Which violet laser to buy for skywatch?

[Tullsi Broadway]

I have for some time been looking at lasers to buy, but it's a confusing market and I still don't know, what and where to buy.

I need a laser for sky watching. It should be able to reach up at least 5 km, so I have been looking for high power lasers around 200-500 mw. But most lasers online don't come with specifications about mw and beam length and many are not trustworthy.

And I prefer a violet laser for different reasons.
But they are difficult to find, especially under $ 100.

I talked with a New Yorker company, that said, that a violet laser should be stronger than a green one, because it's more difficult to see at a distance. 200 mw should be enough.

Beside that, I have a problem getting the laser into my country (Denmark), as we have strict rules against selling lasers over 1mw. So many won't ship to Denmark.

Today I found this forum and read, that most companies selling these lasers are fraudulent.

So where to buy a laser with specs, you can trust, but under $100, preferably lower than that, around $50-80?
And which ones to look for?

 

[Lifetime17]

Hi,
FYI Violet 405nm lasers are the weakest on the color spectrum. That company that said its more visible that a green 520 or 525laser is full of BS . If you want a visible laser look into a 520,525 or 532 DPSS . 532 DPSS lasers are cheap on ebay form many vendors. But check their ratings some offer higher powers but sell you lower power DPSS laser.
Rich

 

[julianthedragon]

Hey there,
I think the New York company meant that a violet laser needs to be stronger i.e. have more output power than a green to be just as visible, which is true.
Sanwu Lasers, Jet Lasers, and Survival Laser (this one won't ship lasers to the US) are all reputable companies that I know.
For a good option under $100 check out Sanwu's pocket series. https://www.sanwulasers.com/product/pocket
I own their 200mw 405nm laser and it's only $90 but keep in mind you're going to have to shell out more $$ for a battery, charger, and safety glasses (a must for any close range use) +shipping. My order was $160 after all that.

With star pointing I don't think the distance the laser travels is as important as people think it is. We see in perspective so after a certain distance the laser will reach a vanishing point and additional distance coverage will essentially look the same. At least in my opinion

Can confirm that the 200mw 405 beam is visible at night and the laser/company are top notch

But Lifetime/Rich is right, green lasers are usually preferred for visibility and distance

 

[Tullsi Broadway]

Hi,
FYI Violet 405nm lasers are the weakest on the color spectrum. That company that said its more visible that a green 520 or 525laser is full of BS . If you want a visible laser look into a 520,525 or 532 DPSS . 532 DPSS lasers are cheap on ebay form many vendors. But check their ratings some offer higher powers but sell you lower power DPSS laser.
Rich

I didn't write that. Read it again. I know.that the green laser light is the one, human eyes sees the best. But I am for other reasons looking for a violet laser. And I was informed to look for a laser with more mw, if I wanted a violet one, to enhance the light power.

 

[Lifetime17]

Hi,
I can build you a 1900mw 405 50r 150.00 + 8.45 priority shopping in a custom host with a full solid copperhead sink.
here are a pic of the host .
Rich