For anyone in the market for an astronomical telescope , this book is a tremendous help. Twenty or more years ago there were only a handful of manufacturers that offered astronomical telescopes , but now there is a flood of products for the prospective buyer! Phil Harrington does an excellent job in systematically listing not only the individual products by type , but gives a thumbnail sketch of the manufacturers as well.
The author leaves the final decisions in the hands of the readers , but after reading this little paperback , the reader is an informed buyer! This is not a field where mistakes are cheap. This book will save you some real $$$ if you pay attention. It did me!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This has got to be the best and most comprehensive book on everything to do with astronomical equipment. Reading all three editions not only fully equips you with the knowledge on which scope (or binoculars) is best for your needs, but also serves as a "historical" overview of scopes from the past. What I especially liked about the book is that it has exhaustive reviews of scopes and they are split into different categories and brand names (yup brand names and makes are mentioned in the book). Also has a homemade astronomer section that is very useful. Plus, in the 1st and 2nd edition, there is a section on observing (with eyepiece impression sketches). I was disappointed that this section was left out in the third edition but then this spawned Phil's other book "Starwatch". Highly recommended!!!!!!!!!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
I've read 'em all and Star Ware is still the single best book about equipment for the amateur astonomer ever written. The author has clearly done a tremendous amount of research to cover just about every conceivable piece of equipment out there. And, best of all, he discusses pros and cons evenly, without bias, and with a sense of humor that holds the interest of even non-astronomer types.
If you are thinking about buying a telescope or other piece of astronomical equipment, the price of this book could save you hundreds. And, in the long run, you will end up knowing more about what to buy and how to use it, thanks all to this book.
Bravo!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Excellent overview of current offerings, along with something rarely found - specific recommendations. A must have before making an initial investment in a telescope, eye pieces, or other accessories.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
There are a number of books out there that cover available equipment for Amateur Astronomy. However, I haven't found any that cover this area as in depth as this book. The Author, Phil Harrington has certainly done his research, and brings this information to the reader in an easily understood way. I first bought this book in 2006 and found some of the information to be a little dated at that time. When I saw that there was going to be an updated version coming out, I knew I would be purchasing it. I purchased the updated version and it wasn't at all lacking. At the time of it's release (4/2007) it is current with regards to available equipment for the Amateur Astronomer. This book is easy to read and understand. When I am looking to purchase a new piece of equipment, Starware is the first book I grab for the information I need.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
The newly released third edition is more up to date than any other telescope book around! The author has re-examined literally hundreds of different telescopes, binoculars, and accessories, using both his own findings as well as those of readers who answered his telescope owner survey.
If you are thinking of buying a telescope or some astro-accessory, or maybe want to get more out of the equipment that you already own, this is the book for you! Even if you own a telescope, you're bound to pick up something new in this book! I learned more from reading Starware than in probably ten other books combined. And even if you own the first or second edition (or both!), the third edition is a MUST!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
After reading Phil's book Star Ware, I would not think of buying anything for my telescope without looking it up in his book. I am about 402.00 in the hole because I didn't have a copy of this book. I have since picked up a better scope for less money. The difference in price would have gotten me a really good wide FOV 13mm eyepiece and money left over.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This is a well written book. Everything is neatly arranged. The author provides explanations of common terms like focal ratio, eye relief, and many more. He also provides a history of the various types of telescopes as well as a comparison of the various uses. Phil S. Harrington did a excellent job of compiling a reference of the various telescopes, accessories, and manufacturers. It also contains some information on observing. As an added bonus, purchasers of the book can go to his website for updates and corrections (and some other useful stuff). This book is definitely worth the money!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
I took an astronomy course about 20 years ago back when I was 15, and I find myself only now with the time and money to seriously pursue the hobby. So, I ran across this book in several forums as a way to introduce myself to the hardware needed for the amateur astronomer, and the book delivers all it promises; I ended up buying the right telescope and accessories for my level of knowledge and have it right next to the scope's manual for reference. I recommend it to anyone who is thinking about purchasing a telescope or related hardware, as a must-have guide to star ware shopping.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
I have found this book to be a veritable wealth of information with the uncommon aspect of actually giving critical, unbiased assessments of the wide and varied array of astronomical hardware available.
While you might not agree with all his observations, the assessments appear to be based on actual hands-on experience, and I find it refreshing to see reviews that don't uniformly praise every single item under scrutiny!
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to future updates.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
