Binocular Highlights: 99 Celestial Sights for Binocular Users (Sky & Telescope Stargazing) Review
I'm an amateur astronomer of over 40 years. I have a 20 inch Obsession scope but use binoculars as a back up and to have fun sometimes rather than bringing the heavy Obsession out. Astronomy binocular viewing is just plain fun. Some objects like the 7 sisters Pleiades actually look better in the binos than in the scope.
I bought Binocular Highlights 99 for my Celestron 25X100 binos and tripod. The book is well laid out into the different seasons. It is good for about the 30 degree north of the equator.
With my Sky Six planetarium software on my laptop in conjunction with the Binocular Highlights book I was easily able to find almost all the book listed interesting objects for June to August. I really liked some of the clusters I was able to easily find using the book.
I have not had the time yet to view the sky other months using the book so I wont comment on those months.
It was nice that the author took the time to tell novices how to scan and use binoculars. He recommends smaller binos than I have so they can be hand held vs having to use a tripod.
Read the book first before you buy expensive binoculars. That way you can decide if a smaller lighter pair of binoculars would suit you better for hand holding or if you want to pay extra for a heavy pair of binoculars you will need a tripod for. I really like my Celestron 25x100 binos but they are very heavy and you must use a tripod. You may want a lighter pair.
The book Binocular Highlights 99 Celestial Sights for me was worth the money and useful. Big plus for me... Astronomy binocular viewing with the book is quick setup fun. 4 stars.
Binocular Highlights: 99 Celestial Sights for Binocular Users (Sky & Telescope Stargazing) Feature
- ISBN13: 9781931559430
- Condition: New
- Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
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Customer Reviews
Not suitable for those in southern hemisphere - agil - Indonesia
I believe this book is great for those in northern hemisphere, but I live in Indonesia, and this book is not suitable for me since there's no mention of wonderful DSO of southern hemisphere like those in Carina, Crux, Centaurus, Tucana, and Dorado.
It's a bit strange that the book doesn't mention of M7 and M6 in Scorpius. I believe that M7 is one the finest DSO in the sky, but how come M7 didn't make it on the 99 list?
Caution: For 30-50 degree latitudes - jadefoot - Hawaii
Careful if you live outside the recommended latitudes for using this book, it is not mentioned in the description either. For folks living in Hawaii (myself included), we are out of the latitudes for this book. Item is being sent back.
Great for leisurely sky gazing. - Itsmeagain! - Nobamaburg
I originally gave this a 1 star review because it took nearly 5 months after ordering from Amazon before I received it.
It is a nicely done book for locating binocular objects. The charts make it easy to find even somewhat difficult objects and the text is descriptive, written so even beginners will understand.
I also have 'S&T's Pocket Sky Atlas' which is much more detailed, with better charts. But that book is geared toward use with a telescope. On nights when I don't want to drag out and set up my bulky Schmidt Cassegrain telescope, I will take my binoculars, this book, a red flashlight (see my review of the Astronomy Flashlight), some refreshments, and lay in the lawn chair in my back yard; gazing at the darkened sky. Very relaxing and educational.
The book is too large to fit a pocket, but will fit in most backpacks. The pages appear to have the same 'anti dew' treatment as the Pocket Sky Atlas. The spiral binding allows the book to lay flat when opened. One reviewer states they use this book for locating planets, but the book does not include planets. Putting planets in the charts is impossible since planets are moving objects (you will not find meteors, asteroids or comets charted, for the same reason). My only criticism is that I would like the charts to be a little larger.
I recommend it for the budding astronomer as well as those with years of experience (like me), or anyone who enjoys the heavenly wonders.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Sep 08, 2010 21:55:06
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