Maplin N50FU flight case

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The Maplin N50FU flight case is the perfect low cost solution for the safe storage of your optical equipment, such as Telescope eyepieces and accessories, cameras, binoculars and many other related products.

The sturdy aluminium case comes with a foam interior that can easily be shaped to the required size by removing the small foam blocks, or pushing them down.

A useful handle and shoulder strap make carrying a breeze.

External dimensions
330mm (w) x 290mm (d) x 140mm (h)

Internal dimensions
315mm (w) x 250mm (d) x 110mm (h)

Weight 1.6kg
Discontinued

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Optical Hardware webcam adapter

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The Optical Hardware webcam adapter is the ideal low cost solution for taking images through your telescope using a compatible webcam, such as Philips Toucam Pro /Fun, SPC 880, 900 and Vesta

Threaded to accept 1.25″ filters, such as the Ostara Luminance filter , which will help reduce IR and UV

Ckick here to buy from Northern Optics

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Olivon T800 spotting scope review

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The new Olivon T800 is an updated version of the Olivon T80.  Features a new lightweight body and also accepts 1.25″ astronomical eyepieces.  The ability of accepting 1.25″ eyepieces means you can upgrade to higher magnifications or wider angle low eyepieces with having to change the spotting scope.

As mentioned above, the body is very lightweight. This was the first thing I noticed when I handled the T800 for the first time. Despite this, build quality feels very solid.

The spotting scope comes wide a high grade 20-60x zoom eyepiece as standard. The zoom was very smooth in operation, as was the twist eye cup. The eye piece has very good eye relief for use with spectacles on.

To remove the eye piece, it did take a little effort at first. Saying that, this should improve with time, and gives you the confidence that it is a secure fit.

So what about the optics. I was impressed with the bright high contrast image. The quality remained throughout the range, with the lower powers giving impressive edge of field sharpness.

I found the field of view very good across the zoom range. This is something that can disappoint with some cheaper spotting scopes.

Highly recommended by us if you are looking for a quality, up gradable spotting scope at an affordable price

For the photographers among you, it is up gradable for digi scoping with additional adapters or compatible eyepieces.

Other features. 80mm objective lens, Fully multi coated optics and nitrogen waterproofing.

Click here to buy from Northern Optics

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Visionary Wetland 12×42 binoculars

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VISIONARY WETLAND 12x42 BINO 
OFFERS USABLE EXTRA POWER

For use where your subject is small, or at a long distance, the
extra power afforded by Visionary’s new 12x42 Wetland binocular
can make the image you view more worthwhile. The difference may be
the ability to make a clear identification of a species or object,to be able to read distant text or recognize a person.
Considering its power, the Wetland 12x42 is compact and light
enough to be hand held and, as you’d expect from the name, it’s
completely waterproof.  These binoculars will even withstand
complete immersion in water, so they would not be damaged if
dropped in a stream while walking on moorland, for example.  Like the rest of the popular Wetlands range, they can therefore be usedwith complete confidence in foul weather conditions.
The binoculars are protected against damage by a tough rubber
coating with a pattern of raised rubber grip points where your
fingertips hold the upper surfaces and smooth contours on the
undersides, to avoid discomfort to the palms of the hands. 

Focusing is via a large, rubber coated center knob and an easy-to-grip eyepiece adjuster.
Twist action eye cups allow setting between the click locks at
fully extended and retracted positions, so you can find a point
that is comfortable with or without spectacles and places your eyeat the correct distance from the eyepiece.
Bak4 roof prisms and multi-coated lenses are used to ensure
optimum image brightness, colour clarity and sharpness. 
To prevent any internal fogging of the optics during low
temperature usage, the binoculars are filled with nitrogen and
sealed.   
A standard tripod thread is fitted beneath a protective cap, 
allowing the binocular to be used with one of the various supports available as optional accessories, such as a tripod, hide clamp
 or car window mount.
Lens caps for the larger, objective lenses are attached to the
body by a removable rubber gaiter, to stop them being lost, and
the eyepiece cap is attached to the binocular strap, with a slot 
allowing it to be pushed right out of your way, when the binos are in use. The left and right eyepiece covers are separated by a
flexible strip, so you can leave the binoculars at your chosen
adjustment, immediately ready for their next use.
All Visionary Wetland binoculars are supplied complete with a 10 
ear guarantee, a good quality pouch case, straps and caps.

Click here to buy

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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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