Opticron Traveller BGA MG Binoculars

Posted on November 1, 2011 by Reviewer

New for 2011, the Opticron Traveller BGA MG 6×32 , 8×32 and 10×32 feature a new lightweight body. Full details below

The Traveller BGA Mg exemplifies our commitment to constantly develop and improve our equipment with the aim of delivering the highest quality and value in every product category in which we compete.

Available in 6×32, 8×32 and 10×32 and measuring just 98x110mm, the Traveller fits easily into a coat pocket, backpack or sling bag and is an excellent solution for the outdoor enthusiast preferring the capability of a larger binocular but wanting the portability of a compact.

The all-new magnesium chassis is a featherweight 70g resulting in a finished weight of just 380g – making a Traveller BGA Mg 8×32 over a third lighter than a basketful of premium 8×32’s (1) and a full 20% lighter than the previous model.

Being one of the smallest and lightest binoculars available today is only half the story. The Traveller BGA Mg is designed and manufactured in Japan to offer a high quality viewing experience no matter which model you choose. Featuring BAK 4 prism units, PC phase correction and Oasis prism coating, image reproduction is refreshingly neutral with minimal edge distortion.

The bodies are fully nitrogen gas waterproof to a depth of 3 metres, protected in a non-slip rubber covering for comfort and grip and feature wide wheel focusing positioned at the base of the body for superb balance in the hand.

Other features include:

  • Fully multi-coated internally focused roof prism optical system
  • Long eyerelief eyepieces for full field with or without glasses
  • Push/pull retractable eyecups
  • Close focus to under 2 metres
  • Hinge lock system to maintain IPD while in use
  • 30 year guarantee

 

Visit the Northern Optics website here

 

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Opticron T3 Trailfinder compact binoculars

Posted on November 1, 2011 by Reviewer

 

New upgraded model for 2011

Key features of the Opticron T3 Trailfinder 8×25 and 10×25 binoculars below

T3 Trailfinder compacts offer good all round performance in an easy-to-use single hinge body.

Available in black or green finishes, features include:

  • Multi-coated roof prism optical system with long eyerelief for viewing with or without spectacles
  • 4-stage twist-type retractable rubber eyecup assemblies
  • Wide wheel focusing
  • Close focus to 1.8 metres or under
  • T3 Trailfinder compact binoculars are supplied complete in soft case with lanyard and integral objective lens caps.

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Carl Zeiss Binoculars

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Reviewer

Carl Zeiss binoculars are binoculars built in Germany with some of the highest standards in build and optical quality. Also after sales service is excellent.

Optics feature Zeiss,s own lens coatings that give superb bright images across the field of view

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Bird sightings. Target lake, Far ings Nature reserve 30/10/2011

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Reviewer
  • Mute Swans
  • Great crested Grebe
  • Mallard
  • Pochard
  • Tufted Duck
  • Chiloe Wigeon
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North Lincolnshire Astronomy Society meeting 28 / 10 / 2011

Posted on October 29, 2011 by Reviewer

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.

 

North Lincs Astro Website

 

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Why is the image upside down through my telescope ?

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Reviewer

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

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Bird Sightings. Far Ings nature reserve – Target Lake 23/10/2011

Posted on October 23, 2011 by Reviewer

Date 24/10/2011

Location. Target Lake, Far ings nature reserve

  • Coots
  • Mallards
  • Teal
  • Pochard
  • Pair of Mute Swans
  • One Great Crested Grebe
  • One Chiloe Wigeon !
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North Lincolnshire Astronomy Society. Meeting dates

Posted on October 21, 2011 by Reviewer

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


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Celestron Astromaster Accessory Kit Review

Posted on October 21, 2011 by Reviewer

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

 

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Celestron X-cel LX 9mm eyepiece. First Impressions

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Reviewer

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

 

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