Binoviewers

[Solanum]

I find that with my 5 year old twins that they aren't much cop at looking at stuff with one eye closed and so, although they are interested, they don't see stuff too well.

I was wondering about getting a cheap bino viewer and a couple of cheap medium power eyepieces for it.

Anyone think this is a good idea, have any suggestions for binos for my scope?

Also, as the number of entering the scope photons is split between two eyes, does using one reduce what you can see?

[koputai]

IPD might be a problem with small kids.
Better get the rule out.

Cheers,
Jason.

[madtuna]

Andrews have Binoviews on special for $99 and though they aren't world beaters I'd imagine they'd be just fine for what you want.

I don't think you actually split the amount of photons? I think you'd see the same amount just with both eyes.

eg: if you saw 100 photons with one eye and then opened the other you'd see 100 photons in each eye not 50 in each eye?

[madtuna]

or if you teach them to both squint out of opposite eyes...you could prop both up at the binoviewer and get both thier viewing out of the way at the same time leaving more scope time for you! :D

[Solanum]

Yeah, I meant to include that. Binoviewers with an IPD small enough for an average 5 year old...

As you say, perhaps a ruler!

[Solanum]

The binoviewer isn't a photomultiplier (so far as I know! I assume it is a simple prism?), so 100 photons into the scope has to be split to 50 for each eye.

[AstralTraveller]

Binoviewers are harder to use than single eyepieces and take a fair bit of setting up. The IPD and the diopter has to be set up for each user and the eye position and head orientation is more critical (OK 5 year olds may not need the diopter but even setting both to be equal may or may not be easy).

Based on years of doing public viewing nights I've found that young children just aren't that good at getting their eye in the right position. A year or so older they 'just do it' without being shown. Perhaps you just need to wait a while.

Alternatively, have you considered an eyepatch. Just make sure you know which eye dominant they are.

I hope they (and you) have years of enjoyment from this great hobby!!

[Solanum]

Thanks, hearing some experience like this is exactly why I asked here first!

[PCH]

Hi,

I have a Stellarvue binoviewer and it's great. But they were a bit tricky to set up and get used to at first. I find there is a bit of a knack to observing thru them - but it's well worth the effort for the views you get. The moon and planets are spectacular. Having said that - the amount of light reaching each eye is definitely half of what you'd get through a regular ep, and the overall image is dimmer for that reason.

Cheers:thumbsup:,

[madtuna]

ah..okay thanks! contemplating getting a pair myself hence my question

[edwardsdj]

Hi Solanum,

I've shown kids a lot through my telescopes. I find that before the age of about 8 they don't really see much. You can tell by asking them what they see before you tell them.

When my daughter (now 13) was 8 she suddenly saw more moon of Saturn than I could make out and was blown away by the detail on Jupiter. My first telescope experience was at about age 8 or 9 and I've been hooked ever since.

Hope this helps.

Have fun,
Doug

[aerobrake]

Hi Sol,

My 4 year old cant see much with a single EP and gets very frustrated but when I put my denkmeier binos on my scope she can see quite well. its made a big difference.

Each kid is different but if you can get a cheap pair of bv's I'd say definitely go for it.

Cheers
Mike