The North Lincs Astro club met up for an informal get together on Friday 28th October 2011. We enjoyed good views of many objects. 7 members were in attendance. Scopes used were a Skywatcher 150 Newtonian on a CG-5, a 12″ Skywatcher Flextube and a Celestron 102 SLT. Binoculars used were three 8x42s, Celestron Skymaster 20×80 and a Helios Quantum-4 20×90.
Conditions were chilly, and the damp was causing problems, which seemed to clear up later. We were on site for around 3 hours.
With most Newtonian reflectors, you will find the image is upside down and left / right are also opposite. This is normal and nothing to worry about. This is simply the effect of using mirrors in this layout.
It can be over come with erect images eye pieces. But by doing this , the light is travelling through more glass and will degrade the image.
Its simply a case of thinking opposite when you are centering a target. At the end of the day all Planets and stars are round. So whether they are upside down or not will not make the image less accurate
Date 24/10/2011
Location. Target Lake, Far ings nature reserve
The North Lincs Astro society meet approx 7pm , first Monday of every month. On top of this there is also the chance to meet up at short notice for informal viewing sessions.
For further details on location, dates, info click on the link below
North Lincs Astro. Meeting dates
I tested the new Celestron Astromaster Accessory kit on an Astromaster 70mm refractor. Target was Jupiter low down in the East. Looking at planets low down is a challenge for any telescope, so I thought I,d give it a go.
Using the 15mm (60x) I got an excellent wide field view of Jupiter, the 2 main cloud belts and the 4 Moons. Eye relief was very good, and over all performance was better than expected. Using the barlow with the 15mm (120x) no more detail was see, but the image was still steady.
Moving on to the 6mm (150x) the image was not as clear. I would say that to get the best out of the 6mm eye piece you really need to be viewing targets high in the sky where the air is more steady. I may try this in a future review.
The filters were not tested on this occasion. Filters included are Moon, 80a Blue and 25 Red.
Summing up. Remember this is a budget eye piece / filter set. It will not give the same results as the Celestron eye opener 1.25″ kit. But then again if budget is a big issue, it is £100 cheaper.
My recomendations. Use the 15mm + barlow for general use. The 6mm should only be used if seeing conditions allow.
Be aware the this is a 1.25″ kit. So although it is called the Celestron Astromaster accessory kit, it can be used on any other scope that accepts 1.25″ eyepieces.
Buy the celestron astromaster accessory kit here
This is a review of build quality rather than an optics test. I received my Celestron X-cel LX 1.25″ 9mm today. First thing out the box, I noted how well built it was. Not the lightest eye piece in class, but felt solid and built to last.
The black 1.25″ barrel maqkes it stand out from the usual silver/chrome.
The twist eye cup is smooth throughout the range. No click stops, but holds nicely in place once set. The eye piece is very wide at 25mm wide. I found that with the twist cup fully in I could easily see the full circle with spectacles on.
Comes complete with lens covers at each end and a bolt case
Although my full optics test will come at a later date, I came to a fast conclusion that you get a lot of eye piece for the price of £71 (2010 RRP)
Buy Celestron X-cel LX Eyepieces online here
The North Lincolnshire Astronomy society met up for an informal meeting at the Far ings nature reserve at Barton Upon on the 14th October 2011. At short notice only a few members arrived, but we had a great evening.
Equipment used was a pair of 20×90 Helios Quantum-4 and Visionary wetland binoculars. Scopes used were Skywatcher 6″ Dob and Skywatcher 6″ Newtion on an EQ-3. Various eye pieces were used, from standard skywatchers to a Vixen LVW 22mm and a good choice of superb Televue,s.
Bright targets were the Moon and Jupiter. The Moon was quite dazzling. We had some very steady skies, so the detail on Jupiter was outstanding.
Double stars seen were Cor Caroli, Mizar/Alcor and Alberio.
Deep space targets viewed were, M81, M82, M15, M27, M13, the Wild Duck cluster, the famous double cluster. and the Andromeda Galaxy. All of these were visible, despite the Moon glow and light pollution.
Price reduction. Large digiscoping adapter. Was £39.99, now £29.99. This great value adapter fits over eye pieces with an outer width of 43-65mm. Perfect for many telescope eye pieces, including 2″ barrel size and many spotting scopes, such as Celestron Ultimas, Hawke Nature Trek, Hawke Endurance and Acuters.
Designed for use with compact digital cameras only. Not suitable for Bridge or SLR/DSLR cameras.
More details on the link below
Buy the Large camera adapter online here
Like to try before you buy ?. If you live in North Lincolnshire or nearby in Surrounding counties you can come along to the Waters Edge Visitors centre at Barton Upon Humber each Sunday.
Here you will find a knowlegable local seller of binoculars that will help you chose which are suitable for you at the right price.
From complete beginner to advanced bird watchers, there’s something for everyone.
With views from the shop window , overlooking a nature reserve this has to be the perfect place to try before you buy
Click here to see whats in stock and for more information
The Hawke Premier 8×42 binoculars at first glance to not give any evidence why they have the incredibly low price of £64.95. They feel lightweight yet solid. Nothing feels lose. They look stylish, with twist eye cups and a slick roof prism design.
Optics are excellent for the price. In the centre of view there is a mere hint of false colour. Brightness, colours and contrast are very good for the money. But remember these are budget binoculars, so the sweet spot is very heavily centre weighted. There is a fall off in quality away from centre, with more CA, and bowing of straight lines, but by no means enough to put you off. These remain superb value for money.
The twist eye cups are not silky smooth like the more expensive Hawkes, but do the job. I found I got a full field of view with spectacles on.
Handling in excellent. A combination of weighing just 650 and a tough rubber body covering helps.
At around 3m close focus and a narrower field of view than many other Hawkes, you are losing out a little. But remember the price of just £64.95
You still get nitrogen waterproofing for your money. So no corner cutting there.
Summing up. These will not match the Nature Trek, Endurance and Frontier Hawke binoculars, but for £64.95 you will be hard pushed to get a better set for the money
Very highly recommended
Now discontinued