Author Archives: Reviewer

Hawke Frontier APO 8×42 review. A customers thoughts

A customer visited our optics weekends with one thing in mind. The Hawke Frontier APO binoculars in 8×42 and 10×42. After travelling some miles, they were happy to see we had one of each model. They commented on the fact … Continue reading

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Levenhuk wise 8×32 monocular review

The Levenhuk wise 8×32 monocular is an entry level monocular with a better than expected view through the eyepiece. A lightweight plastic body helps keep the cost down. But do not let this put you off, as it feels very … Continue reading

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Viking Ventura 8×25 binoculars review

The Viking Ventura 8×25 are a great example of a binocular where a clear and crisp view can yield better results than many similar priced options in a similar price range with a wider FOV and AFOV. The batch that … Continue reading

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Viking Cygnus ED 8×42 monocular review

Straight out the box and soft Nylon case, the Viking Cygnus ED 8×42 monocular feels very solid and well built. Weighing nearly 50g more than the non ED version, their is obviously less plastic / polycarbonate in the shell. In … Continue reading

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Celestron Ultima porro 8×32 binoculars review

At a time where most new bird binoculars are roof prism, its nice to see Celestron staying with the traditional porro prism binoculars. Available in 32mm, 42mm and 50mm variants, the Ultima porro series retain an almost retro look with … Continue reading

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Skywatcher Heritage 150P flextube telescope. A great starter scope

The Skywatcher Heritage flextube 150P dobsonian telescope gives you an affordable mid sized telescope that can give excellent results. For people just starting out in astronomy, they need to complicated mount or set up time. Straight out the box, the … Continue reading

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What is an aperture mask for a telescope

Often integrated into a telescope lens / OTA cover, an aperture mask reduced the effective diameter of the main objective lens or mirror. Although you lose resolution, you also reduced the effects of atmospheric turbulence under bad seeing conditions. Also … Continue reading

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Celestron astromaster 102 AZ review

The Celestron astromaster 102AZ is a great example of a telescope that proves high magnification and large aperture are not an essential requirement when starting out in astronomy. If you are starting out, the simple AZ mount and straight though … Continue reading

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Hawke Endurance ED 8×25 monocular review

The Hawke Endurance 8×25 ED monocular is an ultra compact solution, weighing only 150g. Ideal for keeping in a pocket or hanging from your wrist with the strap included. Can also be attached to a belt , using the soft … Continue reading

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Sigma 21-35mm f3.5 – 4.2 first impressions, with sample images

Bought an early 80s Sigma 21-35mm f3.5 – 4.2 from a vintage lens shop for the princely sum of just £39 + postage. On top of this I needed to get an OM to EOS adapter so I could use … Continue reading

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