“Wow!!!!!! My wife got me some stabilized binoculars”
Now listen son, do not, I repeat DO NOT, use Alkaline batteries in that unit. Use Lithium batteries, like these, assuming they come in the size you need (they come in AA, AAA, and 9V):
http://www.energizer.com/batteries/energizer-ultimate-lithium-batteries
A while ago I read reviews on your type of instrument and the biggest problem, by far, was leakage of the battery cells ruining the device (and at least one company not willing to fix them or do anything to help their buyers). Lithium batteries don’t leak, alkalines, of course do leakage.
Those binoculars sound AMAZING, I’m getting very tempted too!
Thanks for the advice, I will do that. I will say, though, that the way these are constructed, the battery pack (two AA) are external to the camera, a little container on the side strap your hand goes through. I think if a battery leaked in there, I could McGyver a repaired one on my own.
I didn't know if that was a good feature or not, but now, hearing you say that...I wonder if that wasn't deliberate.
Gotta say, I have been using them extensively, but last night...here is what Jupiter looked like before and what it looked like afterwards (this is just how I perceive it, a Photoshop I created):
I am trying to figure out a way to get these on a tripod and hook a camera or smart phone up...I did a proof of concept (and have been riveting and bending pieces of aluminum stock) and I think if I succeed I could see the bands on Jupiter with no problem. I love my tripod, but...it isn't made for this kind of thing, sadly. It is made to be light and portable.
Anyway, thank you for that advice!