Skywatcher UWA-82 Nirvana-ES wide angle eyepieces

Posted on October 10, 2018 by Reviewer

Available from Northern Optics , the Skywatcher Nirvana-ES UWA-82 eyepieces are the latest version of the older Nirvana range. The 1.25″ range come in 4,7 and 16mm. Although they use the same optics and coatings, the over all design is different.

As well as a sleek new look body, they comes with a fold down eye cup, as apposed to the twist type of the previous model.  We still find nowadays, many users still prefer soft fold down eye cups for comfort. So do not think this is a step backwards. It is simply evolving to users needs.

As with the old model, you get a picture window 82 degrees field , fully multi-coated optics with blackened edges and 7 lens elements in 4 groups.

These top quality ultra wide angle 1.25” eyepieces offer an incredible jaw-dropping viewing experience to rival some of the leading premium eyepieces on the market, but at an extremely competitive price. The huge 82 degree apparent field of view, superb field-edge correction and excellent contrast combine to provide a wonderfully immersive and memorable viewing experience. Work superbly in telescopes of all focal lengths

12mm eye relief on all models. Beautifully finished in high-gloss anodised aluminium with knurled rubber grips. Threaded to accept standard 1.25” filters. Weight approx 170g.

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Problems getting infinity focus with zoom eyepieces

Posted on October 10, 2018 by Reviewer

1.25″ telescope eyepieces come in two forms. Fixed focal lengths and zoom eyepieces, such as 8-24mm for example. What you will find though with some Newtonian reflectors is that you can not get infinity focus. This is due to there not being enough inward travel on the focus wheel to adjust for such eyepieces.

There are some fixes to get round this. If available for your telescope, a low profile focuser may help. Also using the collimation screws to move the primary up the OTA. But get advice and help from a recommended dealership or local astronomy club if unsure.

A third and most easy method is to use a barlow lens with the zoom eyepiece. Although this should work, you are also in effect reducing the focal length of the eyepiece (for example a 8-24mm will become a 4-12m if used with a 2x barlow), and reducing the overall quality, depending on the optics of the barlow used.

 

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How to connect an eyepiece to the Skywatcher Evoguide 50ED guidescope

Posted on October 9, 2018 by Reviewer

Ever wondered what the small adapter ring included with the Skywatcher evoguide 50 ED guide scope is for ?. This video shows what it is, and how to use it.

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Hawke Frontier ED 8×43 binoculars. How to test for chromatic aberration

Posted on October 8, 2018 by Reviewer

A customer who bought a set of Hawke Frontier ED 8×43 binoculars from the Northern Optics weekend display at the Waters` edge visitor centre, Lincolnshire asked what ED stood for in the description.

I explained that with normal binoculars not all colours come to the same point of focus. This means you get some chromatic aberration (false colour) and slightly reduced sharpness and brightness in comparison.

So as a practical demonstration I asked the customer to look at a heavily back lit lamp post with non ED binoculars. So as to level the playing field I used Hawke ED 10×32 and non 10×32. He noticed that the non ED model gave some red and purple colour fringing down the edges of the post (chromatic aberration). The when the ED 10×32 where used, there was a marked drop in false colour and in his words a much better overall viewing experience.

Then we went up a notch to the Hawke Frontier ED 8×43, where there was a noticeable further reduction in CA due to the higher grade glass. Although ED glass does not completely illuminate CA , it vastly reduces it.

As with our customer, it is always best to buy binoculars from a place where you can see through them, plus have a vendor with a in depth knowledge of optics.

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North Lincs astro meeting. 1st October 2018

Posted on October 2, 2018 by Reviewer

18 people attended the Oct 2018 meeting at the North Lincolnshire astronomy society, where regular member and in-house speaker Chris Roche gave an excellent talk on Vulcanism in the Solar system. This included, not only planets, but their Moons. In particular IO, which boasts the 1st live active volcano other than Earth.

Thank you as always the Malcolm and Glenys for the teas and refreshments, and the Lincolnshire wildlife trust for the use of the venue.

It was also nice to see 2 new faces, who will hopefully come again.

On the agenda, we discussed fund raising ideas and possible locations. Myself, Northern Optics was ever present with some tempting goodies for sale on the night.

For more information, contact the North Lincs astro society

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Ostara 1.25″ H-beta filter

Posted on September 25, 2018 by Reviewer

The Ostara 1.25″ H-beta filter is a specialist filter for CCD imaging and visual work of H-beta targets such as the horse head nebula and California nebula. Note that it is best used from dark sky locations, and ideally telescopes of 10″ or greater for visual work.

This high performance CCD filter transmits only the Hydogen Beta emission line, and therefore is useful for greatly increasing the contrast of objects that glow in the corresponding region of the spectrum

Recommended for capuring H-beta emitting objects using CCD photography under dark skies

Comes packaged in a foam lined case

Product code OS337600

Available to purchase from Northern Optics

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North Lincs astro meeting 6th August 2018

Posted on August 7, 2018 by Reviewer

 

Dr Gareth Few from the astrophysics dept of the Hull university was the guest speaker at the North Lincolnshire astronomy society on Monday 6th Aug 2018. His in-depth talk on the origins of life was excellent , with a little help of practical demonstrations to show better the effect of elements colliding and how they evolve over the history of time. Much to Charles,s relief his section on the periodical table was kept as simple as possible without going into too much depth.

Thanks to Steve for stepping in as tea lady, and the Lincs wildlife trust for the use of the venue. Although skies are not dark early enough, we got some great views of the Sun courtesy of Andy and Damian manning the club solar scope

For more info , contact the North Lincs astro society

 

 

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North Lincs astro meeting 2nd July 2018

Posted on July 3, 2018 by Reviewer

We did some solar observing (yes we had clear skies for a change) before the North Lincolnshire astronomy society meeting for July 2018 using 2 specialist solar telescopes. We enjoyed lots of Solar activity with major prominence’s easily visible.

Once we moved inside we had some lovely refreshments courtesy of Malcolm and Glenys, which included some melted chocolate biscuits ;-) .

Once all settled, Charles Thody gave us a very good question and answer session on astro imaging. This included how to reduce noise and light pollution.

For more details on future meetings visit the North Lincs astro society website

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Helios Nitrosport 8×26 binoculars. Ideal for watching sports

Posted on June 14, 2018 by Reviewer

Here at Northern Optics we often get customers asking for binoculars suitable for birdwatching, general use, astronomy etc. But up to now, never had a customer looking for a set for watching rugby matches.

So with the great British weather, these not only need to be waterproof, but also lightweight and give a wide field of view for easy tracking. With this in mind, and within the customers £50 budget, the clear winner was the Helios Nitrosport 8×26 binoculars. Only 266g with a wide field of view, and a brighter image than the size of optics and price tag suggest they were a clear winner. The 10×26 are almost as impressive, but give a slightly narrower FOV.

Bak-4 prisms and multi-coated optics give amazing value for money. Handling is easy, with all controls easy to reach and silky smooth in operation. No wonder they are one of our best sellers.

 

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Hawke Frontier ED 8×43 binoculars #38300. Customer purhase

Posted on June 14, 2018 by Reviewer

A customer came to the Northern Optics public outlet at the Waters` Edge visitor centre, Barton upon Humber looking for a premium but affordable binoculars for general use.  They chose the Hawke Frontier 8x43ED binoculars above many others. One main reason is the price, which due to being discontinued and other newer models taking its place, mean the price has dropped from over £350 to under £250. So do not be fooled by the price, as these are genuine high performance optics deserving a premium price tag.

With long eye relief and a wide field of view, these should suit all users. The open hinge body style may be longer than some, but they balance nicely in the hands. Handling is very easy with a grippy body and smooth controls.

A picture window 143m @ 1000m FOV makes tracking of moving targets easy. Complete with lens caps, neck strap, cleaning cloth and quality semi soft case.

With these being discontinued,  chances to buy new will become more difficult. So if you see a set for under £250, snap em up

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