My first green laser pointer

Hello all. I'm new to the site, and am here for the purpose of getting some quick info on green laser pointers.

From what I've read so far, for my purposes a laser pointer ~50mW will be sufficient for my needs (stargazing, presentations, etc). I'm not looking to burn things, or become an avid collector. I simply want a good quality, higher powered laser to clearly point out celestial bodies and things at a distance.

Thoughts? Suggestions on laser pointers?

Here is what I'm looking at now: Viper Series 55mW Green Laser Pointer :: Green Laser Pointer ----- 532nm Laser ----- Viper Series Lasers :: Handheld Lasers :: Dragon Lasers

Also, I live in California; will I have trouble acquiring a laser pointer >5mW?

Most lasers are a-ok in the United States. In fact, they will ship from overseas here as well. That is, in fact, how I got my first laser! Check out what Dragon Lasers has as far as small pointers...they are high quality and relatively inexpensive. Wicked Lasers has alright products, but shipping/tracking/customer service is AWFUL. I own a handy-dandy little pointer from radioshack as well, although I don't know if you have them in Cali. Anyway, check those out!

Kevin

You'll only have trouble getting it through customs if they mark it as "laser". if they mark it as a pen, you should be fine.

DragonLasers is VERY overpriced, and it's basically the same run of the mill laser inside.

I recommend these:
503-50mw Focusable Green Laser Pointer
50mw Green Laser Pointer ( Torch Style)
502-50mw Focusable Green Laser Pointer

Each one has the same insides, but in a different style host, so pick by looks or battery type. I find 18650s and RCR123a (16340) are the cheapest and easiest Li-Ion batteries to source here in the USA. (Go to Lighthound for batteries).

Keep in mind for true pointing, a large diameter host means a more steady hand and less fatigue. Holding down a tiny button on a thin pointer will strain your hands after a while.

Edit:

Fair warning, WickedLasers does NOT provide quality products, they are some of the worst quality in the industry. Their service is even worse, and there is a recent law put in to place that US customs WILL detain and/or cease any packages received from them, WITHOUT checking what is inside.

Sounds like this guy knows his stuff! Listen to him I think...

Dragonlasers vipers are actually CNI glp's. Very high quality, always overspec and IR filtered. Not the same as laserlands products. If I had the money and was looking for a pen-style I'd buy a viper. But that's just me

lilcomposer said:

Sounds like this guy knows his stuff! Listen to him I think...

Click to expand...

More like swing and a miss on the DragonLasers comment, lol.

I stand corrected on the innards of the DragonLasers 532 pens. I was under the impression they were not CNI pens. Their 473's and 589/594's are indeed CNI though (don't think anyone else makes 'em!).

I never claimed to be infallable. =)

It happens, you had some other good points

Thanks for the responses so far. Does this mean I'm good to go on the Viper Series 55mW Green Laser Pointer :: Green Laser Pointer ----- 532nm Laser ----- Viper Series Lasers :: Handheld Lasers :: Dragon Lasers ?

Jonnyboy said:

Thanks for the responses so far. Does this mean I'm good to go on the Viper Series 55mW Green Laser Pointer :: Green Laser Pointer ----- 532nm Laser ----- Viper Series Lasers :: Handheld Lasers :: Dragon Lasers ?

Click to expand...

For a high quality ~50mW pen style pointer, yes, good to go on the viper

Edit: I should also add that 50mW can hurt your eyes faster than you can blink so it may not be a good idea for indoor presentation use (overkill). Any close range use should be with eye protection

Thanks!

I still think Dragon Lasers is a nice product

Sigurthr said:

Keep in mind for true pointing, a large diameter host means a more steady hand and less fatigue. Holding down a tiny button on a thin pointer will strain your hands after a while.

Click to expand...

A handy little 'gadget' for sorting that problem is a rubber band. (a good few mm wide)
Hold it over the button under enough tension to hold the button down when pressed, but not so much that it can press the button itself --- and then wrap whats left around the host.
When you press the button it will stay down,, and you can release it again by simple 'rolling' the rubber band back (flipping it over towards you). It works brilliantly ;-)