The Orion Pentaprism 90-Degree Diagonal ($199.99US) is a non-inverting, non-reversing 1.25-inch diagonal. Unlike typical star diagonals, the Orion Pentaprism Diagonal does not produce a mirror-reversed image, which can make navigation and referring to star maps difficult while observing with your telescope. But unlike common correct-image diagonals, there is no image […]
The Orion Linear BinoViewer ($499.99US) is so named because it employs a sliding linear housing for adjusting the interpupillary distance (IPD) instead of the traditional folding body. That matters, because the folding types are more prone to collimation problems, whereby the two barrels of the binoviewer become misaligned, causing double […]
Astronomic’s Astro-Tech 152EDT f/8 triplet apo refractor ($3999US) features a massive 3-inch rack-and-pinion focuser with a built-in camera-angle adjuster. The triplet objective includes a low-dispersion FK-61 ED element, as well as a Lanthanum element. The Astro-Tech 152EDT OTA (with rings and both dovetails) weighs 29 pounds (13.1 kilograms). The focus […]
Since 1985, Astronomy Shoppe owner Anthony Costanzo has been in the business of repairing telescopes of all designs and brands. Indeed, for years he has been our go-to guy for repair of arcane telescope electronic systems, especially those treasured scopes for which manufacturer support lapsed long ago. With more than […]
The heart of William Optics’ Super ZenithStar 103 f/6.9 imaging APO is a f/6.9 air-spaced FPL53 doublet housed in a CNC-machined ultra-precision lens cell. Add a 0.8x flattener/reducer, and the focal ratio becomes f/5.5. Focus duties are performed by the Zenithstar 103 ultra-robust 2.5-inch, 1:10 dual-speed, rack-and-pinion focuser with […]
Fall weather offers one of the best times of the year to set up your telescope and enjoy the stars. And it’s no surprise the October hosts a number of star parties across North America. Thanks to the folks at AMSKY, below is a list of October star parties. October […]
Optec has added an electronic Fine Focus Knob to its FocusLynx Hand Control for a much better experience at the telescope. With three speeds and improved response of the IN and OUT buttons, you’ll find using the Hand Control much more enjoyable for visual observing. The FocusLynx Hand Control provides […]
Explore Scientific is celebrating tenth university. Originally created as an amateur astronomy technology company offering Explore Scientific branded products, the company has grown into a business offering amateur astronomy, scientific optics, sports optics and adventure gear. The company was founded by its president, Scott Roberts, who has spent over 30 […]
What makes the Celestron NexYZ Smartphone Adapter different from other smartphone adapters? Its three-axis adjustment. Most adapters only allow adjustment of your phone in two axes, X and Y, to center its camera over the optical axis of the eyepiece That works, but what about the all-important Z axis: spacing of […]
AstroHutech recently tested the BORG 107FL, optimized for imaging at a blisteringly-fast f/3.9 thanks to a BORG-proprietary six-element advanced Petzval optical design. AstroHutech owner Ted Ishikawa tells us, “As far as I know, this may be first optical design utilizing both fluorite and ED elements in same optical train.” The […]
Ah used telescope stuff! I have always enjoyed finding a deal – boats, cars, jewelry (for my significant other of course), and yes, telescopes – well you name it, I am into getting a deal. *** Editors Note: Since the publication of this article, Astro Parts Outlet Used Telescope has […]
I read Uncle Rod’s post on Amateur Astronomy “What’s Gonna Happen to Us?”, and I walked away with quite different conclusions. First, I want to say I have the utmost respect for all that Uncle Rod has done for amateur astronomy. His work in print and online is sage advice […]