Upgraded from the previous model , taking the max magnification right up to 75x from 60x, the Hawke Endurance 25-75×85 ED spotting scope helps you reach more distant targets.
This is no lightweight, which says a lot about the quality of build. ED glass and dielectric coated prisms help keep chromatic aberration down to an absolute minimum. Complete with a stay on case to help protect the body when out in all conditions.
For a full review click on the video below. Also available to purchase HERE
With a life time warranty, and a tough body to operate in extremes of conditions, the Hawke HDx 10×32 binoculars are a true take anywhere binocular built to last.
Although not ED, the image is extremely bright and clear , and the 32mm objective fits nicely between the 25mm compacts and 42mm full sized binoculars.
Very easy to use and handle with a quality case and padded strap. For a full review click on the video below. Also available to purchase HERE
Released in 2022, the Viking Kestrel 8×25 ED binoculars are the latest model in the Kestrel line up. Featuring ED glass and dielectric coated prisms, they give outstanding performance for such a compact set. Despite being lightweight, they feel extremely solid.
For a full review click on the video below. Also available to buy HERE
It was a joy testing the all new Viking Osprey 8×42 ED Flat Field binoculars. These take over (not replacing) from the populat Peregrine 8×42 ED. Offering extreme low levels of chromatic aberration , edge to edge sharpness and zero pin cushion distortion, you certainly get a lot of spec for just under £500 at the time of this review.
At 695g they are still a lightweight binocular, feeling very solid. Handling is very user friendly with a grippy body and smooth controls. A picture window field of view makes them perfect for following moving subjects.
Click HERE to buy or watch the video below for a more in depth look
The Celestron Nexstar 6SE has been around for a few years now. But still makes for a great dual use / imaging telescope. The 1500mm focal length makes it perfect for medium to high power views. But with the introduction of many UWA eyepieces, you can also be rewarded with some excellent views of DSO objects like star clusters and brighter nebula. As standard accepts 1.25″ eyepieces, but can be upgraded to 2″ focusers for a wider variety of eyepieces.
For imaging, the OTA is tailor made for prime focus photography (no eyepiece used) . This makes it a 1500mm f10 , plus the crop factor of your DSLR , depending on which camera body you have.
If prime focus is not for you, then this popular scope can easily be used for CCD imaging. With the correct software and accurate focus, this can yield fantastic results.
Buy here from AmazonCracking compact MAK 80 telescope to get you started. Simply add a tripod or EQ mount and you are good to go.
On testing this spotting scope / telescope, I was amazed by the lack of chromatic aberration. Although the eyepieces supplied are optimised for smart phone photography, I would recommend upgrading to a couple of higher grade plossl eyepieces for visual use.
As with all telescopes, we advise getting the most sturdy tripod and mount you can afford. This will help keep it steady when using high power eyepieces. For those using for terrestrial use, it comes with a very good quality carry case.
Do not just think when using for astronomy, it is suitable for the Moon and Planets only. This compact scope is perfect for splitting double stars and also the brighter star clusters, galaxies and nebula from a dark sky area.
The set consists of an 80mm Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope OTA with 800mm focal length, a 40x and 80x magnifying eyepiece, an optical 8×21 viewfinder, a particularly high-quality, phase-corrected 90° roof prism with image erection as well as a smartphone adapter and a carrying case.
Smartphone not included! Magnifications (with eyepieces supplied): x40 & x80 Highest Practical Power (Potential): x160 Diameter of Primary Mirror: 80mm Telescope Focal Length: 800mm (f/10) Eyepieces Supplied (1.25″): 10mm & 20mm 90° 1.25″ Roof Prism Image Erecting Prism (Phase Coated) 8×21 Finderscope Adjustable Primary Mirror Cell Focusing by Moving Primary Mirror Smartphone Adaptor Carrying Case Dust Caps Gift Box OTA Weight: 1.8Kg
The Zeiss conquest HD 8×42 binoculars are a premium set of binoculars designed for general use and even wide field astronomy. A wide 128m @ 1000m FOV and long eye relief make for comfortable viewing.
The Conquest HD 8×42 are well balanced binoculars . This means that even though they are not the lightest in class, they do not feel as heavy as the specs suggest. Featuring a beautiful design, easy to use ergonomics and high quality ZEISS optics at an attractive price.
The Conquest HD 8×42 has been designed as a robust companion which is particularly suited for use during low light observing conditions such as dusk and dawn. With 8x magnification these binoculars ensure that the viewing image remains steady. Couple this with a larger depth of field adds to the usability.
The HD ED glass lens system delivers excellent best colour reproduction for impressive nature observation with outstanding contrast and virtually no chromatic aberration. Whether watching birds or woodland wildlife such as deer, the 8x magnification is a useful all round solution. A specially considered ergonomic design also ensures that the 8×42 is extremely comfortable to use. A large focusing wheel is always close at hand so that even when viewing subjects at close range at close range the smallest details can appear sharp and colour neutral. The large focus wheel is also suitable for use with gloves on when out in cold conditions.
Ideal for:
| Magnification | 8 × |
| Effective lens diameter | 42 mm |
| Exit pupil diameter | 5.3 mm |
| Twilight factor | 18.3 |
| Field of view at 1,000 m (yds) | 128 m (420 ft) |
| Subjective viewing angle | 59° Ww |
| Close focusing distance | 2 m (6.6 ft) |
| Diopter adjustment range | − 4.0 | + 4.0 dpt |
| Exit pupil distance | 18 mm |
| Pupil distance | 54 – 74 mm |
| Lens type | HD |
| Prism system | Schmidt-Pechan |
Features
| LotuTec | Nitrogen filled | + | + |
| Water resistance | 400 mbar |
Physical
| Operating temperature | − 30°C | + 63°C (− 22°F | + 145°F) |
| Length | 150 mm (5.9 “) |
| Width at an interpupillary distance of 65 mm | 120 mm |
| Weight | 795 g |
Looking very similar in design with the small red ring around the focus, the Celestron Nature DX 8x42ED binoculars look like a more compact version of the Regal 8×42 ED. That is where the similarity ends, with the Regal having far superior build quality and optics.
But to be fair to the Nature DX ED, for a set of binoculars in this price range, the lack of chromatic aberration is incredible. Team this up with a bright and clear view and excellent handling they give fantastic value for money. OK not the best eye cups in class. But the benefits of the optics and handling far outweigh any minor gripes.
To help keep costs down, they come with a basic Nylon case and neck strap. But these can easily be upgraded at any time.
To watch a more in depth review click on the video below
Before even taking the Celestron Regal 8x42ED FF binoculars out of the box, you know in advance these are solid and well built. Some may say heavy, I say well built.
No corners cut with accessories, that include a padded neck strap, chest harness and hard case. The wide eyepieces give the impression of a wide FOV, which is confirmed when you look through them. Having the field flattener lenses built in, it is no surprise that clarity is excellent across the field with no pincushion distortion. Although the focus is not the smoothest in class, the image quality with close up views of insects on plants is as good as it gets.
For a more detailed review, take a look at the video below
Released late 2021, the Hilkinson nature-line 8x32ED binoculars offer remarkable performance for a sub £200 solution. Key features are a lightweight and waterproof polycarbonate body, fully multi-coated ED glass with BaK4 dielectric coated prisms.
End results is a delightful wide field of view with pretty much zero pincushion distortion, excellent edge of field clarity and low levels of chromatic aberration. Couple this with excellent handling, they make a great starter set.
For a more detailed look, click on the video below