Telescopes

Friday, July 8, 2011

Meade DS-60 Telescope Reviews

Meade DS-60 Telescope Feature

60mm (2.4 inch) aperture; 700mm objective lens focal length
Smooth, precise altazimuth mounting for easy object location
2-element achromatic objective lens with multicoating
Includes full-length, adjustable aluminum tripod
Compatible with Autostar computer controller and electronic control system

For almost as long as amateur astronomy has been in existence as a field of study, refracting telescopes of 60-millimeter (2.4 inches) aperture and larger, and reflecting telescopes of about 114 millimeters (4.5 inches) and larger, have been considered ideal telescopes for the serious beginning or intermediate observer. But never in their long history have microprocessor technology and the latest in electromechanical design been applied to telescopes of this class. Meade Digital Electronic Series (DS) telescopes are one of the most important advances in beginning to intermediate telescopes in 100 years.

Completely reengineered and redesigned, Meade DS telescopes provide smoother motions in altitude and azimuth than previously available. Even when operated manually without electronic controls, DS models are a revelation of mechanical precision and low-backlash motion that greatly facilitate quick object location and tracking. Oversize bearings on both telescope axes of all models negate the imprecisions found universally, virtually without exception, on competing models. Meade is a world leader in the design and manufacture of telescopes and accessories for amateur astronomers. The company's innovative and technologically advanced products are recognized to be among the best in the world.

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Jul 08, 2011 16:24:05

Thursday, July 7, 2011

TMB Optical Planetary 4mm long eye relief 1.25" Eyepiece TMBP04

TMB Optical Planetary 4mm long eye relief 1.25" Eyepiece TMBP04 Reviews

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This 4mm TMB Planetary eyepiece was designed to provide exceptional high power/comfortable eye relief observing with long focal length refractors, reflectors, or catadioptric scopes under average or better seeing conditions. It is optimized to view bright objects, both on and off axis, while showing maximum contrast, detail, and definition. It has very high light transmission, very high contrast, minimal lateral color, and minimal light scatter.

Combine the high resolution of the 4mm TMB planetary with its high contrast and you have an eyepiece that's unexcelled for lunar and planetary observing and binary star splitting. While the 4mm TMB eyepiece is optimized for observing subtle lunar and planetary detail and contrast, the eyepiece works equally well for splitting close binary stars, resolving compact globular clusters, etc. The 4mm focal length of this TMB provides very probably the maximum power possible with an f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain, as it gives a very high 62.5x per inch of aperture with such a scope. That's more than the 50x-60x per inch of aperture considered the maximum possible under excellent seeing conditions. It provides the 0.5mm exit pupil recommended as the minimum usable for maximum detail with an f/8 focal ratio refractor or reflector.

Eye relief, at 10mm, is quite good for an eyepiece with such a short focal length. Vignetting will only be moderate for those who must wear eyeglasses while observing. This usually won't be a problem when using the TMB Planetary eyepiece on the kinds of objects for which it was optimized - planets, binary stars, etc. - as these small objects are generally kept in the center of the eyepiece field, where your eyesight is sharpest.

For Dobsonian users and others without tracking drives, the very low lateral color and other aberrations of the 4mm TMB allow a planet to drift across its entire 58 degree field while still being sharp and having high cont

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Jul 07, 2011 16:56:05

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Adorama Wireless & Wired Radio Remote Release for Nikon D70s & D80

Adorama Wireless & Wired Radio Remote Release for Nikon D70s & D80 Reviews

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Adorama Wireless & Wired Radio Remote Release for Nikon D70s & D80 Feature

Continuous Shooting Mode
Bulb Shutter Release Mode
Autofocus: Press shutter release button halfway to focus on the subject

This Wireless RF (Radio Frequency) Shutter Release Kit enables you to release the shutter in both wireless and wired modes. The system produces a coded radio signal that works indoors, outdoors, around corners even through walls. It has an effective working range of up to 100 ft. The RF Shutter Release Kit also provides 16 multi-coded channels, giving the photographer plenty of combinations to work with, without jamming the frequency. To use the RF kit wireless, simply attach the receiver to the camera, then use the transmitter to trigger the shutter release. Using the RF kit wired is easily done by attaching the receiver onto the camera, then press the shutter release button located on the receiver. The cord on the receiver is approx. 3ft in length, allowing for ample mobility for photographer positioning. In both wired and wireless modes, press the shutter release halfway to activate auto focus (Red LED indicator will come on to confirm on receiver), then press button fully to take a picture.

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Jul 06, 2011 20:06:04

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

9x50 Orion Illuminated Finder Scope (no bracket)

9x50 Orion Illuminated Finder Scope (no bracket) Reviews

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9x50 Orion Illuminated Finder Scope (no bracket) Feature

Immensely useful finder scope with an illuminated crosshair reticle for easy aiming of your telescope on even the darkest nights
Contains an adjustable-intensity red LED in the illuminator arm that lights an etched-glass double crosshair reticle
Illuminated red crosshairs make it easier to center your target
Features multi-coated achromatic optics, adjustable focus, 13mm eye relief and a fold-down rubber eyeguard
Does not include a finder scope bracket - replace your standard 9x50 finder with an illuminated upgrade!

The crosshairs in standard finder scopes are difficult to see in the dark, which makes centering an object something of a guessing game. Well, we saw the light, and we now offer finder scopes with illuminated crosshairs. An adjustable-intensity red LED in the illuminator arm lights an etched-glass double crosshair reticle, making it as easy as target practice to center your viewing or photo subject or guide star. Centering an object precisely on the finder scope's crosshairs will ensure that it appears in your main scope's eyepiece or on your camera's CCD chip, exactly where you want it.

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Jul 06, 2011 00:44:04

Monday, July 4, 2011

Celestron 21063 AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope

Celestron 21063 AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Reviews

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Celestron 21063 AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Feature

Model Number: 90AZ
Magnification: 50
Weight: 20 Pounds
Focal Ratio: 11.11

Celestron’s Astromaster 90AZ refractor telescope is a good choice for anyone who wants a dual purpose telescope. With more than double the light gathering power of 60mm starter scopes, it’s a great introduction to astronomy and it can double as a long range spotting scope. Bigger and more impressive than it looks in pictures, the Astromaster 90AZ is an adult size telescope that stands nearly five feet high and weighs about 20 pounds. With it’s fully illustrated quick set up guide, the telescope is easy to assemble, and the package includes an erect image prism, high and low power eyepieces, and astronomy software for your PC.

Refractors are known for their crisp, high contrast views of the Moon and planets and the Astromaster 90 delivers sharp views right out of the box. The low power 20mm eyepiece (50X magnification) nicely frames the moon, while the high power 10mm eyepiece (100X magnification) delivers a crisp close up image full of detail. The sharp Achromatic optics of the Astromaster 90AZ show me memorable views night after night. On a moonless night I like the way the 20mm eyepiece frames the ghostly glow of the Orion Nebula. Zooming in with the 10mm eyepiece, I can easily pick out all four stars of the Orion Nebula’s embedded quadruple star the Trapezium.

The AstroMaster 90 AZ also features a newly designed Alt-Azimuth mount and tripod. The tripod comes fully assembled, and the telescope simply clamps into a standard dovetail. This new tripod seems reasonably solid, I had no trouble focusing on the Moon and stars even with the high power eyepiece. An Alt-azimuth mount, of course, is best used at low to medium powers because it does not track the motion of the stars. As soon as you get the Moon centered in the eyepiece, it starts drifting toward the edge-this is caused by rotation of the Earth. Celestial objects will stay in the low power field of view for three or four minutes, but with a high power eyepiece they may disappear in a minute or less.

Celestron’s AstroMaster 90 AZ is one entry level telescope that offers great views during the daytime as well as at night. The sharp optics produce a right side up image, the mount is easy to use, and the included planetarium software helps you find planets in the night sky. --Jeff Phillips

Pros:

Crisp clear views both day and night
Rugged refractor design
Quick and easy no-tool set up
Erect image prism and two eyepieces included

Cons:

Alt-Azimuth mount doesn’t track stars and planets
Star pointer not so easy to use

Quarter Moon shot at 50X with a powershot camera.

Moon as seen at 100X, shot with powershot camera.

Moon as seen at 200X, shot with a powershot camera.

Finches shot at 50X at a distance of 20 yards.

Finch shot at 100X at a distance of 20 yards.

If you're looking for a great dual-purpose telescope appropriate for both terrestrial and celestial viewing, then the Celestron AstroMaster Series is for you. Each AstroMaster model is capable of giving image correct views of land and sky. With its time tested durability and high quality optics at an affordable price, the Celestron Astro Master makes a great first telescope! As a bonus, Celestron has included a nice selection of accessories for your new telescope with this purchase, which means you will be observing the same day you unpack the box. Accessories include two full-sized eyepieces, a Star Pointer finderscope for easy location of objects you wish to observe, and even software for your PC. "The Sky - Level 1" will let you study and print star charts from your computer screen... and that's just the beginning!

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Jul 05, 2011 05:19:06

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Celestron NexStar 5 SE Telescope

Celestron NexStar 5 SE Telescope Reviews

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Celestron NexStar 5 SE Telescope Feature

5-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope; StarBright XLT high transmission coatings come standard
StarPointer finderscope to help with alignment and accurately locating objects
Quick-release fork arm mount, optical tube, and accessory tray for no-tool setup
SkyAlign allows you to align on any three bright celestial objects, making for a fast and easy alignment process
Nearly 40,000-object database with 200 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objects

Celestron's NexStar 5 SE computerized telescope combines excellent optics and easy computerized GoTo tracking in a convenient portable size. The standard equipment tripod and mount feature easy no-tool setup, and the package even includes a student version of "The Sky" planetarium software for your computer.

The excellent optics of Celestron's classic C5 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope have been updated with premium Starbright XLT optical coatings. This telescope consistently delivers crisp, high contrast views of the moon, the planets, and brighter deep space objects. The standard equipment 25mm plossl eyepiece produces a magnification of 50x, powerful enough to show the rings of Saturn, the cloud bands of Jupiter, and the changing face of the Lunar disk. Optional eyepieces can be added to bring out significantly more detail. I like to use a 12.5mm plossl (100x magnification) or a 7.5mm Ultrascopic eyepiece (166x) for high power views of the planets. With the 7.5mm Ultrascopic eyepiece I can usually see the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings and cloud bands on the planet itself. I like to use a 32mm plossl eyepiece for great low power views of deep space highlights like the Orion Nebula or the Double Cluster in Perseus.

The NexStar 5 SE package also includes a sturdy adjustable tripod, a motorized alt-azimuth mount, and the NexStar hand held computer controller. You won't need a GPS receiver or star charts to operate this telescope. The SkyAlign procedure is easy to use, and experienced observers will like the two-star align and solar-system align options because they are even quicker to set up. The steel tripod and alt-azimuth mount provide a solid base for the NexStar 5 SE. Vibration is not a problem, even while focusing at high power. The computerized tracking is also very good, easily keeping planets in the field of a high power eyepiece. The disadvantage of a computerized telescope, of course, is battery consumption. I like to use a rechargeable Celestron Power Tank because the standard AA alkaline batteries only last a few hours.

This telescope is perfect for visual observing, and allowed me to capture some sweet images of the moon and planets using a Celestron NexImage web-cam. For long exposure deep space photography, however, I'd take a look at Celestron's Advanced Series equatorial telescopes such as the C6 N-GT --Jeff Phillips

Pros:

Excellent optics
Light and portable
Computerized GoTo tracking

Cons:

Short battery life
Too light for deep space photography

Suggested Options: Celestron Nine-Piece Accessory Kit Celestron Power Tank Battery Celestron NexImage Webcam Boost your viewing experience with 56% more light gathering power in this high-quality telescope.Features:5" Schmidt – Cassegrain telescope with 125mm aperture56% more light gathering power than 4" models1250mm focal lengthFocal ratio: 10Ultra portable – weighs just 28 lbs. including the tripodAn ideal telescope for observing and photographing the wonders of spaceCombines the classic heritage of the original orange tube telescopes with the latest state-of-the-art featuresStarBright XLT high transmission coatings come standardProven NexStar computer control technologyIncludes:StarPointer finderscope to help with alignment and accurately locating objectsQuick release fork arm mount, optical tube and accessory tray for no-tool setupSturdy computerized altazimuth mountInternal battery compartment to prevent cord wrap during useUltra sturdy steel tripod features built-in wedge for astrophotographyCD-ROM "The Sky" Astronomy Software which provides education about the sky and printable sky mapsNearly 40,000 object database with 200 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objectsSkyAlign allows you to align on any three bright celestial objects, making for a fast and easy alignment processFlash upgradeable hand control software and motor control units for downloading product updates over the InternetCamera control feature and shutter release cable that allows you to remotely take a series of exposures using your digital SLR cameraCustom database lists of all the most famous deep-sky objects by name and catalog number; the most beautiful double, triple and quadruple stars; variable star; solar systems; objects and asterismsDC Servo motors with encoders on both axesDouble line, 16-character Liquid Crystal Display Hand Control with backlit LED buttons for easy operation of GOTO featuresNexRemote telescope control software and RS-232 cable included for advanced control of your telescope via computerGPS-compatible with optional CN16 GPS Ac

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Jul 04, 2011 00:45:05

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Kendrick Dew Remover Heater for Celestron C14" SCT & Meade 14" & 16" SCT.

Kendrick Dew Remover Heater for Celestron C14" SCT & Meade 14" & 16" SCT. Reviews

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Kendrick Dew Remover Heater for Celestron C14" SCT & Meade 14" & 16" SCT. Feature

The Kendrick Dew Remover System was developed to meet the need in the astronomical community for an effective dew removal and prevention system.
This system has heaters for almost all the optical components used in amateur astronomy,
Repeated Field Testing on many types and optical surfaces under many conditions and hundreds of satisfied customers has proven the effectiveness of this product over and over
It Also has these Other Attractive Features:
It is Energy Efficient. Variable settings on the controller allow maximum conservation of battery power.

The Kendrick Dew Remover System is centered around the standard controller, which is required for activating the heater. (not included) The heaters have been built to use only as much power as necessary and thereby not waste energy. They have sponge insulation on one side to prevent heat being lost into the atmosphere. The heat is directed into the optics instead and because of this, less energy is needed to keep your optics moisture free. The heaters wrap around your objectives, label side out and are held in place by elastic/Velcro attachments. (Telrad heaters are held in place with an elastic band. The heaters for secondary mirrors are placed on the backside of the secondary and can be held in place by using the polyester batting found inside the secondary mirror holder. The .965", 1.25" and 2" are considered eyepiece heaters. The 2" are also heaters for camera lenses and certain binoculars.)