Author Archives: Reviewer

Hawke Optics Full Sized Tripod

Posted on November 26, 2011 by Reviewer

The Hawke full sized tripod at £89.95 (Nov 2011 price) nicely bridges the gap between the cheaper plastic versions and the heavier Aluminium tripods. Made from light weight aluminium and complete with carry case, this is a very portable mount. … Continue reading →

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What is an eyepiece

Posted on November 25, 2011 by Reviewer

 An eyepiece is a magnifier, much like a high power magnifying lens. When placed at the real image made by the lens or mirror of a telescope, the eyepiece projects a virtual image into your eye, enabling you to see … Continue reading →

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Opticron Trailfinder ll Monocular

Posted on November 25, 2011 by Reviewer

Available in 8×25 and 10×25, the Opticron Trailfinder ll Monoculars are perfect for everyday use. At a price that places them between the budget Oregons and the higher end 30mm and 42mm waterproof DBA and BGA versions. Good eye relief … Continue reading →

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How much magnification can I use with my telescope?

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Reviewer

 Everyones telescope is different, but a rough rule of thumb is around 30-50X per inch diameter of the main lens/mirror. A good ED refractor may, however, use 100X/inch on bright objects, so this is not a hard rule. You can always increase … Continue reading →

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Exmoor national park given dark-sky protection

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Reviewer

The Exmoor national park has been granted international dark sky reserve status by the international dark sky association. The status acknowledges the lighting controls implemented to reduce light pollution that hinders the views of the heavens.

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Barr & Stroud 8×42 Sierra Binoculars. What customers think

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Reviewer

At Northern Optics retail outlet at Barton’s Waters Edge Visitors centre, a customer was looking for a quality pair of general use binoculars in the £100 – £150 range. After trying several pairs, they opted for the Barr and Stroud … Continue reading →

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Skywatcher Quattro-8S. Sky at Night group test winner. November 2011

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Reviewer

The superb Skywatcher Quattro-8S telescope OTA has beat all the opposition to win best in class in the November 2011 Sky at Night magazine.  Designed for fast focal ratio photography. But also excellent for visual use. Superb value for money    

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Hawke Prostalk 3MP day/night camera price reduction

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Reviewer

Update 19/11/2011. The Hawke prostalk can be bought for a limited time for just £99.95. This represents a massive saving on the RRP of £159.95.  Its like having Autumn watch or Spring watch in your own back garden for less … Continue reading →

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Opticron Tracker 670 Laser Rangefinder. New model

Posted on November 18, 2011 by Reviewer

The old Opticron 660 laser rangefinder has been replaced with the new 670 version for 2011, featuring a new sleek design. Ideal for a range of uses from golf to hunting. Comes with a 2 year warranty. As well as … Continue reading →

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Opticron Aspheric WA 8×40 Binoculars. Group test winner

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Reviewer

The Opticrn Aspheric WA 8×40 binoculars have been awarded group test winners in the BBC Sky at Night magazine , November 2011. They beat all the opposition in the 8×40 mid priced class for use on astronomical targets. Excellent value … Continue reading →

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