellite set-top box. This
connection port receives pure digital audio and high definition signal through
one single cable. This port also can accept a HDCP video device for video.
Just standard HDMI cables, just made sure they supported ARC. The wall plates are basically just a female to female adapter. These are the parts I used.
HDMI wall plate adapters x 2
HDMI cables
Double gang wall plate kit
Speaker wall mounts
Generally everything else was just off the shelf at Home Depot.
Could I get your opinion on these? My area is as bad as it gets for light pollution so didn't want to blow too much on binoculars but these seem to have good specs at a good price.
Could you give a few examples of "higher end astronomy binoculars"?
I got a set of Celestron Upclose G2's from a friend and I'm pretty happy with them, but I'd like to know where I might go next. Should I get an even better set of binoculars, or should I just go straight for the telescope?
Your friend probably bought this one https://www.amazon.com/SZCO-Supplies-Brass-Crusader-Helmet/dp/B007XP1ECS/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=knight+helmet&amp;qid=1566449634&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-2
Amazon or wish for example
Szco Supplies Brass Crusader Helmet by SZCO Supplies https://www.amazon.de/dp/B007XP1ECS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Dar7CbEY399NY
Here. I like it so far
The cheapest functional helmet that I found is this:
https://www.amazon.com/SZCO-Supplies-Brass-Crusader-Helmet/dp/B007XP1ECS/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?adgrpid=57605633498&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8OyDrZj04QIV0MDACh0wsQGeEAAYASAAEgJ5ZfD_BwE&amp;hvadid=274898775808&amp;hvdev=m&amp;hvlocphy=9029733&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvpos=1t1&amp;hvqmt=e&amp;hvrand=7542856096318168012&amp;hvtargid=kwd-302142766691&amp;hydadcr=12189_9467462&amp;keywords=crusader+helmet&amp;qid=1556502693&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-3#immersive-view_1556502716193
Buts it’s still kind of expensive
I really enjoy this item, along with the other, slightly cheaper version of it. Always ben obssessed with DnD and medieval history. I wanna ride my bike with THIS helmet on!
I recommend the Celestron Nature DX 8x42. They're only $140 (price has dropped a lot) but they're very high quality. They're multi-coated and waterproof / nitrogen-filled for anti-fog. It's the best bang for your buck, imo.
Also, this webpage has some good tips for the beginning birder near the end; especially check out the diopter tip for binoculars.
For the money (around $120) I don't think you can beat the Celestron Nature DX 8x42.
I really like these bins for the price. I think they won Best Binoculars Under $200 a few years ago.
that's under ideal conditions, mind you. several good options are:
Stellarvue F50 finder (it accepts regular telescope eyepieces.) with a camera tripod.http://www.stellarvue.com/stellarvue-9x50-top-rated-ra-correct-image-finder-scope-matte-black-f050m2/
the Orion GoScope 80 http://www.telescope.com/Telescopes/Beginner-Telescopes/Orion-GoScope-80mm-TableTop-Refractor-Telescope/pc/-1/c/1/sc/21/p/102008.uts
and binoculars. Nikon makes some excellently priced sets. The advantage of binoculars is that you use both halves of the brain to process the images. they can also be tripod mounted.
https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-8246-ACULON-10x42-Binocular/dp/B00B7LQ8ES/ref=pd_sim_421_7?_encoding=UTF8&amp;pd_rd_i=B00B7LQ8ES&amp;pd_rd_r=08PF11GBC7W6JT8H1KNS&amp;pd_rd_w=CPHRe&amp;pd_rd_wg=Sb47e&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=08PF11GBC7W6JT8H1KNS
Thanks for the feedback. So between the trailblazers which are waterproof and 10x25, for like $76, and these other Nikon Aculons, is there a marked difference? Would you still recommend the trailblazers for my purposes?
No. Binoculars have a much larger collecting area and therefore requires much larger attenuation. You can get an appropriate filter to cut to size for this purpose on Amazon for $30.
https://www.amazon.com/Solar-Filter-Telescopes-Binoculars-Cameras/dp/B00DS7SCBQ
Please do not risk your eyesight over $30.
I got just the plain film for $30 (10" square) or $10ish (4" square) for my scopes and made my own holder out of cardboard.
https://www.amazon.com/Solar-Filter-Telescopes-Binoculars-Cameras/dp/B00DS7SCBQ
Well, shit, the 10" is only $24 now.
There's a bunch of sizes available.
Solar filters are specialized filters that block out most light (something like 99.99%). But the Sun is so bright, that the remaining 0.01% of light is more than enough to take the kind of picture I took.
If you look up the companies Baader or Thousand Oaks Optical, you'll be able to find solar sheets that they sell. They also sell specific filters for telescopes and cameras but those are expensive.
For my project, I purchased this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DS7SCBQ
It's manufactured by Thousand Oaks Optical and it's pretty sweet! You might have trouble ordering them in such short notice though :( Good luck!
If you'd put the film over the aperture of the binocs first you'd have been fine.
I actually had a sheet of this: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DS7SCBQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1 for my 8" telescope I'd ordered almost a year ago.
Cut it in two so a friend and I could gawk at the star. I was a little worried that it wasn't as good as the cheap paper glasses everyone had so we borrowed a pair from someone next to us and discovered to our elation that the 5"x10" sheet of solar filter actually gave a much better experience. You could basically wrap it around your face and block out all the other light and you didn't just have tiny little slots to look through. It could have used a strap but we got through it just fine and got a really nice experience. No burned eyeballs. A couple of stray reflections off my buddy's improvisor, but no worse than a reflection off a car.
Canon 70D & 100-400mm f/4-5.6 lens @ 400mm f/9 with a piece of solar film for all of the images other than the total eclipse. Shutter/Iso varied a little but between 1/500-1/1000 & Iso800-3200.
Removed chromatic aberrations and made some minor contrast/noise/highlight adjustments but the raw photos looked great right off the camera. They didn't need much- mostly a little cropping.
Taken from Crossville Tennessee
Might want to stick with a 7x Navigation unless you also have a tripod so it doesn’t shake as much. I bought these a few months ago and they were very nice for a low price ($35). I also got a tripod and something to mount my phone on (but have yet to test it beyond just looking).
I have used this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00008Y0VN/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/192-1836196-0641147
for over a year now and have been pretty satisfied. I wouldn't pay much more than the $60 cost, but they do a fine job. I've been able to see all the major planets, the moons of Jupiter, a bunch of Messier objects, and larger asteroids like Ceres, Vesta, and Pallas, all from light polluted NJ.
They can be used handheld if you lean on/against something, but a tripod is really the way to go.
The amazon basics cable (at least in my country) only supports hdmi v1.4 which tops out at 4k 30fps, meaning that any higher frame rate content presumably isn't being played above 30fps? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI#Version_1.4
this is the cable im using for hdmi, it says 1.4 but research says theres no such thing as 1.4 vs 2.0 cables? confused
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0052SCU8U/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!
Here are your smile-ified links:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DS7SCBQ
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