Is it ok to alert the site of a potential bargain?

[AstroGuy]

Bargains for the day.


Network Cable:
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http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...RK:MESINDXX:IT


Seben Comet 90mm 1200 FL MAK CASS multicoated optics, Astronomy/guide/Spotting scope and tripod. I've seen some good reviews on this scope. $220.00 delivered worldwide to most international destinations.
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http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...RK:MESINDXX:IT


Superbrite compact luxeon LED torch(s), add some layers of red cellophane or rubylith red transparency for the ultimate astro-torch(s), these torches are so bright they are somewhat uncomfortable to look straight into them!:
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http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...RK:MESINDXX:IT

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...RK:MESINDXX:IT


Rubylith Red Transparent filter
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http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Rubylith-Redf...item1e5f78389d





Cheap 640x480 Moon and possible planet imager webcam (USB 2.0) possibly useful for guiding projects using bright stars. Will take 5 megapixel stills (interpolated with it's own driver, 640x480 without driver) Requires webcam to 1.25"\T2 adapter that screws into lens port, easy to install. I've used these cams for imaging and they perform surprisingly well on the moon when images are stacked (simulated long exposure). Even if only used as a moon cam for a beginner wanting to try low cost imaging. User can create super high res mosaic final image (only limited by scopes resolution and aperture). great value at $5 delivered worldwide. 1.25" infrared blocking filter also required if lens removed. Andrews has them for for $19.00.
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http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...RK:MESINDXX:IT


T-Ring to attach canon EOS DSLR EF cameras to a T2 male thread adapter.
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http://cgi.ebay.com/T2-T-mount-teles...item2c5b2133f0


Thermoelectric Peltier cooling modules, real cheap. Small flat squares that get icy cold on one side, while releasing heat on the other. Just add 12v DC. Great for creating non-fan driven primary mirror fast cool down device, or portable coolers for electrical equipment such as cameras etc...
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http://stores.ebay.com/sitedv88/_i.h..._sid=706749745




Hope you enjoyed those.

[Octane (Humayun)]

The $2 el-cheapo "Lenspens" are not the real deal.

They might be fine to use on cheap kit lenses, but, I would never let a single one touch my L-series glass. Why would I skimp out $12-$20 (the cost of a real Lenspen) on a cheap substitute, which may damage many thousands of dollars worth of precious glass? A microscratch is a scratch is a scratch. Whilst any optical defect may never show up in daytime terrestrial shallow depth-of-field imaging, when closing down aperture for low-light landscapes, the scratches may start showing through -- much like dust particles on the lens or on the sensor.

There is a warning on the Lenspen web site with regards to imitations.

H

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

and the two CCTV cameras you link to are pretty much useless for Astro work.

[AstroGuy]

Originally Posted by Octane

The $2 el-cheapo "Lenspens" are not the real deal.

They might be fine to use on cheap kit lenses, but, I would never let a single one touch my L-series glass. Why would I skimp out $12-$20 (the cost of a real Lenspen) on a cheap substitute, which may damage many thousands of dollars worth of precious glass? A microscratch is a scratch is a scratch. Whilst any optical defect may never show up in daytime terrestrial shallow depth-of-field imaging, when closing down aperture for low-light landscapes, the scratches may start showing through -- much like dust particles on the lens or on the sensor.

There is a warning on the Lenspen web site with regards to immitations.

H

Have you used or seen a so called imitation one?

I've used the so called imitation lens pens and they have all had the attributes of a good product. They have Microfibre brush and 2 sized Chamoise cleaning cups. Don't know what you're talking about.

There are warnings everywhere in regards to stuff. If you where to use an "authentic lenspen" incorrectly, you would also ruin quality optical glass.

so it's not the pen, it's how and when you apply it's function. Anyway, if you have not seen or used one I don't see the point.



Regards...

[AstroGuy]

Originally Posted by ballaratdragons

and the two CCTV cameras you link to are pretty much useless for Astro work.

Any particular reason, or is that your personal opinion?



Regards...

[casstony]

Originally Posted by AstroGuy

This looks like a real nice product. Major price reduction reduced from $180+ to $59, No dimensions available on the site but looks ample, unless it's made for very small individuals? Never purchased from them before so don't know what shipping is like.

http://www.astronomyalive.com.au/ast...cessories.html

I decided to give this a go.
Case details:
Length 46 cm including feet (41 cm excluding feet)
Width 24 cm
Height 35 cm
Mass 4.5 kG

Thanks for the heads up Astroguy. Do you think you could find us some half-price Pentax/Televue/Denkmeier gear?

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

Originally Posted by AstroGuy

Any particular reason, or is that your personal opinion?
Regards...

there is general idea on which cameras are good and which ones aren't unfortunately even though they seem to have a high resolution there are factors that affect their performance. A lot of the problems is that most of the cheap WebCam is do not have individual controls for exposure and makes it very difficult to video planetary stuff.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Originally Posted by AstroGuy

Any particular reason, or is that your personal opinion?

Regards...

Not personal opinion.

It is according to the specs sheet.

Apart from low resolution, the lux rating isn't outstanding and will dissapoint most if not all people.

420 TVL is very low res
Sub Zero Lux is only achieved at f1.2
Neither cameras have Sens-Up capability

There are some simple webcams with matching specs, and some better.

The ones you show are cheap, but not really worth it.
They would be more frustrating than practical

[Octane (Humayun)]

Eugenio,

If the manufacturer's of the Lenspen (patent pending, from memory) have issued a warning, alerting potential customers of cheap knockoffs, then, I'd heed their warning and pay the extra few dollars to protect the many thousands that I've invested in good quality glass. I can't really afford to scratch my lenses.

Over the years, I think I've mentioned this issue a couple of times on this forum.

H

Originally Posted by AstroGuy

Have you used or seen a so called imitation one?

I've used the so called imitation lens pens and they have all had the attributes of a good product. They have Microfibre brush and 2 sized Chamoise cleaning cups. Don't know what you're talking about.

There are warnings everywhere in regards to stuff. If you where to use an "authentic lenspen" incorrectly, you would also ruin quality optical glass.

so it's not the pen, it's how and when you apply it's function. Anyway, if you have not seen or used one I don't see the point.



Regards...

[AstroGuy]

Originally Posted by Octane

Eugenio,

If the manufacturer's of the Lenspen (patent pending, from memory) have issued a warning, alerting potential customers of cheap knockoffs, then, I'd heed their warning and pay the extra few dollars to protect the many thousands that I've invested in good quality glass. I can't really afford to scratch my lenses.

Over the years, I think I've mentioned this issue a couple of times on this forum.

H

And for sure, if I was in you position I would think twice. All that I know is that I have purchased these pens before, they feel good, (for what they are) and the materials and workmanship seem fine. I thought I'll checkem out first see what they perform like, quality etc...and they turned out to be a great bargain.

I can only see them ruining optical glass if they were to become contaminated with grit, and then place straight on the lens and grit rubbed into it. Also if they are used straight on the lens without air blowing the lens first. Lenses can have particles of grit etc...and when you just start rubbing into them you will risk lens damage.

Apart from human error in the way that they could be used incorrectly, their great!, don't have a problem with them. I don't know if there is a thread showing AA's how to clean their optics, if not there should be.

In the end I can only tell you what I know from experience, if you spend $2 dollars and the lenspen you end up with is not up to scratch well it's only $2
I've never had that problem, but I can see where you are coming from.



Regards...

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

Originally Posted by AstroGuy

In the end I can only tell you what I know from experience, if you spend $2 dollars and the lenspen you end up with is not up to scratch well it's only $2
I've never had that problem, but I can see where you are coming from.
.

it is a good intention to provide links to low-cost items unfortunately spending two dollars to clean up the lens and you end up scratching it could end up costing hundreds of dollars getting the lens fixed or replacing it.

Although I have not re-started selling my red light torches due to my surgery, the red light torches that I was selling are very poor in quality so I spend a lot of time fixing them up to ensure that when they left my place they were of a much higher quality.

sometimes it is better to pay just a little bit more to ensure that you get a better quality product that won't end up costing a lot more in the future.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Originally Posted by AstroGuy

In the end I can only tell you what I know from experience, if you spend $2 dollars and the lenspen you end up with is not up to scratch well it's only $2

Regards...

No it's not!

If you spend $2 on a lenspen that isn't up to scratch it could end up costing hundreds or thousands in replacement lenses!
Not "well it's only $2"

[AstroGuy]

For crying out load people how is it going to scratch your lenses?

[Octane (Humayun)]

Eugenio,

The Lenspen people use a carbon compound that cleans the lens. Not just a Microfibre cloth.

It's just a risk. But, one I'm not willing to take.

H

[AstroGuy]

Originally Posted by Octane

Eugenio,

The Lenspen people use a carbon compound that cleans the lens. Not just a Microfibre cloth.

It's just a risk. But, one I'm not willing to take.

H

I didn't know it was carbon, I've always wondered what that stuff was. There is also very fine carbon powder on these too.

I'm not trying to force anyone to buy it. Just want to know what you have against them? Let us in on the secret. Excuse me for saying, you still have not given me an explanation/answer as to how you think these lenspens can scratch your optics? So how can you be sure they will/might?

BTW, there is no microfibre cloth to do with these, where are you getting reference to microfibre cloth from?



Regards...

[KenNo2658 (Ken)]

Hi Guys! And Gals!

My opinion on this has nothing to do with Astronomy. It is simple experience. I am allowed to buy a bargain as long as I can prove it is something I really want that would cost me a lot more elsewhere. If it is the same type of equipment, will it do the same job as a more expensive make? Will it last as long as the more expensive brand? Will I be as happy with that than the more expensive brand?

Seem simple enough questions, but if you answer them honestly, is what you are going to buy really a bargain?

If I answer no to any of them, I have to buy the more expensive option, even if it takes me longer to get it.

Well, they are the rules I live by, and SWMBO makes me stick to it! And to be perfectly honest, she ain't wrong!!

Ken

[Jerous]

Originally Posted by AstroGuy

Seben Comet 90mm 1200 FL MAK CASS multicoated optics, Astronomy/guide/Spotting scope and tripod. I've seen some good reviews on this scope. $220.00 delivered worldwide to most international destinations.
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I am a total Newbie, I admit it. But I have combed the web for the " positive reviews" you mentioned. I can't find any. These seems to be some sort of cheap manufacture, flooded into the ebay market around the world.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Originally Posted by Jerous

I am a total Newbie, I admit it. But I have combed the web for the " positive reviews" you mentioned. I can't find any. These seems to be some sort of cheap manufacture, flooded into the ebay market around the world.

Seben are rubbish. End of story.

[AstroGuy]

Originally Posted by Jerous

I am a total Newbie, I admit it. But I have combed the web for the " positive reviews" you mentioned. I can't find any. These seems to be some sort of cheap manufacture, flooded into the ebay market around the world.

Have you seen one that is as good/bad for the price? I'd like to know about if you have seen one please. Some finders/spotting scopes cost more than that. That German designed stuff ain't to shabby. I'll see if I can find the link to the reviews and get back to you.

You seem knowledgeable enough, What's the worst that can be wrong with them in your opinion? These scopes are probably manufactured in China (where most things are manufactured these days).


Regards...

[AstroGuy]

Originally Posted by ballaratdragons

Seben are rubbish. End of story.

I tend to differ, according to advances in technology they have up'd there standards, and they are generous enough to pass on the savings. But that's just my point-of-view of course.


Regards...