Great Beginner Telescope
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Orion Observer 70mm Equatorial Refractor Telescope
Sale Price: $169.99  |
DescriptionThis tried-and-true refractor goes the extra distance in introducing the novice to the wonders of the night sky. The Observer 70 features a 70mm fully anti-reflection coated achromatic objective lens, which provides 36% more light-gathering ability than a 60mm. Its 700mm focal length (f/10) will show you the stark beauty of the lunar surface, Saturn's rings, Jupiter's atmospheric belts, or the billowy clouds of the Orion Nebula. The included EQ-1 equatorial mount comes equipped with dual slow-motion controls for manual star tracking and adjustable aluminum tripod. Includes an EZ Finder II finder scope to help you zero in on your celestial targets, two eyepieces - 25mm (1.25") and 10mm (1.25") - and 90-deg star diagonal. One year limited warranty. Orion’s Observer 70 EQ combines the solid optical performance of a classic achromatic refractor with a German style equatorial mount. The Observer 70 features very good optics and 36 percent more light gathering power than 60mm beginner scopes. The complete accessory package includes high and low power eyepieces, a 90 degree star diagonal, a red-dot finder, illustrated instructions, and Orionâs Starry Night Special Edition astronomy software. The Observer 70 EQ features very good optical performance. Achromatic refractors have a two piece objective lens, the second lens element compensates for “chromatic aberration”, the false color or blue fringes seen in low cost telescopes. In daylight tests I see very little blue fringing with the standard equipment 10mm eyepiece (70X magnification), and none at all with the 25mm eyepiece (28X). Stars and planets show up very nicely with the Observer 70. The quadruple star in the Orion Nebula known as the Trapezium is cleanly split into four components with the 10mm eyepiece (70X magnification). When I combine the 10mm eyepiece with a 2X Barlow lens for 140X magnification, I’m treated to lovely views of Saturn’s rings and the little orange disk of Mars. My view of the Moon is delightfully crisp and clear; the 25mm eyepiece nicely frames the Lunar disk, and using the 10mm eyepiece I can easily see mountain peaks and terraced walls inside the crater Copernicus. The Observer 70 EQ also features an aluminum tripod and an EQ-1 equatorial mount. The equatorial mount is a little more complicated to balance and align than the Observer 70 AZ , but the reward is better slow motion control and tracking at magnifications over 100X. Simply point the equatorial axis at Polaris, the North Star, and the telescope tracks celestial objects by turning one slow motion knob. This makes it much easier to use a high power eyepiece while viewing the Moon and Planets. The “EZ Finder II” works by shining a red LED on a small window; just look through the window and line up the red spot with your target. This works OK for bright objects like the Moon and planets but not so well for finding galaxies and deep space objects. Orion’s Observer 70 EQ is simply a very good entry level telescope for a student or family. The good quality 70mm optics produce an image that is significantly sharper and brighter than 60mm beginner scopes, and the package includes a solid mount, two good eyepieces, and fully illustrated instructions. --Jeff Phillips Pros: Reliable refractor design Good views of the Moon and planets Complete accessory package Starry Night software included Cons: Finder only works for bright objects Features
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Birdwatching for Beginners
The sport of bird watching has been around for years and, right behind gardening, is the second fastest growing hobby in the United States. It has been said that learning of the birds is like getting a ticket for life to the theater of nature. And indeed, with its beauty and elegance, birds are an awesome part of life. Birds flash past in every shade of vermilion emerald, beautiful as showy flowers. Why did not observe birds?
As with any sport or hobby, however, bird watching requires patience and practice to learn and by all means have their moments frustrations. But if you give it a good try and learn the basics in no time you will be addicted!
What follows are some tips to help you on the road.
Binoculars are the eyes of a birder in the world, and that can greatly affect the output quality of a bird. good binoculars for birding are well, while bad binoculars can lead to birds missed and severe headaches induced by blurred images, double vision, and eye strain. When choosing a binocular for bird watching, cheap is definitely not the way forward.
Make sure the power (or increase) is at least 7-power. Power is the first number in the numerical notation that describes binoculars. For example, a "7 X 35" pair of "glasses" will make objects appear as if they were seven times closer than they really are. Seven power binoculars is about the minimum needed to see birds well. Binoculars 10 - or more powerful power can be difficult for some birders to hold steady.
Make sure the second number ("35" for a "7 X 35 "pair of glasses) is at least five times larger than the power (eg," 7 x 35 "" 8 X 40 ", etc.) This second number describes diameter, in millimeters, of the large lens facing the object of interest - the "target" of the lens. The higher the target, the greater is the amount of light the binoculars gather and therefore the easier it is to see characteristics in dim light or in a bird of muted colors.
Do not buy compact or pocket-sized binoculars (typically 8 x 21, or 10 x 21) as your primary pair for birding. The size and weight are attractive, but no matter how well the optics, compacts provide a lower image quality to medium or large binoculars. Another drawback is that most compacts have a narrow field of vision, This makes it very difficult to locate and track the birds.
A field guide is a little book that is full of information about birds. It's the closest an expert birder by your side. It describes and shows pictures of birds, and tells him the details of each bird to find. A field guide can tell what kind of birds might be in your particular area and give some excellent advice on what to look for in your bird watching. If you do not have a guide field, have no idea what kind of birds that are going to see, so this is essential to have.
Most guides are more or less organized in the "order phylogenetic. "For the phylogenetic Scientists classify all living things (not just birds) based on their evolutionary history - the creatures according to their similarities in their present form, most likely evolved from common ancestors.
The beautiful part about birding is that it really can be done anywhere! You can go to your local park and find some large specimens. If you're traveling, you will find a new appreciation for the songs of birds and what you can find. You may even see birds in their own backyard!
About the Author
Patrick Carpen is the designer, writer and owner of the website http://birdwatching.infobay.ws/
He is an internet entrepreneur who helps the average user better understand the workings of internet in addition to providing high quality content on selected topics. This website was created to help internet users get a better insight into the bird watching sport or hobby.
qualities of a good telescope?
I am interested in astronomy, space, stars, etc.I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good (and quite expesive-) telescope for a beginner who wants to be more advanced. I'd rather not spend more than 100-150. Are there certain aspects of the telescopes a good? What do I really have in mind? any help is great. thanks!
Best of all telescope for the least amount of money is a Newtonian reflector an alt-az mount called a Dobsonian telescope. A good size is 8 inches or larger. Unfortunately, a new 8-inch Dobsonian (born for short), will a cost in the range of $ 350. Http: / / www.telescope.com/control/product/ dobsonians ~ category_id = / = ~ pcategory telescopes / ~ product_id = 08 943 http:/ / Www.cloudynights.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=13914&sort=&cat=10&page=2 You can pick one up used for less money in the range of $ 200-250. Before buying a scope I recommend you connect to any astronomy club in your area. They generally have a few loaner telescopes to give, and can be seen across different areas to get an idea of what you like. Whatever you do, do not get anything advertised on commercial television channels. Everything and I mean everything I've seen in them is pure trash. Also read this first: http://www.scopereviews.com/begin.html
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US $71.95
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Tasco 49TN Refractor Telescope & Microscope
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DescriptionREFRACTOR TELESCOPE AND Features
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Celestron 21041 60mm PowerSeeker Telescope
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DescriptionOffering exceptional value, these telescopes feature portable yet powerful designs with ample optical performance to excite any newcomer to the world of amateur astronomy. Celestron's value priced Powerseeker 60 telescope takes a basic "just the facts" approach to affordable entry level telescopes. The package includes an adjustable aluminum tripod with an alt-azimuth mount and stabilizer, a Kellner type K20 eyepiece, a Ramsden type SR4 eyepiece, a 3x barlow lens, and a 5 power cross-hair finder scope. The Powerseeker 60 comes disassembled in a compact box, but it won't take long to put everything together. Go ahead and try it out in the daytime, that's the best time to align the finder scope while looking at a distant tree or telephone pole. My first view of Saturn's rings and star cluster M13 in Hercules came with a 60mm telescope, and I enjoy celestial viewing with the Powerseeker 60 to this day. The secret is to use the low power K20 eyepiece and only extend the tripod legs half-way. This gives me sharp and steady views, whether I'm looking at nearby hills, craters on the Moon, the Double Cluster in Perseus, or even the Andromeda Galaxy! With a 1.25" focuser and diagonal mirror, it's easy to add better eyepieces. The Kellner type K20 eyepiece yields a 1.1 degree true field of view, better than the Huygens or H-type eyepieces still found in many beginner scopes. Adding an optional Celestron 25mm E-Lux eyepiece is better still. With nearly 2 degrees true field of view, the 25mm E-lux makes it much easier to find objects, either on land or in deep space. The SR4 eyepiece is less impressive; it's like peeking through a pin-hole. Adding the 3x barlow to the SR4 to get that 525x proclaimed on the box is peeking through a dim, fuzzy pin-hole. I'm surprised that a telescope this inexpensive can be this good. It's good enough to show me Saturn's rings at night or a Steller's Jay at 100 yards during the day. In my opinion, the Powerseeker 60 would be an even better bargain if it came with a K10 eyepiece in place of the 3x barlow and the SR4 eyepiece. Also take a look at Celestron's Firstscope 60AZ; it's only a little more expensive, but it includes two useable eyepieces, a red-dot finder, and planetarium software for your computer. Jeff Phillips Pros: Low cost Decent optics Accepts 1.25" eyepieces Cons: Too small for serious astronomy Only one good eyepiece Features
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GSI Super Quality Land And Sky 50mm Refractor Telescope With TP-8 Aluminum Tripod - 72x Power Magnification - Optical Glass Lens and Metal Body - Includes 2 Eyepieces, For Terrestrial And Astronomical Use
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DescriptionThis Great New Telescope From GSI Will Meet And Exceed Your Expectations! Easy, User-friendly Setup, And Unbelievable Views Through The Ultra Clear Lens, You Will Discover The World Like Never Before. Extremely Affordable, It Is A Great Alternative To Other Pricier Models Out There! Features
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Orion Observer 70mm Equatorial Refractor Telescope
Sale Price: $169.99 |
DescriptionOrion’s Observer 70 EQ combines the solid optical performance of a classic achromatic refractor with a German style equatorial mount. The Observer 70 features very good optics and 36 percent more light gathering power than 60mm beginner scopes. The complete accessory package includes high and low power eyepieces, a 90 degree star diagonal, a red-dot finder, illustrated instructions, and Orionâs Starry Night Special Edition astronomy software. The Observer 70 EQ features very good optical performance. Achromatic refractors have a two piece objective lens, the second lens element compensates for “chromatic aberration”, the false color or blue fringes seen in low cost telescopes. In daylight tests I see very little blue fringing with the standard equipment 10mm eyepiece (70X magnification), and none at all with the 25mm eyepiece (28X). Stars and planets show up very nicely with the Observer 70. The quadruple star in the Orion Nebula known as the Trapezium is cleanly split into four components with the 10mm eyepiece (70X magnification). When I combine the 10mm eyepiece with a 2X Barlow lens for 140X magnification, I’m treated to lovely views of Saturn’s rings and the little orange disk of Mars. My view of the Moon is delightfully crisp and clear; the 25mm eyepiece nicely frames the Lunar disk, and using the 10mm eyepiece I can easily see mountain peaks and terraced walls inside the crater Copernicus. The Observer 70 EQ also features an aluminum tripod and an EQ-1 equatorial mount. The equatorial mount is a little more complicated to balance and align than the Observer 70 AZ , but the reward is better slow motion control and tracking at magnifications over 100X. Simply point the equatorial axis at Polaris, the North Star, and the telescope tracks celestial objects by turning one slow motion knob. This makes it much easier to use a high power eyepiece while viewing the Moon and Planets. The “EZ Finder II” works by shining a red LED on a small window; just look through the window and line up the red spot with your target. This works OK for bright objects like the Moon and planets but not so well for finding galaxies and deep space objects. Orion’s Observer 70 EQ is simply a very good entry level telescope for a student or family. The good quality 70mm optics produce an image that is significantly sharper and brighter than 60mm beginner scopes, and the package includes a solid mount, two good eyepieces, and fully illustrated instructions. --Jeff Phillips Pros: Reliable refractor design Good views of the Moon and planets Complete accessory package Starry Night software included Cons: Finder only works for bright objects This tried-and-true refractor goes the extra distance in introducing the novice to the wonders of the night sky. The Observer 70 features a 70mm fully anti-reflection coated achromatic objective lens, which provides 36% more light-gathering ability than a 60mm. Its 700mm focal length (f/10) will show you the stark beauty of the lunar surface, Saturn's rings, Jupiter's atmospheric belts, or the billowy clouds of the Orion Nebula. The included EQ-1 equatorial mount comes equipped with dual slow-motion controls for manual star tracking and adjustable aluminum tripod. Includes an EZ Finder II finder scope to help you zero in on your celestial targets, two eyepieces - 25mm (1.25") and 10mm (1.25") - and 90-deg star diagonal. One year limited warranty. Features
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Orion AstroView 100mm Equatorial Refractor Telescope
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DescriptionWithout a doubt this telescope is designed for someone serious about quality! With its 100mm (3.9") multi-coated objective lens and baffled optical tube, you get uncompromising bright, high-contrast images. Plus, its fast focal length of 600mm (f/6) means you can use this scope for both deep-sky and planet observing. The telescope package comes complete with our newly designed EQ equatorial mount with dual slow motion controls for manual sky tracking, and a polar scope for aligning the right ascension axis on the celestial pole. The adjustable aluminum tripod is braced with a high-wall tray to keep your accessories securely in their place. It can also easily mount to a standard camera tripod for terrestrial viewing. Includes a 2" rack and pinion focuser with 1.25" star diagonal, and two 1.25" Sirius Plossl eyepieces (25mm and 10mm). One-year limited warranty. Features
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Zhumell Tabletop 30mm Refractor Telescope
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DescriptionThe perfect gift for the astronomer at heart, the Tabletop 30 sits perfectly on any desk, standing about 12 inches tall. The Tabletop 30 is a fully functional telescope with a slide focus and harness tripod. The telescope can be used with or without the tripod and will help take advantage of a great office view while showing co-workers a love of astronomy. Also great for children, the Tabletop 30 is an essential part of any gift list. Features
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The 100 Best Astrophotography Targets: A Monthly Guide for CCD Imaging with Amateur Telescopes (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series)
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DescriptionAny amateur astronomer who is interested in astrophotography, particularly if just getting started, needs to know what objects are best for imaging in each month of the year. These are not necessarily the same objects that are the most spectacular or intriguing visually. The camera reveals different things and has different requirements. What objects in the sky tonight are large enough, bright enough, and high enough to be photographed? This book reveals, for each month of the year, the choicest celestial treasures within the reach of a commercial CCD camera. Helpful hints and advice on framing, exposures, and filters are included. Each deep sky object is explained in beautiful detail, so that observers will gain a richer understanding of these astronomical objects. This is not a book that dwells on the technology of CCD, Webcam, wet, or other types of astrophotography. Neither is it a book about in-depth computer processing of the images (although this topic is included). Detailed discussions of these topics can be found in other publications. This book focuses on what northern latitude objects to image at any given time of the year to get the most spectacular results. |
