Binocular Reviews | Binoculars and Telescopes for Birdwatchers and Astronomers

Do Ostara Elinor binoculars have twist eye cups

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Reviewer

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

Posted in Ostara Binoculars Reviews | Tagged 10x50, 12x50, 7x50, 8x45, elinor, ostara | Comments Off

Helios NatureSport-Plus WA 10×50 binoculars review

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Reviewer

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.

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

Posted in Helios Binocular Reviews | Tagged 10x50, binoculars, helios | Comments Off

North Lincolnshire Astronomy Society. New website

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Reviewer

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

Posted in News and Blog | Tagged north lincs astronomy society | Comments Off

Hawke Optics Sapphire ED 8×42 binoculars

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Reviewer

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

Posted in Hawke Binocular Reviews | Tagged 8x42, binoculars, hawke, sapphire | Comments Off

Celestron Nature 8×42 binoculars

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Reviewer

The Celestron Nature 8×42 roof prism binoculars give great results for an outstanding price. Although they do not come with phase corrected prisms, you still get a bright and clear view from the BaK-4 prisms and fully multi-coated optics.

Handling is very easy. They balance nicely in the hands, and feel reassuringly well built. Focus wheel and dioptre adjustments are smooth in operation, and can be easily adjusted with gloves on.

Eye relief is very good. This means they can be used with spectacles on. Nitrogen waterproofing means they can be used in all conditions with no internal fogging.

The Celestron Nature series 8×42 come with a soft case and 2 years Celestron warranty

Posted in Celestron Binoculars Reviews | Tagged 8x42, binoculars, celestron, nature | Comments Off

North Lincs Astronomy Society. Meeting, 8th April 2013

Posted on April 9, 2013 by Reviewer

Despite the cloudy skies ending any hope of getting some viewing done, there was a good turn out at the North Lincs Astro society meeting at The Far Ings nature reserve on Monday 8th April 2013.

The opportunity was taken to have the inaugural official meeting to agree on the Chairman, vice chairman, secretary , other members names put forward for when the club becomes a society. Not forgetting Sarah for volunteering the most important job as milk monitor

Once we were all settled down with our refreshments, Chris Roche gave us a talk , explaining how we came to have days , weeks and years. For many of us, this was a very informative talk on something that we take for granted.

As always Northern Optics was in attendance with a selection of astro accessories at a discounted price on the night. Northern Optics also donated the raffle prize of a Camlink Torino case and mini tripod.

Visit the North Lincs Astro website here for more information on the society

Posted in News and Blog | Tagged north lincs astronomy society | Comments Off

What is the widest crater on the visible side of the Moon

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Reviewer

The largest crater we can see on the Moon from the Earth is Clavius. At 225 km wide and 35 km deep, it is a truly massive crater that would cover a large part of the UK.

Binoculars show it clearly. While any telescope will show many smaller craters within its boundaries. It is a fantastic site in any telescope, and well worth a look.

If you don,t have your own equipment, pop along to your nearest astronomical club, who will no doubt share the experience with you when you look through their telescopes.

Posted in Useful Resources | Tagged clavius, crater, moon | Comments Off

Opticron Trailfinder 8×32 binoculars. New for 2013

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Reviewer

The Opticron Trailfinder 8×32 binoculars are the latest edition to the trailfinder series. Boasting a wide 131m @ 1000mm field of view and good eye relief. Weight is only 527g.

Fully multi-coated optics , phase corrected and BaK-4 prisms for a bright view. Fully waterproof for use in all conditions.

Ideal for birdwatching and general use. 5 year warranty

Posted in Opticron Binocular reviews | Tagged 8x32, opticron | Comments Off

Celestron X-Cel LX telescope eyepiece. 1.25″

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Reviewer

Available from Northern Optics the Celestron X-Cel LX eyepieces offer fully multi-coated optics at a sensible price within many budgets. Featuring long eye relief and twist eye cups for spectacle wearers.

Threaded to accept standard 1.25″ filters. Available in a range of focal lengths to suit most needs. 7 choices in total include 2.3mm, 5mm, 7mm, 9mm, 12mm, 18mm and 25mm.

These are a popular choice in the astronomy community and can be purchased HERE

Posted in Eyepieces | Tagged 1.25", celestron, eyepiece, x-cel | Comments Off

How to connect a 1.25″ eyepiece to a Zeiss Diascope

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Reviewer

Owners of Zeiss Diascopes can attach standard 1.25″ telescope eyepieces to the scope with the use of a Baader Diascope bayonet 31.7mm (1.25″) ocular adapter. (see image right)

To use, simply insert a 1.25″ eyepiece in to the adapter, and secure with the 3 small screws. An allen key is included.

You will notice a groove around the Baader adapter. Take the larger of the rubber O-rings (included) and set in place. This will help give a secure fit when attached to the spotting scope body.

To connect the adapter to the Zeiss Diascope body, line up the mark on the adapter with the corresponding mark on the spotting scope and twist in to place.

A 2″ version of the Baader adapter is also available

Posted in User Guides and Tutorials | Tagged baader, diascope, eyepiece, zeiss | Comments Off