Celestron Skymaster binos - cannot believe it. Advice needed

Karen_Wilson99 · Post by **Karen_Wilson99** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 2:46 pm

Judging By that description I would say I do have quick release plate.

I think I should get a refund then on the tripod. The problem is I didn't want to spend too much and the tripod you suggest is more expensive than the binoculars.

Thank you for all your help and time spent on this.

Regards,
Karen

David Frydman · Post by **David Frydman** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 6:55 pm

As a general point.
The mount or in this case tripod is at least as important as the telescope, binocular or camera.
An optical instrument on a poor mount cannot perform properly.
The monetary cost is only part of the equation.

As to your skylight it may be possible for a carpenter to constuct a ledge or platform to rest the binoculars on.
Or perhaps support your elbows on a bit of furniture or sit in a comfortable chair with your arms supported.
It may be possible to steady the view for little or no cost.

Regards, David

Karen_Wilson99 · Post by **Karen_Wilson99** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 8:05 pm

Thanks David. You are the expert and so I am going to return the tripod I have and purchase the one you suggest.

Many thanks for your time and research. It is invaluable speaking to someone such as yourself on such a confusing subject.

Kind regards,
Karen

Karen_Wilson99 · Post by **Karen_Wilson99** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 8:10 pm

David

Is this the correct one?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/OVL-Horizon-Hea ... 72&sr=1-10

Regards,
Karen

sands · Post by **sands** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 8:51 pm

Hi David,
yes you can just about do it with 70mm OG,enough to see if the distant line is disjointed in any way.
Steve

David Frydman · Post by **David Frydman** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 9:41 pm

Yes Karen,
That is the correct tripod.
It does not seem to be on the OVL current list, but it was recently.
My friend has two of these.

But ask the staff at the Widescreen centre whether it is suitable for binoculars and small scopes.
I believe it only goes up to 60 degrees elrevation, but that is I think high enough.

There is a similar one but I think it has three knobs and maybe more difficult to use. This latter one you can see on current OVL website. If you want this ask what elevation it goes up to.

I think the two way pan and tilt is easier to use, although either would be O.k.
I think the two way weighs 3.58kg about and the three way 3.9kg.
They can support a considerable load and go very high if necessary so you don't need to use much central column.

Regards, David

David Frydman · Post by **David Frydman** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 10:08 pm

If you look on First Light optics website it says they like the way the adaptor plate fits. If you have expensive scopes you want them to be secure.

The Horizon 8115 if you got it is the basis for holding a spotting scope or small refractor say 80mm or 100/102mm. It could also hold 80mm maybe even 100mm binoculars.

You should get a spare adaptor plate or quick release plate.

Ask Widescreen whether these adaptor or quick release plates have a secure fixing method, perhaps a safety lock or heavy spring, as you don't want anything to fall off.
Simon at widescreen is very knowledgeable.

David

David Frydman · Post by **David Frydman** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 10:11 pm

You may find you have to reverse the pan handle for the 15x70 binocular to stop it being in your face. I wil explain if my battery does not run out.
You put the handle away from you, a bit fidly but easy once you try it with the lights on.
The 15x70s may be long enough so that is not necessary.
With the spotting scopes or refractors they are long enough.

David

Karen_Wilson99 · Post by **Karen_Wilson99** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 11:03 pm

Thanks David.

Well, I have now ordered this tripod from Star Telescopes Shop (cheapest I could find). Have also ordered a spare quick release plate.

It seems to come highly recommended by Sky at Night magazine also.

Thanks,
Karen

David Frydman · Post by **David Frydman** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 11:13 pm

The 8115 Horizon tripod seems to be back on OVL website.
Microglobe and others seem to offer it at £78 but maybe plus say £8 carriage.
You could ask Sherwoods Photo as they are generally competitive.
It appears from the picture that the pan handle is angled downwards and would not interfere by getting in the way.
Simon at Widescreen centre would know.
I think with 15 x70 binocular it is O.K. and definitely with scopes.

Interestingly it seems to go from plus 60 degrees to minus 90 degrees.
This may mean that by turning handle way from you you could get to the zenith.
This is impossible with straight through or normal porroprism binoculars unless you are on the floor on your back or similar.
But with an angled spotting scope or angled eyepiece refractor you could get to the zenith.
There is little need to go above 60 degrees but sometimes useful to see M31 or M81 and M82 with a scope.

David

Karen_Wilson99 · Post by **Karen_Wilson99** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 11:17 pm

Thank you so much for the help. I'll let you know how I get on.

Regards,
Karen

Karen_Wilson99 · Post by **Karen_Wilson99** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 6:56 am

Hi again

There is a 3 week wait on the Horizon 8115 tripod and my new binoculars haven't arrived back yet.

What would be a good beginner telescope for me if I don't get on with this new pair? One that would fit on this new tripod. It would be good to have a few different options so I can browse and compare. I would want to see stars, the moon and planetary detail if possible (eg: Saturn'a rings) and my budget isn't huge - £100 max.

Thanks,
Karen

David Frydman · Post by **David Frydman** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 11:06 am

Hi Karen,
My first thought is the 80mm f/5 short refractor Optical Vision Ltd. Startravel tube and optics making sure it has the standard 1/4 inch fitting, which I am sure it has.
I think it is supplied with 20x and 50x eyepieces. I will check.

Sherwoods had the Celestron 102mmm f/5 similar at £95 delivered but they may have sold out.

The other possibility is the Acuter 80mm Spotting Scope also from OVL.
The 45 degree angled eyepiece scope with 20x to 60x zoom eyepiece.

Both these scopes should work well through the skylight open or closed.

The Horizon tripods went off the website, but Widescreen Centre said they had 2 left. OVL probably ordered some more as they went back on their website.

Regards, David

David Frydman · Post by **David Frydman** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 11:47 am

The Startravel 80mm f/5 80T tube and optics seems to come with two eyepieces and a barlow lens giving 16x to 80x.
Make sure it has the tripod standard 1/4 inch fixing.
It seems to cost £90.

If you can find the 102mm f/5 similar cheap enough that would show a bit more.
The similar Celestron was on offer at £89 and £95 but I don't know if anybody has these now.
They are normally around £160.

Regards, David

mike a feist · Post by **mike a feist** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 12:41 pm

Karen: Re Locking mechanism.....the lever that you mentioned might have a small often brass lever underneath it, that when pushed into lock mode, stops the release of the plate+instrument by the single action of accidentally moving the plastic lever. maf