7 replies to this topic

[skyops]

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https://youtu.be/4IX...lGEDnlGmNDs6fW1

 

 

 

 

 

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[Steve Cox]

As usual, not impressed with Ting. Except for item #3, changing the visual back on a Cat to a 2", I can do without any of the other 4 items. When it comes to the .965 to 1.25 adapter, well, he's way out of date IMO; and maybe so for the planisphere suggestion too.

[Pat Rochford]

As usual, not impressed with Ting. Except for item #3, changing the visual back on a Cat to a 2", I can do without any of the other 4 items. When it comes to the .965 to 1.25 adapter, well, he's way out of date IMO; and maybe so for the planisphere suggestion too.

 

So, what would your five cheap things be?

[Steve Cox]

So, what would your five cheap things be?

Interesting thought, what 5 inexpensive can't observe without items? Hmmm... well, going into this I realize this as completely subjective to the individual, but could I make a list that could apply to everyone? Hmmm...I can try.

 

1. Pocket Sky Atlas.

2. Good red light flashlight for astro-use.

3. Good comfortable observing chair such as the Starbound or equivalent (while not terribly inexpensive, it's kind of a must have).

4. SkySafari Plus or Pro (even if it's your secondary app).

5. Cloudy Nights membership

 

I've tried to make my list as universal as possible. And I think that is my point of my disappointment with Ed Ting's video; he titles it "Five CHEAP Things Everyone Needs", and that's factually not true.

1. While I have and keep my S&T planisphere, I rarely if ever use it anymore.

2. Very few people need a .965 to 1.25 adapter (last time I saw a .965 eyepiece or drawtube was 1989).

3. Not everybody needs 2 binoculars, one bino is perfectly fine for me.

4. Not everybody has a mak so they don't need a visual back.

5. And lastly, not everyone needs or wants a planetary camera, I certainly don't care about one. Nor is that an inexpensive (or cheap in his words) item after you add on all the other things needed for acquiring and processing images.

I used to read Ed many years ago, but over the last decade or so, every time I read or watch him, his content feels to me more and more irrelevant.

Edited by Steve Cox, 23 June 2025 - 05:15 PM.

[Pat Rochford]

I'm of the opinion that Ed Ting's (current) intended audience is primarily newcomers to the hobby.  In years past his brief, written reviews seemed to make the assumption that those reading them had a basic understanding of telescope anatomy and usage.  At least that's my take.  All these years later, I still occasionally re-read them to see just how far amateur equipment has come.

 

Ed has a relaxed, down-to-Earth quality about him, which puts someone new to the hobby at ease.  His descriptions of equipment take into account the possibility that someone watching the video may not be exactly sure which end of the telescope to look through.  Just look at the pictures we often see of a Newtonian pointed at the sky, with the primary facing the ground.  As far as his opinions about which brand is the best, or what size or type of scope is the best 'first telescope', I think we all are somewhat prejudiced in that department.   

 

I've been in this hobby for sixty years now and I enjoy, and actually look forward to, seeing his (nearly) weekly additions.  So good for Ed Ting.  We may not agree with every statement he makes, but he serves a good purpose in removing some of the perceived aloofness of a science-oriented hobby, by making it sound like fun.  His sense of humor and facial expressions are, in my opinion, a breath of fresh air.  

[ccate]

His suggestions of a .965 to 1.25 adapter and an extra pair of cheap binoculars were to promote generosity. The first for that friend with a "hobby killer"... to get the most out of the scope, and the second to share views with others.

[CarolinaBanker]

As usual, not impressed with Ting. Except for item #3, changing the visual back on a Cat to a 2", I can do without any of the other 4 items. When it comes to the .965 to 1.25 adapter, well, he's way out of date IMO; and maybe so for the planisphere suggestion too.

I still like the planisphere even with SkySafari and much better atlases. It’s quick and dirty, but also requires no batteries, doesn’t crash and is dirt cheap.

[WillR]

As usual, not impressed with Ting. Except for item #3, changing the visual back on a Cat to a 2", I can do without any of the other 4 items. When it comes to the .965 to 1.25 adapter, well, he's way out of date IMO; and maybe so for the planisphere suggestion too.

I generally like Ed’s videos, but I agree, these choices were bizarre. Like ccate mentioned, some of these were strictly for outreach. If you don’t do outreach, you wouldn’t need them.

Edited by WillR, 07 July 2025 - 09:07 AM.