Telescope Reviews: NEAF Challenged Viewers

Well the reasons I’ve been going to NEAF for the past 10 years or more are:

I get a chance to actually see a ton of astronomy equipment, software, books, magazines, etc, and actually talk to all of the “famous” builders, programmers, authors, etc. At one NEAF I got one of the Bisques to make a special mod to CCDsoft just for me that has proven helpful. I also got some advise from the owners of SBIG that actually contradicts what they “officially” say about the interoperability of their equipment (yes, you can use an AO-7 on a STL camera, despite the official SBIG position that it won’t work). I got Wil Tirion to autograph my copies of Uranometria 2000 star charts.

I usually head home with free copies of all the latest magazines, and a bag full of color handouts from the vendors and makers.

I get to meet a lot of old friends from the astro world and discuss the coming star parties, etc., and I do it traveling in caravan with members of my hometown astronomy club. I ate lunch one time with Richard Berry and discussed his IP4WIN book and image processing. I spent some time discussing CCD imaging and processing with Rob Gendler.

I get to attend a goodly number of world-class presentations by some of the finest amateur and professional astronomers from around the world. These are top-notch deals, as good as you will find anywhere and they keep going for two days! Caroline Shoemaker on the discovery of SL-9, last minute findings from the Saturn probes, Barbara Wilson talking about pushing deep with visual observing……. Just a sample!

I get to look thru what has to be one the finest collections of solar scopes located in one place. There are 20 or more, white-light, h-alpha, CalK, both vendors and private owners. For a solar nut this would be worth the trip alone, not to mention the ability to compare different equipment for purchase decisions. The solar star party is free, and many local residents attend just this every year.

I’ve won my fair share of prizes over the years including a 35mm Pan and a free weekend pass to Stellafane.

Oh, yes…… I also picked up some great equipment for good deals. One post sez that there were none last year. Apparently this person was not interested in Denkmeier bino-viewers, where I saved nearly $300 over the normal prices for the equipment. None of the vendors I bought from charged sales tax….. they ate it! I was able to get unusual items like new rubber eyecups from Televue for my older Naglers.

BTW, there are plenty of family age men, women and kids at NEAF. They have specific programs for kids so that the parents can head out to the programs and selling floor.

All-in-all, NEAF is a must-do event for me!