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Reviews

Review of the Touptek 585c Cooled camera, based on my experiences

Review of the Touptek IMX585c Astro Imaging Camera, based on my experience.

I was very fortunate to get the chance to review the Touptek IMX585c Cooled Astro imaging camera, it is becoming a highly regarded camera in the astrophotography community, particularly known for its advanced features,...

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Skywatcher 102 f/5 review and first light

Skywatcher Startravel 102 f/5 First Light.

Background

In December 2022, there was a number of times when I grabbed my grabngo 102mm Maksutov on the AltAZ mount. However, I wanted just a little more impact, so I put my 140mm Maksutov, the OMC140 on it. That was on the edge,...



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APM 100mm 90 deg EDO-APO binocular telescope review

Anyone who looked through binoculars knows how enjoyable and relaxing is observing with two eyes. I always wanted to bring that experience to telescopes. My first try was last year with Orion binoviewer, which worked nicely for lunar and planetary. However, DSOs and double stars were too dim for...

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Canon image stabilized 10X30 Binoculars

Image stabilization in a Canon 10X30 IS II .

If you put binoculars on a tripod, you immediately notice that you see more details in the calm image than detached from the hand. At 6X or 7X magnification it is not so bad from the hand, that is still fairly calm. It is for this reason...

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Canon 15x50 IS image stabilized binoculars review

Image stabilized binoculars have been all the rage lately and I finally decided to take a dive. After doing some research on the internet I have selected Canon 15x50 as most suitable for my observing style and conditions.

First impression

The Canon 15x50 IS binoculars appeared...

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FIELD TEST: THE NOH CT-20 ALT-AZ MOUNT


Fig 1: Close up of the NoH CT-20 Alt-Az (Altitude-Azimuth) mount configured with a Vixen-style saddle.
Image Credit: Author.

1. OVERVIEW

[NOTE - This product evaluation was conducted in 2021].

The NoH CT-20 Alt-Az (altitude-Azimuth) mount is a product offering...

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MONO & BINO VIEWING WITH THE BAADER MORPHEUS 17.5MM EYEPIECE

Fig 1: The Baader 17.5mm Morpheus configured with the eye guard extension (left) and with the eye guard removed (right)

1. Overview

[NOTE - This product evaluation was conducted in 2018] Baader markets their Morpheus line as “high-end” 76° apparent...

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BAADER MORPHEUS 4.5mm thru 14mm FIRST LIGHT REVIEW

Fig 1: Baader’s new Morpheus eyepieces -- precision optics, light weight, comfortable, engaging, and photo-visual ready.

1. Overview

[NOTE - This product evaluation of the 4.5, 6.5, 9, 12.5, and 14 Morpheus was conducted in 2015; the 17.5 Morpheus became available...

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FIELD TEST OF THE BAADER MAXBRIGHT II BINOVIEWER

Fig 1: The Baader MaxBright II Binoviewer package. Note that the T2 Cap Nut Connector
is attached and capped on the binoviewer in this image. Image Credit: Author.

1. Overview

[NOTE - This product evaluation was conducted in 2020] The new Baader MaxBright II Binoviewer,...

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Mirror vs. Dielectric vs. Prism Diagonal Comparison

Back Row ( 2" )
Baader Zeiss Prism, Takahashi Aluminum Mirror, Astro-Tech Dielectric, Baader Dielectric, Astro-Physics MaxBright Dielectric

Center Row ( 1.25" )
Baader T2 Zeiss Prism, VERNONscope Enhanced Silver Mirror, Takahashi Prism, Tele Vue Everbrite Dielectric

...

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First Light with the Prototype 8x42 Space Walker 3D Binoculars

[NOTE - This product evaluation was conducted in 2016] The Space Walker 3D Binoculars are a continuation of the 3D technology innovated by Russ Lederman of 3D Astronomy (www.3dastronomy.com). Like the 3D technology used in the L-O-A...

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THE BAADER BBHS-SITALL SILVER DIAGONAL

Fig 1: LEFT - Baader 2" BBHS Silver; CENTER - Astro-Physics 2" MaxBright Dielectric; RIGHT - Baader 2" Zeiss Prism.

1. Overview

[NOTE - This product evaluation was conducted in 2016] The new Baader Broadband Hardened Silver (BBHS) diagonal, available...

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FIELD TEST: CARL ZEISS APOCHROMATIC & SHARPEST (CZAS) BINOVIEWER

Fig 1: The CZAS Binoviewer with included accessories: Baader 1.25" ClickLock eyepiece holders, Zeiss Bayonet, Baader T-2 Quick Changer, and Baader 1.25" nosepiece. Image Credit: Author.

1. Overview

[NOTE - This product evaluation was conducted in 2021] This...

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Apertura 10 x 50 Right Angle Finder Scope (RACI)

A few years ago, I have upgraded my run of the mill Orion 9x50 RACI to the Stellarvue premium 9x50 RACI. It became quickly my favorite and since I typically deploy two scopes for observing, I finally decided to look for a second premium RACI. While exploring different options I have stumbled on the...

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A 150 mm Achromat and a 120 mm Apo, a personal review.

Performance of and differences between a 150mm widefield achromat and a 120mm apochromat.

A personal review.

Apples and pears are both fruit. Comparisons between the two are normally not done. Different taste, shape and bite. Still, we do it all the time. Consumers...

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Chiribiquete - Ancestral Home to Jaguar Men

Image attribution: Carlos Castaño Uribe / CC BY-SA - Book Cover Photo: THP 2020

Translated Title: CHIRIBIQUETE Cosmic Home to the Jaguar Men

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Baader 1.25" Classic Q-Eyepiece Set Review

Typically, I advise against buying EP kits. In most cases you don’t save much over buying individual EPs and end up using only a fraction of what is included. This set however is a happy exception. Not only does it provide a substantial savings over buying individual components, but they also...

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Review of AWB Onesky

I have heard of these scopes for a few years and even had the opportunity to view the Ring Nebula through one at a star party a couple of years back. So I decided to buy one recently to add to my stable of scopes. At $199 you can't really go wrong.

First of all, the scope is sold...

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