I believe these are regarded as a best buy in that particular price range,most
owners report that they are very happy with them.
   A couple of astro dealers in my area have started stocking them due to
demand,are their better binos?, yes but for more money,I do not own these but
would not hesitate to buy them if in the market for a 10x50 model, good luck
with your choice Frank, cheers Dave.

--- In binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com, "Frank Loflin" <starbourne@...>
wrote:
>
> I thoroughly enjoy this egroup. You guys really do a great job answering
questions. I frequently get many of my questions answered before they are asked.
>
> I am contemplating the purchase of some Nikon 10 x 50 Action Extreme
binoculars for astronomy. Do any of you have any experience with these, good or
bad? If so, might I trouble you for your opinion?
>
> Thank you very much and keep up the good work.
>
> Frank Loflin
> StarBourne Observatory
> Brookhaven Mississippi USA
>
> 31° 30' 50" N
> 90° 36' 32" W
>
> StarBourne@... or
> StarBourne@...
>

Hi Frank,

In my opinion, these are excellent binoculars for the price and actually
outperform some more expensive ones I own.  I have owned a pair for about a year
now and I take them everywhere I don't want to take my others (WO 7x50s,
Celestron Regal LX 10 x 42s, Canon 15x50IS, Zhummel Tachyon 25x100, Oberwerk
Ultras 10.5x70 and 15x70).  As you can see I have tried a lot and kept a few. 
You name it and I have bought and tried it (Fujinons, Pentaxes, Vixens, Meades,
etc.).  For the money you won't go wrong with the Nikon Action Extremes.  They
are sharp almost to the edge, nicely coated throughout and have a relatively
flat field.

The only caution I would give is not to expect to see well defined faint fuzzies
in an urban environment especially with 50mm objectives, although if you get out
in the country to Mag 6 skies and up and you may do better.  This is where I
mount my Zhummel Tachyons on a parallelogram mount.  The 25x100s are great on
the faint stuff and relatively cheap although I will caution here as well--you
may have to go through a few pair to get a set with perfect collimation.

I also bought the Nikon 7x35 Ultra Wide Action Extremes for milky way sky
scanning and love them as well.

Good luck.

Cheers,

Tom


--- In binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com, "Frank Loflin" <starbourne@...>
wrote:
>
> I thoroughly enjoy this egroup. You guys really do a great job answering
questions. I frequently get many of my questions answered before they are asked.
>
> I am contemplating the purchase of some Nikon 10 x 50 Action Extreme
binoculars for astronomy. Do any of you have any experience with these, good or
bad? If so, might I trouble you for your opinion?
>
> Thank you very much and keep up the good work.
>
> Frank Loflin
> StarBourne Observatory
> Brookhaven Mississippi USA
>
> 31° 30' 50" N
> 90° 36' 32" W
>
> StarBourne@... or
> StarBourne@...
>

Here, Frank:

http://www.cloudynights.com/documents/nikon.pdf

CS,
Pete

--- In binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com, "Frank Loflin" <starbourne@...>
wrote:
>
> I thoroughly enjoy this egroup. You guys really do a great job answering
questions. I frequently get many of my questions answered before they are asked.
>
> I am contemplating the purchase of some Nikon 10 x 50 Action Extreme
binoculars for astronomy. Do any of you have any experience with these, good or
bad? If so, might I trouble you for your opinion?
>
> Thank you very much and keep up the good work.
>
> Frank Loflin
> StarBourne Observatory
> Brookhaven Mississippi USA
>
> 31° 30' 50" N
> 90° 36' 32" W
>
> StarBourne@... or
> StarBourne@...
>

The Montana 7x42 Binoculars arrived. I measured about 58mm minimum IPD. This
seems confirmed by them not being suitable for my IPD (56mm). I have the RMA
Number and they are going back to Meade tomorrow. They are very interesting
binoculars. Huge eye lens, pop up eye cups, kool looking, very nice diopter
click control behind the center focus knob. Good close focus. However, I would
return them anyway because they are grossly over weight, IMO.
CS,
Pete

--- In binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com, "oak_conkers" <oak_conkers@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi Pete, I sent the reply at the weekend, I use Yahoo and have had some
strange things happening also, checked again the IPD and on my pair they are
around 59-60mm not 62 as I stated earlier,sorry for the bad info, all you can do
is try them when they arrive, good luck, Dave.
>
> --- In binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com, "Pete" <pfghwest@> wrote:
> >
> > Dave, How did I miss it ! I checked Yahoo Mail this monring..Nothing, then
checked just now (2124 Hrs. California Standard Time..11/03)..and there was your
very detailed email about the IPD of Meade Montana 7x42 Binocular. I do not
recall a binocular with a minimum as large as 62mm. Amazing. Mine will be here
soon, but It looks like they may be returned if your measure is anywhere near
the 62mm minimum, or if Cathy's is what she measured. Worth the gamble for a
very interesting binocular.
> > Thank you very much, Dave !
> > CS,
> > Pete
> >
> > --- In binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com, "oak_conkers" <oak_conkers@>
wrote:
> > >
> > > Pete, did you e-mail me about the IPD? I did send a reply, did you get
it?, if I remember correctly min= 62mm, max=75m, cheers Dave.
> > >
> > > --- In binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com, "Pete" <pfghwest@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I ordered them yesterday. Thirty day return privilege, so I can send
them back if the IPD is not suitable. Out just the return shipping.
> > > > Could not find out the IPD range from the web site or talking to the
Meade Technician. Not on their Computers.
> > > > So, we will let the fourm know when we have them to measure. Nikon seem
to have a minimum of 56mm as does Swift, as I recall.
> > > > Clear Skies,
> > > > Pete
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Hello Frank,



I own a pair of Nikon 10x50 Action Extremes. I highly recommend them for
binocular astronomy, with a few comments:



The field of view is wide, at 6.5 degrees, with an apparent FOV of 65
degrees. I like this a lot, but there is a lot of field curvature in this
wide field optical design that causes stars near the edge of the FOV to be
out of focus. This is true in all binoculars, to some degree, but it is
pretty significant in this model.  This may bother some people, but it
doesn't bother me much because I usually use the binoculars hand-held,
looking at the center of the FOV. I love the wide field of view, hand-held.
And, image sharpness at the center of the field in this model is
exceptionally sharp.



The eye relief isn't bad, but it isn't the greatest either. With my deep-set
eyes, I am not able to see the entire wide FOV with my glasses on with the
eyecups all the way in, although I can easily, comfortably see the entire
field without glasses with the eyecups one click out. I only have mild
astigmatism, so I can tolerate using the binoculars without glasses. Of
course, you can use them with glasses whether or not you can see the entire
FOV.



For general astronomical use, binoculars, ideally, should be "fully
multicoated". Nikon 10x50 Action Extremes are not. They may have been in the
past, but current samples are not. Several optical surfaces have very good
multi-layer coatings, but looking at reflections viewing the objectives, I
am sure their porro prisms are only single layer MgF coated and possible a
few other optical surfaces as well. From reading posts on Cloudy Nights,
particularly from EdZ, my understanding is that "multicoated" vs
"fully-multicoated" specs doesn't affect magnitudes limits of faint objects
very much. To me, it obviously does affect the quality of viewing the moon
in bright phases, where there are pretty bad stray reflections. I only take
quick peeks at the moon once in a while, so this isn't an issue with me.



Chromatic aberration issues are as good as can be expected with this kind of
binocular. It is only apparent on the moon and very bright planets or stars,
and isn't important to me. I find it quite a bit better than with some other
binoculars I have tried.



Competing binoculars, for me in this price range, are probably the Pentax
PCF II 10x50. I compared a  Pentax PCF WPII 10x50 and my Nikon 10x50 AE side
by side recently, on the night sky, and I preferred the Nikon AE 10x50, even
though the Pentax PCF II was fully multicoated. Stars are much sharper in
the Pentax near the edge of the FOV, although the FOV is much less than the
Nikons, but I didn't like the reduced FOV. Stars in the Nikons had less
flare and spikes than with the Pentax.  Stars in the Nikon were sharper than
in the Pentax in the center of the FOV. But, one thing really liked about
the Pentax PCF WPII was the focus lock. In general, I found the mechanical
build of both of these binoculars to be comparable.



As far has how they compare in limiting magnitude, looking at M1, hand-held,
a difficult object in my moderately light-polluted skies in suburban Tucson
for 10x50s, M1 looked equally bright in both binoculars. A better test might
be to count the stars in the beehive cluster, M44, when the binoculars are
mounted on a tripod. This was done in Cloudy Nights in a review by EdZ, and
the Pentax won out by a few stars. My guess is that the better central
sharpness of the Nikon AE compared with the Pentax PCF II might compensate
for the fact that it wasn't fully multicoated.and might be close if I tried
it. But that is speculation.



Kevin







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

More,

http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1770

http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1771

CS,

Pete
Santa Maria, California

--- In binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com, "J. Kevin Erwin" <jk.erwin@...>
wrote:
>
> Hello Frank,
>
>
>
> I own a pair of Nikon 10x50 Action Extremes. I highly recommend them for
> binocular astronomy, with a few comments:
>
>
>
> The field of view is wide, at 6.5 degrees, with an apparent FOV of 65
> degrees. I like this a lot, but there is a lot of field curvature in this
> wide field optical design that causes stars near the edge of the FOV to be
> out of focus. This is true in all binoculars, to some degree, but it is
> pretty significant in this model.  This may bother some people, but it
> doesn't bother me much because I usually use the binoculars hand-held,
> looking at the center of the FOV. I love the wide field of view, hand-held.
> And, image sharpness at the center of the field in this model is
> exceptionally sharp.
>
>
>
> The eye relief isn't bad, but it isn't the greatest either. With my deep-set
> eyes, I am not able to see the entire wide FOV with my glasses on with the
> eyecups all the way in, although I can easily, comfortably see the entire
> field without glasses with the eyecups one click out. I only have mild
> astigmatism, so I can tolerate using the binoculars without glasses. Of
> course, you can use them with glasses whether or not you can see the entire
> FOV.
>
>
>
> For general astronomical use, binoculars, ideally, should be "fully
> multicoated". Nikon 10x50 Action Extremes are not. They may have been in the
> past, but current samples are not. Several optical surfaces have very good
> multi-layer coatings, but looking at reflections viewing the objectives, I
> am sure their porro prisms are only single layer MgF coated and possible a
> few other optical surfaces as well. From reading posts on Cloudy Nights,
> particularly from EdZ, my understanding is that "multicoated" vs
> "fully-multicoated" specs doesn't affect magnitudes limits of faint objects
> very much. To me, it obviously does affect the quality of viewing the moon
> in bright phases, where there are pretty bad stray reflections. I only take
> quick peeks at the moon once in a while, so this isn't an issue with me.
>
>
>
> Chromatic aberration issues are as good as can be expected with this kind of
> binocular. It is only apparent on the moon and very bright planets or stars,
> and isn't important to me. I find it quite a bit better than with some other
> binoculars I have tried.
>
>
>
> Competing binoculars, for me in this price range, are probably the Pentax
> PCF II 10x50. I compared a  Pentax PCF WPII 10x50 and my Nikon 10x50 AE side
> by side recently, on the night sky, and I preferred the Nikon AE 10x50, even
> though the Pentax PCF II was fully multicoated. Stars are much sharper in
> the Pentax near the edge of the FOV, although the FOV is much less than the
> Nikons, but I didn't like the reduced FOV. Stars in the Nikons had less
> flare and spikes than with the Pentax.  Stars in the Nikon were sharper than
> in the Pentax in the center of the FOV. But, one thing really liked about
> the Pentax PCF WPII was the focus lock. In general, I found the mechanical
> build of both of these binoculars to be comparable.
>
>
>
> As far has how they compare in limiting magnitude, looking at M1, hand-held,
> a difficult object in my moderately light-polluted skies in suburban Tucson
> for 10x50s, M1 looked equally bright in both binoculars. A better test might
> be to count the stars in the beehive cluster, M44, when the binoculars are
> mounted on a tripod. This was done in Cloudy Nights in a review by EdZ, and
> the Pentax won out by a few stars. My guess is that the better central
> sharpness of the Nikon AE compared with the Pentax PCF II might compensate
> for the fact that it wasn't fully multicoated.and might be close if I tried
> it. But that is speculation.
>
>
>
> Kevin
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Gentlemen,
Many thanks to all of you and your excellent and extremely informative
responses. After reading all submissions, following links and, yes, even doing
some research on my own, I have decided that Nikon 10 x 50 Action Extreme
binoculars are definitely in my future. I greatly appreciate everyone's help.

Clear skies and thanks again,

Frank Loflin
StarBourne Observatory
Brookhaven Mississippi USA

31° 30' 50" N
90° 36' 32" W

StarBourne@... or
StarBourne@...



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Frank,
Be aware that these are very thorough reports by a highly regarded expert. That
said, you may find a negative not be an issue with you. An example, I bought
Nikon Extreme Action 8x40 for my daughter. As very nice as they are, I found the
hard pop-up eye cups uncomfortable against my eyebrows. Inturn, you will find
some positives not to your liking. Each of us has favorites. These reports will
guide in the right direction and eliminate many frustrating purchases.
Enjoy the search !
CS,
Pete

--- In binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com, "Frank Loflin" <starbourne@...>
wrote:
>
> Gentlemen,
> Many thanks to all of you and your excellent and extremely informative
responses. After reading all submissions, following links and, yes, even doing
some research on my own, I have decided that Nikon 10 x 50 Action Extreme
binoculars are definitely in my future. I greatly appreciate everyone's help.
>
> Clear skies and thanks again,
>
> Frank Loflin
> StarBourne Observatory
> Brookhaven Mississippi USA
>
> 31° 30' 50" N
> 90° 36' 32" W
>
> StarBourne@... or
> StarBourne@...
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Has anyone used the Hutech 22x80 binos with built in light pollution rejection
filters? These are on the Borg site.

These appear similar to many others in their general price range.  I cannot
comment on them specifically because I have neither observed with them or
remember any specific reviews with them.

I will say that while the built in light pollution filters seem like a good
idea, especially as the user has the option to use them or not, many have found
that using one filter on one objective is often better than filtering two
objectives.  As the eyes fuse the images the "one filtered" objective technique
will merge a better nebula image with a better natural star color and background
color image (with typically deeper, fainter stars) into one image.  When I had a
pair of Miyauchi 20x77 I used an adapter ring screwed into the threaded
objective end of one barrel which allowed use of my 72 mm Deep Sky Filter.  It
worked very well.

Barry Simon

--- In binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com, "rouse8849" <rouse8849@...> wrote:
>
> Has anyone used the Hutech 22x80 binos with built in light pollution rejection
filters? These are on the Borg site.
>

Wow Barry,
A 77mm filter?  I have found that just hand holding a regular 1.25" ep filter in
front of one eye works pretty well depending on the target.  Of course, having
something that you can screw on and not have to hold is a better way of doing
it.
Clear skies,
Eugene

--- In binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com, bsimon615@... wrote:
>
> These appear similar to many others in their general price range.  I cannot
comment on them specifically because I have neither observed with them or
remember any specific reviews with them.
>
> I will say that while the built in light pollution filters seem like a good
idea, especially as the user has the option to use them or not, many have found
that using one filter on one objective is often better than filtering two
objectives.  As the eyes fuse the images the "one filtered" objective technique
will merge a better nebula image with a better natural star color and background
color image (with typically deeper, fainter stars) into one image.  When I had a
pair of Miyauchi 20x77 I used an adapter ring screwed into the threaded
objective end of one barrel which allowed use of my 72 mm Deep Sky Filter.  It
worked very well.
>
> Barry Simon
>
> --- In binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com, "rouse8849" <rouse8849@> wrote:
> >
> > Has anyone used the Hutech 22x80 binos with built in light pollution
rejection filters? These are on the Borg site.
> >
>

Also consider the Bushnell Legend 10x50?

I have created a database/table for easy comparison of the Nikon AE and
Bushnell Legend:

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/binocularastronomy/database

Members can edit or add other models to the databases.

You could order both models and send back the one you don't like.

Cathy

Frank Loflin wrote:
> Gentlemen,
> Many thanks to all of you and your excellent and extremely informative
responses. After reading all submissions, following links and, yes, even doing
some research on my own, I have decided that Nikon 10 x 50 Action Extreme
binoculars are definitely in my future. I greatly appreciate everyone's help.
>
> Clear skies and thanks again,
>
> Frank Loflin
> StarBourne Observatory
> Brookhaven Mississippi USA
>
> 31° 30' 50" N
> 90° 36' 32" W
>
> StarBourne@... or
> StarBourne@...
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
> __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature
database 4577 (20091105) __________
>
> The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
>
> http://www.eset.com
>
>
>
>
>

Hello everyone,

this is my first post. I come from Seville, in Spain, and my English is not
good...

I spent last weekend with family in a rural cottage in Sierra de Aracena
(South of Spain). I took a pair of Fujinon 16x70 and the book "Binocular
Astronomy" by Gary Seronik. It was raining on Friday, buy I could observe on
Saturday, between 20:00 and the Moon rise. I didn't take any notes but I
remember I could see everything in September to November pages, except two
objects...

First, I observed open clusters *NGC 7243* and *NGC 7209 in Lacerta. It was
more difficult for me to recognize the constellation than to find the
clusters, because I had never done it before. The first one seemed to be
broken in two, I'm not sure. I could see the second one more easily.*

In Cepheus, the open cluster *NGC 6939 *and the galaxy *NGC 6946*. I don't
remember nothing particularly interesting (I'll take notes next time...)

Also in Cepheus, the variable stars *mu Cep* (Garnet Star) and *delta Cep*.
I had never paid attention to variables, but spent some time comparing
magnitudes with the comparison stars in the book. Mu Cep is far from its
minimum so it was easy to identify. I suppose estimating magnitudes is a
question of practice, but I could hardly distinguish the 4.3 mag star from
the 4.7...

In Cassiopeia, the open clusters *M52*, *NGC 7789*, *NGC 457* (the E.T.
Cluster), *M103* y *NGC 663. I could easily see, in the E.T. Cluster,  the
eyes, the little body and even the finger... Cassiopeia is wonderful through
binoculars.*

**The galaxies *M31*, *M32 *and *M110 *in Andromeda. I think I had never
paid attention to M32 (M31 is so wonderful...) It looks quite stellar
through binoculars

Also in Andromeda, the open cluster *NGC 752 *and the double star *56 And*.

The carbon star *TX Psc*. It was interesting to recognize the Circlet,
impossible to see from my home with unaided eye.

Globular clusters *M15 *and *M2*.

The first object I could not find was *NGC 7293*, th Helix Nebula. I spent
quite a lot of time but there were some light pollution from Cortegana, a
small village 5 Km to the SSW.

The other object I could not see was the globular cluster *NGC 288*, in
Sculptor. I could see, in the same field of view the galaxy *NGC 253*, very
elongated but some high clouds came and didn't let me see the globular
cluster.

Besides these objects I showed the next ones to the landlord and his child,
who came to solve a little problem with the boiler: *Jupiter* with Calixto
and Ganimedes at one side and Io at the other, M31, the *Pleiades*, the *Double
Cluster in Perseus*, M15, *M27* (at first I showed them *M71* by mistake). I
wanted to show them a little bit of everything... What they liked most was
Jupiter (curious) and, of course, the laser...


Regards,
Salva Segura.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Salva, welcome to the group, no problems with your English, your post was most
interesting and informative, It just shows what can be done with a binocular and
interest in the night sky, cheers , Dave in Canada.

--- In binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com, Salva Segura <salvasegura@...> wrote:
>
> Hello everyone,
>
> this is my first post. I come from Seville, in Spain, and my English is not
> good...
>
> I spent last weekend with family in a rural cottage in Sierra de Aracena
> (South of Spain). I took a pair of Fujinon 16x70 and the book "Binocular
> Astronomy" by Gary Seronik. It was raining on Friday, buy I could observe on
> Saturday, between 20:00 and the Moon rise. I didn't take any notes but I
> remember I could see everything in September to November pages, except two
> objects...
>
> First, I observed open clusters *NGC 7243* and *NGC 7209 in Lacerta. It was
> more difficult for me to recognize the constellation than to find the
> clusters, because I had never done it before. The first one seemed to be
> broken in two, I'm not sure. I could see the second one more easily.*
>
> In Cepheus, the open cluster *NGC 6939 *and the galaxy *NGC 6946*. I don't
> remember nothing particularly interesting (I'll take notes next time...)
>
> Also in Cepheus, the variable stars *mu Cep* (Garnet Star) and *delta Cep*.
> I had never paid attention to variables, but spent some time comparing
> magnitudes with the comparison stars in the book. Mu Cep is far from its
> minimum so it was easy to identify. I suppose estimating magnitudes is a
> question of practice, but I could hardly distinguish the 4.3 mag star from
> the 4.7...
>
> In Cassiopeia, the open clusters *M52*, *NGC 7789*, *NGC 457* (the E.T.
> Cluster), *M103* y *NGC 663. I could easily see, in the E.T. Cluster,  the
> eyes, the little body and even the finger... Cassiopeia is wonderful through
> binoculars.*
>
> **The galaxies *M31*, *M32 *and *M110 *in Andromeda. I think I had never
> paid attention to M32 (M31 is so wonderful...) It looks quite stellar
> through binoculars
>
> Also in Andromeda, the open cluster *NGC 752 *and the double star *56 And*.
>
> The carbon star *TX Psc*. It was interesting to recognize the Circlet,
> impossible to see from my home with unaided eye.
>
> Globular clusters *M15 *and *M2*.
>
> The first object I could not find was *NGC 7293*, th Helix Nebula. I spent
> quite a lot of time but there were some light pollution from Cortegana, a
> small village 5 Km to the SSW.
>
> The other object I could not see was the globular cluster *NGC 288*, in
> Sculptor. I could see, in the same field of view the galaxy *NGC 253*, very
> elongated but some high clouds came and didn't let me see the globular
> cluster.
>
> Besides these objects I showed the next ones to the landlord and his child,
> who came to solve a little problem with the boiler: *Jupiter* with Calixto
> and Ganimedes at one side and Io at the other, M31, the *Pleiades*, the
*Double
> Cluster in Perseus*, M15, *M27* (at first I showed them *M71* by mistake). I
> wanted to show them a little bit of everything... What they liked most was
> Jupiter (curious) and, of course, the laser...
>
>
> Regards,
> Salva Segura.
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

again, welcome to Binocular Astronomy,

sounds like you had a good night with good equipment
I hope that you continue to report your observations.


edj



--- In binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com, "oak_conkers" <oak_conkers@...>
wrote:
>
> Salva, welcome to the group, no problems with your English, your post was most
interesting and informative, It just shows what can be done with a binocular and
interest in the night sky, cheers , Dave in Canada.
>
> --- In binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com, Salva Segura <salvasegura@> wrote:
> >
> > Hello everyone,
> >
> > this is my first post. I come from Seville, in Spain, and my English is not
> > good...
> >
> > I spent last weekend with family in a rural cottage in Sierra de Aracena
> > (South of Spain). I took a pair of Fujinon 16x70 and the book "Binocular
> > Astronomy" by Gary Seronik. It was raining on Friday, buy I could observe on
> > Saturday, between 20:00 and the Moon rise. I didn't take any notes but I
> > remember I could see everything in September to November pages, except two
> > objects...
> >
> > First, I observed open clusters *NGC 7243* and *NGC 7209 in Lacerta. It was
> > more difficult for me to recognize the constellation than to find the
> > clusters, because I had never done it before. The first one seemed to be
> > broken in two, I'm not sure. I could see the second one more easily.*
> >
> > In Cepheus, the open cluster *NGC 6939 *and the galaxy *NGC 6946*. I don't
> > remember nothing particularly interesting (I'll take notes next time...)
> >
> > Also in Cepheus, the variable stars *mu Cep* (Garnet Star) and *delta Cep*.
> > I had never paid attention to variables, but spent some time comparing
> > magnitudes with the comparison stars in the book. Mu Cep is far from its
> > minimum so it was easy to identify. I suppose estimating magnitudes is a
> > question of practice, but I could hardly distinguish the 4.3 mag star from
> > the 4.7...
> >
> > In Cassiopeia, the open clusters *M52*, *NGC 7789*, *NGC 457* (the E.T.
> > Cluster), *M103* y *NGC 663. I could easily see, in the E.T. Cluster,  the
> > eyes, the little body and even the finger... Cassiopeia is wonderful through
> > binoculars.*
> >
> > **The galaxies *M31*, *M32 *and *M110 *in Andromeda. I think I had never
> > paid attention to M32 (M31 is so wonderful...) It looks quite stellar
> > through binoculars
> >
> > Also in Andromeda, the open cluster *NGC 752 *and the double star *56 And*.
> >
> > The carbon star *TX Psc*. It was interesting to recognize the Circlet,
> > impossible to see from my home with unaided eye.
> >
> > Globular clusters *M15 *and *M2*.
> >
> > The first object I could not find was *NGC 7293*, th Helix Nebula. I spent
> > quite a lot of time but there were some light pollution from Cortegana, a
> > small village 5 Km to the SSW.
> >
> > The other object I could not see was the globular cluster *NGC 288*, in
> > Sculptor. I could see, in the same field of view the galaxy *NGC 253*, very
> > elongated but some high clouds came and didn't let me see the globular
> > cluster.
> >
> > Besides these objects I showed the next ones to the landlord and his child,
> > who came to solve a little problem with the boiler: *Jupiter* with Calixto
> > and Ganimedes at one side and Io at the other, M31, the *Pleiades*, the
*Double
> > Cluster in Perseus*, M15, *M27* (at first I showed them *M71* by mistake). I
> > wanted to show them a little bit of everything... What they liked most was
> > Jupiter (curious) and, of course, the laser...
> >
> >
> > Regards,
> > Salva Segura.
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/space/11/16/nasa.leonid.meteors/index.html?eref=igo\
ogle_cnn

Thanks.
Yes I will be on watch for them. They will peak around 2:30 am local time here
tonight.
A few posts ago there was an excellent account of an observing session by a
newcomer. from South of Spain. Great! Keep them coming. English was flawless
too.

AliLahore Pakistan

--- On Mon, 16/11/09, Cathy DeViney <cathy@...> wrote:

From: Cathy DeViney <cathy@...>
Subject: [Binocular Astronomy] Leonid meteor shower to peak Tuesday
To: "binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com" <binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com>
Date: Monday, 16 November, 2009, 23:43
















 









       http://www.cnn. com/2009/ TECH/space/ 11/16/nasa. leonid.meteors/
index.html? eref=igoogle_ cnn






























[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Anyone here into binocular observation of faint meteors?

Raymund

I thought about it for this week.. but clouds killed the idea....... Lounge
chair was out and ready... for me.. Id have to drag out the sleeping bag too! a
little cool here.


Did witness a meteor coming across on Monday (Nice orange red fireball)....
Nothing like Utah sky show this week.


Phil
Lat: 40.8367633
Long: -74.1768412








________________________________
From: rj_y_ang <no_reply@yahoogroups.com>
To: binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Fri, November 20, 2009 8:23:05 PM
Subject: [Binocular Astronomy] Binocular Meteor Observing


Anyone here into binocular observation of faint meteors?

Raymund







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Raymund,
I find that whenever I am out bino observing the stars for any length of time,
seeing a meteor shoot by in the field of view is almost a guarantee (Same goes
for orbiting satellites). But just sitting back and looking at the sky without
the aid of binoculars, the shooting stars come and go so fast that it is very
hard (for me at least) to see one, bring the binos up to my eyes and see
anything but the location of where it was.  I guess, from time to time, the
meteor will be large enough so that it's trail is visible for a second or two,
but for the most part they are just too fast.
Clear skies,
Eugene

--- In binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com, rj_y_ang <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> Anyone here into binocular observation of faint meteors?
>
> Raymund
>

Hey Eugene,

While it is not my cup of tea, there is a group of folks who actually observe
meteors with binoculars and telescopically! as well:

http://www.meteorobs.org/telescopic.html

I often see and enjoy the stray meteor or satellite in my view when I am viewing
w/ binoculars or telescope.  Even when looking for a faint fuzzy, I can't stop
myself from tracking the stray, and I invariably add quite a few minutes to my
search.

Rick

--- In binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com, "Eugene" <ecart@...> wrote:
>
> Raymund,
> I find that whenever I am out bino observing the stars for any length of time,
seeing a meteor shoot by in the field of view is almost a guarantee (Same goes
for orbiting satellites). But just sitting back and looking at the sky without
the aid of binoculars, the shooting stars come and go so fast that it is very
hard (for me at least) to see one, bring the binos up to my eyes and see
anything but the location of where it was.  I guess, from time to time, the
meteor will be large enough so that it's trail is visible for a second or two,
but for the most part they are just too fast.
> Clear skies,
> Eugene
>
> --- In binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com, rj_y_ang <no_reply@> wrote:
> >
> > Anyone here into binocular observation of faint meteors?
> >
> > Raymund
> >
>

I see M45, M42, Beehive and tiupple star in leo's head almost every other
night.


Ali


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Just got a pair of the 20x90's and they are superb.  Have them mounted on the
Universal Astronomics Unimount Light Deluxe.  Star images are extremely sharp
(almost to edge of field of view), great color, just amazing. Orion Nebula just
comes alive.  Had tried the Garrett Signature 15x70s but not enough power and
very heavy.  Great customer service at Garrett.

Jonathan W. Cross
Vienna, Virginia

Following is a report of a visit to a school some time back.



Maroof called me for directions around Asar time. He was near Noor Jehan /
Jehangir Tomb. I couldn't help much as I was not familiar with that area.
He asked locals and managed to reach the school well in time.
I set off when it was dark. The first thing which I noticed was the big
traffic jam at the Ravi bridge. The bridge should be 3 times wider.
After the bridge, I asked a pedestrian about directions to Jehangir's
Tomb. He explained but it was confusing. It seemed he was telling me to go
against the traffic coming from the opposite direction. I continued, not
clear about his directions. Soon I saw a big road crossing. I asked again
and was told to move to the extreme right lane, to go against the onslaught
of traffic. How odd. I made it safely to the lane. Asked for directions
again.
Saw a well lit and lively place. Asked a sitting cyclist about the Tomb
and he gave fresh directions. The well lit place was Noor Jehan's Tomb.
Jehangir's tomb was totally without lights. Stark contrast to Noor Jehan's
Tomb.
Little further I saw railway lines. Turned left. On my left was a deep
area, flooded with water. Turned left again and found myself on a broad,
well constructed, straight, well lit road. Tall sodium light poles on the
left placed at regular intervals going straight ahead towards the vanishing
point. I asked a pedestrian again about the school. He guided very well. I
offered to give him a ride but he politely refused. He had a good kilometer
ahead to walk and he preferred walking. That felt odd. The road was so high
from the surrounding plains that the tree top canopies just reached the
road level. Was this road also acting like a flood barrier? Perhaps.
Soon saw a big two storied school building on my left with rows of
classes. The area on the right was totally deserted. The air was suddenly
much cleaner and fresher. Lahore gets most of its fresh air from the west
and Shahdara gets it first, pristine, unpolluted, rich with oxygen, free of
dust, co2 and exhaust gases. I thought that the people of this place were
lucky to have this air all year. No wonder the school students did well in
their studies.
While I was slowly searching for the school gate, a lady sitting by the
roadside told me to continue and that I was on the right path. Talked with
Maroof sahib and told him about a gate from which many girls were emerging.
Parked my motorbike. As my steering and ignition locks had been badly
picked by neighboring boys, I was afraid that someone would steal my bike.
They could be open with even a screw driver. As only I knew about the
locks, I left it parked there unattended. With some effort entered this
flooded gate. Soon I saw the gathering and the multi media screen of
Khwarzimic. Many girls were gathered around the screen. Found Maroof Sahib,
Umair, Sabeh, Wasif, Naseer Khan from Afghanistan and rest of the
Khwarzimic team, all familiar faces. 14" Celestron inch was being
assembled. A tiny reflector, about 5 inch diameter, was also there on its
short tripod. I learned that it was recently donated to Khwarzimic by some
philanthropist. It was short in height and I thought I would have to kneel
to reach the eyepiece.
I went to Maroof Sahib. His 5 inch was a little distance further ahead on
the lawn. A group of girls had gathered around him. In a long line they
were looking at the Moon one by one and asking questions and Maroof sahib
was answering questions. This eyepiece was at the proper height. I left
this group undisturbed and went to see what was happening near the screen.
Due to unadjusted counterweights, the 14" was out of balance and so its
motors were unable to take it to the Moon. As soon as Umair restored
balance, the scope moved as he willed. Magnified Moon was on the screen.
Marias, hills, shadows, craters of all sizes, streaks etc. Umair explained
various crater shapes and formations, and groups of tiny craters within
larger craters. The students were very well behaved, their teachers were
around, and there were questions and also a small poetry session.
A few times I looked over my shoulder to see how Maroof was doing and each
time I found him looking at me. Wow! What remote control effect he had.
Later, near pack up time, I went to him and he said he felt tired standing
and talking all the time and would have liked some help from me to answer
the questions while he sat and rested.
The teachers and organizers took us inside a hall and treated us all with
tea and snack boxes. We chatted and sipped tea. Was it pink tea? Cant say
for sure. The atmosphere was cheerful, lively and we enjoyed the food.
While outside, Maroof Sahib showed us his little lap top which was called
atom or something. Umair asked us names of stars. There was some confusion
whether Deneb was the beak of the swan or the tail. Maroof said tail. He
showed it on his laptop. Umair asked me the name of a bright star and I
couldn't answer. After some more chatting, we were all on our way back. My
bike was still there, untouched.
A very enjoyable experience in all.


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Maroof called me for directions around Asar time. He was near Noor Jehan /
Jehangir Tomb. I couldn't help much as I was not familiar with that area.
He asked locals and managed to reach the school well in time.
I set off when it was dark. The first thing which I noticed was the big
traffic jam at the Ravi bridge. The bridge should be 3 times wider.
After the bridge, I asked a pedestrian about directions to Jehangir's
Tomb. He explained but it was confusing. It seemed he was telling me to go
against the traffic coming from the opposite direction. I continued, not
clear about his directions. Soon I saw a big road crossing. I asked again
and was told to move to the extreme right lane, to go against the onslaught
of traffic. How odd. I made it safely to the lane. Asked for directions
again.
Saw a well lit and lively place. Asked a sitting cyclist about the Tomb
and he gave fresh directions. The well lit place was Noor Jehan's Tomb.
Jehangir's tomb was totally without lights. Stark contrast to Noor Jehan's
Tomb.
Little further I saw railway lines. Turned left. On my left was a deep
area, flooded with water. Turned left again and found myself on a broad,
well constructed, straight, well lit road. Tall sodium light poles on the
left placed at regular intervals going straight ahead towards the vanishing
point. I asked a pedestrian again about the school. He guided very well. I
offered to give him a ride but he politely refused. He had a good kilometer
ahead to walk and he preferred walking. That felt odd. The road was so high
from the surrounding plains that the tree top canopies just reached the
road level. Was this road also acting like a flood barrier? Perhaps.
Soon saw a big two storied school building on my left with rows of
classes. The area on the right was totally deserted. The air was suddenly
much cleaner and fresher. Lahore gets most of its fresh air from the west
and Shahdara gets it first, pristine, unpolluted, rich with oxygen, free of
dust, co2 and exhaust gases. I thought that the people of this place were
lucky to have this air all year. No wonder the school students did well in
their studies.
While I was slowly searching for the school gate, a lady sitting by the
roadside told me to continue and that I was on the right path. Talked with
Maroof sahib and told him about a gate from which many girls were emerging.
Parked my motorbike. As my steering and ignition locks had been badly
picked by neighboring boys, I was afraid that someone would steal my bike.
They could be open with even a screw driver. As only I knew about the
locks, I left it parked there unattended. With some effort entered this
flooded gate. Soon I saw the gathering and the multi media screen of
Khwarzimic. Many girls were gathered around the screen. Found Maroof Sahib,
Umair, Sabeh, Wasif, Naseer Khan from Afghanistan and rest of the
Khwarzimic team, all familiar faces. 14" Celestron inch was being
assembled. A tiny reflector, about 5 inch diameter, was also there on its
short tripod. I learned that it was recently donated to Khwarzimic by some
philanthropist. It was short in height and I thought I would have to kneel
to reach the eyepiece.
I went to Maroof Sahib. His 5 inch was a little distance further ahead on
the lawn. A group of girls had gathered around him. In a long line they
were looking at the Moon one by one and asking questions and Maroof sahib
was answering questions. This eyepiece was at the proper height. I left
this group undisturbed and went to see what was happening near the screen.
Due to unadjusted counterweights, the 14" was out of balance and so its
motors were unable to take it to the Moon. As soon as Umair restored
balance, the scope moved as he willed. Magnified Moon was on the screen.
Marias, hills, shadows, craters of all sizes, streaks etc. Umair explained
various crater shapes and formations, and groups of tiny craters within
larger craters. The students were very well behaved, their teachers were
around, and there were questions and also a small poetry session.
A few times I looked over my shoulder to see how Maroof was doing and each
time I found him looking at me. Wow! What remote control effect he had.
Later, near pack up time, I went to him and he said he felt tired standing
and talking all the time and would have liked some help from me to answer
the questions while he sat and rested.
The teachers and organizers took us inside a hall and treated us all with
tea and snack boxes. We chatted and sipped tea. Was it pink tea? Cant say
for sure. The atmosphere was cheerful, lively and we enjoyed the food.
While outside, Maroof Sahib showed us his little lap top which was called
atom or something. Umair asked us names of stars. There was some confusion
whether Deneb was the beak of the swan or the tail. Maroof said tail. He
showed it on his laptop. Umair asked me the name of a bright star and I
couldn't answer. After some more chatting, we were all on our way back. My
bike was still there, untouched.
A very enjoyable experience in all.


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I returned these very nice Meade Montanta 7x42 Roofs and explained to Meade my
problem that I could not find out the IPD range, so I gambled and bought them.
They gave me a full refund less my return shipping cost. The cost of the
binoculars and the shipping cost to me. I consider that a fair transaction.
These are well worth the price if you can use them.
Ckear Skies,
Pete

--- In binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com, "oak_conkers" <oak_conkers@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi Pete, I sent the reply at the weekend, I use Yahoo and have had some
strange things happening also, checked again the IPD and on my pair they are
around 59-60mm not 62 as I stated earlier,sorry for the bad info, all you can do
is try them when they arrive, good luck, Dave.
>
> --- In binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com, "Pete" <pfghwest@> wrote:
> >
> > Dave, How did I miss it ! I checked Yahoo Mail this monring..Nothing, then
checked just now (2124 Hrs. California Standard Time..11/03)..and there was your
very detailed email about the IPD of Meade Montana 7x42 Binocular. I do not
recall a binocular with a minimum as large as 62mm. Amazing. Mine will be here
soon, but It looks like they may be returned if your measure is anywhere near
the 62mm minimum, or if Cathy's is what she measured. Worth the gamble for a
very interesting binocular.
> > Thank you very much, Dave !
> > CS,
> > Pete
> >
> > --- In binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com, "oak_conkers" <oak_conkers@>
wrote:
> > >
> > > Pete, did you e-mail me about the IPD? I did send a reply, did you get
it?, if I remember correctly min= 62mm, max=75m, cheers Dave.
> > >
> > > --- In binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com, "Pete" <pfghwest@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I ordered them yesterday. Thirty day return privilege, so I can send
them back if the IPD is not suitable. Out just the return shipping.
> > > > Could not find out the IPD range from the web site or talking to the
Meade Technician. Not on their Computers.
> > > > So, we will let the fourm know when we have them to measure. Nikon seem
to have a minimum of 56mm as does Swift, as I recall.
> > > > Clear Skies,
> > > > Pete
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

I would like to convert my 15x70's to a right angle binocular or a
right angle binocular telescope. So far , I have been able to get
an image that is horizontal, which is not useful. What is needed
is a way to bend the light path 90 degrees up and also take the
image from horizontal to vertical. An Anchor Optics catalog lists
a porro-abbe prism that will take a vertical image and turn it
horizontally. Does any one know if that prism could perform the
opposite feat of turning a horizontal image vertically ?
Thanks
robertward858

Robert,

A conversion to right angle would in most cases add length that would not allow
eyepieces to reach focus as the focal plane would likely be about at least 2 or
more inches in front of the best infinity focus point of the binoculars (all the
way in).  The most obvious solution would be new objectives that would have a
longer focal length than the original objectives by the same amount as the
additional distance you would be adding at the back end.  The less steep light
cone would cause problems in that the light cone would be clipped by a greater
degree by internal baffles and prisms which if not already undersized for the
light cone would now become undersized for the light cone.

Unfortunately I believe the best solution would be to get a pair of binoculars
already designed as a right angle pair.

Barry Simon

--- In binocularastronomy@yahoogroups.com, "robertward858" <robertward858@...>
wrote:
>
> I would like to convert my 15x70's to a right angle binocular or a
> right angle binocular telescope. So far , I have been able to get
> an image that is horizontal, which is not useful. What is needed
> is a way to bend the light path 90 degrees up and also take the
> image from horizontal to vertical. An Anchor Optics catalog lists
> a porro-abbe prism that will take a vertical image and turn it
> horizontally. Does any one know if that prism could perform the
> opposite feat of turning a horizontal image vertically ?
> Thanks
> robertward858
>

Last night I had great time with 20x100.

M45 was gorgeous. About a hundred stars were visible.

Little wine glass formation in Hyades was also pretty.

Outside Taurus's horns, I saw a glob and a little lower and to left a fuzzy
thing. Probably another glob (comet??). M1 is near left horn. Didnt know or
would have looked for it.

M42 was fine. Made out 3 stars of the trapezium. The running man was easily
visible.

Just made out Mel 111 but it was too big for view.