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New: CQ350 Skywatcher mount with high load capacity!

February 9 2023, Stefan Taube

In the CQ350, Skywatcher has created a heavy mount, which is still suitable for mobile astronomy. Thanks to its load capacity, it sits between the smaller EQ6-R and the larger EQ8-R.

The CQ350 is equally well suited for astrophotography in your own garden as it is for observatories; and thus represents an excellent compromise between mobile and stationary use.

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Summary of key features:

  • Load capacity up to 35 kilograms
  • State-of-the-art computer controls (GoTo) with SynScan V.5 hand control box
  • Integrated database containing 42,900 objects
  • Toothed belt drive for smooth operation without gear backlash
  • Dual dovetail clamp to accommodate all popular telescopes

This quietly operated mount is moved using belt drives with stepper motors in both axes (Encoder resolution: 55,193,600 counts/rev, 0.023 arcseconds). Its quiet operation and high slewing speed makes this mount even appeal to observatories with public guided tours.

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The mount comes with counterweights and a tripod. However, the mount can also be purchased without a tripod if you want to use it in a fixed position in an observatory. You can find both versions here in our shop.

New binoculars from ZEISS: SFL series

December 15 2022, Stefan Taube

True lightweights among high-performance binoculars: ZEISS SFL

  • Ideal for observing birds and other animals!
  • Very lightweight and compact for nature walks!
  • Very high quality ZEISS lenses for lifelike colours and fine details!

ZEISS SFL

With the ZEISS SFL binoculars (SmartFocus Lightweight) special moments can be easily experienced. The binoculars are optimised so that they are as lightweight and compact as possible.

The new ultra-high definition (UHD) concept provides lifelike colour reproduction and ultra high detail. Thanks to its SmartFocus design, the focusing wheel is perfectly positioned and enables fast precision focusing – even when wearing gloves.

The optimised ergonomics and a large exit pupil provide a relaxed, undisturbed view.

The binoculars are available in the following versions:

ZEISS SFL

 

New mount from Skywatcher: the AZ-GTiX WiFi

December 5 2022, Stefan Taube

Skywatcher is introducing a new mount from the AZ-GTi series. These altazimuth mounts feature:

  • Low weight and compact design
  • Motorisation with computer control (GoTo)
  • Integrated WLAN to connect to a smartphone or tablet

The new version, the AZ-GTiX WiFi, offers a higher load capacity and two saddle plates for mounting two instruments, for example a telescope and a camera, side-by-side.

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The AZ-GTiX mount can be used with any sufficiently-large camera tripod with a 3/8-inch photo thread. Skywatcher also offers the mount in a set with a tripod: AZ-GTiX WiFi with tripod.

The AZ-GTiX mount has a built-in WLAN module so you can control it wirelessly using a smartphone or tablet. All you need to do is install the free SynScan app for iOS or Android. Using its servo motors, the mount slews the telescope to any of the 10,000 celestial objects that you can select via the app.

All mounts in the AZ-GTi series can be found here in our shop.

The PrimaLuceLab experience

November 24 2022, Jan Ströher

PrimaLuceLab, the Italian manufacturer from Porcia, specialises in high-end astronomy accessories. Products includes the high-quality PLUS range of prism rails, support rings and clamps, together with adapters, guiding systems, radio telescopes and a variety of products for holistic astrophotography solutions. PrimaLuceLab’s aspiration is to make astrophotography uncomplicated and accessible for all – this aspiration is fully realised with their specially developed PLAY software and their EAGLE, ECCO, ARCO, GIOTTO and SESTO SENSO series of products. The aim is to create a complete package that functions as simply as possible and makes the technology behind astrophotography as convenient for all users as it can be: a PrimaLuceLab experience, so to say.

PrimaLuceLab EAGLE control unit

When combined with the PLAY software, this system comprising various PrimaLuceLab products offers a complete set-up for all telescope models, regardless of brand. The PLAY software is very clear, user-friendly, offers an all-in-one solution with full ASCOM compatibility and works providing you use at least an ESATTO micro focuser or the SESTO SENSO 2. Instead of various software applications, you have everything combined in one clear and simple solution – indeed the name PLAY suggests the simplicity of the application – which allows even beginners to engage in astrophotography in an uncomplicated (yes, playful) and yet immediately successful manner. All other PrimaLuceLab products can be controlled using this software.

The ESATTO micro focuser

Functionality and technology are continuously tested and further developed by PrimaLuceLab. Products are always checked in the in-house workshop before they are sent to the warehouse or prepared for shipment. I was able to see this for myself during a visit to the company in October 2022. There, the founder and president of PrimaLuceLab, Filippo Bradaschia, gave me a live demonstration of the PLAY software functionality using a complete set-up comprising a Sky Watcher AZ/EQ5 mount, a cooled QHY163 monochrome camera, PrimaLuceLab EAGLE/ARCO/SESTO SENSO products, together with a Sharpstar 80mm apochromatic refractor. I was impressed by the overview of the operation as well as the functionality! The software even replaces the mount’s hand-held control. Filippo Bradaschia compares this to buying an Apple©™product: PrimaLuceLab offers you a complete experience and ensures that the individual components are all compatible with one another: the PrimaLuceLab experience!

Back in stock: Baader FlipMirror II

November 9 2022, Stefan Taube

Multiple faces – multiple uses

Baader’s multi-purpose flip mirror is back in stock! In combination with its level camera connector, the FlipMirror II offers a third connector, ideal for accessories such as off-axis guiders or calibration lamps for spectrographs.

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The FlipMirror II can be permanently mounted on the telescope as its optical finish is comparable to that of a high-quality zenith mirror. The flip mirror can also be used for visual observation.

Why do you need a flip mirror?

Unfortunately, every telescope only has one connector on the eyepiece side despite there being a large range of accessories that you may want to connect: eyepieces, cameras, off-axis guiders, guiding eyepieces, spectrographs and many more. For astrophotography and spectroscopy, these components need to be mounted at the same time.

The FlipMirror II provides more opportunities for this than other flip mirrors and it also provides solid screw adaptors. This is why multiple thread adapters are included amongst the accessories.

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Hold the stars in your hand – the new Vaonis Vespera!

October 18 2022, Elias Erdnüß

The impressive Vaonis Stellina arrived on the market 3 years ago. With its fully-automatic alignment, autofocus, live stacking and app-based controls, it more than deserves the title of smart telescope!

Now the Vaonis is upping the ante… The new Vespera is a miniature version of the tried and tested concept. With a weight of just 5kg, this new observing station is more compact and more mobile than its alternatives. The Vespera can be taken anywhere quickly and at the drop of a hat. As with the Stellina, alignment takes place automatically using plate solving. Select your desired object for observation from the singularity app – the telescope finds the target and starts imaging. Watch on your smartphone or tablet as the celestial object becomes clearer, more colourful and more contrast-rich, minute after minute, whilst the Vespera collects more and more light using live stacking.

The Vespera also provides even better value for money than its predecessor thanks to its reduced size! Yet its optics still meet the highest possible standards. The in-built 50/200 (f/4) quadruplet apochromat in combination with the modern Sony IMX462 sensor provide high-quality astronomical images. Share these with friends and family!

Order here now!

Telescopes from Bresser’s Messier range

September 19 2022, Stefan Taube

The manufacturer Bresser offers a rich variety of telescopes for hobby astronomers in their Messier range. Options range from economically-priced entry-level models through to telescopes which make all of your wishes come true.

Large selection of scopes and mounts:

Within the Messier range, you can find optical telescopes, Newtonian telescopes and compact Maksutov scopes. The latter are very good for travelling and are designed for planetary and lunar observations.

These telescopes are equipped with a rail to attach them to astronomical mounts. As these rails conform to the Vixen style, the telescopes can be used with almost every mount.
For the Messier range, Bresser has developed both the EXOS-1 and the EXOS-2 mounts. They are adapted for these scopes. The mounts can be purchased with or without a motor. If you want a reasonably-priced entry-level model, you can leave the motor out. You can always add one later. Motors are especially necessary for astrophotography. You can find upgrade sets here in our shop.

The EXOS-2 mount is also available with computerised controls (GoTo).

Bresser Teleskop AC 102/1000 Messier Hexafoc EXOS-2

Bresser AC 102/1000 EXOS-2 GoTo Messier telescope

Ideal for beginners: Dobsonian telescopes

Within the Messier range, Bresser also offers a range of Dobsonian telescopes. The larger models feature altitude bearings which provide high levels of stability in all positions. Thanks to the OTA brackets, the tubes on these Dobsonian telescopes can also be placed on other mounts.

Dobsonian telescopes are ideal for optical use and are very reasonably priced.

Bresser Dobson Teleskop N 254/1270 Messier Hexafoc

Bresser N 254/1270 Hexafoc Messier Dobsonian telescope

All telescopes come with a suitable solar filter which is placed on the front end of the telescope. This makes it possible to safely observe the Sun.

All telescopes from Bresser’s Messier range can be found  here in our shop.

New: Services for Telescopes and Accessories

August 30 2022, Marcus Schenk

Discover our new workshop services here!

W have a professionally-equipped workshop, an optical bench and trained service personnel to diagnose and correct optical, mechanical and electronic problems with your equipment, quickly and professionally. Your Omegon telescope will feel just as happy with us as instruments from Meade, Celestron, Skywatcher and iOptron. We are an authorised service partner for all of these manufacturers. We can often assist with other brands so please do get in touch with us if your instrument brand is not mentioned.

Our services at a glance:

  • Collimation and adjustment of large binoculars
  • Filter testing (transmission measurement) with a spectrophotometer
  • Service, tuning and repair of mounts
  • Software updates and replacement of electronic components
  • Cleaning, adjustment and collimation of optics
  • Star testing using an artificial star
  • Interferometer measurement and autocollimation

You want to repair your telescope or have it checked? We are looking forward to hearing from you. Email: [email protected]. Telephone: +49 8191 94049-1.

Sky Quality Map of Europe: Where can dark night skies still be found?

August 9 2022, Stefan Taube

Following the success of the Sky Quality Map of Germany, Oculum Verlag has produced another pull-out map showing light pollution. The Sky Quality Map of Europe is a comprehensive source of information for anyone looking for dark skies in Europe.

Sky Quality Map

Additionally, the map can play an integral role in the public relations activities of observatories and also contribute towards the conservation of nature as light pollution is not only annoying for astronomers, but it is also a significant cause of insect death.

Satellite images were used to generate data which renowned Italian researchers Fabio Falchi and Riccardo Furgoni then processed.

This data was carefully calculated, taking numerous factors into account, to enable them to reach reliable scientific conclusions about artificial light in the night sky.

Sky Quality Map

A high-quality travel map was used as a cartographic basemap. Even small towns, bodies of water, train tracks, streets and attractions are listed on the map. This means the map can be used for planning as well as for navigation.

New: Dobsonian telescopes from Celestron with StarSense technology

July 25 2022, Stefan Taube

With the StarSense Explorer series of telescopes from Celestron, it’s very easy to find objects in the night sky. All you need to do is install a free app and insert your smartphone into the special dock on the telescope.

Celestron combines classic Dobsonian telescopes with this new technology – a combination of proven and new technologies.

There are two models to choose from:

Both telescopes are complete systems with all the accessories you’ll need.

Celestron Dobson-Teleskop StarSense-Explorer

Celestron StarSense Explorer Dobsonian telescope

Unlike other PushTo technologies, no encoders are used. The StarSense app uses the smartphone’s camera to capture the current visible star field and compare it to an internal database. In this way, the app knows where the telescope is pointing, and can guide the observer to the desired object with arrows on the smartphone display.

Of course, the app also offers plenty of information about the celestial objects, together with suggestions for your observing night.

StarSense-Explorer-Technologie

StarSense Explorer technology

StarSense Explorer telescopes can also be used without the app, for example for a view of the Moon or another easily identifiable celestial object. For this purpose, a red dot finder is included.

Dobsonian telescopes are among the most popular entry-level telescopes. But they are also greatly valued by experienced astronomers for exploring the night sky without a camera. These telescopes’ minimalism makes them relatively inexpensive and are suitable both for beginners and advanced observers looking for an uncomplicated nature adventure. The StarSense Explorer series of Dobsonian telescopes combines this minimalism with a modern aid for navigating the night sky.

Dobson-Teleskope sind leicht zu transportieren und aufzubauen.

Dobsonian telescopes are easy to transport and assemble.