Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15x70 Binoculars with Tripod Adapter

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I've been an amateur astronomer for about 23 years. I have a broad amount of experience with the kind of optics that are used for astronomy. I have used most every type of instrument and have visited some of the great professional telescopes. I have hand built my own newtonian telescope including machining the german equatorial mount. Soon after completing this instrument I took it to a star party and ended up on my back with a pair of Fujinon SX binoculars. To make a long story short, I preferred the binos to the view in my telescope. Telescopes are expensive, they are big, heavy, hard to move, hard to store, complicated to set up correctly, and the view through the eyepiece can be crowded and dissapointing. For the casual observer binoculars are the superior choice. They are everything that a telescope is not...relatively cheap, light, easy use. And because they are so easy to use, you will end up using them much more often than you would a cumbersome telescope. That aspect of binoculars alone will make them show you much more than a telescope ever would. The Celestron 15X70 Skymasters are by far and away the best amateur astronomy instrument for the money on the market right now. They are truly and incredible value. You could spend $600+ on Fujinon SX binoculars and have a very fine instrument, but after using these, that would be a hard argument to make. Most everyone's eyes are not able to discern the fine differences between the two instuments. Mind you, I am not telling you that these are as good as the Fujinons, but at about a 10th of the price...well you get the idea. My experience with Celestron is that they are a first class operation. And now with their lifetime no-fault warranty, the best in the industry, you can purchase products from them knowing that if anything ever goes wrong for whatever reason, they will always stand behind their product. If you are looking to get started in astronomy or looking for an excuse to leave your telescope in the closet, these binoculars are a great value and with proper care will last a lifetime and show you more wonders than you will ever see frustrating yourself with a high magnification-small field telescope. Get them, take them outside at night with your kids and wonder why.......



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Samsung NX2000 20.3MP Digital Camera (Certified Refurbished) - with 20-50mm Lens

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I've got the NX300

(I also posted this under the NX300 link!)



- Excellent image quality thanks to the APS-C sensor.

- 20-50mm lens is very compact and makes is easy to always carry.

- Excellent controls - you can use the touch screen or the buttons for most settings..

- Compact design and good build quality.

- Beautiful AMOLED screen.

- Crazy Fast, & Reliable Autofocus.

- High frame rate for action shooting

- FHD video quality is way better than anything I was able to get from my FHD camcorder.

- Wi-Fi works great connecting with my Samsung G4 phone!

- View Screen is like my phone and not great in bright bright sunlight.



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Samsung NX300 20.3MP Digital Camera (Certified Refurbished) - with 20-50mm Lens

The Samsung NX300 Smart Compact System Camera combines performance, connectivity, and convenience in a small package that lets you take your video and photography to a new level. The camera's 20.3-megapixel sensor captures incredible color rendition and detail, while an interchangeable lens mount offers versatility. The NX300 also features 3D technology for both still shots and video and built-in Wi-Fi, making it easy for you to get the shots you want and share them with all your friends.

A high-resolution 20.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor captures lifelike, vivid images. View larger.

Wirelessly transfer photos and movies to your PC or Mac.

20.3-Megapixel Sensor for Crisp, Detailed Photos

An advanced 20.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor is at the heart of the Samsung NX300, capturing lifelike colors and beautiful images with the highest resolution in its class. The camera has an ISO range from 100 to 25,600, so you'll be able take great photos in different lighting situations.

The NX300's hybrid autofocus system includes phase detection AF and contrast AF for fast and accurate autofocusing. Combining a shutter speed of 1/6,000 and exceptionally short shutter lag, the system allows you to take sharp, in-focus shots quickly. The camera also features an 8.6 frame per second capture rate, so you can shoot successive action shots that are clear and in focus.

Frame Low-Angle Shots with AMOLED Tilt Display

On the back of the camera is a brilliant, 3.31-inch AMOLED tilt display that flips up 90 degrees and down 45 degrees. You'll have no problems framing and capturing your images, no matter if they're low-angle or high-angle.

The display has a hybrid user interface that offers touch navigation as well as a five-way button for photographers who prefer traditional controls. This hybrid approach makes setting controls and sharing images a snap.

Bundled 20-50mm Lens

The Samsung NX300 Smart Compact System Camera is bundled with a 20-50mm lens, which provides ideal range for all-around use. The camera uses the Samsung NX mount so you can choose from 12 different Samsung NX lenses for your needs.

Wi-Fi Connectivity for Easy Sharing

Thanks to built-in Wi-Fi, transferring your images and sharing them no longer requires memory cards or cables. You won't have to worry about running out of space, either.

With the dedicated Direct Link hot key, you can quickly connect to Wi-Fi networks. Once connected, you can save photos and videos directly to a computer or cloud service as you shoot. Print photos wirelessly or share them with your friends instantly by uploading them straight to Facebook or YouTube. With dual band Wi-Fi support, you'll have faster and more stable connections to the wireless networks around you.

Connect to Your Smartphone for More Features

The NX300 works with Samsung's Smart Camera App (for iPhone and Android), which lets you instantly pair your camera with your smartphone and gives you features such as AutoShare and Remote ViewFinder.

When AutoShare is activated, all the pictures you take on your camera are automatically sent to your smartphone. Remote ViewFinder turns your phone into a viewfinder and lets you preview images, adjust camera settings, frame the scene, and tag the shot location from up to 30 feet away. When you need to take a group shot with yourself in it, Remote ViewFinder makes it easy.

Full HD Video Recording

The NX300 also has 1,080p Full HD movie recording capabilities. Use the bundled lens for a cinematic experience, or choose from a wide range of lenses (sold separately) to get the scene you want. The CMOS sensor gives you precise autofocus even as you're shooting, so you can shoot with confidence.

3D Photos and Videos

The Samsung NX300 lets you take your photos and videos to a new dimension with support for true 3D. When you combine the camera with a 3D lens (sold separately), you'll get true 3D photos and videos, opening up a new way to shoot the world (3D TV system required to view in 3D).

Product Dimensions and Weight

The NX300 measures 2.51 by 4.8 by 1.6 inches (H x W x D) and weighs 0.62 pounds.

What's in the Box

NX300 Smart Compact System Camera, 20-50mm lens, SEF-8A flash, BP1130 battery, Micro USB cable, USB charger, and strap.

NX300 Smart Compact System Camera

White and Silver

At a Glance:

• High-resolution 20.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor


• High-performance hybrid autofocus system


• Built-in Wi-Fi for easy sharing and data transfers


• Tilting AMOLED touch screen flips up 90 degrees


• Captures 1080p Full HD video


• 3D capable for photos and videos when used with 3D lens


• Includes 20-50mm lens, battery, USB charger, and strap

Select your shooting mode using the rotator dial. View larger.

The 3.31-inch AMOLED tilt display flips up 90 degrees and down 45 degrees. View larger.

Compare Products	NX300	NX2000	NX1000
Deal Price	$269.99	$229.99	$189.99
Max Resolution	20.3 megapixels	20.3 megapixels	20.3 megapixels
Includes 20-50mm Lens	✓	✓	✓
Display Type	3.3" WVGA Tilt Touch	3.7" WVGA Touch	3.0" VGA
Shutter Speed	1/6000th	1/4000th	1/4000th
Frame Rate	8.6FPS	8FPS	8FPS
ISO	100-25,600	100-25,600	100-12,800
Video (Res/FPS)	1080/60	1080/30	1080/30
Software Inlcuded	Adobe Lightroom V4.0	Adobe Lightroom V4.0	Samsung Raw

• This Certified Refurbished product is manufacturer refurbished, shows limited or no wear, and includes all original accessories plus a 90-day warranty


• High-resolution 20.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, captures 1080p Full HD video


• High-performance hybrid autofocus system


• Built-in Wi-Fi for easy sharing and data transfers


• Tilting AMOLED touch screen flips up 90 degrees


• 
  

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Great Camera.. Killer price refurbished!



- Excellent image quality thanks to the APS-C sensor.

- 20-50mm lens is very compact and makes is easy to always carry.

- Excellent controls - you can use the touch screen or the buttons for most settings..

- Compact design and good build quality.

- Beautiful AMOLED screen.

- Crazy Fast, & Reliable Autofocus.

- High frame rate for action shooting

- FHD video recoredin

- Wi-Fi works great connecting with my Samsung G4 phone!

- View Screen is like my phone and not great in bright bright sunlight.



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GoPro HERO3: White Edition

Immersive life capture. Featuring stunning image quality and built-in Wi-Fi, HERO3 White makes it simple to document and share life's most memorable moments. It captures 1080p30 video for gorgeous footage of every adventure. A variety of photo modes ensure your best shots yet-choose from 5MP single photos, Time Lapse photos or Burst photos up to 3 frames per second. Built-in Wi-Fi supports the GoPro App, enabling you to control the camera remotely using your phone or tablet, view the photos and videos you've captured, and quickly share content on Facebook, Twitter and more. HERO3 White is compatible with all GoPro mounts, so you can wear it or attach it to your gear for immersive POV footage during your favorite activities. Plus, it's ultra durable and waterproof to 131' (40m), so it goes wherever you go to capture life without a worry.

Item Includes:

• HERO3 White Camera


• Standard Housing 131'(40m)


• Rechargeable Battery


• Curved Adhesive Mount


• Flat Adhesive Mount


• Quick Release Buckle


• USB Cable

• Professional quality video capture in 1080p 30fps, 960p 30 fpts, 720p 60 fps, and WVGA 60 fps


• Built in Wi-Fi compatible with the GoPro app for Smartphones/Tablets; as well as the Wi-Fi remote (available seperatly)


• Compatible with LCD Touch BacPac, and 2nd generation Battery Bacpac, as well as backward compatible with all older generation bacpacs


• 5 MP photos with 3 fps burst mode, and time lapse at .5, 2, 5, 10, 30, and 60 second intervals


• 131'/ 40m Waterproof Housing with integrated flat lense housing


• 
  

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I purchased this camera for a High Altitude Balloon program I am working on. In the project, we send a package to the edge of space (>100,000 feet) and then return it to earth. We needed a camera that took high resolution pictures, was small and lightweight, and that could be set to continuously snap pictures every few seconds. From the literature, it appeared the Gopro Hero3 was just the thing we needed.



We purchased the camera, and integrated it into our flight package. The pictures that the camera took were simply stunning, and it worked flawlessly. Battery life was sufficient to provide pictures from start to finish. In addition, it worked properly, even though ambient temperatures were around 50 degrees below zero (F).



I am delighted with the camera, and I believe that it is the ultimate camera for High Altitude Ballooning.



In the customer picture section above, you can see the picture that this camera took from the edge of space of the earth.



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Tasco Essentials 10x50Binocular

The 10x50 binoculars from Tasco Essentials are a bright, high-power workhorse with great wide-angle performance and tough rubber armor for durability. With Zip focus system and Porro prism, the fully-coated lens offers a clear view in the field.

Specifications:

• Model: 2023BRZ


• Magnification X Objective Lens: 10x 50mm


• Size Class: Standard


• Focus System: Zip


• Prism System: Porro


• Lens Coating: Fully


• Field of View ft @ 1000 yards / m @ 1000 m: 367 ft./123 m


• Exit Pupil (mm): 5mm


• Eyecups: Fold-Down


• Weight: 26.4 ounces


• Water/Fog Proof: No


• Adapt to Tripod: Yes

• Magnification X Objective Lens: 10x 50mm


• Focus System: Zip


• Prism System: Porro


• Field of View ft @ 1000 yards / m @ 1000 m: 367 ft./123 m


• Exit Pupil (mm): 5mm; weighs 26.4 ounces


• 
  

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Face it, at this price point, for any 10 X 50 under $100, you aren't going to get superior optics, but I'm blown away with this pair of binocs.



First of all, look at the price. This is the cheapest pair of 10 X 50's which isn't a toy. Tasco doesn't have a great reputation for great optics and ironically part of that reputation comes from selling binoculars which are under $100! But then, you can't expect budding enthusiasts to shell out $1000 for a new pair of binocs for something they don't know if they'll like or not.



What I can say is that I've tested this against a few pairs of binocs under $100 and this is definitely the best pair so far, bar none, and it's the cheapest pair. The optics are sharp, it was easy for me to focus and it isn't too heavy. It comes with a thin neck strap, a cleaning cloth (which I won't use) and a nice but thin case. I won't worry about the accessories too much because they're just extras.



Update: I continue to be very happy with this pair of binocs, using it for anything from stargazing to birdwatching. First, for stargazing, this is 10X power so I'm mainly using to it look at constellations and the optics are very sharp. There is no reflection of any kind inside, even with lights outside, so it's very good for that. For birdwatching, I'm amazed at the clarity and sharpness of the lens. It brings the objects in view very close and without any distortion. I just love this pair of binocs, I strongly recommend this for anyone looking for a 10X50 pair of binocs.



Update, July 2014: 3 years later I'm still loving it. Mainly using it to look at wildlife now. Was using it to look at fireworks on July 4th! I've taken good care of it and everything still works great.



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Danby Designer 0.7 cu.ft. Countertop Microwave, Black/Stainless Steel

CUSTOMER REVIEW



REVIEW of: Danby DMW111KPSSDD 1.1 cu ft , 1000 watt microwave



THE GOOD:



- THE BEEPS ARE NOT OBNOXIOUSLY LOUD! You get 4 discrete beeps when things are done and...even better...you get only one (1) beep if you interrupt/stop/reset things.



- THE FAN IS * NOT * TOO LOUD!!! (No Jet plane takeoffs here!) Thank God!



- THE LIGHT COMES ON WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED. This may seem like a no brainer but Panasonic, some LG and other brands do * not * turn the light on except when you are actually cooking. To me that is bad design. This 1.1 cu ft Danby does not have that problem.



- The DOOR DOES NOT FIGHT ME!! Easy door release with press of large release button in bottom right-hand corner. Door closes easily.



- This 1.1 cu. ft. 1000 Watt microwave cooks evenly, has the best of both worlds: "pictograph" buttons for Popcorn, Beverage, Pizza, Frozen Dinner, Baked Potato and Reheat and....



- It has the Cook Time / Power Level button if you want to get nitpicky.



- It has Cook by Weight, Defrost by Weight and Speed Defrost.



- Seems to cook evenly. Also, has never burned Popcorn on Popcorn setting no kernels unpopped.



- Stainless steel unit looks good and it's all CHROME/STAINLESS INSIDE. (This is a big deal if you read all the reviews of GE and other Microwaves where the plastic is warping or paint coming off...a common complaint).



- Power cord is substantial, unit feels well made for it's price point.



INTERNAL DIMENSIONS: It's 14 inches wide INTERNALLY, has a carousel and it 8.5" high internally and 14.5" deep internally.

Large enough for a good sized lasagna package (point of reference).

______________________________________________________________________________________



THE BAD: No "Add 30 seconds" button. Moooo. Oh well , this Microwave is such a winner in every other way that I'm not going to let that bug me.



______________________________________________________________________________________



EXTRA STUFF I LEARNED:

When shopping for my microwave(our last one died after 10 years) - I looked at the reviews for various brands. Many MANY brands. Panasonic, LG, Frigidaire, Oster, Cuisinart, Amana, etc. COMMON THEME IN COMMENTS FOR ALL BRANDS: Like anything else - they don't make 'em like they used to. Consumer microwaves of various name brands (doesn't matter) all seem to last 1 to maybe 3 years. About 5 - 10 percent of purchasers seem to have microwave failure between 4 months and a year.



In short, with Consumer grade microwaves, it's a crap shoot. You are spending anywhere from 4 to 10 dollars a month to "rent" your microwave before it goes to the dumpster. I don't mean to depress you but that's what I have learned. If you get 3 years out of a microwave in the $80 - $350 range consider yourself lucky.



ALTERNATE BUT KLUNKY SOLUTION: You can buy a Commercial Grade (Heavy Duty) microwave (Panasonic and Amana make them) in the $350 - $450 range but these "tanks" usually have no programming features. Just a continuous dial with time increments of 1 - 10 min, sometimes 1 - 15 min. They last. They are not sexy but they are workhorses. Not for me. We have these in my work cafeteria, first of all they remind me of work and second of all I really like some programming feature convenience and a rotating carousel.



A common complaint I read of the Panasonic "inverter" technology is that the food smell stayed (or got embedded in the microwave) for like 3 weeks. (You cook a ham, the microwave smells like ham for 3 weeks).



Another common annoyance is that microwaves that have LOUD fans and a series of 3 LOUD beeps regardless of it you pull the door open to stop cooking or hit reset, etc.



I chose the Danby because it has none of these issues, comes in at a reasonable price, looks good and has a very good interface.



NOTE: I did not buy this Danby microwave from Amazon because I needed one NOW. Every place online seemed to be out of Danby DMW111KPSSDD or had in-stock dates 5 days down the road. I paid more for it to buy it locally but I feel it's still a good deal undiscounted for this reason: it lacks a lot of the "designed in" AGGRAVATIONS that Panasonic and LG couldn't be bothered to fix out of the gate!



NOTE 2: As of 10/16/2014 this Danby DMW111KPSSDD can be obtained for between $89.99 (rock bottom sale) to $141.00 (high price).



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Celestron FirstScope Telescope

FirstScope Telescope Official Product of the 2009 International Year of Astronomy. Ideal astronomical entry level telescope. The FirstScope Telescope pays tribute to Galileo Galilei and may of history's most notable astronomers and scientists. We honor these men and women for their contributions bringing us one step closer to understanding the universe around us. The compact design makes it easy to take with you on your next outdoor adventure. The FirstScope is also stylish enough to be used as a decorative fixture on your bookshelves or desk.

• FirstScope Telescope


• 76mm aperture reflector optical tube


• Moveable tube for ease of navigation for viewing


• Lightweight, portable


• Two eyepieces included


• 
  

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I was looking for an affordable and portable telescope so that I can easily set up without taking too much time. A friend recommended this so I decided to purchase this (for $50, I can't go wrong). I was skeptical at first but that went away when I unpacked this. The telescope is 3" which is better than the 60mm telescope one usually sees in this price range. It came with 2 decent eyepieces (2 decent eyepieces by themselves already costs around $40 - $50). It was easy to put together as it was ready to use out of the box. For the price I paid, the base was well made like a dobsonian. It had a smooth swiveling motion so that I can easily point it at celestial objects and tracking it by gently pushing the tube. I was able to see Jupiter and its moons, Saturn, craters on the moon and on a clear night the Orion nebula. The images were brighter when I compared it to my friends 60mm telescope becasue this is a 76mm telescope. I am very pleased with my experience with this telescope and the price is great. It doesn't take long to set up so when I feel like just going outside to take a look at a celestial object, i can easily do it. My 9 year old daughter loves it too. Definitely a telescope I would recommend to anyone who is interested in looking at the night skies.



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Fujifilm Instax Mini Rainbow Instant Film, 10 Photos/Pack (Rainbow)

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Fujifilm Instax Mini Rainbow Instant Film is like a box of chocolates in that you are never sure what you are going to get. (Yes, I stole that from a movie.) Many people seem to find this to be desirable. But, for me and mine, it was a bit of a turn off. Rainbow gradient, a good thing. All purple or pink, not so hot.



Anyway, I will still rate it with five stars. It does pretty much what it says it will do and the images are terrific. But, I will be sticking to the usual standard white prints from now on, and save a little money too boot.



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