Black-Crowned Night HeronsPosted By Steve Stonehill |
Another one.
Posts Made By: Steve Stonehill
January 14, 2008 12:16 AM
Forum:
Birding Optics and Photos
February 6, 2008 10:53 AM
Forum:
Birding Optics and Photos
Harlequin DucksPosted By Steve Stonehill |
And a female.
February 11, 2008 01:33 AM
Forum:
Pet Pics
Dog.....or?Posted By Steve Stonehill |
I think it's a dog but if I were you I'd keep it away from Canadian people just in case. 
February 18, 2008 12:29 AM
Forum:
Pet Pics
Dog with Attitude!Posted By Steve Stonehill |
Hi Andy,
Scout is definitely a Mr. T type when it comes to rough play, little but plenty TOUGH! Her 95lb brother Jem is usually a big sissy.
Steve
Scout is definitely a Mr. T type when it comes to rough play, little but plenty TOUGH! Her 95lb brother Jem is usually a big sissy.
Steve
February 24, 2008 03:22 PM
Forum:
Wildlife Photography
A Snake with a Mouth FullPosted By Steve Stonehill |
Nice Shot August! The snake is a one of the many supspecies of the Nerodia genus. They are considered a watersnake and they are all non-venomous but they will, if picked up, bite repeadtedly, regurgitate, and smear you with FOUL SMELLING musk. 8O In other words, it's best to just leave 'em be and take a few pics. The frog looks like a Green Frog (Raja Clamitans) but it's difficult to tell from the pic.
Thanks For Posting These,
Steve
Thanks For Posting These,
Steve
April 14, 2008 10:55 PM
Forum:
Wildlife Photography
Arizonan LizardPosted By Steve Stonehill |
Hi Jerry,
It's definitely a Collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris). It could be one of several different subspecies native to Arizona. Nice shot BTW!
Steve
It's definitely a Collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris). It could be one of several different subspecies native to Arizona. Nice shot BTW!
Steve
April 21, 2008 11:13 PM
Forum:
Refractors
Synta ED refractor versus Firt class refractor.Posted By Steve Stonehill |
Hi Paul,
I was able to get better splits on every double tried with a 12" Orion Newtonian with an off-axis 4.25" mask than with my FS102 set up right next to it. My Discovery 8" F7 Newt is the best double star instrument I've ever used bar none. I had an MN56 that was excellent on doubles as well. My point is that you don't necessarily need an Apo for doubles. The short focal length of many Apos is, IMHO, a detriment for doubles due to the need for Barlows and very small exit pupils.
Hope This helps,
Steve
I was able to get better splits on every double tried with a 12" Orion Newtonian with an off-axis 4.25" mask than with my FS102 set up right next to it. My Discovery 8" F7 Newt is the best double star instrument I've ever used bar none. I had an MN56 that was excellent on doubles as well. My point is that you don't necessarily need an Apo for doubles. The short focal length of many Apos is, IMHO, a detriment for doubles due to the need for Barlows and very small exit pupils.
Hope This helps,
Steve
May 15, 2008 11:11 PM
Forum:
Reflectors
MN or OA? Pro's and Con's?Posted By Steve Stonehill |
Hi Al,
I have never seen an OA scope in person so I can't help with that part but I did own an MN56. The MN56 had VERY GOOD optics but I found it to be frustrating to use. It seemed to never want to reach equilibrium, the stock focuser and finder were terrible, and the scope was a challenge for me to collimate. I would suggest thinking about a 6" reflector and a cooling fan modification. I install cooling fans on my reflectors to scrub the primary, ala Alan Dyer's method and I'm always amazed at the views these Newts put up and how well they keep up with the temperature drops.
Hope this Helped,
Steve
I have never seen an OA scope in person so I can't help with that part but I did own an MN56. The MN56 had VERY GOOD optics but I found it to be frustrating to use. It seemed to never want to reach equilibrium, the stock focuser and finder were terrible, and the scope was a challenge for me to collimate. I would suggest thinking about a 6" reflector and a cooling fan modification. I install cooling fans on my reflectors to scrub the primary, ala Alan Dyer's method and I'm always amazed at the views these Newts put up and how well they keep up with the temperature drops.
Hope this Helped,
Steve
June 2, 2008 11:23 PM
Forum:
Refractors
Antares AchrosPosted By Steve Stonehill |
Hi Mark,
I think, but I could be wrong, that Antares marketed scopes as "Semi-ED" in the past. If that's the case then they should probably put into the elite "Caveat Emptor" category. If I were in the market for a top-notch achromat I would look to D&G or get a "real" Japanese Vixen. There are other scopes like a Jaegers or a Unitron that are more rare and more pricey available occasionally.
My .02,
Steve
I think, but I could be wrong, that Antares marketed scopes as "Semi-ED" in the past. If that's the case then they should probably put into the elite "Caveat Emptor" category. If I were in the market for a top-notch achromat I would look to D&G or get a "real" Japanese Vixen. There are other scopes like a Jaegers or a Unitron that are more rare and more pricey available occasionally.
My .02,
Steve
June 2, 2008 11:36 PM
Forum:
Guns and Hunting Optics
Here's My Handgun Choice, Yours . . .?Posted By Steve Stonehill |
Hi Lee,
I chose for self defense, and fortunately have never had to rely on, a Colt King Cobra 6" with handloaded 125gr Hornady FP/XTP bullets. I like the record for one shot stops that the .357 Magnum cartridge has tallied up over the years. My Colt is a smooth and accurate shooter that I would trust in a life and death situation.
Clear Skies,
Steve
I chose for self defense, and fortunately have never had to rely on, a Colt King Cobra 6" with handloaded 125gr Hornady FP/XTP bullets. I like the record for one shot stops that the .357 Magnum cartridge has tallied up over the years. My Colt is a smooth and accurate shooter that I would trust in a life and death situation.
Clear Skies,
Steve
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