Astronomy For Everyone - Episode 51 - Binocular Equipment & Accessories August 2013

Astronomy For Everyone is a TV series of monthly TV shows developed by members of the Ford Amateur Astronomy Club (FAAC) targeted to beginner and intermediate audiences as well as all amateur astronomers and sky observers. Please click SHOW MORE.
The Ford Amateur Astronomy Club (FAAC) meets monthly in Dearborn, Michigan, provides public outreach sessions, holds night-time observing sessions (Star Parties) in and around South Eastern Michigan, has established observing locations with State and Local park authorities, we share mentoring and more.
To see an overview of all of the Astronomy For Everyone programs, please visit:
www.fordastronomyclub.com/AFE....
You are welcome to explore our website at: www.fordastronomyclub.com
This episode covers Binocular Equipment & Accessories

[@book3100]

Those parallel mounts are really nice. I'm going to have a crack at making up a parallel rig.

[@tjzambonischwartz]

Parallelogram mounts are amazing. I have a homebuilt one that carries 25x100 binoculars. I use them with a zero gravity camping chair so the I can be fully reclined with the binoculars suspended above me. It's less like looking through a telescope and more like floating and looking out a window into space.

[@rodneyjohnson4794]

december 2020 i love it!

[@woodswalker88]

I started stargazing with an 8x56 celestron. I must have torn a ligament in my thumb & my hand has never been the same. Now I'm trying to figure out a solution. I'm thinking my chaise lounge plus a Walker. Attach the binocs to the walker & sit under it. My biggest problem when trying to design a mount: how do you attach the Binocs to it? All I have is this little celestron adapter that connects to the 1/4" screw on my tripod. 1/4 inch?? really?

[@BMar1andonly]

Is there a link for the monopod? To many options online.

[@AstronomyForEveryone]

It was a Garret Pistol grip monopod, and they were bought out by Oberwerk, so it may have an Oberwerk name now. Greatly recommended for binoculars up to 65mm 9x & 15x Orion Mini Giants (2.3 lbs). They may work for 70mm as well. Ken

[@BMar1andonly]

Thanks! I like the convenience aspect of a monopod with a pistol grip, it’s fast and I lack time to stand outside (father of 5) but I have 20x80 Celestrons. I’m struggling to find a cheap and convenient mount that is tall enough to use without hunching over. And living in Cleveland where it is cloudy 90% of time investing in something nice is a tougher sell. I appreciate your response, thanks again!

[@jlions72]

would you happen to have access to the couch potato binos set up ...?

[@AstronomyForEveryone]

Maybe you mean a Parallelogram Binocular Mount

[@dedskin1]

i plant to get binos , becouse i have a scope and its just too much to take out , binos rule , but im not sure should i go for 20x80s , its a big instrument, dont want to end up not using it , its not cheap , so im thinking 15x70s , i alrady have 7 x50s , and they are magnificent for very dark sky , but tis very rare to get it that dark and to build up night vision

[@book3100]

I started with 15x70. Very nice on a tripod, but hard to hold steady by hand. I plan to go up to 25x also.

[@dedskin1]

@@book3100 Very nice . Its just very rare to get that sky rolling . Ifi can give you an advice , forget what they told you about space , just think on your own and you will see a lot of amazing things that ppl who expect to see what they are told miss . I did it and found out amazing stuff indeed .

[@book3100]

@@dedskin1 I do follow the catalogues, like Messier and NGC, but I take time to look in between all that too. You're absolutely right, many amazing things not in the catalogues. :)

[@jacekniec762]

wooden stabilizer is not safe when you will loose balance and fell, you will break your neck.