It is that time of year again!

[wavelandscott]

While the last of the winter snow is just now melting from my backyard, with the approach of spring in the Northeast US the hearts of young astronomers begin to dream of NEAF...

Yes, it is that time of year...hoping for another wallet lightening trip (about an hour) to NEAF. Any Southern Hemisphere folks going to make the trip this year? In past years I have had the good fortune to run into Bintel folks wandering the show floor in search of astronomical nirvana. I can only make one day this year but have saved my pennies and hope to partake of some great bargains. Fingers crossed!

Here is the flyer for the event via the below link.

http://rocklandastronomy.com/img/pdf/2015NEAF_PosterLegal.pdf

[GrahamL]

pictures please Scott:)

[Kunama]

Hello Scott,
I fear my Visa and Mastercards would never recover should I venture into something like NEAF.
You have no idea how many times I have had to break a promise to my wife not to buy new astro gear.
Hope you enjoy the show.

[speach]

What's NEAF?

[LewisM]

North East Astronomy Forum - a big Garage Sale of astronomical goodies, workshops etc

[OICURMT]

Northeast Astronomy Forum (USA)

http://www.rocklandastronomy.com/neaf.html

LOL'd at the garage sale comment...

[wavelandscott]

Countdown to next weekend...credit cars limbered up and a little goodwill built up with SWMBO...

Now to put my shopping list together.

From experience, the prices are pretty good and on occasion you can get some real bargains but like all things, you need to know what you are willing to pay in advance of the show. One of the really neat things (as good as the show itself) is that everyone in attendance shares an interest either as a hobby or profession...kind of like being on here. Where else can you meet Al Nagler and crew and speak with him? Same with Roland of AP fame...and all of the other "famous" suppliers to the hobby (Howie Glatter, the folks from Denkmeir etc.) it is a "who is who" of the field...

I am not so good with the camera but in past years a number of folks have done a great job documenting the event...I am sure there will be many pictures on the web next weekend.

[LewisM]

You are using automobiles as collateral? :) :P

[wavelandscott]

I do have high hopes for some nice gear but alas it should have been credit cards that are limbered...truth be told I think my astro gear has more value than my car.

Good catch!

[wavelandscott]

Made it to NEAF for a short while today...lots of nifty astro stuff for view and sale.

Had a chance to look through the new Televue DeLite eyepieces...typically TV high quality and performance. If you are looking for an easy to look through and lightweight eyepiece these may fit the bill. It is hard to judge them indoors but alone and in a binoviewer they did look nice...just stepped right up and peered through...

[wavelandscott]

A few shots showing the floor at NEAF

[wavelandscott]

And another

[wavelandscott]

And another...

[glend]

At first I thought these were photos of the Super Nova Expo on the Gold Coast!

[LewisM]

Reminds me all too well of the gunshows I have sold at for the past 15 years...:scared::scared2:

[strongmanmike]

Awesome Scott, must have been another buzz for you!

Did you buy anything?

Mike

[wavelandscott]

Yes, it was a buzz as usual...and I did make a quick purchase of a Lunt 60mm HA solar scope...I got the b1200...It was not in stock at the show so I am waiting for it to be delivered. I also got a side by side ADM Bar to mount this new scope next to an ED80 with a normal solar glass filter...should be a treat once I can put it all together.

Because of business travel commitments I could only attend for a short time on Saturday...I could have easily spent many more hours there.

One of the really cool thing about the show is that all the innovators of the field are there and available and willing to talk. It is amazing! Well worth the trip (which for me is about an hour)...