Visionary Classic 10×50 binoculars review (new model)

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Please note this is the new 2013 version of the classic design, and not to be confused with the older model still in circulation

The 10×50 is a great pair of binoculars for general use and astronomy.

BK-7 prisms and fully coated optics give better than expected results than the low price would sugest.
Very good internals give virtually no internal reflection to help enhance contrast. You get a slightly softer image than BaK-4 prism / fully multi coated optics, but then again these are not over £100

Field of view is a generous 122m @ 1000m. This is ideal for following moving targets

There is some chromatic aberration, which is to expected. However this will not distract you from the enjoyment.
A flat field gives much better edge of field quality than you would expect from a pair of binoculars in this price range.

Handling is excellent. An over sized focus wheel makes focusing easy with gloves on.

They feel lighter than the old design, yet feel more sturdy at the same time.
The build quality of the IPD central bar adjustment is much better on this model. Also the right eye adjustment
has also been improved with a ribbed outer rubber layer.

Note that the IPD is narrower on the new model. This makes them  great for responsible children, as well as adults. But be aware that adults will need to open them out quite wide to get the full view. I personally found this was not an issue

Eye relief remains quite short. So maybe not recommended for spectacle wearers

Case, strap and lens caps all remain unchanged

In our opinion 10/10 value for money

 

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Northern Optics review from November 2012

 

Bought a  pair of Opticron Vista LE 10×50’s from Northern Optics  for my nephew for Christmas. I hope he will love them. S/H but look and perform as new! I almost want to keep them for myself!! You know how I love binoculars!

Nigel really went out of his way to sort me out with these for my nephew, for which I am very grateful. Ordered and paid for yesterday and arrived today. Top service, top bloke-Thanks Nigel :)

Visit Northern Optics website here

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Image of the Sun taken with a Skywatcher 150p

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This amazing image of the Sun was taken by Paul Cotton from the North Lincolnshire astronomy society.

Equipment and software used SW150p with baader solar film, philips webcam, 600 frames captured in Sharpcap processed Registax6

Useful links
North Lincs Astronomy society
Skywatcher 150p telescope
Baader A4 Solar sheet

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Image of the Orion Nebula by Charles Thody Photography

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This superb image of the Orion Nebula (M42) was taken by Charles Thody.

16x 90 second images taken with a self modified Canon 450D, through a Celestron C8, with f6.5 focal reducer and CLS clip in light pollution filter. Processed with K3CCD tolls and Photoshop.

For more Great images like this one, visit the Astronomy section of Charles Thody,s website HERE

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Olivon QB binoculars review

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The Olivon QB binoculars offer no nonsense  high quality optics in a traditional porro prism design. All models give a good flat field for great sharpness across the view. BaK-4 prisms and fully multi-coated optics give outstanding brightness and contrast for use in all lighting conditions.

Superb internal blackening aids the viewing experience by cutting out unwanted stray light.

Eye relief is very good, but the eye cups are fold down only. The case a strap are basic. But these binoculars are all about the optics, which will not disappoint. Incredible value for money.

Available in 8×40, 7×50 and 10×50

Click here to buy from Northern Optics

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North Lincs Astro joins the Federation of Astronomical Societies

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As from April 2013, the North Lincolnshire astronomy club became the North Lincolnshire astronomy society after becoming a member of the Federation of Astronomical Societies.

The North lincs astro society is a friendly place to meet other astronomers in North Lincolnshire.

For more details on how to join the club, meeting dates, latest news and much more, visit the North Lincolnshire Astronomy Society website HERE

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Do Ostara Elinor binoculars have twist eye cups

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Earlier models of the Ostara Elinor binoculars had tough fold down  eye cups. This was changed to good quality twist eye cups in later versions (as shown in the image right).

Despite this change, there was no change in price. The Ostara Elinor range come in a number of variations, 8×45, 7×50, 10×50 and 12×50. The 10×50 are still one of the best binoculars under £200 for astronomy use. They won best in class in the BBC Sky at Night magazine with an overall score of 91%

All models come with BaK-4 prisms, fully multi-coated optics and are nitrogen gas filled. Warranty is 30 years !!. (10 years parts and labour. Next 20 years parts only)

Click here to buy from Northern Optics

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Helios NatureSport-Plus WA 10×50 binoculars review

The Helios NatureSport-Plus WA 10×50 binoculars offer excellent optics for Under £100 (price correct at time of review).  First thing out the box you will notice how light they feel, yet sturdy.

Handling is excellent, with a grippy feel and over sized focus wheel for use with gloves on. The twist eye cups are smooth in operation and feel comfortable when up against your eyes.

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As the title suggests, they give a wide field of view. The image is bright and crisp. Edge of field quality shows a little fall off with a softer image.

There is some false colour (chromatic aberration) , but nothing to distract away from the viewing experience. Strangely , I found a sweet spot just left of center.

A closer focus than many porro prism binoculars makes them suitable for back garden observations, as well as astronomy and general use.

Comes complete with a good quality soft case, neck strap, cleaning cloth, lens caps and a 1 year warranty

Click here to buy from Northern Optics

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North Lincolnshire Astronomy Society. New website

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The North Lincs Astro society now has a new website HERE . The new look website gives to up to date news on the latest meeting dates and location.

Also on the website are sections for member photographs and contact details

The North Lincolnshire Astronomy Society is aimed at helping the budding astronomer as well as the seasoned Pro improve their understanding of the night sky and equipment.

Northern Optics , the local dealer is always in attendance to offer advice and sales of starter telescopes and binoculars

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Hawke Optics Sapphire ED 8×42 binoculars

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The Hawke Sapphire ED 8×42 binoculars offer a step up in optical quality from the superb Frontier ED range, with the addition of dielectric coated prisms.

The end result is remarkable image brightness and sharpness from just a 42mm objective. Despite only weighing 730g , they feel very sturdy and well built.

Nitrogen waterproof for use in all conditions. Comes complete with a leather case, strap and Hawke 10 years warranty

Click here to buy

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