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Archive for March 2019

New: NB1 nebula filter from IDAS

March 25 2019, Stefan Taube

Luminescent emission nebulae, supernova remnants and planetary nebulae are all particularly beautiful objects pertaining to the night sky. This applies both to the simple process of visual observation, as well as to astrophotography. Nature illuminates such nebulae in specific spectral colours: the red light of hydrogen, the blue-green light of oxygen ions and also in the colours of sulphur and nitrogen ions.  Nebula filters enable these colours to pass through whilst blocking the diffused light of the natural luminance of the sky and of light pollution. The result is a marked increase in contrast.

With the Nebula Booster NB1, the filter specialists IDAS are introducing a new, very high-performing filter of this type onto the market, and one that is not overly expensive! As the transmission curve shows, the filter has high transmission and is permeable for all relevant spectral lines, with a surprisingly narrow passband: A real nebula intensifier!

Transmission curve IDAS NB1

 

The filter is ideal for photographing large nebula regions since it enables the typical colours of these objects to pass and blocks the disruptive skyglow. The filter quickly and completely cuts off near infrared up to 1100 nanometres. This is important since cameras are sensitive to this range, but telescopic lenses are optimised for the visible spectral range and are faulty in the infrared range.

IDAS Nebula Booster NB1

IDAS Nebula Booster NB1

 

The Nebula Booster NB1 is available with two versions which cover both of the common filter thread sizes and can be screw-fitted to the housings of eyepieces or cameras.

Find the Right Binoculars or Night Vision Device – New Models for 2019!

March 12 2019, Betty Lux

The new year has already arrived. Our binoculars and optical instrument suppliers are also making great headway with a wide range of innovations and new products –

whether bird or nature watching – you can’t go wrong with this all-rounder

Celestron‘s Trailseeker ED binoculars are a brand new article on the market. The popular and already available Trailseeker series  has now been extended with the use of high-quality ED glass. ED glass, also known as ‘Extra Low Dispersion Glass‘ reduces chromatic aberration to a minimum. That is a particular advantage when the lighting conditions are unfavourable, such as in the twilight. Despite it often being good weather in the Spring, it does still get dark quite early. But these binoculars will let you continue observing animals and birds well into the early evening. Savour every minute of your time outdoors in the countryside – your Trailseeker ED binoculars will help you!

Celestron Trailseeker ED 8×42

 

Speaking of the night: how about a night vision device?

Not without reason, the demand for night vision devices is higher than ever. Only a few years ago, these devices were not always particularly technically sophisticated, unwieldy and, most of all, expensive. Thankfully, those days are now over – as with the new Minox NVD 650 night vision device. The 6X magnification, with up to 30X digital zoom, allows you to see details in the dark. But what is really special is its range – with details still visible up to 350m away – putting the Minox NVD 650 firmly in the top echelon of 1st generation night vision devices! The photos and HD videos you take with it can be saved to a Micro-SD card and shown to friends and family later. And, last but not least, the device is really great value for money.

Minox NVD 650 night vision device

 

Hawke Frontier ED X – opens up an entire new world

At around 700 grams, Frontier ED X 10×42 binoculars from Hawke are ideally suitable for the discerning nature-watcher who doesn’t want to miss a thing. Here too, everything is down to the use of low dispersion ED glass together with an extremely compact design. The eyepieces can be pushed together to only 105mm separation. Those who find compact binoculars to be too small and unsophisticated will be more than satisfied with the Frontier ED X. They are nitrogen-filled to prevent fogging and equipped with a high-quality set of accessories, leaving nothing to be desired by the outdoor enthusiast.

AWKE Fernglas Frontier ED X 10x42

HAWKE Frontier ED X 10×42 binoculars

Explore all the new binoculars and optical instruments from reputable manufactures on our website and take advantage of our huge selection. Now is exactly the right time to buy, as availability is short but there is still sufficient stock. In any case, you are bound to enjoy some great moments nature watching!