Astro-Physics Starfire Refractor> Ever since reading Alan Dyer’s article Astro-Physics Refractors Big & Small in the 1993 September issue of Astronomy magazine, I have dreamt of someday owning an AP-155 f/7 EDF Starfire refractor. Well, it’s taken a couple of decades but I finally acquired Astro-Physics Starfire Refractor a few […]
Celestron Lithium PowerTank Review: The leaps between the technology of today versus that when I received an un-motorized equatorial 114-mm Newtonian reflector as a 10-year-old in 1988, are mind boggling. I would have barely recognized today’s average reflectors, with red-dot finders, go-to drives, things that plug and unplug, and that […]
Astronomy Shoppe’s Olde School Optics telescope repair and restoration division specializes in the restoration and sales of telescopes, eyepieces and optics from a bygone era – high-quality, classic instruments that were typically manufactured in all metal – no plastic parts or computers, just excellent optics. In addition to refurbishing classic […]
Explore Scientific 92 Degree Eyepiece Review: Due to primarily using Dobsonians and altitude/azimuth scopes, I’ve long enjoyed and preferred wide-field eyepieces to the standard 40-50 degree oculars. And with the continued advancement in optical coatings, I’ve found that light transmission loss from eyepieces that incorporate more lens elements has become […]
3D Astronomy Space Walker Binocular Review: I’m at a loss for words. Oh, it’s easy enough to conclude that I tried 3D Astronomy’s 8×42 Space Walker binoculars and enjoyed them – so much so that I re: commend you try them, too. The hard part is conveying why. You expect […]
Editor’s Note: To show the MiniWASP Parallel Imaging Telescope Array images in greater detail, they are included at the end of the article in large format. To view hi-res images of the ones included in this article and others visit New Forest Observatory. Astronomy Technology Today recently chronicled one man’s […]
Paramount MYT Robotic Telescope Mount: I was the observatory director for the Kaua`i Educational Association for Science and Astronomy (KEASA). We shared our observatory complex with Kaua`i Community College. The complex consists of a roll-off-roof observatory, a building with a 10-foot diameter Ash Dome, and a Sky Shed Pod with […]
Sky-Watcher Starlux 190MN Review: I have a 6-inch f/6 Newtonian and a 6-inch f/6.5 achromat refractor that I use entirely for visual use. I invested around $300 in the Newtonian and $700 in the refractor. Both are great instruments for their price. However, the Newtonian’s mirror does not have the […]
Vintage SBIG ST Astronomy Camera Review: Over the years, I have been amazed when reading magazine advertisements for astronomical cameras. The year-to-year advances in the quantity, quality, sophistication and automation of available options have been astounding. But, so have increases in overall prices. Yes, there are affordable cameras capable […]
TTS-160 Panther Mount Review: Sometimes you just want to do visual and have it as easy as possible. Maybe you’ve had a hard day at the office, or your back’s aching from when you bent over to pick up the dog, or perhaps you just want to see the texture […]
1: Oberwerk 6.5×32 LW Binoculars – Accommodating Wide-Ranging IPDs Image 1 is a photo of six-year-old Spencer Hobbe, and Spencer is the primary reason I now carry Oberwerk’s 6.5×32-mm LW binoculars. The little 6.5x32s deliver the widest interpupillary distances of Oberwerk’s extensive product lines – 51 to 74 mm. It […]
Baader UFC – Universal Filter Changer Review: What do you get if you cross an Erector Set with some giant metal washers, a plethora of variously-sized openings, a filter tray that slots in like a clip in a Glock, and, well, all sorts of other stuff? The Baader Universal Filter […]