Celestron Ultima 65 Spotting Scope Review

Posted on August 29, 2011 by Reviewer


The Celestron Ultima 65 spotting scope is an ideal alternative if the 80mm version is out of budget. Looks pretty similar to the 80 and 100mm spotters in design. Unlike the larger scopes, it comes with a smaller zoom eyepiece (unlike the 65ED that uses the same eyepiece as the 80 & 100 versions.

This smaller eyepiece on the 65mm is not as good in optical quality as the ultima 80. There is a slight yellow cast around the edge, but by no means enough to put you off. Because of the smaller diameter of the eyepiece you need an extra adapter to accept a T-ring, but this is included when you buy the scope new.

Handling is excellent, with the focus and zoom moving very freely. I found it easy to hand hold at lower magnifications.

Compared to many other 60-65mm scopes in the same bracket, the Ultima 65 easily comes out on top. Mainly because of the interchangeable eyepieces that are available from many dealers. If possible get the wide angle low power lens that transforms the image quality.

Low light performance is very good from such a small scope. If you are intersested in astronomy, then go for the larger versions.

The stay on case is not the best available, but does the job.

Verdict. Excellent value for money

Buy Celestron spotting scopes online here

 

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North Lincolnshire Astronomy Society

Posted on August 29, 2011 by Reviewer

I am pleased to announce we will be attending the North Lincs Astronomy society meetings on the first Monday of each month.

Cost of entry for the public is £3.oo. This includes tea/coffee/refreshments and a ticket for the raffle prize. Northern Optics will donate towards this, plus give members the chance of big discounts on the Night.

Newbie budding astronomers welcome. No need to worry if you don’t have a telescope, as there will be members equipment available on the night to look through.

For more info on the North Lincs Astro club, including dates, venue and directions visit the web site below

North Lincs Astro Web Site

 

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What does Depth of Field mean

Posted on August 27, 2011 by Reviewer

Depth of field is the area that is in focus between two point when you look through the eyepiece. For example , when you focus precisely on an object at infinity, you may find that other targets are also in focus down to 50m. So in this example the depth of field would be 50m – Infinity.

As a rule of thumb, binoculars and telescopes with lower magnifications have the largest depth of field. 7×50 binoculars are the best example. With these you can set on around 30-50m and use almost focus free. On the flip side high powered binoculars have such a small depth of field, they need almost constant adjustments of the focus wheel to keep everything sharp.

 

Click here for a great choice of binoculars

 

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Celestron Outland 8×25 Binoculars Review

Posted on August 26, 2011 by Reviewer

 

As soon as you take the Celestron Outland 8×25 binoculars out the box, you will realise they are bigger than your average 25mm sets. In fact when they are folded, they feel like you are holding a pair of 8x32s. They are packed very tightly in the box, so you may find a small crease in the soft case.

As for handling, they extra size makes them feel very easy to hold. The rubber armour is very strong and thick. The focus wheel on the two models I tested was not that smooth, so I am guessing its the same with all models (not that its a problem). The eye cups fold down to the point where I could almost get full frame with spectacles on.

As for the optics, the price of £38 (2011) reflects this. They nicely bridge the gap between the budget £20 optics and the higher quality £59 binoculars. BaK-4 prisms , nitrogen waterproofing and multi-coated optics are impressive specs for the price.

Eye relief is better than expected. I found myself when not using spectacles having to hold them slightly away from my eyes to get best results

As for the optics, they have a narrow “sweet spot” where the image is crisp. So you will need to keep working the focus wheel to keep the image at its best. I found them OK in normal daylight, but may under perform in low light conditions.

Buy Celestron binoculars online here

 

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Helios Fieldmaster ED 60 DS Spotting Scope

Posted on August 19, 2011 by Reviewer

Price breakthrough. Released July 2011 the Helios Fieldmaster ED 60 DS sotting scope can be picked up for under £200. For an ED scope, this is a true bargain.

Specs…The new Fieldmaster-ED60DS is perfect for serious birdwatching and nature observations and is available at a groundbreaking price. This high-end instrument features a doublet objective lens providing a very well corrected image and overall excellent optical performance. Exotic ED (Extra-low dispersion) glass is employed in its construction which virtually eliminates chromatic aberation and delivers high-fidelity true-colour images. Optics are fully multi-coated throughout. Features a precision 10:1 ratio dual-speed focuser for exceptional focusing accuracy. Fully waterproof and nitrogen-filled for clear, fog-free viewing. The supplied zoom eyepiece provides a generous 20-18mm of eye relief. Features a lightweight polycarbonate body with sliding dewshield/sun shade. Supplied with Stay-on case and tabletop tripod but can be used on a full-size tripod via its standard tripod bush.
 

 

Standard Specification
Model FIELDMASTER-ED60DS
Specification 15-45x60ED 
Magnification x15 to x45 
Object Lens Diameter 60mm 
Field of view 2.8 to 1.3 degrees 
Actual Field of View 147 to 69ft @ 1000yds 
Nearest Focus Distance 5m 
Product Code 40908 
Price £ 199.00

 

 

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Opticron ROR Lens Cleaning Kit Review

Posted on August 18, 2011 by Reviewer

The Opticron lens cleaning kit has been upgraded for 2011 with the new fluid, designed to emulsifies particulates, fats and films from the glass.

Comes retailed packaged in a cardboard box. Includes a micro fibre cleaning cloth, double headed screwdriver set, applicator sponge and brush and cleaning fluid. The screwdriver set is useful on spectacles.

Very high quality kit for less than a tenner. All you need to compliment this kit is a dust blower. Very small packaging means it will fit in many gadget bags.

Highly recommended, and excellent value for money when comparing to other brands.

 

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Celestron Regal 65 F-ED Spotting Scope Review

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Reviewer

When you first take the Celestron Regal 65 F-ED spotting scope out the box, you will notice how solid the build quality is. By no means the lightest spotter on the market.  At 1.8kg, it is the same weight as many 80mm spotting scopes, but this is a reflection on a scope that is built to last.

Its not just about build quality to justify the high price. The optics are superb. This scope in my opinion will easily outperform the Ultima 100ED. The over sized eyepiece gives edge to edge sharpness with virtually no false colour. Unlike cheaper 65mm scopes, there is very little fall off in quality at higher magnifications.

A bonus with the Regal range is that they accept astronomical 1.25″ eye pieces.

Good news for spectacle wearers with very long eye relief. Without glasses on, I found I could keep the twist eye cup fully out at highest power. There is no internal reflection to aid high contrast.

Another plus point is they really look the part with an attractive body design.

Highly recommended spotting scope

 

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Barr and Stroud Sierra 10×50 Binoculars Review

Posted on August 14, 2011 by Reviewer

To test the Sierra 10x50s to the best of their capabilities I purposely waited till dusk. With the Sun having set, I looked in to the shadows of the nearby trees and shrubs. Despite the low light, I could see colours and detail where smaller binocular would fail. These really are low light specialist binoculars.

Yes, these are suitable for everyday use. But if you are after a lightweight pair that you can slip in an inside pocket, they may not be for you.

On paper at 780g they seem quite light for a 50mm pair of binoculars. However in practice they do become a strain with prolonged use.

You will find you need to keep your finger on the focus wheel all the time, because a shallow depth of field means for constant minor adjustments. This is OK for the seasoned binocular user, but maybe not for the beginner.

Despite the weight, I found handling excellent. The balance very easy in the hands. Twist eye cups, focus wheel and dioptre adjustment are all smooth in action.

As you would imagine the larger optics give a very bright and clear image. As mentioned above, to keep everything sharp, accurate focus and dioptre settings are required.

Summing up, in bright daylight they may not outperform many 10×42 binoculars. But in low light conditions they really come into their own.

Buy Barr and Stroud binoculars here

 

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How to set up a Celestron Nexstar 8 SE Telescope

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Reviewer

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What is a Binocular Tripod Adapter

Posted on August 6, 2011 by Reviewer

A binocular tripod adapter is a simple device that connects your binoculars to any tripod, mono pod or other support with standard tripod thread.  Should be usable with most modern binoculars. If in doubt contact your local dealer.
Buy binocular tripod adapters online here

This adapter is ideal for keeping the image steady if you have shaky hands, or using higher powered binoculars. Available in many designs of different strengths and dimensions. For roof prism binoculars go for the slim version


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