17 replies to this topic

[IdahoBenny]

I have a copy of “Discover the Night Sky Through Binoculars” by Stephen Tonkin. Someone mentioned a book by Phil Harrington called “Touring the Universe Through Binoculars.” Would there be a lot of different info in this different book? Thanks for the advice.

[jefffed]

You can view the table of contents on Amazon and compare the two books. Harrington's book is very good though.

[Pinac]

My 2 ct:

 

I agree with jeffed that Harrington's book provides quite a comprehensive survey of the night sky and is a very useful reference tool, esp. for the advanced user.
It is a bit dated (1990), though, so its information about binoculars, mounting, etc. is not up-to-date and many of its illustrations (semi-sharp black and white photos) appear a bit "substandard" today.

 

Personally, I find Stephen Tonkin's other, larger book - "Binocular Astronomy", 2nd ed. 2014 - overall more useful, better organized, and equipped with better star maps, and it provides, among other object lists, one by constellation separately for 50mm, 70mm and 100mm binoculars.

 

Pinac

Edited by Pinac, 20 November 2020 - 06:12 AM.

[Andrea_b]

I own Harrington's book. Even if old, the content related to DSOs is still valid, and coupled with the star map TUBA, that you can download for free, is a very good tool.

[drt3d]

For me, as a relatively beginner, the best binocular Astronomy book is this:

https://www.amazon.c...duct/0387853545

 

Bojan Kambič
Viewing the Constellations with Binoculars

 

George

[Cestus]

I have both and they are useful. I also have Seronik's book.

[duck2k]

I do not have the books, but I subscribe to Steve Tonkin’s Binocular Sky Newsletter.

[Corcaroli78]

.....  and other 2 ct:

 

Do not forget the enjoyable reading of Binocular Astronomy by Craig Crossen. The 1st edition is also dated and the book is focused on 50 mm targets but the writing style and historical background add another dimension to the binocular observations. Highly recommended.

 

Carlos 

[LIVE LONG]

   I have Phil Harrington's, Touring the Universe through Binoculars and Craig Crossen's, Binocular Astronomy-2nd edition.

 

   They are both fantastic books, that you will thoroughly enjoy reading! I find myself constantly consulting both of these books. I personally find them to be the best books for binocular astronomy!

 

   Good luck and Clear Skies,

                                          Bill

[paulsky]

"Sky Vistas"

Paul

[Far-Out]

For the minimalist, that roam among us.

”Astronomy with Opera Glasses”

Great book and free too!

http://www.gutenberg...1-h/36741-h.htm

[Binojunky]

Not covering sky use but a wealth of information,Bill Cookes "Binoculars, fact and fallacy". Gary Serowik has a nice book out,Binocular astronomy, published by S&T, apologies for any spelling mistakes Dave.

[gwlee]

I haven’t found any binocular astronomy book that I can wholeheartedly recommend, but found Seronik’s book useful enough to keep. Suggest checking out whatever you can find in your library system before buying anything. Most libraries will borrow a book from another library if you request it. 

[sonny.barile]

For the minimalist, that roam among us.

”Astronomy with Opera Glasses”

Great book and free too!

http://www.gutenberg...1-h/36741-h.htm

Circa 1888.    Fabulous find. I enjoy these historical writings.....
 

Thank you......

Edited by sonny.barile, 10 December 2020 - 03:19 PM.

[The Ardent]

Somewhat rare:

https://www.cloudyni...and-binoculars/

[alder1]

I agree with Bill, Binocular Astronomy, 2nd edition by Craig Crossen is wonderful. I also like Harrington’s book (and his newsletter). I got my start with Binocular Highlights by Gary Seronik so it has a special place in my library. Not mentioned, also dated in terms of pictures but not text, is the excellent Exploring the Moon Through Binoculars and Small Telescopes by Ernest Cherrington. Thanks for the tip on Astronomy with Opera Glasses. I just downloaded it and will look it over tonight.
Alder

[KennyJ]

Any book illustrated by the peerless, celestial cartographer Wil Tirion has a distinct "visual" advantage over all others, no matter how well written they may be.

 

The Dutch legend himself will have completed 78 revolutions of our sun in February 2021.

 

Kenny

[bumm]

For the minimalist, that roam among us.

”Astronomy with Opera Glasses”

Great book and free too!

http://www.gutenberg...1-h/36741-h.htm

One of my favorite books of all time.  I have several copies around the house, and had to buy a first edition just becuz.

                                                  Marty