Another new pair of Binoculars - Page 2

jmb · #21 26-10-2005, 07:31 PM

Just thought someone else may find this site useful

The Constellations Web Page

http://www.dibonsmith.com/stars.htmffice

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The Binocular (and Naked Eye) Tour of the Stars. <o:p></o:p>

You'll find how to locate any of the current season's constellations, learning how to find the principal stars with the naked eye. <o:p></o:p>

Those with binoculars are taught how to find many interesting objects suitable for binocular study, such as star clusters or wide binaries. <o:p></o:p>

The tour features over 300 views as seen through binoculars, so you know you're looking at the right object. <o:p></o:p>

regards

Janine

jmb · #22 26-10-2005, 07:53 PM

hi Paul

thanks for the suggestion of the starry night program...i had problems with the free program that was mentioned...they wanted my credit card details for the trial month period...so decided against it...

i believe a version was available in PC mag...i'll order back copy...
thanks
janine

jmb · #23 26-10-2005, 07:58 PM

thanks seeker

for the info on Messier Objects, makes more sense...i feel i have come a long way in the last couple of weeks...

i think i will work through the list you mentioned .... when the binos finally arrive.
thanks
Janine

johnno · #24 27-10-2005, 02:34 AM

Hi All,

Janine,
I can fully understand how you must fell after getting the wrong binoculars sent to you.
I had the same thing happen to me,and ended up keeping the wrong pair as the replacements were totally out of collimation,and my patience was taxed to the limit. needless to say,I will NEVER buy binoculars from this dealer again.

You certainly have come a long way in the last couple of weeks,
Well Done.

Regards.John

jmb · #25 27-10-2005, 03:48 PM

Just wondering about a tripod for the 11x56s...i actually have a camera tripod...is there anything I need to be aware of before mounting the binos to the tripod....

has anyone any suggestions as good spots to go to in the Brisbane area for dark skies...
Thanks everyone for your help to date...very much appreciated

Janine

[1ponders] (Paul) · #26 27-10-2005, 05:08 PM

Yeah come on up to Astroron's place near Kenilworth. It's only about an hour and a quarter drive. Quite a few of us usually end up there during the weekend of the new moon. There's a group going this weekend and another next weekend.

If you want to mount your binocs on a camera tripod you need to get an adapter. Sort of like a gooseneck for the handlebars of a pushbike. You should be able to get a relatively cheap one from camera house for about $12-$15.

jmb · #27 27-10-2005, 10:04 PM

thanks a lot, you people have been just so friendly and helpful...i am really enjoying myself

...and the binos still haven't come...

i'm seriously considering your offer...
regards
Janine

jmb · #28 27-10-2005, 10:09 PM

ps forgot to say that it looks like i will be set up once the binos do arrive...the sale price included a tripod adaptor...
Janine

jmb · #29 02-11-2005, 02:32 AM

Hi All

Just thought I would let you know the new binoculars finally arrived on Friday.
Unfortunately, the nights haven't been too good with the exception of last night (Mon) But I am very happy with the binos although I haven't had a lot of use, and I can hear it raining now, so doesn't look like I'll be going out now...
Oh well, back to the skymaps I guess.

I would appreciate suggestions re special needs for tripods for binos ...the one I have is about 4foot tall, the binos appear to be mounted securily...although they do appear to a bit 'top heavy' the mount lifts at times which is a bit of a worry ...once they are screwed to the mount of the tripod, they are fixed in that the binos cannot be tilted up or down...just sideways...also I hadn;t used the tripod much...it came with the digital camera..are these things normal....
any suggestions
thanks
Janine

norm · #30 02-11-2005, 04:11 PM

Hi JMB,
I've got a pair of 15X70 binocs and admittedly they get a bit tiresome after 5mins of holding up at anything over 60degress.. I then bought a cheap camera tripod from ebay which turned out to be a fizzer - too light, the height was not what was specified, shakey when fully extended (1.5metres). That height is useless to me since I'm 6feet !

Unfortunately to buy a good quality tripod or binoc mount is not cheap. But as a thought I was browsing thru a JayCar catalogue and came across a pair of Heavy duty Speaker Tripod stands. From the specs, they will extend up to 2m and can told up to 45kilos!

To get alt-az movement you then need to take off the head off a camera tripod and somehow work out a way of mounting them onto the speaker tripod - it might just need some brackets/bolts. If that works, all up you could be setup for around $130 and have a very solid tripod.

btw: I haven't persued this as yet, I've resided to just scanning the skies quickly and if I want to look at something for an extended period of time I whipout the old bean bag and contort myself accordingly !

johnno · #31 03-11-2005, 12:26 AM

Hi All,

Janine,
Norm is correct,
however,
A lightweight tripod might be ok for your binos,as they are 11x56,and therefore Way lighter than 15x70s.

I have both sizes,and found a heavy duty tripod off Ebay,works fine for my 15x70s,paid about $24.00 for it I think,plus postage.

I dont mount my 11x56s,I just handhold them,although ANY size binocular is much better when mounted.

I am a lot shorter than Norm,a Whopping great 5' 3", so the shorter tripod height is not a problem for me.
You can still sit in a chair and straddle your legs with the tripod,even if you have to pull it back and rest it on 2 legs,it is still way more stable than handholding.

Regards.John