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.
I was looking at wooden tea boxes with the glass window before. Couldnt find the right profile though.
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.
Have seen them on CN. Very nice. You wouldn't want to take them into the field though.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thanks, Ed. Might be useful in addition to whatever I'm looking for.
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...4825/203367153
