First telescope

[Crash Nebula]

Hey all, I've been interested in astronomy for about 5 months now. My name is Charlie, and I'm 14. I've been looking into a telescope, one that is good for viewing nebulae, galaxies and clusters.
I found some nice mail order scopes - Andrew's Communications (http://andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm)

Guan Sheng GS-600
$699.00 AUD

Absolutely outstanding quality and value 200mm x 800mm parabolic mirror Newtonian reflector on the SV1 high grade medium duty equatorial mount with aluminium tripod. Optional single axis motor drive with hand controller $149.

sound good? if i save abit more its in my range, at the moment my range is about $500 - comes with free binoculars and moon filter.
Crash aka Charlie

[Starkler]

My recommendation would be the gs-680 8 inch dobsonian.

The same light collecting power, slower focal ratio for easier collimation, a much more stable easy to use base and $200 cheaper !

[ballaratdragons]

Hi Charlie.

Nice scope for a beginner. GS scopes have very good optics.

Consider this though, for the same price as the 8" GS with GEM mount you can get a 10" GS with Dob Mount, Crayford Focuser and I think it has a cooling fan.

Still at Andrews,
Model: Guan Sheng GS-880-BK7-CRF $699.00 AUD

[[1ponders]]

The mount that it is on looks like a lighter version of an EQ3 GEM. It looks a bit light to hold that particular scope without coming up against too many problems. Certainly don't expect to be able to do any serious photography on it or be particularly steady. The 150mm would be more stable, though not as much light gathering.

I like the look of the skywatcher above it, the 150X750PEQ3,
as far as mount size verses scope size. I have an almost identical mount and while it is fine for visual work at low to medium magnification (up to around 150X), it also suffers a fair bit from the "wobbletronic syndrome" at higher powers, though it wouldn't be as much as the GS-600. Also if you can try to avoid that particular aluminium legged tripod. They just add to the wobbletronic problem. As I said ok for visual, not too crash hot (no pun intended) for more than ToUcam imaging of the moon and planets and SLR imaging of the moon. The only thing is that I'm not sure of the quality of the Skywatcher optics compared to the GS, I've not had a Newtonian.


If you are looking for an equatorial mount, the a single axis drive is really all you need. Once you're roughly polar aligned with it and manually slewed to your observing object you only need to drive on the Right Ascension axis anyway to keep the object in the field of view.

What are you aiming to do anyway Crash? Just visual astronomy or do you want to dabble a bit in photography. Dobs are great, more light for the buck, put they are push/pull scopes that require you to regularly adjust the scope by pushing and pulling it (duhh :P ) to keep what you're looking at in the field of view. EQ mounts use a set of gears turned either with motor or manualywith a handle connected to the gears to keep the object centered. I've not had any experience with a dob but keeping something centered with and EQ is a piece of cake.

It all depends on what your budget is and what you want to do. I hope I've helped and good luck with your choices

Clear skies

ps besides I think eq mounts look more impressive but don't tell the dob owners that :D :P Man I can hear them screaming :tasdevil: :tasdevil: now. :lol2::rofl: :2thumbs:

[Starkler]

A big trap for newbies. Yes they look impressive but in practical terms cheap mounts and tripods can be wobbly and often frustrating. A good solid eq mount is expensive !

[[1ponders]]

Hmmm nibble nibble? :lol: :)

Hey Geoff, any idea how the Skywatcher stacks up agains the GS image quality wise? As I've said I've had next to no experience with Newts

[ausastronomer]

Crash,

I agree with the others, unless you have a burning desire to get deeply into astrophotography the dob mount is way better for you at this stage of your astronomical pursuits. There is nothing more frustrating with a telescope than a cheap flimsy equatorial mount trying to support a telescope 5 sizes bigger than the telescope the mount was designed to support. Unfortunately this is the type of equatorial mount that you get with telescopes at this price level. A good quality equatorial mount designed to carry an 8" newtonian like a Losmandy G-11 is about $5k. The dob mounts on the other hand that come with these scopes support the telescope very well and are much easier to operate.

The others have suggested you get the 10" dob, I will recommend that you stick with the 8" dob as I think it will be a lot easier for a 14 year old to handle.

CS-John Bambury

[[1ponders]]

Here's another idea Crash. Try to get intouch with someone from BAS (Brisbane Astronomical Society, there are a couple of members here who are also BAS members) and find out when they are having their next viewing night. You'll get the opportunity to look through a pretty good range of scopes.

I think they might even have a dob or two, you know something in the 12" to 14" range. Now that would be really worth looking through. :) Then you'll be really hooked.


I do agree with John though. 10" is a pretty heavy scope to lug around. And for you starting out, the difference between an 8 and 10 won't be that noticable. If you really enjoy an 8", don't forget that xmas is not really that far off. :cool2: Besides some amateur astronomers seem to sell and upgrade scopes on a regular basis (Hi Tony) so you might be able to sell your 8" (assuming you get one of course) and pick up a 10" at a cheaper price later on.

[ballaratdragons]

Or an 8" or 10" Dob may come up for sale in here soon. There are enough of them.

[Starkler]

My last scope was an 8 inch f5 saxon dob (synta - skywatcher optics). The mirror whilst giving fairly good views suffered a bit of spherical abberation on star tests.

My GS has a much better figured mirror. The word is that GS consistantly make good mirrors whilst Synta (skywatcher) are a half step behind.

[Chrissyo]

Hey Charlie!

Me and you are pretty much the same age, I'm 15, turning 16 this year. Although I am fairly new to astronomy myself, perhaps I can help a little bit too. :P

I myself have a 10" Dob (which I have only recently purchased). I know its silly (and dangerous) of me, but whenever I carry my scope around, I never take the OTA from the Base. Its pretty darn heavy and awkard, but I can manage. If you're a similar build (I'm fairly average) you should be able to manage a similar scope, even if you take the OTA from the base, thereby halving the weight. I think the problem for me isn't so much weight, but akwardness.

As for Astrophotography, one day I would really like to get into, as it fascinates me. So naturally, I currently take some pictures with my dob. Although due to the fact that when objects are being filmed (I use a video camera, and stack it in Registax) they move quickly out of the field of view (you can get about 30secs of video time with a relative zoom on Saturn of Jupiter) the images I have turned out are far better then I ever thought I would be able to get. Plus, word about has been that it is possible to buy a Goto or tracking system for a dob (And I'm not talking about the DSCs), thought they cost around the same cost as the scope itself. Here's my maths- the LX200GPS is about $5200 right? Well, a Bintel or Andrews 10" Dob are around $800? If you pay about $800 for the Dob, and about $800 again for the tracking system, thats only $1600, compared to $5200. Though, I probably got some of the prices wrong, anyone wanna check me?

[Crash Nebula]

Hmmm... people on the BAS forums (Howzat refferred me here) said that new astronomers get frustrated by dosonian mounts and that EQ mounts ae a better way to go. i dont think the mount is very flimsy looking but i guess you guys know more than me :P
I was looking into quite a bit of astrophotography once i got used to the night sky a little more - one of the 150mm GS's wouldnt be too bad either as a starting scope - it seems to have good optics and a reliable mount, but, of course, any help is appreciated. Im also looking for a light pollution fliter aswell because i live quite close to city lights
Cheers,
Crash

[rmcpb]

Crash,

Still stay with the suggested 8" dob, it has a better focal length at f6 and will really help you get to know the sky. With this scope you will have enough money left over to get the standard accessories, red LED light, planisphere, observing chair, telrad, cheshire eyepiece.

After a while and more saving then a motorised EQ5 mount can be attached to the scope for serious astrophotography. With this setup you have the best of both worlds ie. a dob mount for grab and go then the EQ for extended high power viewing or astrophotography.

Then the next thing to worry about is your eyepiece collection!!!

Just my two bobs worth.

[iceman]

Hey Crash, :welcome: to the site.. good on you for getting some advice before rushing in. It could make all the difference between getting something you're very happy with or very frustrated with.

I can't agree with this at all. The dob mount is perfect for new astronomers because it's literally put it on the ground and swing it around to what you want to view. You don't need to worry about RA/DEC, polar aligning, carrying tripods around, shaking in the wind etc.

Rob gave good advice, start with the dob and get your feel for things, and if you still think you want to get further into astrophotography, you can take your Newt OTA and put it on an EQ6 for tracking. If the photography bug bites you early, there's no reason you can't do imaging through your dob with a digital camera or webcam until you save up for more expensive gear. My dob-based images can be found on my images (http://www.iceinspace.com/?images) page.

You're only 14, i'd start with the 8" dob. It's a great piece of gear at a great price. Like Rob said you'll have money left over for some much-needed accessories, and there's plenty of time in the future to save up and upgrade later on.

[ving]

gee I wish my 14yo was into astronomy!!!

welcome aboard and enjoy your stay :)

I cant really add too much to whats been said here but my opinion is that if you are going to do astropics then you need a really sterdy motorised Eq mount to track with. if pics arent a concern at all then get the biggest aperture dob you can afford. a dob base is much easier to use. :)

[[1ponders]]

don't skimp on the eyepieces. Your telescope optics are only part of the system. Your mirror or lense delivers the light. Its the eyepieces that do the work of focusing and presenting a great image.

[De-Gen]

Hey Charlie,

I'm 15 and have a 8" Newtonian on an EQ5 mount, i would suggest you to use a steady mount for astrophotographing. Or a Mak-Cassegrain such as the ETX 90 can deliver very good quality picture too

Will

[Crash Nebula]

Hmm.... I think i will go with the dob.. it seems like the pogical choice since ive got some reallly good advice
probably...
Guan Sheng GS-680-LTD
$399.00 AUD

200mm x 1200mm reflector on a dobsonian mount.
or
Guan Sheng GS-880-LTD
$649.00 AUD
250mm x 1250mm reflector with 2" Crayford style focuser on a dobsonian mount.

I think they sound really good - probably the 8"
They are really cheap to me - at York Optical they are $699 for a 8"!!!
Cheers!
Crash

[ballaratdragons]

If you choose the 8" ask if you can get it with a Crayford focuser! It makes a whole world of difference.

[Crash Nebula]

Yup. I'm hopefully ringing them on Saturday to order it - 8" GS Dob.
I'm finally becoming a telescope owner!

[ballaratdragons]

Hooray, onya Charlie-Crash!!! Another GS Dob is joining the family. Don't forget to nag them for a Crayford Focuser.

[Crash Nebula]

Errr... :confuse2:
:P

Please explain some of these gizmos -
Led light - I know what that is, im not all strange :whistle:
Chair - Yep. I can grasp that aswell.. wait... yep... yep. :P
Explain all the other stuff aswell though, that im confused about
All Andrews scopes also come with binoculars and moon filter, so thats pretty cool
I need a light pollution filter aswell - anyone know where I can pick one up new or second hand without wasting too much on it? York Optical were selling it for $149
Cheers, :cheers:
Crash
P.S - Explain the concept of a "chair" again? :confuse3:

[ausastronomer]

Charlie,

Congratulations on making a decision on your 1st telescope.

I also believe you have made the correct decision. In 3, 4 or 5 years time I can see you upgrading to a 10" or 12" scope but at the moment I think the 8" dob will be perfect for you and leaves some cash in the bank for some accessories.

Importantly you will find the 8" dob a lot easier to handle than either the 10" dob or the 8" equatorially mounted scope and it also has a more forgiving focal ratio of F6 whereas the other 2 scopes are F5 and F4 respectively, which means they are a lot more critical of collimation accuracy than the F6 scope and they are a lot more selective of the eyepieces that will function in them.

Enjoy your new scope and keep us posted of its progress.

CS-John Bambury

[ballaratdragons]

Charlie,
Planisphere, Telrad, Cheshire Eyepiece, Chair.

Planisphere: is a very practical sky map that is fully adjustable to any location. It is small and handy. Here's one example: http://www.davidchandler.com/nightsky.htm

Telrad: A Zero Magnification Finder-scope with an illuminated bullseye target and maps showing sky objects in the bullseye. http://www.monmouth.com/~govega/telrad.htm

Cheshire EP: A collimating tool that I have to get still. Makes collimating easier and more accurate. It is an eyepiece that fits into the focuser to align the optics in a telescope.

Chair: To sit on!:P when viewing. (adjustable height)

Anyone else want to clarify any further?

[RAJAH235]

Crash, Your light pollution filter is called a "Broadband or Skyglow" filter. It filters the sodium & mercury lamps. CITY lights in other words. Do not skimp on this filter or the UHC & OIII, WHEN you decide to buy. Buy a "LUMICON". They are a bit pricey but... A neutral density(.96 density), or moon filter is also nec. for obvious reasons.(should come with t'scope).
Later, you may also need a set(4 off), of coloured filters for viewing the planets.
One thing you will require is a "Cheshire" collimator. (about $60.00)
A necessary tool for your DOB.
HTH. :D L.
ps. It may sound strange, but an adjustable height chair is a lifesaver for your back. Puts you in a stable position when viewing for long periods.
pps. Try our friends, Mike or Don, at Bintel (Binocular & Telescope Shop) York St.
ppps. I make the red LED globes if you want one,$6.00ea. PM me.

[iceman]

Crash,

Congrats on making the decision! You'll love it.

On another note, can you please change your signature.. read the signature rules in the Announcement at the top of every forum, or in this thread here (http://www.iceinspace.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1322).

[Howzat]

Hi Charlie

Good choice,you won't regret it.
I'd recommend getting the Cheshire eyepiece from andrews when you order your scope, it's only $39 and you won't have to pay extra freight.
I'm not sure how many eyepieces you get with the 8" but it would pay to have a range selected before you ring.
Clear Skys

[[1ponders]]

Nice choice Crash. Good luck, clear skies and "to infinity and beyond" :P I got kids too:D

[rmcpb]

Charlie,

Great descision, you will have a ball with this scope :)

[Crash Nebula]

Is my signature ok now?

[[1ponders]]

Hey Crash, its only 11 am, You waggin' school or sumfin' :P If you're waiting for your new scope to turn up I'm sorry to disapoint but its gonna take a couple of days :D :lol: bet you're excited.

[Striker]

My opinion Crash...its still a bit big...buts thats up to Mike and the moderators.

[ausastronomer]

Crash,

I would consider saving your money on a light pollution reduction filter (LPR or Broadband). These offer some benefit for astrophotography but a marginal benefit for visual astronomy on most targets, regardless of your prevailing sky conditions (WOFTAM IMO). I will conceded that the Broadband (LPR filters) have come a long way in the last couple of years and they are working better all the time for visual astronomy. I actually own 1 and other than helping on comet tails I don't use it.

I think a Narrowband (UHC) is the most important filter for you to aquire and as Rajah mentions the Lumicon UHC is a very good one. The Astronomiks UHC (available from Bintel) is at least as good if not better but also a bit more expensive. One of my colleagues in the USA has recently done a review of 25 different filters and he rated the DGM Optics NPB filter as currently the best on the market and the good thing is its quite cheap.

http://users.erols.com/dgmoptics/

The DGM Optics NPB filter is on special for $US54.95 plus shipping. Even allowing for shipping it will be a lot cheaper than either the Astronomiks or Lumicon. This review will appear in Astronomy Magazine in the next 2 or 3 months.

Rajah indicates the Neutral Density (Moon) filter is a necessity ? Not IMO. This is a subjective thing and based a lot on personal preference, it also depends a lot on the scope you have.

Some things to consider about observing the moon. People use a moon filter to darken the bright lunar image, not because it allows them to see more detail. A moon filter will block some of the light, hence it will also stop some of the fine detail reaching your eye. I have tested this on many occasions and I can definately see more fine detail without a moon filter. I have observed the full moon unfiltered in scopes up to 12.5" without issue, hence an 8" scope is no problem to me, it may be to you. Its very bright but it will not damage your eyes, it is light reflected off a rough surface the colour of pumice after all. It takes a few seconds for your eyes to readjust after an extended time looking at the bright moon that is all.

A good tip when observing the moon unfiltered is to turn on some external lighting or observe nearby to some street or park lighting etc. By doing this your eyes pupil does not dilate as far and the moon does not appear quite as bright.

Despite what I have said above some people simply find the full moon too bright to observe even in small scopes unfiltered, so its certainly a thing that relates a lot on personal preference.

My point is don't race out and buy a moon filter if your scope is not supplied with one (which it should be), you may not need it. Try observing the moon without a filter 1st.

Another good option for observing the moon is a variable polarising filter, where you can vary the moons apparent brightness depending on the scope and the moon phase. These cost about $50 but are way better than a neutral density filter IMO.

One thing you need to understand with astronomy and observing equipment is that most things are very subjective and have an enormous personal preference factor. Because Rajah likes Lumicon filters and I prefer Astronomiks doesn't mean 1 of us is right and the other wrong, it indicates which 1 suits our own personal observing preferences best. Likewise, if Rajah prefers observing the moon with a neutral density filter and I prefer to observe it unfiltered, doesn't mean one is right and 1 is wrong, again it indicates what suits our own personal observing preferences and styles. Likewise, if I prefer Pentax XW eyepieces to TV Radians or Nagler T6's, again doesn't mean 1 is better than the other, they each do some things better than each other. It indicates that the things that are important to me in an eyepiece the Pentax XW's do well.

What this all boils down to is that you should really get out under the stars and try as much equipment out as possible before you buy it, with astro clubs, friends or public star parties. We can advise you about our own preferences and experiences but that may not necessarily suit you, so the most important thing is "try before you buy" if possible.

Clear Skies
John Bambury

[rmcpb]

Charlie,

If you get one of the planispheres Ken mentioned make sure you get the large one. In dull red light you can still use it, the small one is not so good at night.

Cheers

[Crash Nebula]

Ok, there we go.. ive changed it...
and, no i wasn't wagging, i was on the comps at school :P
Wish me luck at laserforce tonight!
Cheers
Charlie :astron:

[ving]

you are going to really enjoy your new scope crash!! :D

"stars are so boring, stop talking bout them... your boring me" I have a kid too :whistle:

[Astroman]

You should really enjoy the scope, I have an 8" f/7 dob and works beaut, even better with a Televue Nagler in the focuser, wow what a difference it makes.

Congrats.

[Starkler]

I'll agree with John re moon filters. I have tried the green moon filter as supplied with the scope and an Antares variable polariser filter. Both dim the moon and both cause loss of detail, the el-cheapo green moon filter more so. I used it once and never bothered with it again.

[Crash Nebula]

Ok... now it looks like im getting some binoculars for my birthday so i can understand conselations more and stuff - my parents think i shouldnt rush into it (even though i got advice first:whistle: )
and they also thought that with a 8inch dob it wouldbe all fuzzy and would move oput of view every time i looked at something
i told them it wasnt so, btu they wouldnt beleve me :(
I really wanted to get it today but they wouldnt let me...
i spent the day using starry night 4.5 its so much fun! u zoom in on jupiter and its there! u zoom in on a DSO and its there! its so a3wesome! full version comes free with PC world april
Charlie
P.S - any more hints or tips? anyone got any advice on binoculars? is it a good idea getting them first?

[RAJAH235]

Hi Charlie. If you have decided to wait for awhile on the t'scope & want to start in Astronomy, then binoculars & the larger size "Chandler" planisphere are the way to go.You will also need a red LED torch. This will allow you to see the chart but not ruin your night vision. The planisphere & torch can be bought from Mike/Don at Bintel, (Binocular & Telescope shop), York St. or you can buy a cheap torch & I'll sell you a red LED globe.
A good starting size for bino's is 7 x 50's. This means 7 times magnification, with a 50 mm front lens. You will not need a tripod with these. Cost will be around $100.00. Again do not skimp on quality. If poss. test them at night. A lot of bino's are not made for night viewing, just daytime terrestrial.
If, in the future your tastes change, then you/parents, can still use the bino's.
If you still have any more queries, please just ask, O.K.?
HTH. :D L.

[Crash Nebula]

From Andrews -
High Contrast 11 X 70 Binoculars
$149.00 AUD

Sharp, high contrast viewing in a large aperture binocular.

* BAK4 prisms and fully coated optics
* Rubberised body weighs only 1.6kg
* Right ocular diopter adjustment
* Soft nylon case included.

That sounds awesome to me, but thats just me :P
Does it sound good to every one else?
I'll pick up the LED bulb/Torch somewhere and the planisphere - Is that that thing that comes free with AS&T when you subscribe? How much do big ones usually cost? how much to the bulbs and torches cost?
Crash :D

[dhumpie]

Hey Crash,

Great choice but you might want to look at the 15x70's instead as they offer more magnification for those DSO's and hence more detail (they are both the same price from memory). Plus the exit pupil is smaller so they are better if you do most of your observing from the suburbs. They can be used braced for short observing stints but you should expect to mount them on a photo tripod for longer sessions. I have one of these and they are the perfect travel scope....

Cheers,
Darren

[janoskiss]

LED (light emitting diode) torches don't need bulbs and the diodes last for ever. The batteries also last many times longer than in torches that use filtered incandescent bulbs. I use a $5 bike light with 3 LEDs and that works very well.

[simon]

crash its a shame you dont live in sydney, i just gave away my old 4.5" refector, it would have got you started(and you wouldnt have dropped it like my friend's daughter did!!!)iv'e just bought a celestron nexstar 76 ,not a brilliant scope for colour but great for the solar system and imo clearer than the big scope at the dickson observatory in canberra, iv'e also seen the orion nebula and the horsehead nebula ,but not in colour but impressive all the same. i chose this scope for "learning the sky " i like the idea of a big dob but imo not much good if you dont know where to point it ,although theres plenty of expierienced astronomers on this forum who im sure would help you, but im enjoying the learning process. the only advice i can give from my own limited expierience is to buy or make a tripod/stand for your binoculars a much better view and easier on the arms!! good luck with your skywatching

[dhumpie]

Hi Simon,

Nexstar 76 and the horsehead nebula...am I hearing it right? This one has been eluding me even in my Celestron/Vixen C6 and I have tried with a 10" and failed. BTW is this a 76mm chinese f/9 newtonian right? Could you have seen the flame/tanktracks nebula near the belt stars and mistook this for the horsehead????

Anyway...

Darren

[simon]

darren, i possibly could have mistook it ,i get a bright star with a bank of darker matter underneath about 5 degrees left of the top belt star,i must say though i have an excellent view of the orion area from my backyard ,between trees with no lights, the orion nebula is crystal clear with the 4 small stars in the centre, the omega cluster and the jewel box are also very good to the south but the sombrero galaxy in the north eludes me! although only small ive learnt so many locations with this scope im really quite keen now and go out most clear nights,btw do you know the ngc or m number for the flame/ tanktracks nebula?
simon

[atalas]

Hello Simon, NGC 2024 the Flame neb,goto scopes are not perfect mate but generally get you in the eyepeice. Also Simon, Ive seen the horsehead neb in an 18in with H beta filter from a dark site and only just, very difficult object.


Louie:cool3:

[ving]

crash, before you get the planisphere... or maybe at the same time... you should download the free sky atlas from cloudynights. theres a thread on it in the equipment forum i think it is :)

[silvinator]

Hello crash and welcome to the family :D
Binoculars are a great way in starting out with astronomy and learning the night sky. I own a pair of 7x50 binoculars that I bought used for $15 at the local markets and it serves its purpose extremely well. I do notice a bit of false colour (namely blue-violet) surrounding the moon and the brightest stars though as these binos are not optically perfect. But they are so wonderful to whip out at a moments notice and just scan the skies without the trouble of setting up a mammoth scope. However, even with these smaller sized binoculars, I find that my arms get tired of holding up the binos for too long so that is something else to think about when you look at higher magnification binos. A tripod would be a must, or at least something to lean on would help steady the binos. It can get really shaky at times.
From reading this whole thread, I'm sure you've noticed that astronomy is a very expensive hobby. You don't always need the most expensive equipment in order to enjoy the night sky, just buy what you need and start enjoying the stars as soon as you can.
With regards to the red LED/torch, I just wrap a bit of red cellophane over my dad's mag light or my small torch and tie a rubber band around it and voila! Instant red light torch with minimum cost.
Also, something to think about when you do eventually purchase your scope: I own an astronomik UHC filter which I bought because I live in a very light polluted area. I find that I haven't really been using it very much. But I will have to observe with it a bit more and observe more objects with it to see the benefits of it.
Oh and yes the planisphere is what comes free with the AS&T subscription from what I remember.
Good luck with your purchase mate and clear skies to you! I hope you can start enjoying the night sky soon :D

[Crash Nebula]

well evereyone wil be happy to know i have my binos. I have bushmaster 10x30~50 binos. thye are good, but they do have a little bit of red and blue around the edge of the moon when i look at it.
unfortunatley, its no scope for about a year as i am savung to pay off a computer i bought off my brother, and i am going to germany next year!!! (hopefully) on the exchange.
cheers
crash

[dhumpie]

Hey Crash,

Do get it mounted on a tripod if you can (there should be a plastic screw-on cap at the center where the hinges meet. You will need a tripod adaptor to mount your binocs on a tripod). You will be amazed at how deep you can go this way (and I think the views you will be getting will be much better than any plastic 60mm departmental store refractor!!!!!). With my 15x70's mounted, I can see the disc of Jupiter (nope can't see the equatorial bands) and its 4 moons and Saturn's rings (yup I can see them as rings away from the planet disc). Since yours can go up to 30x, I expect that you will see them better than in my 15x binocs. And you will see a lot more in DSO's as well. Phil (Harrington) once said that with using binocs and seeing with two eyes, there will be a brightness increment of up to 40% on dim diffused objects (I have tested this and it is true....for instance I find viewing sprawling diffuse spirals like M83 in Hydra and M33 in Triangulum much easier from my mag 5.5 suburban site than in my 80ST and 6"f/5 scoppe!!!!!!) . That means your tripod mounted binocs will perform like a 70mm refractor!!!!!

Go for it! the universe is your backyard!!!!!

Darren