Sightron StellarScan 2 x 40 Widefield Monocular

[Ags]

Intrigued by these, I wonder if the monocular would help explore constellations under Bottle 8 skies? 

I am also interested in the binocular version - torn between the 2x and 3x options - 3x should go a bit deeper but at a cost to stability and field of view...

[The60mmKid]

Personally, I wouldn't go for it because you can buy a used Nikon teleconvertor that performs the same function for a fraction of the cost. Here's a great, epic thread on the topic: https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/536652-home-built-nikon-2x54-widefield-binos/ I've made a few of these binoculars and find them enjoyable for teasing out a few more stars under light-polluted skies and also for meteor watching.

If your main interest is exploring constellations, I'd also recommend an old pair of widefield 7x35 binoculars (Tasco, Sears, etc.). Those will reveal far more stars and still provide an 8.5°-11° FOV (depending on the model), which is a large patch of sky.

[Ags]

That's good info. Looks like I can pick up a 3x Nikon for the price of 2 imported Astronomy Now magazines, not the sort of pricing associated with the brand. Sorting out a DIY eyecup won't be hard. Only concern is that the Nikon doesn't focus so I will have to wear glasses.

https://www.kamera-express.nl/nikon-tc-e3ed-teleconverter

This actually works out well as I would prefer a 3x monocular for quick looks and scanning as it should go a bit deeper. For meteor showers and other sustained viewing, I think I would prefer a 2x pair with focussing, and FLO do sell a cheaper pair that comes in around the price of 2 Nikon's but hopefully with better ergonomics (again important for sustained observation).

Edited February 20 by Ags

[Ags]

On 19/02/2024 at 11:49, The60mmKid said:

If your main interest is exploring constellations

My main interest is making out the main stars of constellations under very bad light pollution, and also trying to spot some shooting stars. 

[The60mmKid]

I think either the 2x or 3x Galilean binoculars would work well for those purposes.

For what it's worth, I don't find focusing a necessity with these since one's eyes easily compensate. I've had pairs with focusers and actually prefer the Nikon teleconvertor ones. I see you're in the Netherlands. If you were in the UK, I'd lend you mine to try out! But it wouldn't be an expensive experiment to try one of the Nikon teleconvertors since they often sell for $20 on eBay.

Edited February 22 by The60mmKid