Quote:
Originally posted by budcamp@Jan 13 2004, 02:53 AM
Sams Club had celestron 4.5" computer controled go-to scopes with lazer sight tubes for $199.00.** My meade of the same size cost* $500 with a regular sighting scope.* On a good dark night you can't see the cross hairs in a sighting scope!* Lazer is much better!
Bud
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Dot pointers are not lasers. They employ a red LED that projects a dot on to an optical window. The Telrad and Rigel QuikFinder reflex sights, which both project reticles instead of dots, are far superior to dot pointers.
Soapbox mode: Unfortunately, some misguided individuals of late have been selling green laser pointers that can be attached to telescopes as finders. A GLP does project a laser beam, one that could cause a lawsuit or fistfight if not permanent eye damage if used carelessly. To harp about light pollution and then shine "cool" lasers in the sky is nothing less than hypocrisy, IMO. Two years ago at Stellafane some jerk with a green laser pointer almost hit me in the eyes with its beam. Last year at the Laurel Highlands Starcruise I repeatedly saw laser beams flash through the eyepiece while observing M11. The Mason-Dixon Star Party and the Black Forest Star Party have banned the use of GLPs.
Dave Mitsky