If I had to go back in time I would choose the 15x70 binos over my Celestron Firstscope in a snap - hindsight is 20x20, always :-) If you wanted a whole lot more light gathering power for a little more - try an orion dobsonian (skyquest is I think the brand name). They run up to 600.00 for a ten inch with a 2" focuser. Its a huge scope to haul around and doesnt break down to store, but its a whole-lotta bang for the buck. Otherwise I wouldn't pass up the binos.. you will use them even after you get a bigger scope when it just seems like too much hassle to set up the big one. Happy stargazing! Kris

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retenney@yahoo.com 10/18/02 08:45PM >>> Joseph,

I would recommend ordering a pair of those 15x70 Galileo binos that Chuck Hards reviewed recently: http://www.uvaa.org/hardsbinoreview.html They are out of stock right now, but supposedly are getting more in November. It's a deal you can't pass up on. While you're at it, Chuck tells me he has parts for a few more parellogram mounts. At approx. $30 you also can't beat that with a stick. All you need is to make or buy a tripod and you're all set! You can do a lot of quality observing with such a setup... My 2 cents, Rich --- Joseph Barney <jbarneyut@yahoo.com> wrote:

Hey, I just joined the Ogden Astronomical Society and am waiting for my first newsletter. I read space.com when I can, and have a few astronomy books by the likes of Carl Sagan and Stephen Hawkings. Well, I guess some of them are really theoretical physics, but anyhow... I'm looking to one of these days buy a telescope or binoculars. If you need windows software for any of these, I gotta let you know that I'm currently only using Linux. I am thinking of buying XP Home though because they tend to make commercial astronomy programs for Windows and Mac only.

Anyhow, I'm on a student budget, and if you know of a place that does lay away that would work best for me. I kind of know what to look for, i.e. light gathering capabilities vs. magnification. I'm just not familiar with name brands. Thanks!

Joe

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