Waters Edge Country Park bird sightings 19th May 2012

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Reviewer

On the 19th May 2012, we had the first views of the Moorhen chicks in the lake nearest to the visitor centre at the Waters Edge country park. A grand total of 8 were counted, and all looked fit and healthy. Here,s hoping they all see it through the next few weeks.

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Helios Solana binoculars. New for 2012

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Reviewer

The new Helios Solana are a traditional porro prism design.  A good range of models are available to cope with different hobbies.  8×40 for birdwatching, 7×50 and 10×50 for astronomy, and 12×50 and 16×50 for the plane / ship spotters.

A range of high quality, well constructed porro prism binoculars finished in attractive, black rubber armouring. Knurled rubber finger grips ensure they are secure and comfortable to hold. All models feature quality BK-7 prisms and all optical surfaces are fully coated, providing very good optical performance. Overall these binoculars offer construction and performance which belie their modest prices. All models are fitted with a tripod adaptor bush and supplied with neck strap and soft case. Eye relief as follows: 8×40 (10mm), 7×50 (12mm), 10×50 (10mm), 12×50 (9mm), 16×50 (7mm). Colour/Material: Black Rubber

Click here to buy and to see full specs & prices

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Helios Rapide 8×32 binoculars. New for 2012

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Reviewer

The new Helios Rapide 8×32 feature an attractive double hinge design.  Priced at only £49.99 (at the time of release) they are aimed at the budget market.  Don’t let the “budget” quote put you off. As you can see from the detailed description below, they are packed with modern features

Mid-size ‘take-anywhere’ binoculars ideal for a nature observation and general outdoor viewing, even in wet weather conditions. Sleek and extremely stylish, finished in high quality black rubber armouring. Providing very good optical performance, they feature fully multi-coated optics, high quality BK-7 prisms and a wide 7.2 degree field of view. The modern open-bridge design ensures they are lightweight and convenient to carry. Twist-up eye cups for spectacle wearers with eye relief of 14mm. Nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed for waterproof and fog proof protection. Supplied in soft carrying case with neck strap.

Click here to buy 

Specification 8×32 
Magnification x8 
Object Lens Diameter 32mm 
Field of view 7.2 degrees 
Weight 450g 
Length 128mm 
Actual Field of View 126M @ 1000M 
Multi-coated Optics Yes 
Nearest Focus Distance 4.5M 
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Ostara 2″ (50.8mm) Moon / Skyglow filter. As seen in the BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Reviewer

The Ostara 2″ (50.8mm) Moon / Skyglow filter has been featured in the latest gear page of the BBC Sky at Night Magazine (June 2012 edition)

This is a great value for money filter, that will help give you improved views of the Moon and brighter planets + is a useful light pollution filter

Click here to buy

 

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North Lincs Astro meeting. 7th May , 2012

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Reviewer

Again the clouds tried to spoil the North Lincs Astro club meeting on Monday 7th May 2012. Despite this, around 18 members turned up, including two “newbies”

Hints and tips on various astronomical subjects were shared amongst the group. The opportunity was taken to discuss future meetings. It was agreed the next meeting would be dedicated to solar observing (weather permitting) , plus a member will give a talk on the “Constellation of the month”. These extra activities each month should keep everyone occupied if the weather plays its hand once more.

As always Northern Optics was in attendance, with a selecton of astro bits for sale, and donated a pair of Celestron binoculars as the raffle prize

Also a big thank you to the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust for the use of the venue 

Visit the North Lincs Astro website here

 

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Visionary HD 7×50 binoculars. Customers review

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Reviewer

 

A customer visiting the Northern Optics retail outlet was looking for a good quality pair of binoculars that were suitable for astronomy and general use. After looking at a couple of smaller 8×32 and 8×40 alternatives, they were instantly blown away with the Visionary HD 7×50 binoculars.

Despite them only being 7x magnification, they could see as much distant detail as the other 8x binoculars. Despite them not being compact, the customer was surprised at how light they were. The large depth of field made them very user friendly.

From a personal point of view, the large 7mm exit pupil makes them ideal for low light / astronomy. Although they look similar to the lower priced Visionary B4 and Classic porro prism binoculars, that is where the similarity ends. The optics and built quality are of a much higher standard.

Click here to buy

 

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Will my National Geographic telescope accept 1.25″ filters ?

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Reviewer

National Geographic telescopes are readily available from a well known catalogue shop. The problem is that some of their eyepieces are not threaded to accept astronomical 1.25″ filters. This is not a problem if you don,t require additional filters. But obviously is, if you do want to upgrade. A solution is to upgrade to branded eyepieces that are threaded correctly.

For a great selection of telescopes and eyepieces, visit Northern Optics

 

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Celestron Outland LX 10×42 Binoculars review

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Reviewer

 

Solid build with great quality optics. Although the Celestron Outland LX 10×42 have been around for a few years, they can still give more modern designs a good run for their money.

Quite compact in design compared to some other 42mm binoculars. Yet they feel solid and well put together. Handling is superb, with a gripy body and smooth focus wheel. The twist eye cups are a little stiffer than some, but that is not a criticism. First time out the box, the dioptre adjustment was very hard to turn. But once moving, it became much more fluid.

Eye relief is very good for spectacle wearers. The 3-stage dioptre adjustment is excellent.

Due to the focus gearing, there is less than a quarter turn needed for distances from 10m to infinity. On the subject of focusing, the close focus is extremely good. At 5ft, 8ins I could easily focus on my own feet. This is closer than the quoted 6ft. Though I did find it hard to get a circle at such a close range, so had to shut one eye.

Compared to some modern ED and phase corrected binoculars, you don’t get as bright an image, plus there is a little CA evident. But don’t let this put you off, as you get a fantastic image for £50+ less than some modern binoculars in the same class. Very good internal baffling gives virtually no internal reflection.

The soft case , lens caps and neck strap are of a very high spec.

Great multi purpose binoculars that are excellent value for money. Highly recommended

Please note the Celestron Outland LX 10×42 binoculars are now discontinued.

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Skywatcher AZ4-2 tripod review. By North Lincs Astro

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Reviewer

Skywatcher AZ4-2 Alt-Az Mount with Steel Tripod

I bought the Sky-Watcher AZ4 Alt-Azimuth mount as a quick and easy option to use on those nights with unexpected clear spells. For those unfamiliar with the terminology an Alt-Az mount is a basic mount that essentially moves in a basic up/down side to side movement. The mount has separate friction clutches adjusted by large knobs on both the Altitude and Azimuth axes. A panning arm, with two mounting positions, controls the super smooth movements. Telescopes attach to the mount with a standard dovetail bar. A L shaped bracket is included so the mount can be used with spotting scopes or cameras. I bought the steel legged model which feels very sturdy and is still easily portable. Set up could not be easier, carry the mount to your viewing spot, adjust the legs to the required height, attach and balance your scope then adjust the clutches to your preference and your ready to observe. The mount easily holds my Startravel 80 refractor or 150p Newtonian and copes with a 150pro Maksutov no problems.

Overall, I’m very satisfied with the AZ4 and would recommend one to anyone looking for a robust and easy to use mount.

Review Courtesy of Paul Cotton from the North Lincs Astro club

Visit the North Lincs Astro website here

 

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Image of M81 by Shaun Clayton of North Lincs Astro

Posted on April 14, 2012 by Reviewer

 

This superb image of M81 was taken by Shaun Clayton of the North Lincs Astro club.

Quote from Mr Clayton “Combined images i took over three nights in march to produce this 4 hour exposure”

I think you will agree, it is a fantastic image

See more images by Shaun Clayton and other members of North Lincs Astro here

 

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