Hawke Nature Trek 10×25 binoculars #35053

Posted on February 11, 2019 by Reviewer

A customer bought a set of Hawke nature trek 10×25 binoculars at the Northern Optics weekend outlet , Barton Upon Humber as a 2nd set to compliment a larger pair he currently owned.

Given the choice between the Hawke and another slightly cheaper set, he chose the Nature Treks due to the fully multi-coated optics giving the slightly brighter and sharper view, though it was minimal.

It was nice to meet a customer who fully understood optics and how to set binoculars. We both agreed with the minor flaw with these (and believe me this is a very minor issue). They are quite long eye relief, and the twist cups just fall short by a couple of mm when fully outward. This only means for non spectacle wearers you may need to hold them away from the eye,s even with the cups fully out. But for some, who do not like binoculars touching their eye brows, this is a good thing.

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Hawke ED X 8×32 green #38405

Posted on February 7, 2019 by Reviewer

The Hawke ED X 8×32 binoculars give you the same outstanding optics and build quality as the larger 42mm models, but with a compact body only weighing 540g and only 4.7 inches by 4.6 inches in size.

Featuring waterproofing to IPX7 standards , they are a true all weather option. A wide 135m @ 1000m field of view makes tracking of moving targets easy, as the 16mm eye relief should suit most spectacle wearers.

  • Extra-low Dispersion glass for optimum clarity
  • Dielectric Coatings provide increased light reflectivity.
  • Fully Multi-Coated optics to produce sharp images
  • Focus knob with 1.5 turn – close focus 8.2ft/2.5m
  • High resolution Phase Corrected BAK-4 roof prisms
  • Water repellent coating on objective lenses
  • Lightweight rubber coated magnesium alloy chassis
  • Stay-on lens covers for maximum lens protection
  • Replaceable twist-up eye cups with position stops

Eyepiece

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Visionary 10×50 (M10) monocular review

Posted on February 7, 2019 by Reviewer

The Visionary M10 , 10×50 monocular was the choice for one customer visiting the Northern Optics outlet at Barton Upon Humber. The fully multi-coated optics and bright view gave a great image in low light conditions, when tested.

They chose the 10x instead of the 12x due to the wider field of view and longer eye relief. A bonus was the included mini tripod, that can be used as a hand hold to keep steady. Other accessories include lens caps, a cleaning cloth and soft case with belt loop.

Handling is very easy with a large focus wheel. Plus being nitrogen waterproof means they can be used in all conditions.

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Celestron Ultima 80 / 45 spotting scope. Ideal for birds in the back garden

Posted on February 7, 2019 by Reviewer

A couple came to the Northern Optics weekend public outlet at the Waters` edge visitor centre at Barton upon Humber looking for a good quality spotting scope, that was as useful for looking at birds on the back garden feeder as well as general use out and about.

Due to the excellent image quality for close up work, they chose the Celestron Ultima 20-60×80/45 angled spotting scope with stay on case. Another bonus was the long eye relief, as the user was a spectacle wearer.

Despite being around for many years, the Ultima design has stayed the same, where others have gone through updates. I guess its a case on if it aint broke, don,t fix it

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Hawke Frontier HD X binoculars with IPX7 waterproofing

Posted on February 6, 2019 by Reviewer

The Hawke Frontier HD X binoculars come with the same waterproofing to IPX7 standard and fog proofing as the ED X versions. This means they have can operatein temperatures from -15 to +55 degrees C , and can be stored in temperatures from -40 to +70 degrees C. A final check sheet is included with your purchase.

All of the above means these binoculars are perfect for those who go out hiking and bird-watching  in extreme weather conditions. Unlike the similar Frontier ED X  , the HD X do not have ED glass, but do have the same dielectric coated prisms for outstanding brightness.

Available in 10x and 8x , with a choice of 32mm or 42mm objective lenses in green or grey.The lightweight magnesium alloy chassis makes the 42mm model around 30g lighter than the equivalent single hinge sapphire version.

 

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Hawke Sapphire ED 8×43 binoculars with dielectric coated prisms

Posted on January 28, 2019 by Reviewer

The Hawke Sapphire 8×43 ED binoculars were the optics of choice for a customer visiting the Northern Optics public outlet at the Waters` edge visitor centre at Barton Upon Humber. Despite being heavier than the smaller Hawke Endurance ED 8×32, the customer was won over with the brighter image with a wider field of view.

At 143m @ 1000m the sapphire,s are at the top end of the scale for binoculars in this category. As well as fully multi-coated optics with ED glass, compared to the previous Frontier 8×43, the Sapphires feature dielectric coated prisms for improved brightness and contrast.

Although slightly longer than many 8×42 single hinge, the open hinge design is very easy to hand hold and keep steady. The hard leather carry case is not everyone,s cup of tea, but in our customers case, (excuse the pun) we were only too happy to add a soft carry case.

 

Nitrogen Purged – Waterproof and Fog Proof.

Twist-up EyepieceOpen hinge design – exceptional full sized optical performance. Twist-up eyecups with a precise step and the hinge is perfectly weighted

Exit Pupil: 5mm / 0.19″
Prism Type: Roof BAK-4, Silver Dielectric Coating
Interpupillary Distance: 57-76mm / 2.2-3.0″
Dioptre System: Right Eye
Eyecups: Twist-Up

SUPPLIED WITH

  • Leather Case
  • Neck Strap
  • Lens Covers
  • Lens Cloth
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North Lincs astro meeting. 7th January 2019

Posted on January 7, 2019 by Reviewer

The North Lincolnshire astronomy society welcomed 2019 with a quiz night. Despite some suspect allocation of team numbers, it was the lesser headed old boys and wrinklies that proved 4 heads were better than 6, and came out on top.

But as this was a fun night, we were all winners. Thank you to Glenys and Malcolm for inviting friends and keeping us all fed and watered.

Thinking of coming along ?, see the North Lincs astro society for more information

 

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Celestron Regal M2 LER eyepiece #82002

Posted on December 24, 2018 by Reviewer

When purchasing the Celestron Regal M2 LER (long eye relief) there are a couple of issues, but not problems that arise from the very long 32mm eye relief. Firstly for spectacle wearers the eye cup is not fold down or twist type. You simply remove. But even with glasses on you are still some way from the lens. To some this is not  a problem.  But if you prefer to rest your glasses on the eyepiece, you may need to purchase a shorter rubber eye cup that attaches to T2 thread. Many winged eye cups will suffice.

Also for imagers there is a T2 thread on the eyepiece. As with the above, it is too near the lens to get a full image. But this is easily solved by purchasing a 40mm T2 extension, like the Baader planetarium version. This will give enough distance from the eye piece to achieve a full frame view. Different cameras with varying crop factors may differ from 40mm, so try a few.

Although this eyepiece is designed for the Celestron Regal M2 spotting scope series, it is also a very capable fixed 18mm eyepiece with fully multi-coated optics with XLT coatings and nitrogen waterproofing. I have tested this eyepiece to find the image very high quality. Getting harder to find now, but come recommended.

 

 

 

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Visionary HD 20×80 CF binoculars

Posted on December 24, 2018 by Reviewer

The Visionary HD 20×80 CF binoculars are an improvement on the standard version. They differ not in optics, but with the focus mechanism and housing. Although the original model had great optics, and won best in class in a magazine shoot out, they were restricted to infinity or near infinity focus. This was perfect for astronomy, long distance terrestrial and ship spotting.

What was needed was the ability to focus closer so you could use for mid distance observing down to around 30m. This is made possible with a different focus mechanism and  housing which allows for more outward focus travel . I found this works nicely and does not alter handling. In fact the focus movement seems much smoother. So as you have probably guessed , CF stands for close focus. Or should I say closer focus.

The parts are made in China as per the older model , but are assembled and tested in the UK. This does a little to the price tag. Available to purchase, subject to availability from Northern Optics

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North Lincs Astro meeting . 3rd December 2018

Posted on December 4, 2018 by Reviewer

20 members / regulars were in attendance for the North Lincolnshire astronomy society meeting on Monday 3rd December 2018. Where we was treated to a stunning practical , video, audio presentation about the Gemini mission by John Dunthorne. In particular the Apollo 8 space craft and crew. Also included was a look at the history and possible future of Lunar exploration.

Thank you as always to Glenys and Malcolm for the teas, which included extra treats with it being so close to Christmas. Also to Steve for the extra sausage roles.

For once we had clear skies, if a little frosty. Where yours truly set up my large observational binoculars and camera. Sadly there was little or no interest from the rest of the group in staying on. So I was left on my own doing some DSLR wide field imaging.

Thank you for the Lincs wildlife trust for the use of the venue. For more information on the the society visit the North Lincs astro society web site

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