What is an Asterism

Posted on November 26, 2011 by Reviewer

An Asterism is a group of stars that appear to make an easily recognized shape, such as the “Big Dipper” or the “Coathanger”. They are in effect a well know shape within a Constellation.

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Hawke Optics Full Sized Tripod

Posted on November 26, 2011 by Reviewer

The Hawke full sized tripod at £89.95 (Nov 2011 price) nicely bridges the gap between the cheaper plastic versions and the heavier Aluminium tripods. Made from light weight aluminium and complete with carry case, this is a very portable mount.

Complete with 3-way head, bubble level and mounting plate locking pin. The handles are large and easy to adjust. Ideal for general use and low levels observations and photography.

I would recomend for scopes up to 65mm. Not suited for cameras with extreme long lenses.

Great value for money

Click here to buy

 

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What is an eyepiece

Posted on November 25, 2011 by Reviewer

 An eyepiece is a magnifier, much like a high power magnifying lens. When placed at the real image made by the lens or mirror of a telescope, the eyepiece projects a virtual image into your eye, enabling you to see the target.

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Opticron Trailfinder ll Monocular

Posted on November 25, 2011 by Reviewer

Available in 8×25 and 10×25, the Opticron Trailfinder ll Monoculars are perfect for everyday use. At a price that places them between the budget Oregons and the higher end 30mm and 42mm waterproof DBA and BGA versions. Good eye relief for spectacle wearers.

Rugged, purpose-built pocket monoculars available in either 8x or 10x magnification, the Trailfinder II series deliver quality and value for money to people interested in owning and using a monocular while out enjoying the countryside.

Designed for walkers and hikers alike, these compact roof prism instruments feature a slide bar focusing system to allow easy one hand operation with or without gloves.

The aluminium bodies are nitrogen gas waterproof to prevent water penetration and misting on the internal surfaces and are covered in a textured rubber armour to aid grip in the hand and protect against knocks and bumps during use or while packed in a rucksack.

Available in a choice of either black or dark green body colours, other features include:

  • Fully multi-coated BAK 4 glass prisms with fully multi-coated lenses (all air/glass surfaces)
  • Long eyerelief eyepiece giving full field of view with spectacles
  • Twist-type retractable eyecup assembly
  • Internal focusing: infinity to under 2m
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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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