A Buyer's and User's Guide to Astronomical Telescopes and Binoculars

Amateur astronomers of all skill levels are always contemplating their next telescope, and this book points the way to the most suitable instruments.

Similarly, those who are buying their first telescopes – and these days not necessarily a low-cost one – will be able to compare and contrast different types and manufacturers. This revised new guide provides an extensive overview of binoculars and telescopes. It includes detailed up-to-date information on sources, selection and use of virtually every major type, brand, and model on today’s market, a truly invaluable treasure-trove of information and helpful advice for all amateur astronomers.

The author

• Provides handy and up to date contact information on new products and manufacturers of astronomical-quality binoculars and telescopes that will save readers countless hours
• Second updated edition also features two new chapters on Astroimaging and Pro-Am collaboration as well as new product updates and reviews
• Contains evaluations of hundreds of binoculars and telescopes to help readers makes an appropriate selection based on such factors as intended use, portability requirements and budgets

Originally written in 2006, much of the first edition is inevitably now out of date, as equipment advances and manufacturers come and go. This second edition not only updates all the existing sections but adds two new ones: Astro-imaging and Professional-Amateur collaboration. Thanks to the rapid and amazing developments that have been made in digital cameras it is easily possible to image all sorts of astronomical objects and fields.

Selecting the right device for a variety of purposes can be an overwhelming task in a market crowded with observing options, but this comprehensive guide clarifies the process. Anyone planning to purchase binoculars or telescopes for astronomy – whether as a first instrument or as an upgrade to the next level – will find this book a treasure-trove of information and advice. It also supplies the reader with many useful hints and tips on using astronomical telescopes or binoculars to get the best possible results.

Table of Contents:

• Part I Buying Astronomical Telescopes & Binoculars: Introduction.- Binoculars.- Telescope Basics.- Refracting Telescopes.- Reflecting Telescopes.- Catadioptric Telescopes.- Accessories.- Astroimaging.- Binocular Sources.- Telescope Sources
• Part II Using Astronomical Telescopes and Binoculars: Observing the Techniques.- Observing Programs.- Conclusion.- Pro-Am Collaboration
• Appendix: Descriptive Roster of 100 Celestial Showpieces

The author James Mullaney is an astronomy writer who has published nearly a thousand articles and nine books on observing the wonders of the heavens, and logged over 20,000 hours of stargazing time with the unaided eye, binoculars and telescopes.