Binocular Reviews | Binoculars and Telescopes for Birdwatchers and Astronomers

Helios Lightquest-HR 10×50 binoculars overview 30141

Posted on October 5, 2016 by Reviewer

An 8 elements in 5 groups eyepiece lens assembly is just one standout feature of the new Helios Lightquest-HR 10×50 binoculars. This ensures edge to edge quality with comfortable viewing with or without spectacles on.

Another clever addition is caged shock proof prisms that should absorb many knocks and bumps. Exception optics that are housed in an almost retro designed body. But although the style looks old fashioned, there is nothing old about the magnesium alloy body with a soft leatherette outer

As standard these are nitrogen waterproofed to IPX& standard, meaning not only will they keep out the damp, they are also waterproof for a depth of 1 metre for 30 minutes

These binoculars are aimed for mid to long range use. But in particular low light oberving and wide field astronomy. At 1320g these are no lightweights. But that is due to the solid construction built to last. If you do find them too heavy to hand hold, they do come with a sturdy tripod adaptor as standard

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North Lincolnshire astronomy society meeting. October 2016

Posted on October 3, 2016 by Reviewer

The North Lincs astro society were delighted to welcome 2 guests who had travelled all the way from Preston to visit our club. While most members stayed indoors attending the AGM, our two special guests were kept occupied outside with some delightful views of many astronomical targets.

Paul Cotton set up his 12 inch flextube Dobsonian , and Solar telescope. Nigel Pennington from Northern Optics (Lincolnshire optics) had his Helios 25×100 binoculars.

Early low down targets were the Sun, Moon, Saturn, Mars and Venus. As the cloud cleared, we got delightful views of Nebula, open clusters, globular clusters, double stars and the Andromeda Galaxy

And to cap it all off, against the odds the clouds cleared enough to see a fleeting glimpse of the ISS

Thank you to the Lincolnshire wildlife trust for the use of the venue, and Glenys for help with the teas and refreshments

Image shown, courtesy Paul Cotton

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Ostara Elinor 12×50 binoculars for birdwatching

Posted on October 3, 2016 by Reviewer

So are the 12×50 Ostara Elinor binoculars suitable for bird watching. I would normally recommend for plane / ship spotting or long distance terrestrial. But recently a customer came to the Northern Optics weekend display at Barton Upon Humber, North Lincolnshire looking for a high quality set of porro prism binoculars for bird watching.

He liked the porro prism design due them feeling right in the hands. After trying a few sets, including 10x50s and 8.5x42s, they opted for the Ostara Elinor 12×50 binoculars. Despite the others giving the bigger picture, the 12×50 Elinors gave a field of view that was more than adequate, and allowed better views of distant targets

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Skywatcher Nirvana 28mm 2″ eyepiece. Dimensions and specs 20222

Posted on September 20, 2016 by Reviewer

The Skywatcher Nirvana 28mm 2″ (50.8mm) is designed to give stunning picture window 82 degrees (apparent) field of view. 2″ fitting only. Lens construction is 6 elements in 4 groups. Optics are fully multi-coated

Excellent blackened internal baffling to increase contrast and reduce glare

Dimensions 137 x 75mm with twist eye cup out. Weight 1kg . With the heavy weight in mind, make sure your telescope and mount can accommodate

Now discontinued. More Skywatcher eyepieces available Northern Optics

North Lincs astro society

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Skywatcher Nirvana 16mm eyepiece specs and dimensions 20221

Posted on September 20, 2016 by Reviewer

The Skywatcher Nirvanna 16mm eyepiece has an apparent field of 82 degrees. Optics are constructed of 7 elements in 4 groups. Coatings are fully multi-coated. Eye cup is twist type. Lens caps included and is threaded to accept 1.25″ filters. Blackened internal baffling for improved contrast

Finished in high-gloss anodised aluminium with knurled rubber grips.

Dimensions 94x50mm with twist eye cup out. Weight is 200g

Designed to give wide field views on many telescopes

Click HERE to purchase

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Celestron Lenspen cleaning accessory 93575

Posted on September 19, 2016 by Reviewer

The Celestron Lenspen is without doubt my personal favourite lens cleaner. The simple to use accessory comes with a brush at one side for getting the dust off, and a fluid free pad at the other side for removing grease , finger marks etc. With a cap that doubles as a cleaner for the pad, it is a great all in one solution

Click HERE to buy

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Visionary HD 8×56 binoculars. Soft rubber eye cups VI331264

Posted on September 19, 2016 by Reviewer

A customer at the Northern Optics outlet was looking for a good quality set of binoculars for general use. After trying a few sets of twist eye cup types, they decided the solid cups did not feel comfortable against their eyes.

So they were introduced to the Visionary HD range with their soft fold down eye cups. Immediately they noticed the difference and improvement with how they felt when looking through them. Eye cups aside, the customer was impressed with the performance of the HD 8×56 in relatively low light conditions

This is one of many examples where you really need to try out a set first, to see if the optics and in this case the feel of them suit the individual buyer

Click HERE to buy

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North Lincs astro meeting Monday 5th September 2016

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Reviewer

Hurrah !, after an eternal wait, the North Lincs astronomy society finally had a meeting with clear skies. This meant that thanks to Paul Cotton and his fantastic large Skywatcher flex-tube telescope we were given some amazing views of nebula , star clusters and a double star.

But before that we were given an excellent talk on scopes and how lenses and mirrors work , and the advantages / disadvantages of each design in his own easy to understand style.

Thank you as always to the wild life trust for the use of the venue and Sarah for the teas and refreshments. Around 20 members were in attendance

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Visionary Nature Scout 20×50 monocular review VI332469

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Reviewer

The Visionary Nature Scout 20×50 is a limited edition bundle designed for long distance terrestrial use, plane and ship spotting.

So out the box you are greeted by a tidy and uncluttered monocular. Focus is done by turning the eyepiece. This design uses porro prism optics which like for like give better performance than roof prism. The spec is Bk7 prisms with fully coated optics. But they still give better than expected sharpness and contrast with an acceptable field of view. But by far the biggest plus point was the eye relief. I found that with the eye cup folded down, I was able to get full view with spectacles on. Also the fold down eye cups stay down when folded.

With the kit as standard the Visionary Nature scout 20×50 comes with lens caps, case, wrist strap and mini table top tripod. There may be an option of a hand grip depending on where you buy from

Maybe not recommended for bird watching. But for longer distance work, the Nature scout 20×50 monocular will not disappoint

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Skywatcher dual axis motor drive for EQ3-2 20406

Posted on September 4, 2016 by Reviewer

The 20406 skywatcher motor drive with dual axis is designed to fit the EQ3-2 mount. This is ideal for longer exposure imaging or continuous tracking for visual use. This makes it perfect for group observing when you do not want to keep repositioning the telescope. Complete with instructions and fittings

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