284 replies to this topic

[Universe83]

Yeah... as a newbie... I'll be looking what's available to up my current setup... but if you can't buy it then... well how can I justify the 4+ hours drive to and back... plus hotel costs for a look see? But many of you have been there and know what to do. Me... it would be a new experience. My closest to something like this was going to Stellafane... but that was over 35 years ago!

I wish that you were closer than 4 hours.  As a newbie, the added bonus of being there is being able to look at/test out the equipment at NEAF before you purchase. The exhibitors love to explain their goodies!! Even the attendees love to talk about their setups if you can give them a reason. Yes - it is unfortunate that buying has gone more online. 

 

Some regular exhibitors that missed last year (mainly due to the solar eclipse) but are coming this year are: Lunt, Stellarvue, Astro-Physics, Losmandy, 10 Micron, Finger Lakes. Surprisingly, there will be 22 new exhibitors. I think that is a record.

Edited by Universe83, 27 March 2025 - 04:32 PM.

[hopskipson]

Yeah... as a newbie... I'll be looking what's available to up my current setup... but if you can't buy it then... well how can I justify the 4+ hours drive to and back... plus hotel costs for a look see? But many of you have been there and know what to do. Me... it would be a new experience. My closest to something like this was going to Stellafane... but that was over 35 years ago!

If you can figure out what you need, you can call one of the vendors or stores to have them bring it to the show.  You would need to be quick as they are making arrangements to ship everything now.  I had Woodland Hills bring me a C11 and some other items to NEAF one year. Camera Concepts is a good choice as they are in NY and usually bring a lot of stuff.  Woodland Hills may be back to pre-pandemic glory.  I'm sure the eclipse had a lot to do with the subdued presence.

[Ben Diss]

I met Woodland Hills at last year's NEAF. They gave me a good deal on an ASI6200MM. I drooled over the Mach2GTO they had at the show. Since then we've done a brisk business. I am deeply committed to this hobby now, thanks to their presence at the show.

[Universe83]

With all the discussion about equipment, one shouldn't forget the wonderful lectures at NEAF!  Below are links to the schedules for the Main Theater, Fieldhouse and PRO/AM talks. 

 

https://www.neafexpo...peaker Schedule

 

https://www.neafexpo...heater-Schedule

 

https://www.neafexpo...erence Schedule

 

You may need to use a computer to see some of the schedules.

Edited by Universe83, 29 March 2025 - 05:31 AM.

[phobos2]

I wish that you were closer than 4 hours.  As a newbie, the added bonus of being there is being able to look at/test out the equipment at NEAF before you purchase. The exhibitors love to explain their goodies!! Even the attendees love to talk about their setups if you can give them a reason. Yes - it is unfortunate that buying has gone more online. 

 

Some regular exhibitors that missed last year (mainly due to the solar eclipse) but are coming this year are: Lunt, Stellarvue, Astro-Physics, Losmandy, 10 Micron, Finger Lakes. Surprisingly, there will be 22 new exhibitors. I think that is a record.

Yes... that is one of the reasons why I would like to go... to learn more about what is out there and how to use it.

[GlobularLover]

NEAF 2025 LECTURE SCHEDULE:  The day and times for the Northeast Astronomy Forum's lecture talks next weekend.

 

This schedule is up-to-date and effective as of March 28th, but as always, all times are subject to change for personal or professional conflicts.

 

You can buy NEAF tickets online in under 1 minute and avoid the lines:

 

https://rockland-ast...YIDcRZtga_-Nkdg

Attached Thumbnails

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Edited by GlobularLover, 29 March 2025 - 08:38 AM.

[Victory Pete]

NEAF 2025 LECTURE SCHEDULE: The day and times for the Northeast Astronomy Forum's lecture talks next weekend.

This schedule is up-to-date and effective as of March 28th, but as always, all times are subject to change for personal or professional conflicts.

You can buy NEAF tickets online in under 1 minute and avoid the lines:

https://rockland-ast...YIDcRZtga_-Nkdg

In 2023 I bought tickets online and had to wait a long time in a serpentine type line. The cruel irony was there was no line for on the spot ticket sales. I have yet to buy tickets while I wait for a response to this ridiculous situation.

[Dave Mitsky]

What? You didn't buy any of those Televue Blems Dave?  wink.gif

Over the years I've purchased quite a few Tele Vue blems.  However, if there's anything that I don't need nowadays is more eyepieces.  My point stands that NEAF is no longer what it used to be when it comes to non-imaging related astronomy. 

[Dave Mitsky]

The talks this year are a bit too spaceflight related to interest me very much, with only one with a pure astronomy topic and two others astronomy related.

[GlobularLover]

In 2023 I bought tickets online and had to wait a long time in a serpentine type line. The cruel irony was there was no line for on the spot ticket sales. I have yet to buy tickets while I wait for a response to this ridiculous situation.

Pete, that was our first year back and we did get caught by the transformation post-Covid.  There had been a gradual shift from same-day ticket purchases to Advanced Online buying....but the change from 2019 to 2023 (when NEAF re-opened) was astounding.

 

Last year the average wait for Digital Tickets to be admitted was about 10 seconds down from just under 1 minute in 2023.

 

When you came in 2023, people didn't print out their receipt OR have it on their Smartphone ready (or at all)....so our people had to look it up manually which takes anywhere from 15-45 seconds.  Last year we doubled the manpower at Digital to make sure NO backup of any size materialized.

 

We will set up at the Digital Ticket area by 7:30 AM and give out wristbands ready-to-enter long before the show starts.  That way, the entire line (~100 people) walk through as they did last year (2024) in about 30 seconds.

Edited by GlobularLover, 29 March 2025 - 06:13 PM.

[Victory Pete]

Pete, that was our first year back and we did get caught by the transformation post-Covid.  There had been a gradual shift from same-day ticket purchases to Advanced Online buying....but the change from 2019 to 2023 (when NEAF re-opened) was astounding.

 

Last year the average wait for Digital Tickets to be admitted was about 10 seconds down from just under 1 minute in 2023.

 

When you came in 2023, people didn't print out their receipt OR have it on their Smartphone ready (or at all)....so our people had to look it up manually which takes anywhere from 15-45 seconds.  Last year we doubled the manpower at Digital to make sure NO backup of any size materialized.

 

We will set up at the Digital Ticket area by 7:30 AM and give out wristbands ready-to-enter long before the show starts.  That way, the entire line (~100 people) walk through as they did last year (2024) in about 30 seconds.

Okay thanks. I never seem to get a response directly from the NEAF people. Many times, any questions get unanswered. Is the price the same paying the day of? And is there any risk of tickets running out?

Edited by Victory Pete, 29 March 2025 - 07:34 PM.

[Ali Maleki]

NEAF 2025 LECTURE SCHEDULE:  The day and times for the Northeast Astronomy Forum's lecture talks next weekend.

 

This schedule is up-to-date and effective as of March 28th, but as always, all times are subject to change for personal or professional conflicts.

 

Remind me, which is the main NEAF building? Eugene Levy Fieldhouse?

[Universe83]

Okay thanks. I never seem to get a response directly from the NEAF people. Many times, any questions get unanswered. Is the price the same paying the day of? And is there any risk of tickets running out?

• I think we have solved the issue of some emails going into thin air.  The email neafteam@neafexpo.com is a good one for NEAF questions.
• The price is the same the day of.
• No risk of tickets running out.

Remind me, which is the main NEAF building? Eugene Levy Fieldhouse?

Yes - it is the Eugene Levy Fieldhouse.

[Victory Pete]

This Eugene Levy?

https://en.wikipedia...evy?wprov=sfla1

[kgb]

This Eugene Levy

https://en.wikipedia...an)?wprov=sfti1

[Ali Maleki]

This Eugene Levy

https://en.wikipedia...an)?wprov=sfti1

My vote's on this one!

[GlobularLover]

Over the years I've purchased quite a few Tele Vue blems.  However, if there's anything that I don't need nowadays is more eyepieces.  My point stands that NEAF is no longer what it used to be when it comes to non-imaging related astronomy. 

There are lots of new vendors coming this year....a few off-beat vendors with "funky" astronomy stuff or even stuff non-astronomy related ( For The Love Of Toffee came in the past).

 

What non-imaging items or vendors did you have in mind, Dave ?

[GlobularLover]

Remind me, which is the main NEAF building? Eugene Levy Fieldhouse?

Yes, everything is tied to the Fieldhouse.....you can attend the Workshops, Lectures, Food areas, Vendors, and even walk by the outdoor Solar Party. 

[Ali Maleki]

Yes, everything is tied to the Fieldhouse.....you can attend the Workshops, Lectures, Food areas, Vendors, and even walk by the outdoor Solar Party. 

Is there a schedule for the Planetarium shows?

[GlobularLover]

Okay thanks. I never seem to get a response directly from the NEAF people. Many times, any questions get unanswered. Is the price the same paying the day of? And is there any risk of tickets running out?

No risk of tickets running out.    Same price.

 

The NEAF emails are generally going to the folks handling NEAF vendors, NEAIC, etc.  I'll note that we probably need a ticket questions-dedicated email so that attendees get specific attention.  

[GlobularLover]

Is there a schedule for the Planetarium shows?

I haven't seen one yet, but I will reach out. 

[Speedy1985]

So who is actually planning on going to NEAF? I’m going to take a ride up Saturday so it would be nice to meet some fellow CN members. I’m still debating buying ahead or at the door. Are the lines long to get a ticket and get in the morning of? 

[GlobularLover]

So who is actually planning on going to NEAF? I’m going to take a ride up Saturday so it would be nice to meet some fellow CN members. I’m still debating buying ahead or at the door. Are the lines long to get a ticket and get in the morning of? 

Same-Day Tickets line shouldn't be long except maybe at the open. 

 

Digital Online for Advanced Purchases will sail right in if you print out your purchase order (receipt) or have it on your smartphone ready for us to view. 

[spongebob@55]

I'll be there from Thursday on.  I'm a volunteer. Get out the ibuprofen. 

I'd also check the classifieds for 'Neaf Pick Up/Sale'  There's usually some good used items and you can meet other CNers.   

I like to wear a badge with my CN picture on it jic somebody wants to talk.

I'd also check online before you buy anything for online Neaf Sales at the regular stores just to be sure you are getting a good deal/lower price.  Check with Celestron to see who they will sell their show equipment to this year.  I know I'm buying some chances to win the new Nagler 82's at the RAC booth.  Hope its sunny b/c the solar party viewing is always great fun.  Looking forward to the NEAF Talks.  Always one that's surprisingly interesting.  ( as long as its not too hot in there).

See ya there!

Bob

[hfjacinto]

So who is actually planning on going to NEAF? I’m going to take a ride up Saturday so it would be nice to meet some fellow CN members. I’m still debating buying ahead or at the door. Are the lines long to get a ticket and get in the morning of? 

I'm going and expect to be there between 9 and 10 AM.