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“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

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:

the relatively small mount Bresser EXOS-2
and the heavy mount, Losmandy G-11

Stargate Dobsons by Skywatcher

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

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

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

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.

Tags: Losmandy, Lunatico, telescope, Telescope Accessories, Mount, Skywatcher, Orion, Explore Scientific, Hot Product
Posted in New Products »

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tags: Omegon, telescope
Posted in New Products »

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!

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

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.

Tags: Merlin, telescope, Omegon
Posted in New Products »

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:

Taurus Dobson N 304/1500 T300 telescope

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!

Vixen AP 81/625 SD81S apochromatic refractor

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.

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

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.

Atik Horizon mono camera

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.

iOptron CEM120 GoTo mount

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!

Tags: DayStar, Vixen, Taurus, iOptron, Atik, telescope, camera, Telescope Accessories, Mount
Posted in New Products »

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.

Tags: Omegon, telescope
Posted in New Products »

New: Improvement to the Orion-Dobsons and the Skywatcher EQ-5, new QHY camera and apos by William Optics!

October 27 2017, Stefan Taube

We would like to present to you a small selection of items that we included in the range recently:

1.Orion Dobson telescope N 254/1200 SkyQuest XT10 PLUS

Dobson telescopes with 10-inch aperture by Orion are, of course, nothing new. Orion now offers its 10-inch in an improved PLUS version.

New features:

Friction brake for the height axis. This enables the use of heavy eyepieces.
Filters for observing the sun in safety.
Crayford focuser with reduction for fine focusing.
2″ wide-angle eyepiece and Barlow lens
Eyepiece tray

With the XT10 PLUS you will receive an easy-to-use telescope with small improvements for even better performance and more fun during your observation sessions!

There is also an 8-inch Dobson by Orion in this improved version: XT8 PLUS.

2. Skywatcher mount AZ-EQ-5-GT SynScan GoTo

The AZ-EQ-5 mount by Skywatcher is actually not new. You will receive this mount immediately with a classic tripod as you known it with other mounts. Until now, Skywatcher delivered the mount with a column where the tripod legs didn’t fit right under the mount. This tripod was very compact for carrying, but not as sturdy as the classic tripod.

The AZ-EQ-5 mount is a real all-purpose mount that can take up to 15 kg: It is very light to carry and can be operated in either equatorial or azimuthal position, so for either astrophotography or for simple observation.

The mount is, thanks to the toothed belt drive, relatively light and fitted with the latest version of the SynScan computer control system.

3. William Optics apochromatic refractor AP 61/360 ZenithStar 61

Are there any astrophotographers who don’t dream of an apo by William Optics? With the ZenithStar series you will receive a lens telescope in William-Optics quality at a fair price!

The small optics with an aperture ratio of f/5.9 weigh less than 1.5 kg and can be combined with a photo mount. You will receive a light, compact system for travel with which you will achieve amazing wide-angle shots of nebula regions of the Milky way – all that’s missing is the suitable flattener and a DSLR camera.

4. ALccd-QHY camera 9c Colour

Alccd-QHY-9c

We are constantly extending our range of cameras by ALccd-QHY. We have recently added the the 9c Colour camera. It has a Kodak KAF-8300 sensor: 8.9 megapixels with a 22.5 mm diagonal and 5.4 µm pixels.

The most important information;

The chip is fitted with microlenses.
The active cooling with a larger fan cools down the camera to 50 °C under the ambient temperature.
The 32 MB SDRAM buffer ensures a quiet transfer of the images.

This camera meets the high requirements of advanced astrophotographers.

Tags: Skywatcher, William Optics, Orion, telescope, Mount, ALccd-QHY
Posted in New Products »

New telescopes from Omegon: On the right track with Advanced X and ProDob Dobson

October 6 2017, Stefan Taube

The new Omegon telescopes are impressive instruments for any visual stargazer. With the Advanced X and ProDob Dobsonian telescopes, gazing at planets, nebulae and galaxies becomes a lot of fun. Just as with other equipment? No. Because these telescopes are in many ways a lot better than other Dobson telescopes.

Both new series are equipped with a particularly good mirror with up to 94% reflection for bright images. And with a fan which allows you to start observing even earlier.

The Dobson telescopes from Omegon consist of only two parts. Even if you have a stressful day and little time, these telescopes will provide you with many pleasant stargazing hours. Because set up only takes a few minutes, you can start stargazing almost instantaneously. And all this for a lower price than comparable models on an equatorial mount.

Omegon now offers two new Dobson series – in excellent workmanship.

Omegon Dobson telescope Advanced X

A fast telescope for easy observation of planets, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. Excellent workmanship, consisting of only two parts and very easy to operate. Suitable for any Astro beginner, because no axes need to be aligned. A simple principle: Set up and watch.

Teflon pads in height and azimuth axis
Primary mirror with 94% mirror coating
Primary mirror fan
2” Crayford focuser
8×50 finder

Omegon Dobson telescope ProDob

To make sure that you always stay on track when observing!

Omegon Pro Dobson telescopes for successful stargazing nights.

The new friction system makes the exact alignment and tracking of sky objects an even simpler task. The axes run in needle bearings in azimuth and ball bearings in the height axis, instead of Teflon pads.

This allows even lighter navigation of the telescope and extremely soft following of your movements. Keep celestial objects in your field of view, even with high magnification. An unbeatable advantage! For this purpose the range of high-quality accessories includes: e.g. the Omegon SWA 32mm eyepiece. It is of a much better quality than many other eyepieces, which are normally part of the scope of delivery of other telescopes. Our customers’ reviews: “Super!”, “Simply high-class.” or “[…] just perfect and good”.

Friction system: ultra-soft and precise movement
Needle bearings: soft and exact movement in azimuth – even with just one finger
Primary mirror with 94% mirror coating
Primary mirror fan: quicker cooling, ready faster for stargazing
Red dot finder Deluxe, premium eyepiece 2” SWA 32mm

No matter whether you’re a beginner or an advanced stargazer: With an Omegon Dobson under the dark sky, you will experience everything the universe has to offer. If you are looking for a telescope for visual observations you should buy a Omegon Advanced X or ProDob telescope.

Tags: telescope, Dobson, Omegon
Posted in New Products »

Skywatcher AZ-5: The new azimuthal mount for small optics

September 29 2017, Stefan Taube

A small all-around mount for nature observations and star gazing. It does not always have to be the biggest telescope, many times you just want to have a glance at the Moon, planets or the Milky Way. For this purpose, the new mount AZ-5 Deluxe from Skywatcher is just ideal!

This mount is able to carry optics of up to five kilogrammes, whereby the standardised prism rail connection also accepts telescopes from manufacturers other than Skywatcher. With an optionally available L-holder one can also connect binoculars or a spotting scope with a camera screw.

The AZ-5 Deluxe is equipped with a friction clutch for quick adjustment of the desired object: Simply apply slight pressure to the tube to move the optics to the right direction. Sensitive fine tuning and tracking is then accomplished via two flexible shafts. The mount and optics rest on a sturdy aluminium tripod.

The mount can also be used for nature observations. The fork arm can be adjusted in various positions, so that looking down into a valley is also possible.

Skywatcher also offers the AZ-5 Deluxe in a set with different optics. We would like to briefly introduce these sets:

The Explorer-130PS AZ-5 is a Newton telescope. Telescopes of this design offer the largest aperture for your money. They gather more light from faint star clusters and galaxies than other telescopes of the same price range.

This telescope in combination with the mount is well suited for beginners who would just like to watch, but not take any photos, and who are looking for a simple instrument for occasional observing sessions on the balcony.

The name Startravel-102 AZ-5 stands for an achromatic refractor. This optical system is slightly more expensive than the Newton, but has some advantages. The refractor provides sharper images, because it has no secondary mirror in the optical path.

Even experienced stargazers may have lots of fun with this instrument, because it is very quickly set up for use and then enables the observation of large sky fields (“Rich field”) and comets. Equipped with a 45°-Amici-Prism, it is well suited for nature observations.

The Maksutov Skymax-127 AZ-5 has been a very popular instrument for many years. With its large focal length, it brings the Moon, planets or other objects very close, even on a bright day, with sharp contours.

In combination with a motorised mount, this telescope’s optics are highly suitable for photographic purposes. Looking at it this way, the set Skymax-127 AZ-5 is an investment in the future or a supplement, if you already have an astronomical mount, but would additionally like to have a light AZ-mount and Maksutov optics.

Tags: Skywatcher, telescope, Telescope Accessories, Mount
Posted in New Products »

Good things always return: The ETX-125 telescope from Meade

June 29 2017, Stefan Taube

It is available again, the ETX-125 from Meade. Easy to transport, versatile in use and computer controlled – this made the ETX-125 a classic in the past!

The advantages of the Meade ETX-125:

Compact Maksutov optics: Longer focal length despite the short tube. Ideal for watching the moon and planets, but also for observing nature in the daytime. The robust Maksutov is stable in adjustment and, due to the closed tube, has a well protected mirror.
With its opening of 127 millimetres, it is the biggest optics of the ETX series and also suitable for watching objects beyond our solar system: The Orion nebula, the big star cluster M13 in the Hercules constellation, and many other objects.
The optical tube is fixed in a bracket mount. It reliably carries the optical system, its motors in both axes align it with the desired observation object and track the telescope in line with any rotation of the sky. The integrated battery compartment provides the required electric current for the motors during outdoor use. However, the ETX-125 can also be powered via an optionally available power supply unit.
The tube is actually fixed in the fork, but the fork can be removed from the tripod for easier transportation. The steel pipe tripod carries the telescope without any negative wobbling. Another special feature: The tripod comes with an integrated equatorial wedge. This makes the azimuthal bracket mounting an equatorial GoTo mount, as is needed for astro photography.

And all this for a fair price!

The Meade ETX-125 is a GoTo telescope. This means that it is equipped with computer control, which makes it possible for beginners to find and identify objects in the sky.

The telescope is controlled via the new AudioStar-Handbox:

With AudioStar, you can choose from 30,000 celestial objects. However, the control also suggests objects for watching. A special feature of AudioStar is the audio output. It provides interesting information about the chosen object – however, only in English.

The compact, robust and computer controlled Meade ETX-125 also convinces in its new design!

Tags: telescope, ETX-125, MEADE
Posted in New Products »

Now available: the new CGEM II mount from Celestron

May 17 2017, Stefan Taube

The American telescope manufacturer Celestron has revised their work horse for astrophotographers. The CGEM II is very popular, and rightly so, because when it comes to load bearing capacity it has a lot of reserves as compared to the smaller Advanced VX mount; but it is cheaper than the big CGX. In the field of equatorial GoTo mounts for mobile astrophotography the CGEM II takes a middle position.

The new CGEM II not only looks very trendy, but it also features a few real innovations when compared with its predecessor.

New powerful motor electronics with the latest firmware.
USB 2.0 port on the hand controller. This way you can simply connect the hand controller to a PC for software updates.
PPEC (Permanent Periodic Error Control) ensures precise tracking.
Autoguider port. Indispensable for sophisticated astrophotography!
Tracking beyond the meridian.
The mounting saddle accepts prism rails acc. to Vixen and Losmandy standard. No adapter required.
Improved tripod with height marks: This makes it even easier to place the tripod horizontally.

With this mount, the telescope, camera and guider may have a weight of up to 18 kg. This leaves a really big tolerance range.

We offer the CGEM II, but also as a set together with the Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with apertures ranging from 8 to 11 inch (~200 to 280 millimetres): CGEM-II telescopes.

Combined with the classic SC-telescopes this provides you with excellent astronomical equipment which will give you joy for the rest of your life! If you have extra spending money, you should consider the CGEM II with EdgeHD. This variant of the Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope already has the correction optics for the unavoidable coma error integrated, allowing you to take sharp photos right to the edge.

Whatever you will decide, with the CGEM II you can’t go wrong!

Tags: Celestron, telescope
Posted in New Products »