I've been a lurker here for about two months, and have been a little hesitant to ask this question at the risk of starting another flamewar, but finally decided t risk it.
I've been thinking very hard about purchasing a Binoviewer for my 8" SCT (Celestron) which is still equipped with the 1.25 inch visual back (yeah, I really need to fix that, but we all know the problem you get with clearance on the 2 inch diagonals with the Nexstars).
Unfortunately, I am a glasses-wearer. My right eye (dominant) has very mild near-sightedness and some mild astigmatism. My left eye is spherical with mild near-sightedness. When I observe ("cyclops" mode), I typically take off my glasses, but the slight astigmatism in my right eye is noticeable on extremely faint objects (and on extremely bright objects, like the moon). Although I've tried to train myself to use my left eye for viewing, it seems very unnatural, even though I am able to pick out details on dim objects better.
A friend recommended binoviewers as a way to "trick" my brain into seeing more detail. I often leave my glasses off around the home or office, and don't have any problems seeing stereoscopically for things that are nearer than 50 feet.
So here's the question. Do you think that binoviewers will be helpful to me? What are some of the limitations to binoviewers? And of course, which binoviewers and EPs do you recommend for someone on a budget? (I know, why did I get into astronomy if I'm on a budget. My wife keeps asking the same thing.)
From what I have been able to glean the Denkmeiers appear to be most peoples favorite, although they are a little more expensive than the Black Knights. But there appears to be some controversy over the Black Knights. Which would you recommend/not recommend and why?
Clear Skies,
Joe
I've been thinking very hard about purchasing a Binoviewer for my 8" SCT (Celestron) which is still equipped with the 1.25 inch visual back (yeah, I really need to fix that, but we all know the problem you get with clearance on the 2 inch diagonals with the Nexstars).
Unfortunately, I am a glasses-wearer. My right eye (dominant) has very mild near-sightedness and some mild astigmatism. My left eye is spherical with mild near-sightedness. When I observe ("cyclops" mode), I typically take off my glasses, but the slight astigmatism in my right eye is noticeable on extremely faint objects (and on extremely bright objects, like the moon). Although I've tried to train myself to use my left eye for viewing, it seems very unnatural, even though I am able to pick out details on dim objects better.
A friend recommended binoviewers as a way to "trick" my brain into seeing more detail. I often leave my glasses off around the home or office, and don't have any problems seeing stereoscopically for things that are nearer than 50 feet.
So here's the question. Do you think that binoviewers will be helpful to me? What are some of the limitations to binoviewers? And of course, which binoviewers and EPs do you recommend for someone on a budget? (I know, why did I get into astronomy if I'm on a budget. My wife keeps asking the same thing.)
From what I have been able to glean the Denkmeiers appear to be most peoples favorite, although they are a little more expensive than the Black Knights. But there appears to be some controversy over the Black Knights. Which would you recommend/not recommend and why?
Clear Skies,
Joe
Clear Skies,
Joe
Nexstar 8i
6" f/8 Dob
Orion ST80
Binos: 7x35, 10x50, 11x70