I love exploring the night sky – working on observing programs and challenges. While I started in astronomy back in 2003 as a visual only amateur, for almost the past decade, my primary method of observing has been Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA). EAA replaces the eyepiece with a camera or other electronic device to enhance the observability of an object.
My setup routine involves GoTo mounts, cameras, computers, cable management, alignment routines, autofocus sequences, and a healthy supply of electricity. But sometimes, in those quiet moments between captures, I find myself missing the simplicity of earlier days—when all I needed was a telescope, an eyepiece, and the night sky.
A Spark of Nostalgia
I recently won a pair of Celestron SkyMaster 20×80 binoculars as a door prize at a star party. The final night of the star party, clouds dominated the sky, leaving only a few “sucker holes” to peer through. I decided to give the new binoculars a try, reclining in my stargazer chair.
That brief observing session rekindled something deep within me. M31 (the Andromeda Galaxy) showed its full oval form and hints of spiral arms. The Double Cluster sparkled so vividly it almost looked three-dimensional. I decided it was time to put together a simple “grab-and-go” kit for spontaneous, no-fuss observing
Building My Grab-n-Go Kit
In addition to the 20x80s I’d just won, I picked up a vintage Celestron C90 (telephoto version) Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope at the same star party—ironically, from the same vendor who donated the binoculars! I also had an older Orion Paragon parallelogram binocular mount that I hoped to use with both instruments.
To make swapping them quick and easy, I decided to use Arca-Swiss–style tripod plates, a common standard in photography tripods. Unfortunately, the Paragon’s L-shaped bracket and standard ¼-20 screw weren’t directly compatible. After a bit of measuring and tinkering in SketchUp, I designed and 3D-printed a small adapter that made the connection seamless.
Click any of the images below to enlarge
Next came the challenge of converting the C90 telephoto version for visual use—it originally came only with a camera adapter. Its visual back used the older 0.965-inch eyepiece standard, so I ordered an adapter on Amazon that allowed me to use a modern 1.25-inch diagonal. I decided against a heavier 2-inch model to keep the setup light and balanced.
My first test night was under a 50% illuminated first-quarter Moon. The optics didn’t disappoint—sharp, crisp views through both the C90 and the 20x80s. But aiming either instrument precisely on the Paragon mount proved difficult. Clearly, each one needed a small, lightweight red-dot finder.
A Bit of DIY Ingenuity
Challenge number two: how to mount a finder on optical devices that weren’t designed for one. A quick web search turned up a 3D-printable solution for the binoculars, but nothing that worked for the C90 without resorting to Velcro or double-sided tape. So, back to SketchUp I went.
After a few iterations and some creative thinking, I designed a custom ring with an integrated finder dovetail shoe. It clamps securely around the rear of the C90 without interfering with the focusing mechanism. Problem solved.
A week later, despite overcast skies, I tested the upgraded setup and was thrilled with the results. Aiming was now quick and intuitive. Because of the different mounting locations, each optical device required its own red-dot finder, but that was a small price to pay for accuracy and ease of use.
Finally, I added a padded case for the C90 and its accessories, along with a dew shield for the telescope and 5V USB powered dew heaters for the binoculars. My grab-and-go kit was complete—simple, compact, and ready for adventure.
Looking Up, Simply
Returning to visual observing has reminded me why I fell in love with astronomy in the first place. There’s something deeply satisfying about leaving the cables and screens behind, sitting quietly under the stars, and letting ancient light fall directly onto your eyes.
It’s peaceful. It’s personal. And it’s a wonderful way to reconnect with the night sky.
Clear skies,
–Mike
Links to equipment mentioned above:
- Celestron SkyMaster 20x80mm Binoculars
- Arca-Swiss tripod plate
- Custom 3D printed Orion Paragon parallelogram mount adapter
- Astromania 0.965″ to 1.25″ adapter
- 3D printed finder mount for 20×80 binoculars
- Custom 3D printed ring to mount finder on a Celestron C90
- CVLIFE Red-dot finder
- Celestron NeXYZ eyepiece cell phone holder
- Apache 2800 hard case
