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New: Celestron Powertank Lithium Pro

November 29 2018, Stefan Taube

 The Celestron Lithium Powertank has quickly proven itself and is already used as a power supply for countless astronomical telescopes. Celestron has now also packed two LiFePO4 elements into one battery to give twice the power with its Lithium Pro Powertank!

Celestron Lithium Pro 1

Some special features:

  • Up to 17 hours of power for your telescope!
  • Multiple devices can be powered simultaneously.
  • Socket for vehicle power plug (cigarette lighter cable). This cable is included with most telescopic mounts as an accessory.
  • High shelf life – unlike other power tanks, this battery does not need to be used regularly in order to maintain its performance.
  • Long operating life – up to 2,000 charging cycles, which only take about 3 hours.

Like its little brother, the larger Powertank also employs Celestron’s well thought-out design – it can be attached to the tripod with the loop and Velcro fastener provided. The torch has a red light function and the lid with the connections can be closed to protect against dust and moisture.

Celestron Lithium Pro 3

Thanks to its cigarette lighter connection, the Lithium Pro Powertank can be used with almost any mount. A powerful portable power supply such as this is highly recommended for slightly larger mounts, such as the Celestron CGX or the Skywatcher EQ6-R.

Celestron Lithium Pro 2

LPI-G: Planetary cameras and autoguiders from Meade

November 27 2018, Stefan Taube

 The abbreviation LPI-G stands for Lunar and Planetary Imager & Guider. These cameras from Meade are ideal for astrophotography involving the Sun, Moon and planets. Even small telescopes can safely carry these lightweight cameras. They plug into the telescope like an eyepiece and are connected to the laptop via USB.

Meade-LPI-G-LifeStyle1

Delivery includes Meade SkyCapture software – this allows intuitive operation and use of other programs via the ASCOM interface. The ST-4 socket means the cameras can also be used perfectly well as auto-guiders – that is, for the tracking control of your mount.

The standard version of the LPI-G series has a 1.2 megapixel sensor. The LPI-G Advanced camera offers a wider dynamic range, a 6.3 MP sensor and a high 59 fps frame rate. It has a USB 3.0 port to allow it to handle this data stream,.

The reasonably priced standard version is eminently suitable for beginners who would like to first get some experience. The Advanced model goes way beyond this and allows an intensive experience with planetary astrophotography to develop over many years.

Both versions are available as black-and-white or colour cameras. The black-and-white cameras have the advantage of higher sensitivity and resolution. The cost of colour imaging is higher as you will also need the appropriate colour filters and a filter wheel.

All the models available in the LPI-G series can be found here in the Astroshop.

Omegon Panorama II 100° [Product Test]: The Experts Unveil Their Thoughts

October 31 2018, Marcus Schenk

Escape Earth!  If you have ever peered through a 100° eyepiece, you know the feeling of observing the cosmos without limits.  It’s as if you can find yourself a bit closer to the Universe.
The experience of such a feeling, to observe in such a way, has been made possible with our new  100° Panorama II Eyepieces. For any observer of course remains the question: What performance do these eyepieces offer?

The UK Magazine Sky at Night tested the Omegon Panorama 100° Eyepieces.  To our pleasure, they left an excellent impression!

Produkttest Omegon Panorama Okulare

The Panorama II 100° Eyepiece

Sky at Night: “Eyes even wider open”

In the May 2018 issue, the Astronomy magazine Sky at Night wrote extensively, how well the Panoramas have proven themselves in practice and awarded them with 4 out of 5 stars, with the addition of a hearty recommendation!

Two noteworthy quotes:

[… these Omegon Panorama II eyepieces will open up a whole new observing experience.]

[We enjoyed some wonderful views of the Moon and one clear night coincided with the appearance of the Lunar X and Lunar V that stood out stunningly using all four eyepieces.]

 

Auszeichnung Omegon Panorama

Read the entire article – free download – about the Omgon Panorama II Eyepieces.

High-value Telescope with Many Possibilities: 150-Mm Newton with New EQM-35 Mount by Skywatcher

September 14 2018, Marcus Schenk

Are you looking for a decently priced telescope to start out in astronomy that will not only impress you right from the start, but that will offer opportunities for many years? A Newton telescope on a mount with computer control is an excellent choice!

We are offering you the N 150/750 PDS Explorer BD EQM-35 PRO SynScan GoTo telescope by Skywatcher at the moment for only €998 – a complete system for astronomy for less than one thousand euros!

 

N 150 750 EQM-35

This mirror telescope, based on an idea by Isaac Newton, is an especially good value for the telescope structure. The main mirror, with a diameter of 150 mm, gathers enough light for visual observation. The relatively short focal length of 750 mm ensures that the tube is short. This means the telescope is easy to carry under a dark sky. The small focal length is also good for photography. The N 150/750 PDS Explorer piece of optical equipment for astrophotography is perfect, for example, for a high-quality eyepiece holder with reduction.

The computer-controlled EQM-35 mount by Skywatcher is a new and improved version of the classic EQ-3 with a higher load capacity. The special highlight of the EQM-35 is the removable declination axis:

 


EQmM-35

This means you can use the EQM-35 with a telescope or as a photo mount  with a SRL camera.

You can, of course, connect the same camera to the telescope. With this telescope, you can encapsulate the world of low-light, small objects astrophotografically, such as planetary nebulae and globular clusters. If you take off the telescope and disassemble the declination axis, you can make atmospheric wide-angle shots of the night sky with a photo lens.

In addition to purely visual observation with an eyepiece, these two photographic uses offer almost unlimited possibilities – and we haven’t even talked about photographing the moon and planets with a planetary camera. This telescope doesn’t restrict the ways in which you can experience your hobby of astronomy!

You can find more information here!

New Smartphone Mount by Celestron: NexYZ

August 28 2018, Stefan Taube

The trend of using smartphone cameras for photography with optical instruments has remained steady. This is, of course, an obvious choice because everyone has this camera with them, ready to send pictures; and these cameras are always improving. The large range of smartphone mounts  has been extended by Celestron, adding a very interesting model.

NexXY

The  Celestron NexYZ is not only particularly robust; it can be adjusted in all three axes using a rotary knob. This means you’ll be able to set the perfect distance between the eyepiece and the adapter. This feature, in combination with the ease, with which the smartphone can be changed, is interesting for public shots at observatories, because all visitors want to take their personal moon photo home with them.

NexYZ-1

The clamp of the NexYZ adapter is also wonderfully suited for use on spotting scopes.

NexYZ-2

With the NexYZ adapter, we are offering you a smartphone holder with the usual clever design by Celestron.

The new Gran Turismo 81 Apochromatic Refractor by William Optics

August 24 2018, Stefan Taube

William Optics, the specialist for high-quality lens telescopes, is bringing a very interesting “photo machine” to the market with the Gran Turismo GT 81. This refractor features a travel telescope forma-factor, so it’s still easy to handle – a real dream for astrophotographers!

The GT 81 is fitted with a three-element lens that ensures high colour correction and ultra-sharp depiction. In addition to the usual high-quality workmanship of William Optics, the equipment of this apochromatic refractor is worth looking at: A high-quality eyepiece holder, pre-mounted guide scope rings and a prism rail. A special highlight is the patented focus mask that is also included in the scope of delivery.

We are offering a matching guidescope and a field flattener with this telescope. With the Gran Turismo 81 by William Optics, you’ll be receiving a high-quality piece of optical equipment for life-long fun with astrophotography!

New: Star Discovery telescopes by Skywatcher with a smartphone app

June 25 2018, Stefan Taube

An increasing number of telescopes can be controlled with a smartphone. The advantages are obvious: Smartphones offer, with their colour display, touchscreen and GPS mobile, more possibilities and are more intuitive to operate than a classic hand-held controller. The app can be kept constantly up-to-date and the telescope can be controlled wirelessly.

So, the manufacturer, Skywatcher, now offers its azimutal one-arm mount, Star Discovery, without a hand-held controller only. Instead, a Wi-Fi module is included, with which the smartphone can be linked. The telescope can then be controlled with the free SynScan app.

At the moment, Skywatcher is offering the Star Discovery mount with two telescope optics. We can recommend in particular the Star Discovery P1 50i:

Star Discovery P1 50i

The 150/750-Newton optic of this telescope has proven to be valuable for beginners and can be used in many variants. With a mirror diameter of 150 mm, objects from the Deep Sky guide can be viewed, but it is also a pleasure to observe the Moon and the planets with this telescope! Thanks to the relatively small focal length of 750 mm, the telescope is still very compact and transportable.

Those who prefer to observe with a classic telescopic lens should get hold of a Star Discovery 90i. Thanks to its deep eyepiece, it is especially suitable for children.

Both optics can be removed from the mount by way of a handy screw to they can be transported. The Star Discovery has a classic prism rail connector thanks to which almost any small telescope optic weighing up to five kilogrammes can be secured. The mount is also an attractive option if you already have a telescope.

Take another look in the App Store for the SynScan app. You can get the right telescope from us.

AstroReality: Moon- and planetary models with interactive 3D App

June 22 2018, Elias Erdnüß

The young company, AstroReality, from San Francisco, is bringing the solar system to your living room. The innovative developments in the fields of 3D printing and augmented reality have been brought together to form unique products. Models of heavenly bodies in our solar system  made with great attention to detail are now available. Each reproduction shows the unmistakable character and features of each one. The most impressive is the model of the Moon, LUNAR Pro. Based on data from the NASA, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, a highly detailed relief surface of the Moon was created. Craters, mountains and seas can be touched, and the realistically coloured surface gives you the feeling that you are holding the Moon in your hands.

The models are not just great to look at, and make excellent decorative objects, they also invite users on an interactive journey of discovery. The AstroReality app (currently only available in English) recognises the models via your smartphone’s camera and embeds them into a simulated 3D space environment. Details are then added to these heavenly bodies (e.g. the rings of Saturn or Earth’s atmosphere), from which you will learn valuable knowledge about the planets. With the highly detailed model of the Moon, the LUNAR Pro, there is additional information about specific features of the surface, and it’s even possible to simulate interactive Moon missions.

The models of all the planets and of Pluto are available in a set with a diameter of 3 cm. To go with them, there is also a LUNAR mini model of the same size. The 12-cm LUNAR Pro globe (with a surface 16 times bigger than the mini model) represents the Moon with much greater detail.

In addition to the heavenly bodies, AstroReality also offers a LUNAR AR notebook. With a relief surface of the Moon and a 3D model of our satellite that can be retrieved via the app, it’s the right notebook for astronomy enthusiasts and night owls.

The AstroReality products also make great presents for members of the family and friends who are fascinated by space.

New mount from Skywatcher: EQM-35 Pro SynScan GoTo

May 16 2018, Stefan Taube

Many amateur astronomers started their hobby with the EQ-3 by Skywatcher. There’s one reason: The mount is excellent value for money and easy to transport. It can be used as an equatorial mount with motorised tracking for astrophotography and offers the functionality of larger mounts with its SynScan control.

Skywatcher has developed the EQ-3 mount further. We would like present to you the new EQM-35 Pro SynScan GoTo!

 

Die neue Montierung von Skywatcher: EQM-35 Pro

Combine the EQM-35 Pro with a 6-inch telescope. The much-loved Newton optics N 150/750 is very suitable. You will receive this telescope with an improved eyepiece holder: N 150/750 PDS Explorer BD. It has a gear reduction that is useful for astrophotography. If you are interested mainly in photography, the new apochromatic refractor EvoStar 72 ED would be a great choice!

The special highlight of the EQM-35 Pro is the removal declination axis. This way you can use it as a photo mount , with a camera and lens taking the place of the telescope. The EQM-35 Pro then tracks the sky’s rotation, allowing long-exposure shots of larger constellations.

Die EQM-35 als Fotomontierung

With the new EQM-35 Pro, you’ll be getting a versatile and very light mount on a sturdy steel tube tripod. A very good choice for taking up astronomy as a hobby without breaking the bank and a good travel mount for experienced astrophotographers.

Solarquest, the new mount by Skywatcher for observing the sun

April 19 2018, Marcus Schenk

Adjusting your telescope while observing the sun is not as easy as you might at first think. The telescope should, of course, already be oriented towards the sun using a sun filter before setting up. When attempting to orient the telescope towards the sun, you can quickly become careless and peer without eye protection through the telescope at the blazing sun. Help is at hand here with the solar finder or the new Solarquest mount by Skywatcher.

Skywatcher Solarquest

The Solarquest mount has GPS, an automatic level and an electronic solar finder, Heliofind®. You only have to fit the mount. After a short initialisation, the mount moves by itself to the sun. But, of course, the  Solarquest can do more than that: The mount guides the telescope as the sun moves across the sky, so that it is always in line with the eyepiece or camera sensor. This precise tracking can also be done via the built-in Heliofind® finder.

Skywatcher Heliofind

Of course, you can also correct the orientation of the mount by hand, for example, if you are working with greater magnification, and would like to move to a specific place on the solar disc. To do this, there is a slider button on the mount so you can guide the movement yourself.

Solarquest

The azimuthal single arm mount, Solarquest, can hold small optics weighing up to four kilos, making it especially light and quiet. The Solarquest, in combination with a small sun telescope, forms an easy-to-transport system that is quick to set up – that is both particularly comfortable on your balcony at home and ideal for travel or for training purposes.

Skywatcher Vixen

You can also place a small refractor on the Solarquest and fit a sun filter  to it. In combination with a QUARK by DayStar, it is even possible to observe in H-alpha or Calcium-H light. You can even use it for night astronomy without a sun filter using the Solarquest mount. The Solarquest mount becomes a part of your versatile system for night observation.