Barr and Stroud Sierra 8×32 Binoculars Review

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Reviewer

Straight out the box for the first time, the Barr & Stroud Sierra 8×32 binoculars feel like quality. The Rubber protective covering looks and feels great. Just like the Barr and Stroud Series 4 binoculars, the twist out cups are solid yet easy to adjust.

Optically they are superb. With the eye cups twisted fully in, I could detect no internal reflection whatsover. This helps with the contrast. The image is as bright as many other 42mm models. Colours are sharp and crisp. I tested looking into the shaded areas below shrubs, and could easily pick out details in the dark shadows. Infact the image brightness seemed as good as the Series-4 8x42s I was testing at the same time.

The optics are not ED. So there is some chromatic aberration , and fall off in edge quality, but this by no means distracts you.

Handling is excellent. They balance easily in the hands for prolonged observations. I found focus from infinity down to around 15ft is achieved with a little over a quarter trun of the focus wheel.

Very highly recommended


Buy Barr and Stroud binoculars online here


 

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Opticron Oregon 8×21 Monocular review

Posted on August 2, 2011 by Reviewer

The Opticron Oregon 8×21 monocular is designed as a “take anywhere” optical solution. Although it looks and performs the same as many cheaper brands, the colourful case is by far the best in class. This monocular is not in the same class as its more expensive brothers, but is good enough to do the job for the price.

Centre quality is good, but falls off sharply towards the edge. Focusing needs to be accurate for best results. The image is satisfactory is bright light, but will under perform in low light conditions.

The best selling point is the weight of less than 100g. So light infact, you hardly can tell you are holding it.

You can get a 10×25 version, but the 8×21 performs much better, and is the one I recommend.

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Hawke Optics Nature Trek 10×50 Monocular Review

Posted on August 2, 2011 by Reviewer

The Hawke Optics’s Nature Trek 10×50 monocular gives the same high performance as the Nature Trek binoculars, but without the weight. These come complete with a table top tripod, but I prefer to use as a steadying handle.

The optics are clear, bright and crisp right to the edge. Low light performance is excellent, making them suitable for wide field astronomy.

Handling takes a little getting used to, with the large focus wheel above the eyepiece. Some people seem to find them difficult to use with one hand, which rather defeats the object. On testing I personally find single handed operation easy.

The eye cup is twist out, and there,s plenty of eye relief for spectacle wearers. Perfect for hiking.

Highly recommended


You can purchase Hawke Optics products here



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Acuter MK 25mm spotting scope eyepiece review

Posted on July 30, 2011 by Reviewer

The Acuter  MK 25mm eyepiece will transform the performance of your Acuter 65mm, 80mm and 100mm pro series spotting scopes. Comes with a collar thread for secure attachment.  This eyepiece will give around 15-20x magnification depending on the scope used.

As for the results.  Compared to the standard zoom, the colours are so much sharper, with virtually no false colour. Gone is the yellow cast that you get on the edge of the 65mm eyepiece. The field of view is around 25% more than the zoom at low power.  In fact it is like looking through another spotting scope, such is the difference.

Physically the glass in the MK 25 is smaller than the zoom and wont accept t-rings. But this eyepiece is all about visual results.

On testing I found it also works on Hawke Nature Treks 65,80,100mm (ED and non ED) , Celestron Ultimas 65,80,100 (ED and non ED) and most current Opticron spotters

Ideal for low light observation and astronomy.

Comes in a hard plastic case with bonus soft case with clip.

Excellent value for money and highly recommended

Buy the MK25mm eyepiece online here


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Helios Binocular Tripod Adapter Review

Posted on July 30, 2011 by Reviewer

Lightweight but strong binocular tripod adapter to fit porro and roof prism binoculars up to 50mm. Available in black or silver. First impressions are of a very sleek design that is very pleasing on the eye. Made of a metal composite rather than the cheaper plastic versions.

On the underside is a rubber base to help prevent scratches on the tripod head, and reduce the risk of twisting. If using on roof prism binoculars, it is quite difficult to get a firm grip on the tension knob. This is simply because there is so little room to get your fingers in between the binocular lenses. Other than that it is hard to fault.

I have found for some reason that the silver version has slightly more available thread to help get a firm grip on the binoculars. I believe this was simply due to them being from a different manufacturing batch rather than something to be taken litterally.

On testing I found it is suitable for binoculars up to 50mm

Buy the Helios binocular tripod adapter online here


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How to set up a Celestron Astromaster 130EQ Telescope

Posted on July 29, 2011 by Reviewer


Buy the Celestron Astromaster 130EQ MD online here


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Opticron Piccolo 8×21 Binoculars Review

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Reviewer

This review is about the Piccolo internal focus mechanism version (pictured). Basically the same as the old Oregon 8×21 DLS. Optically very good for the price. The field of view is wide enough to easily follow moving targets.

You get fold down eye cups, a very basic case and neck strap, and no lens caps.
I found that surprisingly, people found they could get a full view with spectacles on. Build quality is excellent. They feel much more solid than many other budget compacts

For reasons unknown, recent models come with external focusing bodies. In fact they are a completely different binocular. If you can find them, stick with the older version.

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Olivon QB 8×40 Binoculars Review

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Reviewer

Traditional style binoculars with good performance. Maybe not as wide a field of view as many similar priced 8×42 roof prisms, but the image is pleasantly bright and clear. Edge quality is a little disappointing, but on the other hand the centre of view image is superb with almost no false colour whatsoever.

The porro prism design makes handling very easy. The focus wheel is large enough to be used with gloves on. The eye cups are a little stiff to fold down, but by far not the worst I,ve come across.

Low light performance is very good, making them a good starter choice for wide field astronomy.

Build quality is excellent. Complete with basic soft case and neck strap. There are cheaper 8×40 porro prisms, but the Olivons come with a much longer warranty for peace of mind

Recommended

Update. Now discontinued

 

 

 

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Celestron LCD Handheld Digital Microscope

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Reviewer

 

Buy the Celestron LCD Handheld microscope online here

 

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Opticron Oregon CLS Binoculars review

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Reviewer

Perfect starter pair for those who want quality optics , but cant not afford the extra for nitrogen waterproof. Available in 8×21 and 10×25. The 8×21 is by far the best option, with a clearer, sharper view with a wide angle.

Similar in looks to many cheaper options, but the optics are far superior. A good depth of field means for minimal focusing.

I found the optics well up with many others costing £15-£20 more. The strap and soft case are basic, and no lens caps are included. Eye cups fold down, but still may not suit spectacle wearers.

Handling is OK, with the focus wheel , dioptre adjustment and double hinged body all moving freely. Compact enough to fit in a shirt or trouser pocket. Being a double hinged body with a small IPD, they are well suited for children who want something that little bit better. 

Highly recommended

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