Looking at the sky with hand held binoculars is not easy. There is always some amount of shake which reduces their effectiveness accompanied with neck strain. Lying down in a lounge chair certainly helps but typically that will mean observing at home where most of us have highly light polluted skies. The binoculars shown below weigh less than 800 grams (28 oz) and can be mounted on a sideways ball head on a 1.6Kg Neewer Tripod (cost $79, see below).
There are several options for building this compact binocular telescope. I will start with how to build the simplest and least expensive option. All the different options use the mount shown below so this should be the first part to print or buy.
Here is the .stl file. You will need to download it and run it through your slicing program (I use Cura) to create the gcode for your specific printer. Or contact me at , astronomybinoculars@petertinkerer.com and I may be able to print it for you.
| mount_for_compact_binocular_telescope__1_.stl |
The easiest version to start with is to use the objective barrels from an inexpensive pair of 7X50 binoculars, see below:
Next you unscrew the objective barrels and remove the rubber covering, see photo below:
Next 3D print the Left Objective Holder:
Here is the .stl file:
| 90_angle_left_cometron_obj__2_.stl |
Next 3D print the Right Objective Holder:
Here is the .stl file:
| 90_angle_right_cometron_objective__1_.stl |