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New Explore Scientific Dobson with 20-inch mirror!

March 6 2018, Stefan Taube

With the Ultra Light series, Explore Scientific is offering telescopes with the Dobson construction that can be taken apart easily for transportation. This means you can travel to dark observation sites with Dobson telescopes. For an unimpeded look into the night sky!

The latest model in the series has a 20-inch mirror: Dobson N 500/1800 Ultra Light telescope.

ES-500-UL

It’s no longer quite so ultra-light. There needs to be two of you to set it up at the observation site. But apart from that, it can be taken apart into practical parts just like the smaller models.

Other features of the Dobson N 500/1800 Ultra Light Hexafoc telescope:

  • Truss tubes made from solid aluminium: Very high level of stiffness
  • Main and secondary mirrors made from quartz with a test certificate
  • Low viewing height of just 1.63 m at the zenith
  • The main mirror can be adjusted from the top, and hence, during observation
  • Very transportable thanks to the small packaging dimensions
  • Large 2.5-inch eyepiece holder with 1:10 fine adjustment
  • Large powder-coated adjustment wheels for wobble-free tracking

The telescope is made in Hungary and Germany

“Hot Product 2018” by Sky & Telescope

February 9 2018, Stefan Taube

At the beginning of each new year, the magazine Sky & Telescope features interesting product developments. The criteria are innovation, an elegant solution to a typical problem, or the particularly high quality of a product.

We would like to present from this long list of “Hot Products 2018” those that we also considered to be particularly noteworthy:

 

Explore Scientific GoTo control PMC-8 with WIFi

ES-PMC-8

The company, Explore Scientific, has developed a control system that, in conjunction with the app, ExploreStars, enables wireless control of astronomical mounts via a smartphone, tablet or other mobile device. You will receive this control system in combination with two tried and tested mounts with completely different load-bearing capacity, namely:

 

Stargate Dobsons by Skywatcher

Stargate-Dobson

For the purists who would rather invest in optics than in electronics, the Skywatcher Dobsonian N 458/1900 StarGate-450P telescope is a dream! The Dobsonian telescope with truss tube, mirrors and a lightweight construction collects a great deal of light, but despite its size, it is still relatively easy to transport.

Sky&Telescope awarded both motorized Stargate versions with GoTo control:

They are equipped with the tried and tested SynScan control system, which helps you to find celestial objects and then automatically guides the telescope.

Mini Star Adventurer by Skywatcher

Mini Star Adventurer

Camera mounts have taken a positive development in recent years. Thanks to the high demand for this very immediate method of astrophotography, manufacturers are always coming up with new innovations. Sky & Telescope awarded the Mini Star Adventurer by Skywatcher. This mount also creates its own WIFI, so it can be controlled via the app. This eliminates the need for a manual control box; control is done wirelessly – and thus vibration-free – and the clear graphic user interface can be used for adjusting your mobile device.

Things that make the life of astronomers easier and lovelier

Orion Astrolampe

The many smaller things on which Sky & Telescope has bestowed the Hot Product Award 2018, include the Astro Lamp by Orion, which, of course, can also be operated with glare-free red light. The editors of the magazine also like:

  • Diagonal mirror with TwistTight fixation for 1,25″ and 2″ connector diameter, also by Orion. This special fixation centres the accessory, keeps it secure, won’t scratch, and can be screwed in place while wearing gloves.
  • The “bible” for one of the most powerful astrophotography programs Inside PixInsight by Springer Verlag. The book is available in English, and is very popular. The book is published in the Practical Astronomy
  • Sky & Telescope has also awarded its own Globes. At least for the Pluto Globe, this is most justified. The globe shows the spectacular view of the dwarf planet, Pluto, as the New Horizons spacecraft revealed in 2015.

Mount and accessories for observatories

Paramount Taurus

We can help you with advice and support for your observatory project. This also includes the high-end products by Software Bisque. So, we are pleased that Sky & telescope has awarded the recently developed bracket mountings, Paramount Taurus.

The Spanish company, Lunático, is making a useful accessory for observatories. Its remote control, Dragonfly, has made it to the list of Hot Products 2018.

Every year, it is interesting to see what products the well-known magazine, Sky & telescope, will award – and we are pleased that every year, these award-winning products are already part of our offer.

Telescope bundles: These telescopes will turn you into a “professional” astronomer

January 26 2018, Marcus Schenk

New astrographs and RC optics come as complete telescopes with mounts by Skywatcher and iOptron. Both manufacturers are known for their sturdy mounts that are loved by astrophotographers. Important principle: Having the right equipment is essential for quickly becoming successful in astrophotography. With these telescopes, you’ll be able to achieve that.

You, of course, also need practice: But with this equipment, your frustration will turn to a passion for the stars. Discover the new combinations with which you’ll shine at the next telescope meeting.

Omegon Astrographen mit Montierungen

Our experienced astronomy experts have put together a telescope collection and combined both tube types with appropriate mounts. The benefit: Now, you can simply select your telescope in the shop without having to worry about getting the right mount.

There is a wide selection available: They range from small, transportable optics to large observatory telescopes. And you have everything together: They are so sturdy that they make astrophotography simply fun.

Omegon astrographs in 8 different versions

In the “Pro Astrograph” category, you can choose from four different astrographs with a diameter of 154 mm, 203 mm, 254 mm or 304mm. All optics have a super-fast f/4 aperture. This means: These Newton telescopes are fast. Short exposure times and large fields of view at reasonable prices are the main strengths of these optics.

There are eight different full telescopes to choose from, which means two different mounts per tube size.

Astrograph 254/1016 EQ6-R Pro

Omegon RC telescopes in 11 different versions

Among the Omegon RC optics you can choose from six different tubes: three full tubes measuring 154 mm to 254 mm, and three-truss, wire-mesh tubes measuring 304 mm, 355 mm and 406 mm. This means we have the right telescope size for all astrographs.

You can, for example, use the smallest RC telescope with an EQ-6R Pro mount by Skywatcher. An ultra-sturdy combination that can also take other accessories. Or treat yourself finally to your dream observatory with a 16” truss RC on a 10-micron mount. By the way: We would also be glad to plan your entire observatory.

Pro Ritchey-Chretien RC Truss Tube 304/2432 GM 2000

These telescopes look great, but are also a dream for all astrophotographers. For it’s possible to take better astrophotos with these “photo instruments”. Finally, it is no wonder that almost all professional observatories use RC telescopes.

Why not set up an astrophotography master in your own garden? Order now, or if you have any further questions: simply give us a call.

Merlin GoTo and AZ: A small mount with Omegon Maksutov optics

January 19 2018, Marcus Schenk

The Merlin mount has been a favourite for years: for both beginners and advanced amateurs who want a travel telescope.
We have now combined three GoTo and three Autotrack mounts with 60 mm, 80 mm and 90 mm MightyMak Maksutov optics by Omegon. Six useful mini telescopes with a table-top and regular tripod are the result. Ready to go!

MightyMak 60 mit Merlin GoTo

Tabletop tripod with Synscan GoTo controls

The small Merlin mount with table-top tripod has everything: compact, very light, and yet it can find any object in the sky. As with large mounts, you can orient it towards more than 42,000 objects using the controller. This means you’ll be able to find any bright object in the sky without having to wait more than a second.

The Merlin with the table-top tripod offers:
• It positions objects like a large mount: Object catalogue with 42,000 objects
• Table-top tripod: especially space-saving
• Carries telescope tubes weighing up to 4 kg

Tripod with autotracking

The version with the tripod has autotracking control. What does this mean? It means it has a motorised two-axis tracking system. As soon as you enter an object, the mount takes over with automatic tracking. This telescope is also interesting for terrestrial targets: With four direction buttons, it’s a veritable pleasure to observe landscapes.

The Merlin with the tripod offers:
• Autotracking: It automatically tracks objects in the sky
• Sturdy tripod: Height very adjustable
• Can hold telescope tubes weighing up to 4 kg

Merlin MightyMak mit Dreibeinstativ

Ideal travel companion: for astronomers and nature watchers

Not everyone has room for large telescope when they go on holiday. This is a fitting opportunity to enjoy nature with serenity. Combining the Omegon Maksutov with the Merlin GoTo mount is simply great. Treat yourself to a Merlin telescope with Omegon Maksutov optics for fast observation, either as a fill-in or when you next go on holiday.

Now to the compact mini telescopes.

New in January: Taurus-Dobsons, APOs by Vixen, solar telescopes by DayStar, Atik Horizon cameras and a high-end mount by iOptron

January 12 2018, Stefan Taube

This year, too, we would like to present a small selection of items to you every month that we have recently included in the range:

  1. Taurus Dobson N 304/1500 T300 telescope

Taurus T300

Telescopes by Taurus have recently been added to our shop. The Dobson T300 with a 12-inch aperture is the first model that we would like to present to you. Other models will follow in coming days. The  Dobson T300 telescope has a wire-mesh tube, which means it’s easy to transport and can be set up without tools in just a few minutes. The entire system weighs just 15.9 kg, and the heaviest part weighs only 9.6 kg.

Unlike what you can see in the picture, the telescope does not come with a finder or an eyepiece. It does, however, come with a scattered light protector. It also comes with a high-quality 2” Crayford eyepiece holder with support.

The Dobson telescopes by Taurus are developed and made in Poland. We are pleased to be able to offer these telescopes to you now!

 

  1. Vixen AP 81/625 SD81S apochromatic refractor

Vixen SD81S

For those who prefer to take photographs, instead of exploring the night sky with their eyes alone, should make use of an apochromatic lens. The Japanese manufacture, Vixen, is offering three new models that have different lens diameters: SD81S, SD103S and SD115S.

The recently designed lens element with FPL-53 glass reduces chromatic aberrations to such an extent that they are barely detectable, ensuring an extremely clear and sharp picture! These three APOs are ideal for photography with DSLR cameras with full-format sensors.

 

  1. DayStar ST 60/930 SolarScout Carbon H-Alpha chromosphere solar telescope

DayStar SolarScout 60

The American company, DayStar, specialises in instruments for observing the sun. With the SolarScout 60, DayStar is adding another solar telescope to its SolarScout series. The telescope has an integrated QUARK H-Alpha filter.

When you buy this telescope, you are getting a finely tuned system that comprises optics, etalon filter and helical focusing with which you can enjoy observing and photographing the sun in H-Alpha light without risk!

Thanks to the light carbon tube, you can place SolarScout telescopes on a small mount. The integrated solar finder will help you to effortlessly and safely align the optics with the sun.

 

  1. Atik Horizon mono camera

Atik Horizon

This is the first camera by Atik with a CMOS sensor – the future of sensor technology. In this case, it is a 16-megapixel Panasonic MN34230. The small pixel size of 3.8 µm means high resolution and makes the camera interesting for short focal length apochromatic lenses and photo lenses. The integrated cooling system brings the camera down to 40° C below the ambient temperature. With the quiet electronics and the USB 3.0 port, the Atik Horizon is ideal for shots of weak nebulae with long exposure times.

Like the Atik Infinity, the Atik Horizon is also ideal for live stacking. This significant trend ensures more fun doing astrophotography and publicity work at observatories.

You will, of course, receive both an Atik Horizon and a colour camera. This colour variant saves you from having to use colour filters.

 

  1. iOptron CEM120 GoTo mount

iOptron CEM120

We have had good experience with the mounts by iOptron in recent years. They are long-established in the USA, and are now becoming more popular across the pond. iOptron is now putting a mount on the market that features a load capacity of over 50 kg for observatories: The CEM120 GoTo mount.

The design is reminiscent of the tried and tested CEM60 GoTo that has a load-bearing capacity of half that. The polar wedge of both mounts is supported in the centre of gravity, thereby achieving a high level of stability with low weight.

For those who are planning a garden observatory or a new acquisition for a club observatory, the CEM120 GoTo should be seriously considered. Speak to us, and we’ll be happy to advise you!

MEADE telescopes with a discount of up to 29%!

December 19 2017, Stefan Taube

We are now offering a large selection of MEADE telescopes at an extra special price!

LightBridge Dobson

LightBridge-12-Zoll

With Dobson telescopes in the LightBridge series, the grid tube structure became really popular. Thanks to the grid structure, the tube can be taken apart, i.e. you can take the telescope to a dark sky and set it up there. The main mirror in Dobson telescopes is, however, not exposed, and so it’s protected from dew.

Our offer:

 

Bracket mounting SC telescopes: LX90 and LX200

LX200-10-Zoll

MEADE is more well-known for its SC telescopes than for its Dobson models. The Schmidt-Cassegrain optics make it possible to have a very short tube with a high focal length. In combination with the bracket mounting, these optics offer astonishingly compact and sturdy full systems. The LX200 mount is fitted with computer control (GoTo).

The SC optics was further developed by MEADE: ACF stands for Advanced Coma Free – This means that you get pinpoint star images up to the edge of the field of view.

Our offer:

  • ACF-SC 254/2540 10″ UHTC LX90 GoTo currently at €2,550.00. You save €830.00.
  • ACF-SC 203/2000 8″ UHTC LX200 GoTo currently at €2,815.00. You save €735.00.
  • ACF-SC 254/2500 10″ UHTC LX200 GoTo currently at €4,009.00. You save €890.00.

 

LightSwitch: Telescopes with in-built astronomers

LS-8

Do you need a little bit more assistance? The telescopes in the LightSwitch series not only have GoTo control to find the stars, they carry out the necessary initialisation fully automatically at the start of the observation: You don’t have to enter the station, date or time; nor do you have to align the telescope to the stars in the sky. And there’s even more good news: LightSwitch telescopes have audio controls (in English).

Our offer:

  • ACF-SC 152/1524 LightSwitch 6 GoTo currently at €1798.00. You save €452.00.
  • ACF-SC 203/2000 LightSwitch 8 GoTo currently at €2120.00. You save €770.00.

 

Starlook LX600: Telescopes with autoguiders

LX600-12

The idea of equipping a telescope with a fixed camera for control reached its peak with the LX600 series. The camera is integrated into the telescope tube optics, with which the telescope remains very precisely oriented towards an object. This process, called autoguiding, is important for astrophotography.

Our offer:

  • ACF-SC 254/2032 Starlock LX600 currently at €5,609.00. You save €981.00.
  • ACF-SC 355/2845 Starlock LX600 currently at €9,120.00. You save €2080.00.

Both LX600 telescopes are assembled azimuthal. With the polar wedge they can, however, be set up parallactically for astrophotography too, with long exposure times. This wedge is also suitable for LX200 telescopes.

This offer remains while stock lasts – order now!

By the way: We don’t just do good deals; we offer the entire MEADE range, including an extensive array of accessories.

Good value set offer: Meade N 150/750 LX70 telescope

December 19 2017, Stefan Taube

The telescopes in the LX70 series by Meade have proven over many years to be good models for beginners. The basic set offered by Meade includes telescopes without motors and without pole finders.

So, we have put together a set that contains all these accessories: The Meade N 150/750 LX70 telescope set for only €699.00.

You save €279.00  compared with if you had bought all the items individually!

Meade_LX70

For this set, we opted for the Newton telescope with a 150-millimetre aperture, because we think that these optics make the ideal combination with this mount.

The LX70 telescope with Maksutov optics is over the budget of many beginners. The refractor has a very deep eyepiece for the LX70 mount. The Newton telescope with a 200-millimetre aperture  is a little heavy for the LX70 and has a relatively large leverage effect.

The N 150/750 LX70 telescope, however, is a well-matched system at a decent price! You can very easily use a camera for photographing the moon and the planets on this system. We are pleased to be able to offer the telescope as an entire package with really useful accessories at a very good price at the moment!

Sale: Beginner Telescope Bresser Messier-130 EXOS-1

December 12 2017, Stefan Taube

The Newton Telescope N 130/1000 Messier EXOS-1 von Bresser is an excellent beginners scope.  The primary mirror at 130 mm diameter allows for observations of brighter deep-sky objects, like the binary star Albireo in the constellation Cygnus, the “double-double” Epsilon Lyrae in the constellation Lyra or the famous Orion Nebula in the constellation with the same name.

Observing the Moon and planets is quite enjoyable  with the Newton, since it does not show any color distortions as a result of its build.

Bresser Messier N130

A tried and tested beginner telescope: N 130/1000 Messier EXOS-1

In combination with the EXOS-1 Mount, you can focus on an object and follow the rotation of the heavens by turning the flexible shaft.  You can even motorize the mount, as well as use a polar finder, to make using the scope a breeze and more exact.

We offer the entire set, comprised of the telescope and mount with tripod, currently for the price of only 298 Euros.  That means you save 131 Euros off of the recommended price.

Mit der EXOS-1 Montierung können Sie das Teleskop auf das gewünschte Objekt ausrichten und über Drehung an der biegsamen Welle der Himmelsrotation nachführen. Es ist auch jederzeit eine nachträgliche Motorisierung möglich, sowie die Verwendung eines Polsuchers, um dieses Nachführen bequemer und genauer zu ermöglichen!

Learn more about the Bresser Telescope N 130/1000 Messier EXOS-1 special offer below:

The set is delivered with a 26mm Super Plössl eyepiece.  Three other eyepieces are also available at special price:

That way you can get your telescope with a fitting set of eyepieces! The offer for the telescope and eyepieces is valid until the 31st December 2017 and only while supplies last.

The Apochromat VSD 100 by Vixen is now on special offer!

November 10 2017, Stefan Taube

We offer the apochromatic refractor VSD 100 by Vixen at the special prices of €5,399. You save € 600 compared with the recommended retail price! This offer ends on the 31st December 2017. Order now!

Der Astrograph VSD 100 von Vixen

The Apochromat VSD 100 is a dream for astrophotographers: With an aperture ratio of f/3.8 it is very fast. That means you only need a relatively short exposure time. That not only means that it can capture more detail in dim objects during your observation night, but that you can do without guiding and get by with a lighter mount. With the Reducer for the VSD 100 you can even obtain an aperture ratio of f/3!

The optical system of the VSD 100 comprising five lenses ensures an even field of view and reduces chromatic aberrations. That provides a sharp image right up to the edge – even with a relatively wide aperture of 100 mm!

This example shot taken on 09.01.2016 shows the comet C/2013 US10 (Catalina).

Catalina-VIXEN-VSD100

To achieve a field of view that is sufficiently large, the Reducer is mounted on the VSD 100. 25 shots with an exposure of 30 seconds each were taken with a DSLR camera and added to this overall image. Thanks to the short exposure time, neither autoguiding nor an especially precise alignment were necessary.

New from Omegon: RC Telescopes for Better Astrophotos

November 10 2017, Marcus Schenk

Are you an astrophotographer? Are you looking for an instrument for taking perfect astrophotos? In this case, you most likely may have reached the end of your search. Because there is something for you: the new Omegon RC telescopes.

The Dream Telescope for Any Astro-photographer

Almost all professional observatories use RC telescopes. Coincidence? Probably not. They produce a coma-free field of view by means of two hyperbolic mirrors. When it pans the field of view through an area full of stars, these remain sharp and round, right to the edge of the field of view. Another advantage: the large usable field of view. It is considerably bigger than any other system, like e.g. Cassegrain or Dall-Kirkham. This provides you as an astro-photographer with a higher level of freedom! Take photos even without a corrector with an APS-C sensor.

The reason for enthusiasm: These images were taken by our colleague Carlos with Omegon RC telescopes:

Advantages of the Omegon RC telescopes:

  • Hyperbolic mirrors: extremely sharp images, large field of view without correctors
  • Mirrors made of quartz (8″ and bigger): for stable focus and sharp image, no refocusing required
  • Available as full tube up to 6″-10″ or as truss tube from 12″-16″ aperture
  • High reflection: 92-94% dielectric mirror coating for bright, high-contrast observations and astro-photography
  • Quick cooling-off time due to the open design
  • High capacity electric fan (8″ and higher): minimizes tube seeing and accelerates optical cooling
  • With 2″ or 3″ eyepiece holder, depending on model

The new Omegon telescopes are the right choice for any amateur astronomer: Choose from six different instruments with apertures ranging from 6″ to 16″.

Die RC-Volltuben gibt es in den größen 6", 8" und 10"

Die RC-Truss-Teleskope für eine stationäre Sternwarte sind in den Größen 12", 14" und 16" erhältlich.

The full tubes of the RC telescopes are available with 6″, 8″ or 10″. With a Vixen style and 3″ Losmandy rail to match your mount. At the top, the tube offers ample space for other accessories, like a guiding system.

The RC truss telescopes with sizes of 12″, 14″ and 16″ are perfectly suitable for a stationary observatory.

Until recently, RC telescopes were very expensive for amateur astronomers. Now let your dream come true: a reasonably priced “professional telescope” for your own mobile or stationary observatory.

Interested? Click here to find the professional telescope for your own observatory. Or ask for a personal consultation on the phone.

By the way: If you are thinking about an own observatory with an RC telescope – why not have a look at our observatory domes. You are planning on a big scale? On request, we will organize the complete construction and accompany your project right to handing over the key.