Bins vs Telescope

[Radders]

Hi, I tried my dad's Celestron Travelscope out last night and I must admit its a decent bit of kit for its price and aperture.

But having used my 15x70's, I struggle to keep my one eye closed! Is this something you get used to over time as I've got my heart set on a 200p Dob next year having reading good reviews about them on here.

Did/does anybody else struggle with this?

[LukeSkywatcher]

You will get used to it. You could also try wearing an eye patch on the eye that you are not observing with.

[asteria]

It should be OK with a bit of practice, I sometimes just hold one hand over the non-observing eye, if I need to cut out any distracting light. Ed

[gdheib0430]

I second the eye patch...I don't really have a problem myself but I know through training military kids eye patches work amazing wonders.

[Radders]

Thanks for the replies, I did try the one hand over the eye technique which seemed better. It seems it just gonna be a case of getting used to it.

The Orion Nebula looked bigger in my skymasters than through the 10mm eyepiece. Would a x2 barlow make it bigger still or is there another eyepiece I can use?

Thanks.

[E621Keith]

What you need is a binoviewer

First Light Optics - William Optics Binoviewer

I don't have a problem ignoring my left eye, but if I needed it I'd just stick a post-it note on my glasses to cover the left side.

[acey]

What you need is a binoviewer

First Light Optics - William Optics Binoviewer

And two of every eyepiece (and sufficient focuser travel).

If an eye patch doesn't work, try a hood over your head that shuts out all light, and leave both eyes open. This is in any case good for shutting out unwanted light impinging on the viewing eye: very useful when looking at faint DSOs.

[perrin6]

I often place my hand over my left eye instead of closing it - dont always need to close the other eye though.

[Telrad]

I often place my hand over my left eye instead of closing it - dont always need to close the other eye though.

That's exactly what I do when looking through either my bins or scopes. Works every time.

[LukeSkywatcher]

I cant imagine holding my left hand over my left eye for hours on end while i observe. That's why i use an eye patch. I have no problem just shutting my left eye but after a while it can get a bit tired and ever so slightly painful.

I say go to your local chemist and buy a simple/cheap eye patch. It allows you to keep both eyes open and you have both hands free. It just feels very natural and comfortable and relaxing.

[Sp3nc3r74]

I'm also an eyepatch user although I'm itching to get hold of a binoviewer!

[Moonshane]

I think eyepatches are very good too. do you know why?

"because they rrrrrrr"

I think you'll get used to closing one eye after a short time so don't fret.

for me a scope is much more comfortable than a pair of binoculars and you can generally see more detail.