Poll: Most useful accessories?

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

It has been a while since this question has been asked and with the growth of the site I suspect that the answers may be a bit different than before...also, it has been a while since I purchased anything astro in nature and I am feeling a bit of withdrawal so I am curious what you find useful that I have yet to buy

I encourage you to post the whys to...this will give me the ammunition to get approval from our household treasurer!!

You can choose up to 3 things...I am excluding eyepices and the scope itself...

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

I started...in no particular order...

This forum...great place to ask questions and get information...and make a few new friends too...very helpful accessory

Chair/Seat/Step/Ladder...viewing comfort is important...I did not realize how important until after I got my chair (I'm not being cynical with listing this...really)

Argo Navis...Excellent accessory...makes viewing more enjoyable to me...I spend more time seeing insead of looking...I lke that

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Man that's a hard poll. Only three

Where would you put those little red led head lamps. I know visual observers don't like them but as an imager I find it's worth it weight in gold

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Originally Posted by wavelandscott

Chair/Seat/Step/Ladder...viewing comfort is important...I did not realize how important until after I got my chair (I'm not being cynical with listing this...really)

For the small dob pusher, its at the top of my list at #1

#2 is getting a finderscope/telrad/rigel that wont break your back

#3 is the Argonavis ( or other DSC)

People with different scope types are going to use different accessories, so that might skew the results of this poll.

[acropolite (Phil)]

Ponders beat me to it, I would have to agree my Energiser red headlamp would be high on the list.

[Lester]

Observatory is my number 1. The scope is always there ready to go, no setting up and shelters you from the wind. Makes observing very comfortable.

[beren]

Unlike Lester i haven't got the luxury of an observatory so having the ability to move my scope in and out of the garage already set up using a scopebuggy/wheelybars ranks high in the most valued accessory stakes.The cumulative affect of setting up/dismantling a scope ladened with guide-scope/counterweights and dew control leads every-time you go out could probarly break the enthusiasm of any energetic stargazer

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

I put Other.... For OTHER FORUMS because there is a hell of alot of info on other forums other than this one.

Also put Mount, cos what good is a scope if it doesnt have a mount.

and finders etc.... Cos they can be quite handy in FINDING objects.

[Miaplacidus (Brian)]

Er, excuse me Scott, but you've left off telescope.

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Originally Posted by Miaplacidus

Er, excuse me Scott, but you've left off telescope.

If you read Scott's first post, you will note that he specifically EXCLUDES the scope and eyepieces from the survey.

[Miaplacidus (Brian)]

Ah, so I have. Apologies all. To make amends I will include the lovely new Stellar Chair that arrived only yesterday. Much softer on the derrier than the traditional garden seat, I must say. (Would have preferred white perhaps, FWIW.)

The ol' Argo Navis would have to get top spot, though, followed by the green laser pointer. I just love to impress.

Cheers,

Brine.

[33South (Chris)]

what about hairdryer/dewshield/heater strip, once the ol dew sets in the others become less important

High on my list after Lostock. (got a Kendrick now, looking for a 12v Hairdryer)

[mickoking]

I find maps and charts essential to plan the objects I am going to observe. Also as a low tech Astronomer I require maps to find new objects.

A good finderscope is also a great help 50mm+ with a wide field is ideal.

I love my OIII filter too. What it does on some objects like Eta Carinae neb and the Tarantula neb is breathtaking.

Clear skies

[Dave47tuc (David)]

Well I voted for the first 3.

I like my rigal quick finder, very usefull.
Ability to read and use Star Charts.
Friends in astronomy have been invaluable.

One other I would have liked to say was the learning of the night sky. Meaning learning the Constellations and my way around the night sky.
People need to take time to do this, as finding things in the sky will be easier.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

I choose my maps and charts, my 2 viewing seats of different heights and this forum.
Binoculars would come in at number 4 if allowed.

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

mount. you gotta have a mount to put the scope on.
then you need to know what to point the scope at: planisphere + charts.
and you need some way of pointing it: finder.

[Striker (Tony)]

1) Observatory no doubt is number 1.
2) Losmandy G11 mount Gemini....the accuracy is incredible
3) The forum...what a plus this forum has been for most of us....thanks Mike.

[iceman (Mike)]

Great thread, Scott!

I voted:
#1 DSC's: Just the mose useful tool for visual observing. Lets me see so much more in a night than I would otherwise.
#2 Friends: Having friends to observe with makes a huge difference.. bouncing ideas off each other, sharing experiences, someone to talk to and spend cold nights with.
#3 This forum: The wealth of information being shared daily is just great. A very handy accessory for cloudy nights, work days, etc In fact #2 has come out of #3, so they really go hand in hand.

I didn't vote for tracking, because I looked at the poll as related to visual observing (my interpretation). While I love having tracking for imaging (and couldn't go without it now), it's not crucial to me for visual observing so as an accessory it doesn't rate as highly for me.

[Vermin (Tom)]

I voted for Finder, DSC, and Tracking.

I did not include "Mount" because I don't consider it an accessory. Along with the OTA it is an integral part of the telescope.

[ving (David)]

seat (cow print of course)

finder scope

forum