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Lawrence Parchman

Sculptor Galaxy (NGC 253)

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Posts Made By: Milton Wilcox

November 26, 2008 01:30 AM Forum: AstroMart FAQ

How to Represent Another Party in an AM Ad?

Posted By Milton Wilcox
An ad was recently pulled because the AM member posting the ad was representing another party in the sale of that party's telescope.

While I can understand the policy, my question is how to handle the following situation: The scope's owner is 92yrs old and in failing health. Paying $12 to get him a membership (he previously had one but forgot the login info) is a non-issue, but how does one then save him the burden of the negotiations surrounding the sale and delivery of an expensive instrument? If the owner is a member can someone else field his emails and handle a transaction on his behalf?

I know these parties and nobody is trying to pull a fast one or make anything for helping our friend. It seems like there should be some compassionate solution.

Thanks very much,
Milt

April 6, 2009 09:01 PM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

Juvenile Sea Gull Eating Starfish

Posted By Milton Wilcox
Happened upon this recently in Pacific Grove, CA. In this picture two of the five legs are already in the Sea Gull's mouth. After taking the shot we watched in fascination through a Kowa 8x25 as the gull managed to get the entire starfish into its mouth and begin swallowing. Its neck bulged to several times normal size, something I wasn't aware birds could do.

Milt

May 30, 2009 06:51 PM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

Hummer over Sedona

Posted By Milton Wilcox
This little Hummingbird feeding on Agave blossoms is set against the backdrop of Sedona, AZ far below.

Milt

October 24, 2002 07:46 PM Forum: Astro Binoculars

12 x or 15x

Posted By Milton Wilcox
Hi Daryl,

From your post it sounds like you would not be taking a mount on the road. I have used 12x binoculars for travelling, but found that 12x is borderline for hand holding. Some may say that they can do it, but I was always looking for something to steady them on (signpost, roof of my truck, etc.) and ultimately went to higher power with image stabilization.

Also, while showing others the M's you mentioned through hand held binoculars is certainly possible, it might be frustratingly difficult. I have found that if someone is unfamiliar with the night sky, you can't just hand them the binoculars and expect them to find anything.

For the above reasons plus the slight increase in light grasp discussed before on this forum, I would say go with the 15x and carry a lightweight tripod and mount with you.

Clear skies, Milt

November 1, 2002 06:13 PM Forum: Astro Binoculars

KOWA HIGHLANDER FILTERS AND MOUNTS

Posted By Milton Wilcox
Hi George,

Congratulations! I know exactly what you went through because I am going through the same process. Like Erik, I am also considering the Vixen 125mm f/6.1 Achro for about the same price. Based on Markus' experience, I think your Kowa 82mm f/5.5 Apo will have superior image quality to the Vixen, but I am still having trouble getting past the 3.9mm to 2.6mm exit pupil disparity at 32x! But then the Kowa's will have easier setup and transportability... sigh.

Regarding the mount, have you considered the Universal Astronomics UniStar? It weighs about the same as the Bogen 405 geared head, but raises the binoculars further above the tripod, has adjustable tension and provides the handle that you are interested in. Note that I have zero experience with this mount myself, but maybe others do.

Please let us know when the Highlanders arrive and you have had a chance to enjoy them.

Clear Skies, Milt

November 22, 2002 07:33 PM Forum: Astro Binoculars

Turning Prism Tilt Screws is Not ??? Collimating

Posted By Milton Wilcox
Ed, I just wanted to tell you how much I have learned from your posts on this subject, particularly your Cloudynights article. Thank you for sharing this important information.

You may have noticed from recent high-end bino threads that I have been researching the very expensive (for me) Kowa 82mm and Vixen 125mm interchangeable EP binoculars, as well as others. My guess is that 45deg viewing adds still more complexity to an already complex light path.

Now you have added a new element to consider. Do you (or anyone else) know if either the Kowa's or Vixen's have adjustable prisms or objective cells, or would even need it for that matter? I have also considered the Astromeccanicas, which have easily adjustable diagonal mirrors. But, as you say, that's not really collimation, is it?

I tend to favor grab-and-go viewing over lengthy setups and adjustments, and would not want binoculars that were any more difficult to use than my telescope.

Thanks and clear skies, Milt

January 5, 2003 06:14 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

24mm Pan or 22mm Pan

Posted By Milton Wilcox
Hi Dave,

FYI, I just posted a comparison on the Eyepiece forum. Unfortunately, it's for my fast refractor rather than an SCT, but may still be of some help.

Happy New Year, Milt

January 15, 2003 02:07 AM Forum: Astro Binoculars

Cold night notes, Fuji16x70, Ober15x70, Ober20x80

Posted By Milton Wilcox
Ed, Thank you for your detailed observing comparison. It clearly shows that there is more to the story than Mag times Aperture (or Aperture^0.5). Have you done field flatness comparisons on these three?

I hadn't even considered the possible effects of cold temperatures on binoculars, so that was informative too. The coldest I have been out this winter is 28F, and my fingers were too numb to even grasp a focuser smile

Clear Skies, Milt

February 2, 2003 09:00 PM Forum: Astro Binoculars

Docter 40x80/500

Posted By Milton Wilcox
Hi Joe,

Those are beautiful binoculars - thanks for posting the picture. Wow, I had never heard of 90deg. EP's. These would give you 2.25deg FOV at 40x which is quite amazing. Do they stay sharp to the edges?

Perhaps you could share a little more information about the manufacturer with the forum. Everyone knows about Zeiss quality, but is Docter also German?

Clear Skies, Milt

February 9, 2003 10:40 PM Forum: Astro Binoculars

Vixen 125mm 20x or 30x Binocular scope?

Posted By Milton Wilcox
Hi David,

I came within a hair of purchasing the Vixen BT125's. There is a review of the 30x125's on cloudynights at
http://www.cloudynights.com/breviews/orion%20vs%20labt.htm

The BT125's have a third lens to extend the focal length for interchangeable eyepieces that likely also reduces false color (Markus Ludes thought they were better than achromat quality). Any standard 1-1/4" EP's and nebula filters can be used.

I know, its a touch choice!

Good luck, Milt

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