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Meade LX85 & LX200 on special offer

July 26 2023, Jan Ströher

From 15 July up to and including 31 August 2023, we are offering the following models in the LX85 and LX200 series from Meade at special summer-saver prices:

N 200/800 Astrograph LX85 GoTo for €2,799 instead of €3,299

This Newtonian is a compact, very fast device (f/4.0 focal ratio) for high-resolution astrophotography with short exposure times. It is especially suitable for large emission nebulae and galaxies. Despite the fast focal ratio and its optimisation for photographic purposes, it is also a pleasure to use for visual purposes – especially for deep sky objects! The large focuser with 1:10 fine adjustment ensures a bright image field and precise focusing. The secondary mirror struts are kept extra thin to cause as little obstruction in the light path as possible, which results in better contrast. With a generous 83.2 millimetre of back focus, there is enough working distance for other accessories, such as a coma corrector or filter wheel. Astrophotography with this fast focal ratio will definitely require a good coma corrector to obtain sharp and point-shaped stars across the entire field of view. A coma corrector may not be necessary for this Newtonian when combined with smaller camera sensors or for purely visual use.

The scope of delivery includes an 8×50 finderscope, a 35mm extension tube (important for visual use), a 26mm Super Plössl eyepiece, as well as a fan to ensure faster cooling for the primary mirror.

The LX85 mount is designed with mobile astrophotography in mind. With its powerful servo motors and Meade Smart Drive technology, it follows the rotation of the night sky and keeps the telescope aligned with the selected object for long exposure times – without the need for a meridian flip!

Meade LX85 Newtonian 200/800

 

ACF- SC 203/2032 UHTC LX85 GoTo for €3,669 instead of €4,580

With its Schmidt-Cassegrain design, this telescope leaves nothing to be desired: SC telescopes are suitable for all applications. No matter whether you want to observe planets, distant nebulae, or galaxies, whether purely visually or also for photography: anything is possible with a SC telescope!

The compact optics ensure low leverage stress on the mount and mean that the telescope is easy to transport. Focussing is carried out internally and is so adjustable that, even with astrophotography accessories attached, focusing is not a problem.

The LX85 mount is particularly lightweight and therefore ideal for mobile use either in the garden or at an observation location under particularly dark skies, and the GoTo AudioStar control helps you to correctly align the telescope and it automatically tracks your chosen observation object. This makes it ideal for beginners! The LX85 mount can be used with most commercially available telescopes up to 15kg in weight.

We have significantly reduced the prices of the following models from the  Meade LX200 series :

ACF-SC 305/3000 12″ UHTC LX200 GoTo without tripod for €6,399 instead of €7,999

ACF-SC 254/2500 10″ UHTC LX200 GoTo for €5,279 instead of €6,619

ACF-SC 305/3000 12″ UHTC LX200 GoTo for €7,679 instead of €9,589

Meade ACF-SC 203/2000 8″ UHTC LX200 GoTo telescope

 

ACF-SC 203/2000 8″ UHTC LX200 GoTo for €5,119 instead of €6,419

ACF-SC 203/2000 UHTC LX200 GoTo without tripod for €4,479 instead of €5,590

ACF-SC 254/2500 UHTC LX200 GoTo without tripod for €5,269 instead of €6,190

The LX200 series of telescopes are among the systems most widely used by experienced amateur astronomers. There is a good reason for this: the LX200 series combines coma-free ACF optics with a stable fork mount and modern electronics. The system is so compact that the smaller models are ideal for mobile astronomy and the larger instruments suit relatively small garden or club observatories.

In addition to the advantages of the telescopes themselves, the LX200 series offers other useful features: the primary mirror lock prevents image shift and holds focus during long exposure times. The high-quality worm gear on both axes ensures smooth running at all speeds. Thanks to SmartDrive, the periodic worm error is permanently corrected (PPEC).

All models covered by this summer sale are available from stock! This promotion is valid until 31 August 2023 only while stocks last!

Well-proven 10-inch Dobsonian from Skywatcher now available in an inexpensive set

July 25 2023, Stefan Taube

For some years now, the manufacturer Skywatcher has been featuring the Skyliner Classic series: well-proven and highly popular telescopes in the Dobsonian design. They offer great optical performance for very little money because the substructure, affectionately known as a rocker box, is relatively inexpensive.

We have put together the Skyliner Classic Dobsonian Set for you, which is even more inexpensive! The set comprises:

You get the largest telescope in the series, the 10-inch version, which features a 254 millimetre primary mirror, additional eyepieces, a filter for observing the Moon, and a practical laser to quickly collimate the telescope optics – and you save €108.85 on the cost of the individual parts!

All Skyliner Classic Dobsonians impress not only with their optics, but also with their standard equipment: two eyepieces, finderscope, eyepiece holder, carrying handle, and ascension axis tension fine adjustment are standard on all models!

More information, prices and options for ordering for all models can be found here in our shop!

CONOTECH thermal imaging cameras on special offer

July 11 2023, Stefan Rieger

These CONOTECH thermal imaging cameras and modules are on special offer for a short time only. Take advantage of discounts of up to 30%, but only while stocks last!

To ensure that you do not buy a pig in a poke, we would like to briefly introduce these devices to you:

 

CONOTECH Tracer LRF hand-held devices with built-in laser rangefinder

Products in the Tracer LRF series are available with 25mm, 35mm and 50mm focal lengths, the product features are otherwise the same. The VOx sensor has a resolution of 384×288 pixels. The pixel pitch is 17 microns and the NETD is less than 35 millikelvin. This ensures an above-average image quality in this price category. The integrated OLED monitor offers a resolution of 1024×768 pixels. The frame rate is 50Hz, which is in line with today’s standard. All devices offer a 2x/4x digital zoom.

Six different colour palettes represent the image in different ways:

  • C1 = BH or black hot: the warmest sites are shown as black
  • C2 = WH or white hot: the warmest sites are shown as white
  • C3 = RH or red hot: the colour temperature display ranges from black to white with the warmest sites displayed in red
  • C4 = CG or cold green: the cooler the site, the brighter green the display
  • C5 = GB or glow bow: the display is in red-orange tones and becomes brighter as the heat signature of the object becomes warmer
  • C6 = RB or rainbow: the image is blue with red colours indicating the warmest objects

The RB and CG modes especially easy on the eyes, because they do not produce as much glare. Another interesting feature of these thermal imaging cameras is the built-in rangefinder. Using modern laser measurement technology, the range of objects up to a distance of around 1,000 meters can be determined. The accuracy is +/- 1 metre and rangefinding is available from a distance of 5 metres from the measured object. Photos and videos can be captured on the internal memory and transferred to a mobile device or PC over WiFi or a USB cable. Control via the mobile device is also possible, as well as a live view on the display of the connected smartphone or tablet.

Let’s take a closer look at the individual models:

CONOTECH Tracer LRF 25 PRO has a 25mm focal length with 2.4x optical magnification. The detection range is around 720 metres for an object the size of a wild boar.
Special price of €1,299 instead of the recommended retail price of €1,790

CONOTECH Tracer LRF 35 PRO, 35mm focal length, 3.3x optical magnification, detection range approx. 1,020 metres.
Special price of €1,539 instead of the recommended retail price of €2,190

CONOTECH Tracer LRF 50 PRO, 50mm focal length, 3.9x optical magnification, detection range approx. 1,450 metres and therefore the specialist for stalking wild boar across large field areas.
Special price of €2,299 instead of the recommended retail price of €2,690

CONOTECH Artemis 35 bundle

CONOTECH Artemis 35 thermal imaging attachment bundle

This set comprising attachment, charging cradle with USB-A connection, and two Panasonic 18500 batteries also has a VOx sensor with 384×288 pixels and a pitch of 12 micrometres. The NETD is below 25 millikelvin. The field of view at 100m is 13.2 metres. The OLED display has a resolution of 1024×768 pixels. This device also features 6 colour modes, which are identical to the aforementioned hand-held unit.

Operation is via a side-mounted joystick button. This may take some getting used to initially, but you will quickly appreciate the advantage of not having to search for the right button. If you plan to attach this device to your daytime optical instrument, you will need a suitable adapter with a M43x0.75 connection thread.

Our special price for this set is 2,159 instead of the recommended retail price of €2,749.70.

Now it is time to grab yourself a bargain, to ensure that your next nocturnal hunt will be a success. We wish you “good hunting” always.

Omegon Basic EQ telescopes: take your first trip to the stars at a bargain price

July 6 2023, Marcus Schenk

Have you always dreamed of discovering for yourself the Moon, the planets and even nebula? With your own telescope? Then we have the perfect opportunity for you! For July only, we are offering exclusive discounts on our Omegon EQ telescopes for beginners.

You can easily track objects in the sky with these telescopes, thanks to their equatorial mounts, allowing you to enjoy amazing observations. How about being able to see Saturn with its rings, immerse yourself in Jupiter with its moons, or marvel at three-dimensional lunar craters? These telescopes offer you images that you could never see with the naked eye alone. And best of all: you can now save up to 20% on telescopes from the Omegon Basic series.

Choose from a selection of telescopes on different mounts, such as the EQ-1, EQ-2, EQ-3 or EQ-4. These models vary in price and the stability they offer.

Visit our website now and secure your first beginners’ telescope. This promotion only applies until 31 July 2023. So grab yourself a bargain now!

AstroFest 2023 in London: why it’s worth a visit

February 1 2023, Marcus Schenk

If you’re an astronomy fan, you really shouldn’t miss this. The European AstroFest 2023 is taking place in London once again! On 3rd and 4th February, you’ll get the chance to experience all those products that make every observer’s heart beat a little faster.

We will be there too with our Omegon stand. You can experience our latest products live and up close.

 

 

Here’s a selection of the highlights:

MiniTrack: you can become an astrophotographer in the blink of an eye; the MiniTrack Astrotracker only needs a tripod and your own camera. With it, you’re ready in an instant to start shooting amazing nightscape pictures.

Neptune fork mount: you’ll be able to observe the night sky with your large binoculars more comfortably than ever before with the Omegon Neptune fork mount. This mount delivers superior stability, giving you the flexibility to reach any target in the sky. With an optional tripod, your binoculars become a solid observation station for the most amazing observing evenings.

Kolossus: the Omegon Kolossus is a new parallelogram mount for large binoculars. With it, observing stars is a pleasurable experience. You’ll feel as if your binoculars are weightless and almost floating in the air. This is achieved by a three-part swivel arm, 360-degree rotation, and a mechanism allowing you to perfectly balance your binoculars. For relaxed and fascinating observations that are simply more fun.

But: there’s plenty more to discover around the subject of astronomy at our stand!

What is AstroFest?
AstroFest is an annual astronomy event, rather like a trade fair, where astronomy enthusiasts from all over the world come together in London. Here you can listen to lectures from experts, discover countless telescopes and accessories, and take a closer look at the latest developments in the astronomy marketplace. If you’ve never been before, why not come along to the city on the Thames?

We look forward to seeing you!

 

The address:

Kensington Conference and Events Centre
The Town Hall, Hornton Street
London, W8 7NX

Telescopes for children and young people: 3 perfect present ideas – Video with English subtitles

December 2 2022, Marcus Schenk

Looking for a present for your children? In this video, we give you tips and advice to help you find the right telescope. We have selected three different models, which are suitable for beginners. Additionally, we show you which accessories you realistically need. Watch the video and discover the fascinating world of astronomy with your family!

Products shown in the video:

AC 90/1000 EQ-2 telescope

Omegon Advanced 130/650 EQ-320

Omegon 152/1200 Advanced Dobsonian

17.5cm rotating star chart

Astronomy torch Astro-Flashlight

Book for children and young people 

Cronus eyepieces

Video: Solar observation with telescopes and filter tips (with English subtitles)

October 19 2022, Marcus Schenk

Want to observe the Sun? Welcome to the solar observation club!

In this video we show you how to easily observe the Sun, sunspots or solar prominences using your telescope. Additionally, you will learn which filters and what additional equipment you need for this. Finally, fantastic images of the Sun await you. A guide for beginners and other fans of our central star. Solar observation is fun!

But beware… Never observe the Sun without a suitable solar filter! And never leave children unattended with a telescope or binoculars near the Sun!

Good to know: We will have a partial solar eclipse on 25 October. Secure your solar filter and solar eclipse glasses now – our stocks are limited.

From the video:

 

  1. Take care when observing the Sun
  2. What you must consider
  3. The technique of white light observation
  4. What is it and what can you see?
  5. Which filter works for me?
  6. What to consider for solar lens filters
  7. Glass or foil and finding the correct filter size
  8. How to locate the Sun quickly in your telescope
  9. Herschel wedges for refracting telescopes
  10. Observing solar prominences and chromospheres
  11. Impressions of the Sun in H-alpha


Products shown in the video:

 

Omegon 45791 solar filter

Omegon ProNewton N 153/750 OTA

iOptron GEM28 GoTo LiteRoc mount

Baader AstroSolar solar eclipse glasses

Astrozap solar filter for external diameters of 232 to 238mm

Baader AstroSolar® OD 5.0 A4 210x297mm solar filter film

Baader AstroSolar ASTF 200mm telescope solar filter

Omegon 150mm solar filter

APM Herschel wedge 2″ FastLock

MEADE 2″ Herschel wedge with ND3 filter and ceramic plate

Omegon Pro APO AP 72/400 ED Quintuplet OTA apochromatic refracting telescope

Coronado ST 40/400 OTA PST Personal Solar Telescope

Coronado ST 40/400 0.5Å OTA PST Personal Solar Telescope

Daystar QUARK H-alpha solar filter, Chromosphere

Daystar QUARK H-alpha solar filter, Prominence

Bargain store: special offers!

October 13 2022, Stefan Taube

You will find bargains in our shop from across our entire range by clicking on the link %SALE% .

prozente

These special offers are only valid while stocks last, so don’t miss out on a bargain!

Risk-free saving: all items in our bargain store are sold as new and all our usual services apply!

 

Video with English subtitles: AZ or EQ mount?

June 8 2022, Marcus Schenk

A video for novice amateur astronomers!

Every telescope is equipped with a mount. It allows the device to be moved in every desired direction. These can be divided into “equatorial” and “alt-azimuth” mounts

What are the differences? Which suits your needs best? And what do you need to be aware of?

Have fun watching!

Products featured in video:

Omegon Advanced 150/750 EQ-320 telescope

Celestron AC 90/1000 Astromaster AZ telescope

Omegon Advanced X N 203/1200 Dobsonian telescope

Premium large binocular sets with mount, central gear column and tripod

February 17 2021, Marcus Schenk

One thousand and one. No, we are not talking about the Arabian Nights, rather we are talking about the available selection of suitable binoculars for observation. One thousand and one is approximately the number of binoculars between which you can choose.

Which binoculars fit your tripod? And what connects the two? Just like a telescope lens, astronomical binoculars on their own are like a three-legged horse. You just won’t reach your destination with it. You also need a mount and a tripod. However, the heavier the binoculars, the more difficult it is to make the right decision.

We have six created different sets for you, consisting of Omegon Brightsky binoculars, a massive Neptune fork mount and a stable carbon tripod. If any binocular and tripod combo has ever earned the description of “solid as a rock”, this is it.

Why Brightsky large binoculars are the right choice for astronomers

Brightsky large binoculars come in three different objective aperture sizes, namely 70mm, 80mm and 100mm, and with an eyepiece of either 45 or 90 degrees. Tempered lenses in a sturdy magnesium casing offer clear views of the sky or distant objects in nature. So that your binoculars can also accompany you on every outing throughout the years, they are also waterproof and nitrogen-filled.

Brightsky large binoculars come with two 18mm flat field wide-angle eyepieces for fantastic observations. Other astronomical eyepieces can also be inserted, just like with a telescope.

Das Brightsky Fernglas komplett im Set mit Gabel und Stativ

The Brightsky binoculars set complete with fork mount and tripod

Neptune: the best fork mount in the Galaxy?

The Neptune premium fork mount is a new development for demanding binocular astronomers. Namely for those who have finally had enough of vibrating instruments. This fork mount competently supports large binoculars up to 290mm in width and nine kilograms in weight. Stable profiles and large Teflon bearings provide silky-smooth movement along both axes and make it simple to navigate the skies. We pay particular attention to quality during manufacturing – which is why we have these fork mounts manufactured exclusively in Portugal.

Superior carbon tripod – with central crank column

So that the foundations are also right, the binocular and fork mount combination sits on top of a carbon tripod having 40mm legs. Ultralight construction but uncannily sturdy: this tripod carries up to 50 kilograms in weight. The tripod can be raised to a height of 1.9m and has an additional central crank column. This means you can easily and quickly position your binoculars perfectly for each observer.

Who are the sets suited to? 

– For amateur astronomers who want to finally have binoculars which will satisfy them for years

– For observer who don’t want to keep searching and don’t want to have to keep compromising

– For astronomy enthusiasts who want to experience the night sky intensely using both eyes

The set consists of:

– Brightsky large binoculars with 70, 80 or 100mm objective aperture and two 18mm flat field eyepieces

– Neptune fork mount for large binoculars

– Omegon 40mm carbon tripod with central crank column

These premium large binocular sets with mount and tripod let you see how much fun binocular astronomy can be. We also recommend that you look at the binoculars with fork mount at the same time!