Star Ware: The Amateur Astronomer's Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Buying, & Using Telescopes and Accessories

Additional Star Ware: The Amateur Astronomer's Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Buying, & Using Telescopes and Accessories Information

"Star Ware is still a tour de force that any experienced amateur will find invaluable, and which hardware-minded beginners will thoroughly enjoy."
–Robert Burnham, Sky & Telescope magazine

"Star Ware condenses between two covers what would normally take a telescope buyer many months to accumulate."
–John Shibley, Astronomy magazine

Now more than ever, the backyard astronomer has a dazzling array of choices when it comes to telescope shopping–which can make choosing just the right sky-watching equipment a formidable challenge.

In this revised and updated edition of Star Ware, the essential guide to buying astronomical equipment, award-winning astronomy writer Philip Harrington does the work for you, analyzing and exploring today’s astronomy market and offering point-by-point comparisons of everything you need. Whether you’re an experienced amateur astronomer or just getting started, Star Ware, Third Edition will prepare you to explore the farthest reaches of space with: Extensive, expanded reviews of leading models and accessories, including dozens of new products, to help you buy smart A clear, step-by-step guide to all aspects of purchasing everything from telescopes and binoculars to filters, mounts, lenses, cameras, film, star charts, guides and references, and much more Eleven new do-it-yourself projects for making unique astronomical equipment at home Easy tips on maintenance, photography, and star-mapping to help you get the most out of your telescope Lists of where to find everything astronomical, including Internet sites and Web resources; distributors, dealers, and conventions; and corporate listings for products and services

What Customers Say About Star Ware: The Amateur Astronomer's Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Buying, & Using Telescopes and Accessories:

You have to start visiting the stores and websites yourself. Very detailed, exhaustive. I appreciate all the little hints provided, such as a homemade anti-fogging device and a focusing lever. Gets the novice (me) off the starting block and into the action. A book can only do so much, however. Harrington does his best to help beginners avoid or solve all the little problems that come an amateur astronomer's way. I recommend it.

Its just an invaluable reference that covers all of the different gear available. The amateur astronomer market has absolutely exploded with a plethora of different scopes and accessories. 10-15 years ago a book like this really wouldn't even be needed but things are very different today. Whats great about this book is it doesn't just cover the different types of scopes, it also gives you side by side comparisons of today's leading models.The bottom line - If you are interested in buying astronomy gear then this is the very first purchase you should make. Even the seasoned veterans can find the market a bit daunting today. Well that is where Star Ware comes in and in all honesty this book should be on every amateur astronomers bookshelf regardless of their level of expertise. After reading this book you will have a much better understanding of the gear available and the gear best suited for the activities your interested in. A must buy for all amateur astronomers.5 Stars.

Harrington's whole Star Ware series is a must read for anyone getting into the astronomy hobby.

Very good book and probably required if you are a newbie looking for something to get you going in the right direction. Just be careful what edition you get (third is the latest as of right now) as the information is kept up to date rendering older editions much less useful and even obsolete. This book covers many topics in addition to telescopes that are inextricable from the subject of backyard amateur astronomy. Well written and recommended.

Whether you are new to astronomy or a veteran, this book provides a great review of products available and helps you select those most suitable for your needs. There is even a do-it-yourself section for those of us who eschew paying big bucks for simple needs. Highly recommended.