Small eyepiece case suggestions?

[MortonH]

I keep my eyepieces, filters, etc. in a rugged camera backpack. I've always preferred this to other styles of cases (e.g. Pelican type). I use the dividers to create an individual section for each eyepiece.

Recently I've bought a number of old Plossls as a "second" set of eyepieces and want to keep them in some kind of box or case. There's no room for them in the backpack with my main eyepieces, plus I'd like to keep them separate.

Because the older eyepieces tend to be smaller than current ones (a 10mm Plossl is tiny) a camera bag doesn't work so well as the compartments are much deeper than they need to be. So I'm looking for ideas of something smaller and shallower that might hold around a dozen small eyepieces.

Any suggestions welcome. :)

[killswitch]

I was looking at wooden tea boxes with the glass window before. Couldnt find the right profile though.

[MortonH]

Not a bad idea.

I have various plastic boxes with compartments that I use for astro stuff like nuts & bolts, Allen keys, etc. and thought maybe they would work, but they're not quite what I want.

[mental4astro]

Something like this case from Jaycar maybe?

http://www.jaycar.com.au/Tools-%26-Soldering/Cases-%26-Storage/Tool-Boxes-%26-Cases/Small-Aluminium-Case-with-Foam-Insert-%28Camera-Video-Case%29/p/HB6355

[AG Hybrid]

This is what you want.

http://www.wood-wonders.com/Eyepiece.htm

Correction: this is what I want!

[MortonH]

Have seen them on CN. Very nice. You wouldn't want to take them into the field though.

[AG Hybrid]

A plain dark brown/red one. With dew heaters and auto red lights. I would take it out every time. Maybe only a one sided one though. They are quite expensive.

[Allan]

At the Florida star party last month I saw those wooden boxes everywhere. They seem very popular in the U.S.

[Wavytone]

Having been down this path a few times...

While wooden cases look great I admit, they aren't so good for eyepieces as they tend to be a source of fine dust which inevitably ends up in the eyepiece - especially if the barrels are allowed to rub on the wood. Better is some sort of velvet lining, or rubbery sticky stuff that traps dust.

As for suggestions:

1. I've used old card-filing boxes (originally for 5" x 7" cards), plywood, plain but OK.

2. Head to secondhand and antique shops and see what you can find.

3. Raffan & Kelaher (auctioneers) in Leichhardt usually have old wooden boxes...

4. Head to Officeworks and look for CD cases. I found some cheap cases that were perfect for my set of LV eyepieces (1.25") and a larger one for the LVW set for a fraction of what Bintel charge.

Currently using one of the Pelican clones from Bunnings as this holds the LVW set & all the bits & pieces, and NO DUST.

5 If $ no object, there is this http://a-case-for-astronomy.webs.com

[AEAJR]

I have one of these Orion Waist Case Accessory Holder for my most commonly used eyepieces, filters, ref flash light.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0069VZOLY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00


Most often I sling it over my shoulder now as it is cold in New York. During the summer I will likely wear it as a fanny pack.

Grab this and I have just about everything I need for the evening in terms of eyepieces, barlows and filters.

[MortonH]

I've thought about getting one of these but I don't think I would use it much.

I read you've got to be careful cos if you lean over with the lid open the eyepieces can fall out.

[MortonH]

Hmmm, a new product line for Gondwana telescopes, perhaps? :question:

[Wavytone]

Morton - the ultimate in observing comfort - an electric wheelchair scope with integral eyepiece rack... the scope has fine adjustment in alt/az... for gross changes in az merely slew the wheelchair. Large battery suggests you could have heating too, for those cold winter nights.

The scope in this example was a Meade 10cm f/10 SCT, but the trials suggested a 20cm SCT is practical if you are able-bodied (this was made for Andrew James).

Would be the ultimate in convenience if stored in a garage in a dark suburb - hop on and drive out.

[sn1987a]

Poor mans version


http://www.beevo.org/eyepiece_case.htm

[MortonH]

I like it!

[Kunama]

For safety you still can't beat the plastic fantastic for your babies ......

On special at the Gasweld Stores ... This one for the Binovue + XF8.5 + LE24s

[AEAJR]

Well, yes that could happen if you lean over far enough. They are in foam. But that is why you close the lid and zip it. I have been using it every session since Christmas and have not had a problem.

[MortonH]

Thanks, Ed. Might be useful in addition to whatever I'm looking for.

[MortonH]

How did you get the foam so perfect?

[AEAJR]

I use the pouch for my most commonly used pieces.

I have an additional case for other accessories, hand controllers for the scopes, other filters, etc. Currently I use this. The yellow trays can be removed to make larger space.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-10-Compartment-Deep-Pro-Organizer-DWST14825/203367153