Telescope Tripod Mount
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Philips SPC900NC PC Web Camera with VGA CCD Sensor and USB 2.0 Interface
List Price:  |
DescriptionWEBCAM CCD VGA FACE TRK MTN DET NAT MTN Features
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Telescopes for Sale for Budding Astronomers
Tips for Finding the Right Astronomy Telescope for You
Children and adults everywhere find the night sky fascinating and love to make wishes on the stars they see. As children get older, they begin to learn about what is in the night sky and many develop an interest in astronomy.
Astronomy is a word from the Greek language. Astro, the first part of the word, comes from the Greek word for the star shape and also refers to outer space. The last part of the word, onomy, is Greek for "the study of". So from the original Greek, astronomy means study of the star or outer space.
Novices and experienced astronomers need one main tool to learn about and enjoy the night sky: an astronomy telescope. There are many different kinds of astronomy telescopes. You need to choose carefully and consider some important aspects of the telescope, such as the size of the lens and the sturdiness of the telescope stand, when you are looking to buy your first telescope.
The Importance of the Lens Diameter
Certain aspects of your new astronomy telescope will either make it enjoyable or leave you frustrated. Lens diameter is one of these aspects. Forget about magnification; the size of the lens of the telescope is more important. The larger the lens diameter, the more light it lets into the telescope and that affects how well you can see the things you are trying to look at in the night sky. The brighter the light, the clearer the images will be.
Choosing a Good Astronomy Telescope Stand
You will want to give a lot of thought to the type of stand you mount your new telescope to so that you get the most efficient use out of your telescope. A good tripod stand is the way to go. You want to choose a stand that will keep the telescope still so you get the best views of the night sky. Any movement at all will make the images you see blurry and cause you frustration.
Where and How to Shop for an Astronomy Telescope
You need to find out what your options are and know what the different telescopes offer before choosing one. One of the easiest ways to gather information about telescopes is by looking online. You should try and find out what the features are that are offered on each kind of telescope, how much they cost and what reviewers think about the different brands of telescopes.
One way to choose a good astronomy telescope is to try some of your potential telescopes out. If there is an astronomy club in your local area, you might be able to join and meet people who share your hobby. Then, you can try a variety of different telescopes to see which ones work for you.
You can also get a lot of useful information to help you choose an astronomy telescope by talking to people who are in astronomy. Your friends and family members who have astronomy telescopes can tell you what they like and dislike about theirs. If you have friends or family involved in astronomy, you might ask them to let you know when they are replacing their telescopes so you can possibly buy their old one from them.
About the Author
Find out more about the best telescopes for saleat the TelescopesCafe
Would you recommend the SkyWatcher Skymax-127 Telescope?
I would be using it for viewing the planets and deep space.
Here are the specs:
Magnifications (with eyepieces supplied):x60 & x150
Highest Practical Power (Potential): x254
Diameter of Primary Mirror: 127mm
Telescope Focal Length: 1500mm (f/11.8)
Eyepieces Supplied (1.25"): 10mm & 25mm
6x30 Finderscope
90 Star Diagonal (1.25)
SysScan AZ GoTo Computerised Alt-Azimuth HD Go-To Mount
Stainless Steel Tripod with Accessory Tray
55% more Light gathering than 102mm
It costs £369
Not necessarily as a first scope though you could do alot worse.
The problems with Maksutov telescopes are, among other things a slow cool down time. While they are praised for their sharp planetary views (for their size, though still not as good as an apochromat refractor of the same size though Maks are a lot cheaper), you would have to let the scope sit outside for 1-2 hours before the optics cooled down to the ambient temperature before you were able to get the optimum view. And if you didn't choose a night with steady seeing (calm air, no turbulence) you might still be disappointed with the view --- though bad seeing will affect all telescopes.
Another issue, is the limited field of view even with the longest focal length eyepieces, due to the long focal length of the telescope itself. If you were trying to use low power to find an object the limited field of view would make it harder to find things, though if you have working GOTO that helps. It still won't frame well large extended objects like the Double Cluster or the Andromeda galaxy, though there are focal reducers (which are like a reverse Barlow lens) available.
You will also need to get a dew shield and/or dew heater for the front of the telescope. Otherwise your viewing session will be over almost as soon as it has begun. And DO NOT WIPE the lenses when they are covered in dew. Allow them to air-dry or use a hair dryer after you bring the scope back inside.
Again, this is a decent telescope, but not an ideal first telescope. And some folks are more enamored with the Maksutov design than others.
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 New Black 6 Reflector Telescope with Tripod w Mount  US $229.99
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 New Silver 90mm Refractor Telescope w Tripod EQ Mount US $274.99
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 New White 50mm Refractor Telescope with Tripod w Mount US $49.99
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 New White 16 40 x 80mm Telescope with Tripod w Mount US $109.99
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 New Silver 50mm Refractor Telescope with Tripod w Mount US $54.99
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 New Silver 16 40 x 80mm Telescope with Tripod w Mount US $109.99
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 New Silver 6 Telescope with Advanced Tripod EQ Mount US $252.99
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 New White 6 Reflector Telescope with Tripod w Mount US $229.99
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 NEW SILVER 6 REFLECTOR TELESCOPE W TRIPOD WITH MOUNT US $229.99
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 New Silver 6 Reflector Telescope with Tripod w Mount US $229.99
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 New Black 6 Reflector Telescope and Tripod w Mount US $252.99
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 New Black 90mm Refractor Telescope w Tripod and Mount US $249.99
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 Penncrest Vari Power Telescope 626 6220 60mm Coated Lenses Lens w Tripod Mount US $.99
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 NEW Powerful Telescope 60mm Astronomical Camera Scope Mount Stand With Tripod US $164.99
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Bosch BP350 Telescoping Pole with 1/4-Inch by 20-Inch laser Mount
List Price: |
DescriptionIncludes Telescoping Pole w/ 1/4-in x 20-in Laser Mount - BP350, Tool Mount, Mount Clamp Features
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Orion SpaceProbe 3 Altazimuth Reflector Telescope
Sale Price: $99.99 |
DescriptionIf you're looking for an affordable entry-level telescope for that beginning astronomy enthusiast, our SpaceProbe 3 Altaz is the perfect choice. Great for all-around stargazing, this highly portable, uncomplicated scope is just the right size and weight for the entire family, and just the right price for parents. This is a quality telescope, with a 3" (76mm) glass primary mirror mounted in a sturdy Neptune Blue Metallic aluminum tube. The rack-and-pinion focuser accepts standard 1.25" eyepieces. Two Explorer II eyepieces, a low-power 25mm (28x) and a high-power 10mm (70x), are included. An EZ Finder II finder scope mounted on the tube helps zero-in on the sky target. The altazimuth mount is lightweight and easy to use. To aim it, simply move it up or down or left or right. An adjustable, aluminum tripod with accessory tray is also included. One-year limited warranty. Orion's surprising little Spaceprobe 3 has been picked by independent reviewers as one of the best telescopes in its price class. Unlike similar telescopes seen in discount stores, Orion has refined the Spaceprobe 3 by paying attention to the little details, and that make this telescope a great value. The Spaceprobe 3 comes with an unusually complete set of accessories. The package includes two very good Explorer II eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), an adjustable altazimuth tripod, a good red-dot finder, a student edition of "The Sky" planetarium program, and a well written manual. The package even includes the tools you'll need to assemble the telescope and align the optics. The Spaceprobe 3 is a Newtonian reflector. That means it uses mirrors instead of lenses. Newtonians are primarily used for astronomy because the images are upside-down. Orion includes a collimation tool and good directions for aligning the mirrors. The reward for aligning the mirrors is seen in images that snap into sharp focus. My Spaceprobe 3 arrived properly aligned right out of the box. With its Explorer II eyepieces, this telescope consistently delivers fine views. Using the 25mm eyepiece (28x magnification) the Pleiades cluster is simply wonderful, showing dozens of stars. From a rural location with a dark sky, the Orion Nebula is a big ghostly glow, and when I zoom in with the 10mm eyepiece, the Trapezium resolves into four tiny pinpoints. The double star Gamma Andromeda becomes two beads of light, one gold, the other one pale blue. Moon and planet images are crisp, with none of the false color I see in low cost refractors. When I look at the Moon I see mountains and terraced walls inside the larger craters. With the 10mm eyepiece (about 70x), Saturn's rings are sharply separated from the planet, and I can even pick out the planet's shadow on the rings. The Altazimuth mount included with this telescope is light and easy to use; it may be the best choice for a young astronomer. If you want motorized tracking of the stars and planets, Orion's Spaceprobe 3 EQ is available with an equatorial mount, and Celestron sells essentially the same optical system with the computerized NexStar 76GT. -Jeff Phillips Pros: Best in class optical performance Two good Explorer II eyepieces Complete accessory package Cons: Small 76mm aperture Upside-down terrestrial images 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 Observer 70mm Altazimuth Refractor Telescope
Sale Price: $139.99 |
DescriptionOur Observer 70 is the perfect telescope for that budding astronomer in your family. This scope excels in both quality and performance. Its 70mm multi-coated achromatic objective lens - focal length 700mm focal length (f/10) - gathers 36% more light than a 60mm. And it's made of glass, not plastic, as you'd find in many department store models. The optical tube is supported on a sturdy aluminum tripod with accessory tray. This altazimuth model can also be used for terrestrial viewing. Standard accessories include a 10mm (70x) Explorer II eyepiece, a 25mm (28x) Explorer II eyepiece, 90-deg mirror star diagonal, and an EZ Finder II finder scope. One-year limited warranty. Features
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Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15x70 Binoculars with Tripod Adapter
List Price: |
DescriptionCelestron and ;s SkyMaster Series of large aperture binoculars are a phenomenal value for high performance binoculars ideal for astronomical viewing or for terrestrial (land) use - especially over long distances. Each SkyMaster model features high quality BAK-4 prisms and multi-coated optics for enhanced contrast. Celestron has designed and engineered the larger SkyMaster models to meet the special demands of extended astronomical or terrestrial viewing sessions. The 15x70 version is one of the most popular models in the series. It offers serious large aperture light gathering in an affordable and reasonably lightweight configuration. Binoculars come in a wide range of shapes and sizes these days, and an even wider range of prices. It's easy to spend less than $100 or more than $500 for what may appear to be, at least outwardly, comparable models. While they may look the same, they are probably quite different on the inside. Recently, the binocular market has seen a flood of giant binoculars at prices that were unheard of just a few years ago. In general, giant binoculars are defined as those that magnify the view 10 times or more and have 70-mm or larger front (objective) lenses. It used to be that the least expensive giant binoculars cost in excess of $150, even $200. All that changed not long ago, when the bottom fell out of the price cellar. Now, several companies import giant binoculars that sell for half that, or less. Celestron's 15x70 SkyMaster binoculars are one of the leaders in the low-price giant binocular arena. They certainly sound good on paper. The SkyMasters include multicoated optics and BaK-4 internal prisms, two features that promise brighter, better images, and key points to look for when judging a pair of binoculars. They also come with an adapter for attaching them to a photo tripod, which is a must to use them to their fullest, and a soft carrying case. But just because they are cheap doesn't always mean they are worth the price. Would it be better to save up for a more expensive pair? To find the answer, I had an opportunity recently to judge the SkyMasters against a pair of Fujinon 16x70 FMT-SX binoculars , one of the finest pairs of giant binoculars sold today. Like the SkyMasters, the Fujinons feature BaK-4 prisms, but also have fully multicoated optics. As a general rule, superior coatings mean superior image sharpness and contrast. But then, that should be expected, given that the Fujinons cost many times more than the Celestrons. While the Fujinons were clearly the better performer, the Celestron SkyMasters held up admirably. Image brightness, quality, and contrast were all remarkable considering their bargain price. Although images were a little soft across the outer 25% of the Celestron's field, the overall view was impressive nonetheless. Some inexpensive binoculars have very sloppy focusing, causing the eyepieces to tilt and shift. Not so with the SkyMasters. I found that their center-focusing mechanism worked smoothly, with no apparently backlash or wobble. Eye relief (the distance you hold your eyes away from the eyepieces to see the full field) is stated to be 18 mm, a good distance for higher power binoculars and an important consideration if you must wear glasses when viewing. The SkyMasters are also light enough to support by hand for short periods of time, although buyers would be well advised to mount them on a sturdy photo tripod. The bottom line is, if you are considering a pair of giant binoculars, whether for bird watching, stargazing, or another recreational use, and have a limited budget, Celestron's giant 15x70 SkyMasters represent an excellent value. --Phil Harrington, author of Star Ware and Star Watch Pros: Exceptional value for the price Light enough to support by hand BaK-4 prisms Multicoated optics Cons: Outer 25% of the field is soft and a little blurry Requires a tripod to use for extended periods Features
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Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Wide Angle Binoculars (Black)
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DescriptionHandy fold-down eyecups prevent prescription glasses and sunglasses from scratching. Bushnell is the leading brand in high-performance binoculars, and the Falcon series offers powerful magnification at an economical price. Versatile, and ideal for stadium sports, bird-watching, hunting, and many other outdoor applications, the 10x50 model boasts a durable design and rubberized, abrasion-resistant finish. An InstaFocus lever provides smooth feedback, with just enough tension to fine-tune magnification, while a Porro prism and coated lenses provide sharp viewing. For those who wear eyeglasses, or sunglasses on bright days, clever fold-down eyecups protect your lenses from scratching. Specifications 10X magnification 50-millimeter lens diameter Auto focusing Porro prism 25-foot close focusing distance 27-ounce weight Nine-millimeter eye relief Five-millimeter exit pupil 300-foot field of view at 1,000 yards About Bushnell Bushnell has been the industry leader in high-performance sports optics for over 50 years. Its guiding principle is to provide high quality, reliable, and affordable sports optics products for a wide variety of applications. Bushnell products have consistently won design and performance awards from prestigious organizations, and the company's product lines enhance the enjoyment of outdoor pursuits such as spectator sports, nature study, hunting, fishing, birding, and stargazing. The company often incorporates emerging technologies that combine leading edge design with performance innovation, which has made it one of the most recognized and reputable sports optics brands in the world. Great for stadium sports as well as hunting, the Bushnell Falcon is the standard in a wide-angle binocular. The durable design and finish allow for use in harsh conditions and rugged terrain. Coated lenses are helpful to keep fog out of vision and fold-down eyecups protect eyeglass lenses from scratching. The InstaFocus lever functions smoothly with just enough tension to control the magnification properly. The Bushnell® Falcon™ Series binoculars are designed to be tough and dependable with fully-coated optics and rubber-armored housings. Features
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Meade 81011 Travel View 20 - 60x60MM Zoom Spotting Scope
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DescriptionTop - quality Meade 20 - 60x60 mm Spotting Scope Package puts you up close and personal. Open up a whole new visionary world with this top-drawer Meade 20-60x60 mm Spotting Package! Includes the easy-focus zoom Spotter, full height expandable Tripod (15-34" h.), soft Carry Bag and hardside Aluminum Case with eggshell internal padding. All the brightness, clarity, power, support and protection you need to closely inspect wildlife, birds, even craters on the Moon! Makes zeroing in a rifle scope a snap! Fully coated, precision-ground lenses and Bk-7 prisms provide top optical performance; Polycarbonate construction reduces overall weight and makes the Scope tough as nails; Rubber armor covering protects against damage from minor bumps and regular use; Nitrogen purged to be 100% waterproof and fogproof; F.O.V. @ 1,000 yds. is 115' at 20X, 52' at 60X; 13 mm eye relief. Scope is 13" l., weighs 6 lbs., 5 1/2 ozs. Package is 23 1/2 ozs. ; Order Now! Meade Spotting Package, Black Features
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Philips SPC900NC PC Web Camera with VGA CCD Sensor and USB 2.0 Interface
List Price: |
DescriptionWEBCAM CCD VGA FACE TRK MTN DET NAT MTN Features
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XSP1: Pocket Xshot Extendable Hand Held Monopod
Sale Price: $18.95 |
Description# Quick knob for fast and secure mounting Features
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Celestron 21024 FirstScope Telescope
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DescriptionIn 1609, world-renowned Italian scientist, Galileo Galilei, introduced an elementary telescope to the growing astronomy community, which sparked interest into the mysterious night sky for centuries to come. Four centuries later, in celebration of the International Year of Astronomy 2009, Celestron offers the portable FirstScope Telescope. The FirstScope pays tribute to Galileo Galilei and many of history's most notable astronomers and scientists by displaying their names around the optical tube. Honoring the contributions of these men and women, who brought us one step closer to understanding the universe around us. The FirstScope is a wonderful keepsake for anyone interested in astronomy. This quality Dobsonian style telescope features a 76mm aperture reflector optical tube. FirstScope is an ideal entry-level astronomical telescope. It is very easy to observe with; you simply navigate the night sky by moving the tube in the direction of the desired object, making the viewing experience a snap! The compact design makes it easy enough to take with you on your next outdoor adventure. FirstScope is also stylish enough to be a decorative fixture on your bookshelf or desk. Features
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