Decided on a Nova X50

New to lasers and really enjoyed reading your forum to make my decision. (I used the search even read the Newb to buying your first green laser thread!)

I'm going with the Nova X50 as I'm interested in having a nice green laser for pointing out satellites when stargazing (saw an awesome trifecta last week of Shuttle/ISS/Progress here in Houston).

Thought I'd get one powerful enough to show up in city dusk. But not have to be too concerned with safety gear like glasses etc. No need to burn (*yet* future blue-ray maybe???), but just a nice solid quality night/dusk pointer.

Any last recommendations before I place the final order with Nova? I considered the Optotronics 55mW as well.

I've read there is a 5% discount for members, so I'll mention that in my order.

Will make a nice bday gift for me and good to meet you guys

Why not get a good rayfoss pointer or a laser from DX?

I know nova's quality is much better but you're going after 50mW, I think you could get it cheaper somewhere else and then when you're really into lasers spend a little bit more on a powerful laser.

But hey, it's just me


You can't go wrong with nova or opto, so whatever you choose you'll be satisfied

One other question.

I've heard about "true green" which from my understanding does not use a crystal to up the wavelength etc.

I'm guessing the Nova X50 is not a true green but uses the crystal method correct?

snarbles said:

One other question.

I've heard about "true green" which from my understanding does not use a crystal to up the wavelength etc.

I'm guessing the Nova X50 is not a true green but uses the crystal method correct?

Click to expand...

Lol, true green means "no IR", but everybody knows reality.

.3lite said:

Lol, true green means "no IR", but everybody knows reality.

Click to expand...

So would it be best to wait for the true green diode for a quality 50mW green laser or just go with the IR based ones for now?

heh, I mean't if it says that laser has true 50mW of green it means that output = 50mW of 532nm not IR counted (reality shows the different xD) and normal laser with label of power about 50mW propably have some IR with green, but again it all depends.

Nova is great, X50 means that laser after 1min 30s cycle will have still above 50mW of true green light (not IR).

Just got my X50 yesterday and am very impressed. Definitely bright enough to see at night in the Houston city.

Even pops black balloons at about 4 ft too.

I ordered the lens holder with it but I do not think they included my collimating lens. I need to double check to make sure it's not stacked behind the line generating. Either way I emailed them and hopefully I will either find it or they can send me a replacement.

No problems with customs either and used the $20 express international with tracking.

snarbles said:

No problems with customs either and used the $20 express international with tracking.

Click to expand...

I'm pretty new, but from what I read I think you may have gotten lucky to get it through customs with the express international.

What? That doesn't really have anything to do with this thread

yeah now that i look @ it. i just got my wisdom teeth taken out and i was hight on vicodan