How much magnification can I use with my telescope?

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Reviewer

 Everyones telescope is different, but a rough rule of thumb is around 30-50X per inch diameter of the main lens/mirror. A good ED refractor may, however, use 100X/inch on bright objects, so this is not a hard rule. You can always increase the power above these limits, but it is pointless if you’re not seeing more. This rule breaks down for larger instruments, as the distortion of the atmosphere limits practical magnification to 300X.

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Exmoor national park given dark-sky protection

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Reviewer

The Exmoor national park has been granted international dark sky reserve status by the international dark sky association. The status acknowledges the lighting controls implemented to reduce light pollution that hinders the views of the heavens.

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Barr & Stroud 8×42 Sierra Binoculars. What customers think

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Reviewer

At Northern Optics retail outlet at Barton’s Waters Edge Visitors centre, a customer was looking for a quality pair of general use binoculars in the £100 – £150 range. After trying several pairs, they opted for the Barr and Stroud Sierra 8×42 binoculars. Quality of optics was on par with other brands in the same price range. The winning factor was the handling. The customer commented on the secure grip, and how well balanced they felt. The drop down front lens covers were also very well designed.

These were going to be used for mid to long distance views. The customer was impressed with the sharpness and brightness of the image.

 

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Skywatcher Quattro-8S. Sky at Night group test winner. November 2011

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Reviewer

The superb Skywatcher Quattro-8S telescope OTA has beat all the opposition to win best in class in the November 2011 Sky at Night magazine.  Designed for fast focal ratio photography. But also excellent for visual use. Superb value for money

 

 

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Hawke Prostalk 3MP day/night camera price reduction

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Reviewer

Update 19/11/2011. The Hawke prostalk can be bought for a limited time for just £99.95. This represents a massive saving on the RRP of £159.95.  Its like having Autumn watch or Spring watch in your own back garden for less than you think.

Offer open while stocks last

Click here to buy

 

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Opticron Tracker 670 Laser Rangefinder. New model

Posted on November 18, 2011 by Reviewer

The old Opticron 660 laser rangefinder has been replaced with the new 670 version for 2011, featuring a new sleek design. Ideal for a range of uses from golf to hunting. Comes with a 2 year warranty.

As well as being a rangefinder, it is also a quality 6×23 monocular

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Opticron Aspheric WA 8×40 Binoculars. Group test winner

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Reviewer

The Opticrn Aspheric WA 8×40 binoculars have been awarded group test winners in the BBC Sky at Night magazine , November 2011. They beat all the opposition in the 8×40 mid priced class for use on astronomical targets. Excellent value for money and great optics.

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Opticron Aspheric LE WP 8×25, 10×25 Binoculars. New model

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Reviewer

The Opticron Asperic LE WP 8×25 and 10×25 binoculars have been updated for November 2011 with a new focus wheel and bespoke neoprene carry case. Optics remain the same.

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Celestron X-Cel 25mm eyepiece

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Reviewer

New to the Celestron X-Cel 1.25″ eye piece range is the X-Cel 25mm. Upgraded from the previous models with twist eye cups and improved design.  ED glass and long eye relief for spectacle wearers

Click here to buy

 

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Digiscoping with a Hawke Nature Trek spotting scope

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Reviewer

These methods apply to the Hawke Nature Trek 80mm & 100mm ED or non ED and the 65mm ED versions.

For compact cameras (not bridge) use the Hawke large digiscoping adapter. Item number 3723. This simply clamps to the spotting scope eyepiece to allow simple photography and movies.

For SLR cameras, simply remove the scope eyepiece rubber cup, and screw on a Hawke T-ring. For this you use the SLR or DSLR body only.

For more information and advice contact Northern Optics

 

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