Re: Answers to Gary's accumulated questions

[P3D John Ohrt <johrt@xxxxxxx>]

P3D Dr. George A. Themelis wrote:

> You can be as much technical as you like.  But I'd say, unless if a lot is
> at stake, instead of wasting your time worrying, go ahead and try it first!

In a sense, I agree.  Novices shouldn't be scared off by cost and
complexity.

The "tabletop" competition is an example of a "smart move" by PSA or who
ever was running the competition.  As you point out, all you need is a
camera and a slide rail, and a 35 mm macro SLR is very acceptable. 
After that, it is down to stereo visualization and execution.  A great
contest to entice beginners.

My concern is what I call the binocular syndrome.  As an amateur
astronomer, I occassionally use binoculars for hours.  As an experienced
lookout, I have used very expensive binoculars.  

The conclusion often drawn by novices is I use fairly expensive (about
$300 US) binoculars because I am rich,  status consciencious, or have
been sucked in by all those articles that say you need expensive
binoculars.

The truth is, $300 is cheap, because anything far less than that is
going to give you a splitting headache when used for hours on end.

Problem number 2 is that a novice doesn't know how to adjust binoculars
to match his eyes.  Thus a novice is in no position to make a value
judgement.

Does this mean $25 binoculars are useless.  NO!  I use a set all the
time to quickly check birds at the feeder or in situations where risk of
damage is high.  I can afford (barely) a $25 "hit" but not a $300 "hit".


That's why I say the tabletop class is a good move.  A novice has no
serious technical obstacle to overcome to compete with a pro.  

Once you start sawing cameras in half, synching shutters and flash,
matching lens etc, you may end up with a great "real stereo camera", but
more money than many novices can commit.

I may be technically oriented, but I do admire those who can "meet spec"
the cheap way.

Right now, I am trying to build a fully motorized astro-camera for
meteor patrol work for under $100.  That is way under the cost of just a
motorized SLR body.

Fortunately, I don't have to match lens for that :-)

Regards,
John

--
John Ohrt,  Regina, SK, Canada
johrt@xxxxxxx



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