Celestron has introduced the StarSense Explorer line of telescopes that are specifically optimized to use smartphone technology to analyze the night sky and calculate its position in real time. Celestron’s goal in developing the new telescope was to reinvent the manual telescope and make the experience for those new to […]
iOptron’s new LiteRoc 1.75″ tripod delivers high stability in a lighter, more compact package than its previous 2-inch version. It is now available for the iOptron AZ Mount Pro as well as iOptron’s CEM25P and CEM25EC Mounts. The LiteRoc 1.75″ Tripod features a 1.75-inch upper leg section with a 1.5-inch […]
Astro Imaging History has evolved so much in the last few years. We recently received our latest newsletter from the team at iOptron and it included a nice overview on the history of astro imaging. We enjoyed the article and thought you would as well. Early in astro imaging histroy, […]
The Venus Optics Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Circular Fisheye Lens is available now for $199 USD for Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras including Fuji X, Sony E and Canon M systems. The Venus Optics lens is an 8mm equivalent fisheye prime specially designed for mirrorless cameras with APS-C and MFT sensors providing the […]
Ostahowski Optics has 24″ fused Quartz primary mirror substrates now in stock ready to custom build for your dream telescope. They are offering these 24″ optics with a 2.00″ edge thickness, enhanced aluminum coatings and test data. This will be a very limited production offering. Prices will vary depending on […]
As so many in North America are gripped with winter weather and lousy observing conditions, its nice to dream of warmer nights and perfect observing conditions. And so, its not a bad time to start thinking about attending one of the myriad of star parties to be held in 2020. […]
Canon EOS telescope adapters from ScopeStuff include SLR Lens to T-Thread Adapters which offer adapter bayonets onto the back of your Canon EOS lens and presents male M42 T-threads. (M42 x 0.75mm for astronomy gear, not M42 x 1 mm “Pentax threads” common in the camera world.) As Jim Henson […]
Event update: The Rockland Astronomy Club (RAC) has announced they are rescheduling the NEAF event and the NEAIC imaging conference to a date to be determined later this year. Instead they will be hosting “NEAF: The Virtual Experience” on April 4. You can learn more here. It’s time to start making plans for […]
The Orion U-Mount and Paragon Plus XHD package offers a solid platform for your large binoculars. No matter where the binocular is pointed, the U-Mount always keeps the equipment balanced, yielding incredibly stable views. The swept-back side arms allow equipment to point at any angle from just below the horizon […]
An Orion ED waterproof monocular is perfect if you are out and about and want to have access to quick close-up views of the moon or distant terrestrial objects. And, if you literally only have pocket space available, Orion’s 8×25 ED Waterproof Monocular is a great choice. While its the […]
Explore Scientific Eyepiece Review When I first bought my first telescope in the 1970, there were many types of eyepieces to choose. The designed had names like Ramsden, Erfle, Huygen, Kellner, König and Orthoscopic, to name a few. Each had pros and cons. Eye relief, exit pupils, and field of […]
Apparent magnitude is something that every beginning and experienced telescope owner has to consider. I sometimes reminisce about my first telescope, an entry-level 115mm reflector. My family let me pick out (but not touch) the scope and assorted accessories well before Christmas, a holiday that rapidly became an eggnog-induced flurry […]