does edge of field quality matter with binoculars

Posted on September 4, 2016 by Reviewer
  1. Often in reviews we see comments about edge of field quality. This includes myself. So how important is sharpness on the outer view ?. With an example looking at a bird in the center of the view, the most important factor is the sweet spot in the center where the target is. Intact the out of focus area around the bird may make it stand out more. However if you like looking at the whole picture including the surroundings , then a set with what we call a flat field will be suitable
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celestron red dot finder for astromaster telescope S1-700-6

Posted on September 4, 2016 by Reviewer

The replacement red dot finder for Astro master 21061 is item number S1-700-6. This specially designed for the astro master range and will not fit any other telescope. To use there is a simple on-off button – but there is no adjustment for brightness

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visiony M40 magnifier 331905

Posted on September 3, 2016 by Reviewer

 

The visionary M40 magnifier comes in a handy pouch for safe keeping. Also has a soft neck strap. As for the magnifier itself the power is not quoted, but I would guess at 3x

I would reommend for close up work such as looking at jewellery rather than larger objects such as reading large sections of text. The design of this mag glass means it needs to be held close to the eye. I find the subject needs to be around 3 inches from the eye for best result’s

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Olivon 1.25″ telescope filters

Posted on August 31, 2016 by Reviewer

IMG_9760

The Olivon 1.25″ filters come in various versions including Moon, Polarising and coloured filters. Each one comes in a hard foam lined case. The filters themselves have the Olivon logo showing. These are high grade glass filters with a metal frame that can be stacked.

As with all telescope filter opinions, ask 10 people if they are useful for astronomy and you will get 10 different answers. For me, the Moon/ Skyglow is invaluable for imaging. The #12 yellow is perfect for Jupiter , and the #56 green is ideal for showing the polar ice caps on Mars. Contact us to find out if we still have any available

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The summer triangle image. Altair, Deneb and Vega

Posted on August 30, 2016 by Reviewer

summer triamgle 29.8.16b

A canon EOS 1100D (un-modded) was used to take this image of the summer triangle, that includes the 3 bright stars Vega, Deneb and Altair in the constellations of Lyra, Cygnus and Aquila.

This image was taken in heavily light polluted skies. Equipment used – Canon EOS 1100D on a Skywatcher HEQ5 mount. Settings 30 seconds exposure at 3200 ISO. A single RAW file image was used. Camera was set at 18mm at f5.6

A light pollution filter was used. For this I used a Ostara 2 inch Moon / Skyglow filter . So how did I connect a telescope eyepiece filter to a DSLR camera lens ? . I simply rested it on it

Processing was done using Canons Digital photo professional. Using the histogram to bring out more detail and fainter stars also increased the orange sky glow. To remove this, I simply decreased the red in DPP. This reduced colour from the stars, but made the image much better due to the reduced light pollution. There are still some remnants of this on the image as you can see though. But considering the heavy light pollution, I think you will agree it is a good image that also shows the milky way

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Celestron Ultima 20-60×80 spotting scope 52250. Perfect for ship spotters

Posted on August 23, 2016 by Reviewer

celestron_ultima_spotting_scope_northern_optics

At the weekend a customer visited the Northern Optics outlet at the Waters` Edge centre , Barton Upon Humber looking for a quality spotting scope for looking at ships and boats out at sea or mainland rivers.

After sampling a couple in his price range, he opted for the Celestron Ultima 80mm angled spotting scope. Even though it is not rubber armoured like the other brand he tried, he was instantly impressed with the bright image and the fact “It looked good”. Which proves that even though the ultima range are a few years old, they still perform great and look the part compared with many modern designs.

The Ultima 80/45 comes with a standard 20-60x zoom, but can be upgraded to fixed eyepieces in the 19x – 80x range. There is a 100x option, but I believe this is pushing the power to far

The Celestron Ultima 80/45 52250 spotting scope can be purchased HERE


 

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What is a telescope filter

Posted on August 19, 2016 by Reviewer

ostara_UHC_filter_northernoptics

When you look through your astronomical telescope at the night sky, telescope filters will help you see more detail. Filters come in many varieties to enhance viewing from light reduction, light pollution filters to different colours and ones that only allow certain wavelengths through to the eye . Some are for visual and others for imaging (or both).

All filters screw in to the eyepiece and generally come in 1.25″ or 2″ sizes

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Opticron DBA VHD 8×42 , 10×42 binoculars 30644 30645

Posted on August 19, 2016 by Reviewer

OpticronDBAVHD10x42_northernoptics

The latest Opticron DBA VHD 8×42 and 10×42 binoculars offer high end ED glass with phase corrected BaK-4 prisms for outstanding clarity. The dual hinge body is lightweight at around 700g for great portability.

The long 17-22mm eye relief means they are ideal for spectacle wearers. Nitrogen gas filled for use in all conditions.

A field of 105m – 122m is not as wide as some. But what you do get is a flat field, that does let some wide angle binoculars down on edge of field quality

Perfect for birdwatching or general use

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Olivon PC 10×42 binoculars for general use

Posted on August 15, 2016 by Reviewer

olivon-pc-8x42-10x42-binoculars-northernoptics

The Olivon PC 8×42 binoculars were the optics of choice at the Waters` Edge centre public outlet for a customer looking for a high quality set for general use.

After trying a few sets, they opted for the Olivon PC 10×42 binoculars. As always when a customer tries a number of sets, after we have give initial advice, we take a step back and let the buyer chose with no outside pressure. We do this for two reasons, (1-) No customer likes a sales man breathing down their neck,(2- ). What suits me, does not mean they suit the next person that comes along.

Back on to the binoculars, the customer immediately found compared to lesser priced binoculars, the phase coated prisms gave a edge on sharpness. Also they commented on the build quality. For this reason the Olivon PC 42mm binoculars are one of our best sellers

Click HERE to purchase from Northern Optics

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Helios Lightwing 8×32 binoculars 30135 First impressions

Posted on August 15, 2016 by Reviewer

LIGHTWING-HR_8x32_10x32_northernoptics_1

We had the first chance to give the new Helios Lightwing 8×32 binoculars a test this week. As always the first thing you see, or should I say feel is the build quality. Although they are compact in size, they feel very solid in construction. This gives you reassurance these are built to last.

The twist eye cups move smoothly out for users without spectacles on. The cups are a very sleek and attractive design, and not chunky like many others. The focus is also extremely smooth to use, similar to the Mistral series.

Considering these are not ED glass, the quality and brightness of the image is exceptional.  Phase and Silver Di-Electric coated BaK-4 prisms give an amazing view with high contrast. In fact I found them as bright as the 8×42 version. The wide 137m @ 1000m field makes tracking moving targets a breeze.

So how to they compare to the lesser priced but still very good Helios Mistral 8×32 binoculars ?..I a word better in every way from build quality to field of view and optics. So in  conclusion very fairly priced at £149 (price at time of this review)

Highly recommended

Click  HERE to buy from Northern Optics

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