Visionary B4 7×35 binoculars review

Posted on November 10, 2022 by Reviewer

The Visionary B4 7×35 binoculars are a step up from the Classic series , with BaK-4 prisms against the Classics BK7. This improves brightness and contrast. Lens coating remain fully coated.

These binoculars feature a simple porro prism design that makes them easy to use and handle. More features that make them ideal for the beginner other than the price is the super wide 9.2 degree FOV , large depth of field and less than a quarter turn of the focus wheel needed from close focus (around 7m) to infinity. Also the low 7x magnification helps reduce hand shake.

Despite the standard fully coated optics, the image is bright and clear. There is some chromatic aberration and pin cushion distortion, but well within tolerances for a set on binoculars in this price range.

For further details click on the video below or buy HERE

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Barr and Stroud series-5 8×25 binoculars review

Posted on October 27, 2022 by Reviewer

The Barr and Stroud series 5 8×25 binoculars offer great specs for just under £100 (at the time of this post) with no corners cut. The compact 25mm set make them perfect for hiking when weight is an issue. Considering they are not ED glass, they show very little in the way of chromatic aberration away from very high contrast situations.

To see the full review click on the video below. Available to purchase HERE

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Hawke Vantage 8×42 binoculars vs Hawke Nature Trek 8×42

Posted on October 27, 2022 by Reviewer

At first glance at the specs, these two binoculars seem very similar. Yet a closer look at the edge of field sharpness will show that the nature trek does give better results. How important edge of field quality is, will differ from one customer to the next. Which is why it is important to try before you buy.

Click on the video below for a more detailed look at these two binoculars. Both of which available to purchase HERE

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Ness end farm. Far ings nature reserve. How to get there

Posted on October 27, 2022 by Reviewer

Ness end farm in North Lincolnshire is a popular bird watching / walking reserve along the south bank of the Humber. Many wild life delights awate you, ranging from Deer, foxes, Owls, Kingfishers and the star of the show, the Bitterns. Plus so much more. Free entry, car park, picnic area, toilets.

For directions on how to find Ness end farm, click on the video below

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Hawke Endurance 25-75×85 ED spotting scope review

Posted on October 27, 2022 by Reviewer

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

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Hawke HDX 10×32 binoculars review

Posted on October 27, 2022 by Reviewer

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

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Viking Kestrel 8×25 ED binoculars review

Posted on October 27, 2022 by Reviewer

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

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Viking Osprey 8×42 ED binoculars review

Posted on July 24, 2022 by Reviewer

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

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Celestron Nextar 6SE. A true dual use telescope

Posted on March 15, 2022 by Reviewer

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 Amazon

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Acuter Voyager MaK 80 telescope

Posted on March 3, 2022 by Reviewer

Cracking 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

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