Astronomy Books Galore!

We're clearing out our libraries here at Scope Freaks and have some good, collectible gems to offer.

We have some out of print classics among this little stash.

Above all, these are just great, informational and engrossing books for the astronomy-mongers out there!

Watchers of the Skies (Willy Ley, 1966)  $10

The face of Venus: the Magellan radar-mapping mission (NASA, 1995) $11

Atlas of the Solar System (Moore/Hunt, 1983) $9

All About Telescopes (Sam Brown, 1975) $5

Atlas of Neptune (Moore/Hunt, 1994) $6

Lowell & Mars (Hoyt, 1976) $9

Comets: A Descriptive Catalog (Kronk, 1984) $4

Mars: The Lure of the Red Planet Sheehan/O'Meara, 2001) $5

The Planet Venus (Marov/Grinspoon, 1998) $21 [Big beautiful volume!]

The Immortal Fire Within: The Life and Work of Edward Emerson Barnard (Sheehan, 1995) $45 [Out of Print classic]

The Search for Life on Mars: Evolution of an Idea (Cooper, 1980) $4

Planets and Perception: Telescopic Views and Interpretations, 1609-1909 (Sheehan, 1988) $8

The Moon (Wilkins/Moore, 1962) $9

Lunar Sourcebook: A User's Guide to the Moon (Heiken,Vaniman, French, 1991) $30 (Awesome out of print - tons of info)

The Explorers of Mars Hill: A Centennial History of Lowell Observatory, 1894-1994 (Putnam, 1994) $4

Smithsonian Book of Mars (Boyce, 2008) $6

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

Garrett Optical Gemini 20x80 Astronomy Binoculars **SOLD**

Garrett Optical has been cranking out high-quality astronomy products for a while now and their Gemini series astro-binoculars are among our favorites. This pair of 20x80 binoculars is only a few months old and rarely used. 

They're essentially in the same condition we received them in and have given us some of the most spectacular hand-held views of the night sky we've ever had. Panning these across the milky way is truly a majestic experience. Most bright Messier objects are easily seen with these binoculars. They also perform well in a terrestrial role. Take them to a football game or to your favorite vacation spot.

Despite their size, they are lightweight and manageable and don't necessarily require a tripod, though having one would be a fine addition. We've trained these on the moon and can easily discern even moderate sized craters. They clearly show Jupiter and its moons and the rings of Saturn. A couple of solar filters would turn these bad-boys into a great sun-viewing apparatus. 

These binos come in a nice leather case and have their own lens caps. Retailing for $170, we are offering these up for just $135.

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

Rectified Lunar Atlas (1963) - $85 **SOLD**

As part of G. P. Kuiper's Moon-mapping program of the late 50s and 60s a unique atlas of the limb regions was made, the Rectified Lunar Atlas by Whitaker, Kuiper, Hartmann and Spradley.

This large format, bound atlas showed each limb area as seen from directly overhead. Since this was made before lunar orbiters flew it was necessary to create it by projecting telescopic images of the Moon onto a large white sphere and then rephotographing the sphere from directly over the area of interest.

This is supplement #2 to the photographic atlas series. Now exceedingly rare, this volume is a treasure to astronomy book collectors and lunar fanatics. There is heavy wear on the spine of this volume but the pages are in great condition.

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

Celestron 6" f/5 Newtonian OTA - $160 **SOLD**

Looking for a small astrophotography rig or casual observing scope? This handsome C6-N should do the trick. Optics on this product are sharp and bright and we've taken some nice shots of open clusters and nebula with it.

This is an ultra-lightweight scope with great portability. The tube rings and dovetail plate are still affixed to the tube so this scope is ready pop right down on your current mount.

We are selling just the tube and finder scope so shipping should be a cinch. A new scope like this will set you back about $350 plus shipping. We're offering this C6-N in great condition for $160. We'll ship via the most economical means to keep your cost low.

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

Eyepiece Filters **SOLD**

We've got a couple of useful tools for your eyepieces in the way of filters.

Zhummel Ultra High Contrast Filter  $22 (retails for $40)

- Reduces effects of light pollution
- Sky background is darker
- Contrast of emission nebulae is improved
- Great for city and suburban observation
- 1.25 inch format, theads to bottom of eyepiece

We also have two lunar filters designed to cut down on glare and enhance surface features. We are selling each of these for only $5 a piece.

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

Orion Binoviewers w/ Sirius Plossls - $140 **SOLD**

We all know that two eyes are better than one. When it comes to astronomy, this is especially true. Being able to use both your eyes to view distant celestial objects through a telescope will enhance your experience tenfold. So we're offering up this binoviewing kit for a great price.

Retailing at $249, we are happy to offer this used kit for $140. The two Sirius eyepieces included have some wear on the eyecups but the glass is clean. A barlow lens attachment is also included, which for most observers is a critical component in reaching focus.

Get more information on this product here

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

.965 Eyepieces & Accessories - $30 **SOLD**

Scope Freaks has a nice little kit for those seeking .965 items for their old refractors. This kit includes the following.

Eyepieces
20mm (2)
6mm (2)
5mm
4mm
2.5mm

Accessories
Moon filter
Diagonal
Barlow Lens

We'll also include the nifty little wooden holder seen in the photo.

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

Astronomy Books - Some Rare Collectibles!

Scope Freaks doesn't just do telescopes and eyepieces. We have some valuable and collectible space-related books that collectors will truly appreciate. 

We've got a small treasure of book gems sure to satisfy the collector and enthusiast.

Some of these books are long out of print and highly prized by collectors for their rarity and richness of information.

Atlas-Guide Photographique de La Lune (Georges Viscardy, 1984) $185

Mapping and Naming the Moon (Ewen A. Whitaker, 1999)  $59

Lunar Orbiter Photographic Atlas of the Near Side of the Moon (Charles J Bryne, 2005) $55

The Far Side of the Moon (Charles J Bryne, 2008) $18

Apollo Over the Moon: A View from Orbit (NASA, 1978) $25

Moon Morphology: Interpretations Based on Lunar Orbiter Photography (Peter H. Schultz, 1976) $35

An extraordinarily rare copy of this lunar classic. Excellent condition!

Though prices are listed above we are open to offers.

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

SkyWatcher 10" Dobsonian Telescope - $495 **SOLD**

SkyWatcher has been producing some of the optically finest products we've had the pleasure of using these past few years. We recently sold a fantastic 8" newtonian version of this scope and praised it for its stunning crisp optics. This 10" Dobsonian proves yet again that SkyWatcher has the upperhand in the telescope market when it comes to sheer quality of build and performance. We've looked through a lot of telescopes and done comparisons on most of the major competitors and thus far SkyWatcher has edged them all out. Whatever this Canadian company is doing in the mirror factories should remain a trade secret.

We obtained this awesome scope just a few days ago. It is in virtually new condition and after a quick and easy collimation we zeroed in on a beautiful gibbous moon. Our first views were gasp-worthy! The accuracy was unlike anything we have seen with other scopes of this aperture. Bright and tack sharp, this 10" light bucket really wowed our senses. After 30 minutes on the moon we gazed at the brightest stars and the famous Hercules Globular Cluster, M13. Again, sharpness was razor-like and focusing was effortless with the supplied focuser.

What makes this scope unique from most other Dobs is the collapsible configuration. With most other transportable scopes of this variety the user must break down the scope by removing the trusses. SkyWatcher has created an easy collapsible secondary array so the entire unit remains intact. Just press down on the two knobs and the two halves become one. Each has its own dust cover as well. 

We decided to upgrade this bad boy by replacing the stock finderscope with a really nice 9x50 Celestron. We also installed some tensioning screws on the struts as a back-up for the ones supplied. The focuser supports both 2" and 1.25" eyepieces. We are supplying the 2" adapter, and as an added bonus we are including an Astrozap lightshroud. This cloth shroud will help stray light out of the tube.

Slewing and turning is firm and stable. You won't need a step-stool or ladder for this compact scope and its lightweight and portable enough to fit in even the smallest economy vehicles.

We seriously considered holding on to this telescope for our own viewing pleasure! Optics like this are not easy to part with, especially at this price. The SkyWatcher 10" Dobsonian generally sells for around $700 but we're throwing it out there for $495.

As with most of our scopes, we are happy to deliver in the LA, Valley, Orange and Inland Empire regions for a small fee. Shipping would be pricey so we prefer to deal locally. We are also throwing in a free 10mm Plossl with this scope.

For more detailed information on this telescope go here.

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

Telescope Collimators

We've got a couple of important tools critical to good telescope performance. These collimation instruments will enable you to calibrate your optics so that your viewing performance is tip-top!

Hotech Laser Collimator          - $65 (retails for $90)
Celestron Collimator Eyepiece - $20 (retails for $30)

Laser collimation is the fastest and most accurate means of aligning your mirrors, though with a little practice one can use the collimator eyepiece to get the same results.

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

Assorted 2" / 1.25" Astronomy Eyepieces **SOLD**

Scope Freaks is blowing out another handful of high-quality eyepieces. We have four great ones and a nice 2" Barlow available this week.

2" Celestron Ultima LX 32mm                           -  $85  (retails for $159)
2" / "1.25 Baader Planetarium Hyperion 21mm -  $90   (retails for $139)
2" OPT Superview 42mm                                   -  $56   (retails for $90)
2" University Optics 2x ED Barlow                      - $45   (retails for $69)
1.25" Meade HD-60 12mm                                  - $55   (retails for $80)

Eyepieces are used but in great condition. Advanced enthusiasts will appreciate the eye relief and precision optics of all these pieces.

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

Vixen ED81SWT Apochromatic Refractor - $625 **SOLD**

Scope Freaks has this high-precision apochromatic refractor available. When The ED81S was introduced, it set a new standard for 80mm APO Refractors. The combination of better color correction from the new ED glass and brighter images from its fast f/7.7 focal ratio will satisfy the most demanding visual astronomer or astrophotographer. The new ED glass produces clear and high contrast viewing, virtually free of false color. The design uses newly developed, environmentally friendly glass technology. The optical tube is very stable yet light weight. The Vixen ED81 is an ideal travel scope. It is suitable not only for low magnifications but also for high powers beyond 150x.

The telescope is ideally suited for demanding observers and photographers. Vixen ED apochromatic refractors are doublet refractors with excellent colour correction and field correctioin suitable for SLR cameras. This makes them suitable for demanding astro-photographers and demanding observers alike. The top carry handle also includes a 1/2-20 stud for piggyback camera mounting. The ED81 is made in Japan and retails at between $925 - $1100.

This is a used scope with some cosmetic scuffs on the outer tube but the optics are pristine. In our tests the ED81SWT provided the absolute best views of the moon and stars we've yet seen. Colors were rich and natural and sharpness was unsurpassed. This is a serious piece of optical equipment that is light and portable and makes a great astrophotography scope. We are also including the dovetail plate and carrying handle attachment. There is no finder scope but the mounting point should accommodate most commercially available finders.

Scope Freaks is selling this fine scope for only $625.

More information here: http://www.vixenoptics.com/refractors/ed81.htm

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

Eyepiece Pairs for Binoviewing - $48 & $60 **SOLD**

Two eyes are better than one when it comes to any sort of vision-related activity. When it comes to astronomy being able to use both your eyes to view celestial objects creates depth and detail that will leave you gasping. 

Scope Freaks has two pairs of eyepieces that work great with any set of binoviewers. 


The first is a pair of Garrett Optical 30mm Plossls. They are a 4-element design and offer a 52°field of view.

The Orion Sirius Plossls are highly respected and well-performing eyepieces that are often packaged with newly purchased binoviewers. They are 4-element, feature an anti-reflective coating and give a 52°field of view.

2x Garrett Optical 30mm Plossl   $48

2x Orion Sirius 20mm Plossl        $60

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

Tele Vue 4.8mm Naglers (2) - $140 & $125 **SOLD**

To the even the recently indoctrinated amateur astronomer Tele Vue is a name brand that needs no introduction. Tele Vue's optical accessories are regarded as the icing atop the astronomy heap. The popular Nagler line has been around for years and are essentially worshiped by masses of amateur astronomers and casual observers who demand the highest in contrast, sharpness and depth.

Scope Freaks has two great Tele Vue 1.25" eyepieces available. These are both powerful 4.8mm Naglers in almost new condition. The older of the two, seen at left above, hail from the early/mid 90s. The second was only recently acquired. Both are manufactured in Japan. In our tests we didn't see a great deal of visual differences between the two. Both eyepieces performed as expected and yielded the sort of stellar 82° views one expects from the experts at Tele Vue.

We've got boxes and end caps for both eyepieces. The price difference is merely based on our own costs.

Early 4.8mm  Nagler -  $125
Newer 4.8mm Nagler-  $140

Interested? Contact us: scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

Celestron CGEM Mount - $675 **SOLD**

We've got a used heavy duty CGEM series mount made by Celestron. This is a professional mount/tripod for the enthusiast and astrophotographer.

This one looks a bit rough around the edges but is sturdy and functioning smoothly. Includes hand controller, GPS unit, accessory tray, cables, two counterweights, polar scope. We've also got a adapter plate. We recommend only using this mount with an SCT type scope or a lighter weight newtonian scope under 30 lbs.

Detailed info on this mount here

The plastic hand controller holder that attaches to the tripod leg is missing as well as the left azimuth adjustment knob. This doesn't really make a huge difference as it relates to getting polar aligned however.

These mounts are $1350 new from Celestron. We'd rather not ship this item as its just too much weight. We can deliver within the LA/OC/Inland Empire region of California however, or meet buyer at an agreed location that suits us both.

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com