Folding chairs for stargazing, firework viewing, or just hanging out.

[Jedi2155]

Good place to visit! My next target is Death Valley at Dantes Peak since I've discovered elevation makes a bigger difference in visibility compared to pure light pollution. Another major factor of course is all the wildfires can really obscure visbility.

Looks like the nearest supercharger from the range is about 60 miles out of the way in Alturas, CA. The drive there is a good 12 hours but thank goodness for Free Lifetime Supercharging.

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[dinizchipon]

I grabbed the Orion 2x54 binoculars based on that recommendation. They make a huge difference for wide sky views from a chair.

 

[Hookalakupua]

I grabbed the Orion 2x54 binoculars based on that recommendation. They make a huge difference for wide sky views from a chair.

Glad you like them and if you end up using them regularly, there are some pretty cool filters you can add as well.

 

[Friday]

Glad you like them and if you end up using them regularly, there are some pretty cool filters you can add as well.

UHC ones like these? https://www.highpointscientific.com/apertura-2-ultra-high-contrast-filters-set-of-two


or moonglow/skyglow? https://www.highpointscientific.com/apertura-2-moon-and-skyglow-filters-set-of-two

 

[Hookalakupua]

UHC ones like these? https://www.highpointscientific.com/apertura-2-ultra-high-contrast-filters-set-of-two


or moonglow/skyglow? https://www.highpointscientific.com/apertura-2-moon-and-skyglow-filters-set-of-two

I’m a big fan of the UHC filters and for the price difference, they’ve been worth it as the sky-view contrast is quit noticeable. Haven’t used the moonglow so can’t speak directly to them.

 

[Friday]

I’m a big fan of the UHC filters and for the price difference, they’ve been worth it as the sky-view contrast is quit noticeable. Haven’t used the moonglow so can’t speak directly to them.

I ordered the moonglow today to give it a try. We got the Perseids coming up in a few weeks.

 

[Hookalakupua]

I ordered the moonglow today to give it a try. We got the Perseids coming up in a few weeks.

Yes we do and I can’t wait! Please let me know what you think of them, especially with moderate light pollution.

 

[shopaholic]

Good place to visit! My next target is Death Valley at Dantes Peak since I've discovered elevation makes a bigger difference in visibility compared to pure light pollution. Another major factor of course is all the wildfires can really obscure visbility.

Looks like the nearest supercharger from the range is about 60 miles out of the way in Alturas, CA. The drive there is a good 12 hours but thank goodness for Free Lifetime Supercharging.

I am going to Bancroft star party next month. Thinking of Dante’ also for some time. I see you are in SoCal, DM me if you’re interested in making the trip.

 

[Jedi2155]

I am going to Bancroft star party next month. Thinking of Dante’ also for some time. I see you are in SoCal, DM me if you’re interested in making the trip.

Bancroft or Barcroft? Is that with the Eastbay astronomy club? I hear Kennedy Meadows is also really good.

My big concern with visiting in August is the high likelihood of wildfire smoke ruining the seeing conditions even if you get minimal light pollution. Best check air quality and https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents prior to any trip if stargazing is your main concern. I made that mistake one time going to Yosemite and staying up at Glacier Pointe on a moonless only to have a wildfire literally start that afternoon.

Also planning to get and learn more gear (SmartEye and/or a ZWO camera, + Starlink) before my next major visit with EAA or astrophotography.

 

[shopaholic]

Sorry Barcroft. With TVS east bay astronomy.

 

[TickTock]

Not a chair but if you enjoy stargazing, this set of ultra wide angle mini binoculars are tough to beat! It’s the best money you’ll spend if you have kids as well!

https://www.highpointscientific.com/orion-2x54mm-ultra-wide-angle-binoculars

You used to be able to get them on Amazon but now they only sell a similar pair from Svbony, that aren’t quite as good. I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to glass, as I have several pairs of Swaro’s that I swear by for hunting. These aren’t those but for the price, they’re soooo much fun at night!

That is quite the schill! I tell everyone who cannot afford $3000 binos to never look through Swarovski's because it will ruin every other bino they've owned. For $180, anything that is even mentioned positively in comparison must be a great deal.

 

[Hookalakupua]

That is quite the schill! I tell everyone who cannot afford $3000 binos to never look through Swarovski's because it will ruin every other bino they've owned. For $180, anything that is even mentioned positively in comparison must be a great deal.

Schill? That’s interesting. I just offered up a fairly inexpensive pair of ultra-wide astronomy bino’s based upon my experience for people to look into. I inserted a little humor by saying that at $150 they’re not quite Swaro’s but for the price and what they do, they’re absolutely amazing for those interested in astronomy. It looks like a few have purchased so we’ll see if they agree.

There is no comparison between the two when it comes to glass and I think that’s pretty obvious. Like you said, don’t ever look through one because it’s a deep rabbit hole once you do. I glassed for a buddy using a pair of his NL Pures on an Elk Hunt in the Jarbridge and this is what happened to me the following season. Still hoping my wife never looks through my hunting kit!
Swarovski dS Gen II 5-25x52 P Riflescope
Swarovski 10x42 NL Pure Binocular
Swarovski SLC 15x56 W B Binocular
Swarovski BTX Eyepiece
Swarovski BTX 115mm Lens

 

[TickTock]

Schill? That’s interesting. I just offered up a fairly inexpensive pair of ultra-wide astronomy bino’s based upon my experience for people to look into. I inserted a little humor by saying that at $150 they’re not quite Swaro’s but for the price and what they do, they’re absolutely amazing for those interested in astronomy. It looks like a few have purchased so we’ll see if they agree.

There is no comparison between the two when it comes to glass and I think that’s pretty obvious. Like you said, don’t ever look through one because it’s a deep rabbit hole once you do. I glassed for a buddy using a pair of his NL Pures on an Elk Hunt in the Jarbridge and this is what happened to me the following season. Still hoping my wife never looks through my hunting kit!
Swarovski dS Gen II 5-25x52 P Riflescope
Swarovski 10x42 NL Pure Binocular
Swarovski SLC 15x56 W B Binocular
Swarovski BTX Eyepiece
Swarovski BTX 115mm Lens

My comment wasn't meant to offend. It's just that, for the price, if someone who knows what good optics looks like thinks they are OK then it must be a great deal. There is a lot of junk in that price range. Worked for me!

 

[Hookalakupua]

My comment wasn't meant to offend. It's just that, for the price, if someone who knows what good optics looks like thinks they are OK then it must be a great deal. There is a lot of junk in that price range. Worked for me!

. That’s what I get for limited brain cells! I thought I was getting called out for the recommendation. lol.

 

[Friday]

I have optics from ancient Kmart binos to Nikon and Leica. I like the Orions a lot. Haven't put them through the paces yet, but the cursory backyard star gazing was quite surprisingly good. Can't wait to try the filters.

Another fun pair of optics I have and use frequently is Pentax Papilio for checking out insects and macro stuff. Opposite of the star gazing, but still super interesting.

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