Binocular Astronomy (The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series)

Nice book for the binocular astronomer

The 2nd edition of Stephen Tonkin's Binocular Astronomy is excellent for anyone wanting more information about binoculars and their use in observing objects in the night sky. I own several books about binocular astronomy--and Tonkin's presentation of the technical optical information and the observing information is the best there is at the time of this review.

I own this little jewel called Canon 10 X 30 IS binocular and coupled with this enormous jewel of book, you have a powerful years long sights to observe. Thank you Stephen!

nicely done and a great book for binocular observers of the night sky,,

Hello,I have the first edition of this book and read this second edition because I have not really noticed much difference to be honest, well, if you change something, but not if it is worth.A greeting

Very informative book. In conjunction with his website and newsletter real adds to binocular astronomy.

Very informative. :)

First 130 pages are heavy into optics and hardware. After that the last 2/3 of the book the reader will find more useful. The average star-gazing hobbyist will probably do fine with sticking with binoculars. All but the local group in the universe will be mostly pinpoints even with a $5000 telescope, so why go crazy with telescopes? Half the fun is knowing what you're looking at, and that's where this book "shines". Very informative. There's plenty to see. If you want to ramp it up a notch and have the $, try a Cannon 18x50 image-stabilized (~$1500) and use this book for orientation. The Cannon will multi-task for daytime activities in a way like you've never seen before.

The author, Stephen Tonkin, is a recognised authority on Astronomy and (having attended a lecture of his) I can recommend his knowledge, humour and power to entertain. His book demonstrates those characteristics and is most informative on how to get the most out of binocular "star gazing". I am a keen astronomer and have found the attraction of binocular viewing irresistible. Moreover the latter part of his book gives an excellent guide to star recognition - the best I have seen apart from "Sky at Night" magazine inserts.I still use a telescope but find binoculars ideal for a quick dash to catch the moon, planets and stars - during a brief gap in the clouds! They are also ideal when that gap appears and you are near an upstairs window. The landing window makes an ideal opportunistic viewing spot.Beware - once you have understood the benefits of binocular viewing you will (like me) want a monopod - to make binocular star gazing even easier and comfortable, sitting down or standing up. I haven't cracked binocular photography yet but I am having too much fun, just looking!

the book consists of a thorough introduction to optics and binoculars, leaving the read entirely able to navigate the process of understanding and then buying an appropriate set of binoculars for astronomy.there follows an "object per page" guide/catalogue of celestial targets and a brief guide.Excellent book, recommended.

happy with this book

Very good book, if you want info about binoculars read this book.

A fully comprehensive guide to binoculars as well as how to view the stars and planets. Very glad I bought a copy.