Need help finding the right green laser... still

[JayC]

I've just finished reading the "Guide to buying your first green laser" and I'm still having trouble finding the right laser. I currently have an Anser from LaserGlow. Right now I'm looking for a green laser that I can use for astronomy - No I will not point it at planes -. In summary, I need a laser with a very visible beam at night and moderately visible indoors or around sundown. What is the best option for me?

 

[Teej]

I've just finished reading the "Guide to buying your first green laser" and I'm still having trouble finding the right laser. I currently have an Anser from LaserGlow. Right now I'm looking for a green laser that I can use for astronomy - No I will not point it at planes -. In summary, I need a laser with a very visible beam at night and moderately visible indoors or around sundown. What is the best option for me?

Do you know how long at a time it might have to be on?

 

[JayC]

No more than 10-20 seconds. Although it would be nice to leave some room. A 60 second duty cycle or higher would be more than enough.

 

[NightExplorer96]

Hey Jay, good to see you back on the forums

10-20mW of 532nm should work just fine for astronomy. Laserbtb(as you know) has some 532nm in that power range:
LP 515nm 532nm 1-150

Nevertheless, if you plan on also using this pointer as a "laser-pointer" or using it around others, make sure to check the "IR filter installed" box. If you are just going to use it to point at stars, the IR filter isn't needed.

-Alex

 

[crazyspaz]

i suggest one of these. 50mW wlil be fine for astronomy, and the higher power you get the more visible it will be (although i think 50-70mW is fine, no need to get 150mW for stargazing)

 

[Teej]

i suggest one of these. 50mW wlil be fine for astronomy, and the higher power you get the more visible it will be (although i think 50-70mW is fine, no need to get 150mW for stargazing)

LOL

I was using a 445 nm 3 w (ms envy host) to point out stars in constellations just the other night.

It was over kill, but, one commented that it looked like the beam was HITTING the stars. :eg:


I have a 120 mw 532 being re-hosted that would normally be doing that though.

 

[ultimatekaiser]

really? I find 5mW just fine for astronomy. I use either my galileo or my green hene to point my telescope. too much and it washes out the image. if you're just doing star pointing and you INSIST on going higher (and risking trouble?) I find that around 40-50mW is generally a good power as long as you keep the beam diameter down. the cheapie ebay pens and our aixiz lenses make it a bit more dim from the increased width.

I actually had an anser before I got my galileo, and I can see it just fine if theres not a ton of light pollution, but you can turn the pot up relatively easily. the entire thing just is friction fit, it all just pulls out the front carefully. I have a module out of those green pointers you could use if you want, you'd just have to find a driver for it.

 

[JayC]

The 5mw is definitely not enough. That's why I'm trying to replace it

 

[Teej]

I think it depends on the area as to the power you need....and whether you're pointing a telescope, or, showing some kids which stars are in what groups, drawing a constellation, etc.

In areas with more light pollution/schmootz in the air, you do benefit from a higher powered solution.

Another factor that popped up, is if people are night adapted, they don't see color well, and, a lot can't see red well at all under those conditions...so brighter is better for them too if its a red pointer.

Green seems best over all, but the blue, divergence and all, actually worked great.

 

[mortuus]

How much you looking to spend? even 30-50mw is more then enough for your needs.

 

[JayC]

How much you looking to spend? even 30-50mw is more then enough for your needs.

Around 50-100 dollars. Though preferably closer to 50.

 

[NightExplorer96]

Around 50-100 dollars. Though preferably closer to 50.

Honestly, laserbtb is going to be your best choice quality/price wise. THe majority of their lasers are over-spec too so let's say you purchase a 10mW model, it will most likely output 15-20mW anyway which is good enough for astronomy.

-Alex