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Order the new version of the OCAL collimator now!

October 18 2023, Stefan Taube

The OCAL PRO collimator has revolutionised  precision collimation of reflector telescopes since its introduction in 2021! Now you can get an improved version of the collimator: OCAL V3.0 electronic collimator

Transportation and general usage can cause telescopes to lose their collimation. This is because the scopes’ primary and secondary mirrors shift position. The instrument can no longer show off its capabilities. An abundance of collimation accessories help to redress this.

The OCAL V3.0 uses a camera for this. This makes it unbeatably precise.

The OCAL V3.0 has an entirely new design:

  • Inside, it has an in-built, light-sensitive CMOS sensor. This makes collimation easier in poor light conditions.
  • Exposure time is also now only 1/20, compared to previous models.
  • The OCAL V3.0 has a much bigger lens than both of its predecessors.
  • The new OCAL V3.0 can achieve considerably higher resolutions. This makes images clearer, even in critical conditions and improves the precision of the results.
  • The new version comes with different adaptors.

You can find further information, price and purchase options using the following link: OCAL V3.0

Unistellar smart telescopes now with a free solar filter and backpack!

October 17 2023, Jan Ströher

The manufacturer Unistellar is running a special promotion until 05 November, in which its eQuinox 2 and eVscope 2 smart telescopes are being offered with a free solar filter and backpack.

With every purchase of one of the two models, you will get a solar filter worth €249 and a matching backpack worth € 359 completely free!

eVscope 2 and eQuinox 2 on special offer

This promotion is only valid for the above-mentioned Unistellar models and finishes on 05 November 2023.

Special offer: thermal cameras for bargain hunters, save over 25%!

October 6 2023, Stefan Rieger

You can choose between the entry-level Thermalfox model, the Thermalfox Wi-Fi which features Wi-Fi connectivity, and the LCD screen which is suitable for both devices.

This offer is not only aimed at hunters. I also find it can be extremely helpful to use a thermal imaging camera when nature-watching to detect birds or other animals based on their thermal signature before locating and identifying them with binoculars or a spotting scope. The LCD screen is especially useful for finding birds in trees, or for nocturnal rabbit and hare counts.

Omegon Thermalfox mit optinalem LCD-Screen

So be as smart as a fox and bag a quick bargain! Save more than 25%

This offer is only valid while stocks last.

Omegon polarscope additional light for Omegon MiniTrack mounts as well as EQ5, LX85, AVX etc.

October 5 2023, Achim Mros

We all know the problem – the black lines and crosshairs on a polarscope reticle can be difficult or impossible to see at night. Like a “Chimney Sweep at Night against a Black Background” (a painting by the German comedian Karl Valentin).
With this high-quality Omegon polarscope light, such problems are a thing of the past. The dimmable lighting unit brightens the polarscope’s field of view slightly, so that the crosshair is visible once again in front of your chosen section of the night sky, without outshining important stars such as, in this case, Polaris.
The Omegon polarscope light is made of high-quality CNC-machined aluminium, so it is not yet another flimsy plastic part. They are produced in the EU, more precisely in Portugal, by NIMAX Portugal.
What is particularly interesting, however, is that this supplementary illumination has a variety of uses. It fits all Omegon MiniTrack LX and Quattro travel mounts with optical polar finderscopes.

Attached to an Omegon MiniTrack polarscope

This device can also be used with mounts that do not have an illuminated polar finderscope unit, for example:

Skywatcher EQ5
Meade LX85
Celestron AVX
MON 2
EXOS II

and with other equatorial mounts with an optical polar finderscope.

Omegon polarscope light on a Skywatcher EQ5 mount

Celestron NATURE DX binoculars now with ED lenses

October 5 2023, Stefan Taube

Binoculars from Celestron’s NATURE DX range are ideal for nature lovers and hikers. They are weatherproof, compact and lightweight – ideal for on the go!

However, the price of these binoculars is perhaps the most impressive thing. Although they have all the features of more expensive brands, they are offered at an exceptionally attractive price. This makes them the ideal companion for all hillwalkers, skywatchers and, in particular, for amateur bird watchers.

The latter benefit especially from the NATURE DX binoculars with ED lenses. The extra-low dispersion lenses provide true colour images at high resolution and contrast – with almost no colour abberations. This is particularly beneficial when observing colourful plumage on bright days.

Binoculars from the NATURE DX range are true all-rounders for all nature lovers!

Special autumn promotion on the iOptron CEM26!

October 1 2023, Jan Ströher

iOptron’s sophisticated and mechanically excellent centre-balanced equatorial mounts (CEM) provide a very precise foundation for (mobile) astrophotography and observation. We are now offering you a special promotion with attractive prices on models in the CEM26 series from iOptron from 01 to 31 October. The CEM26 is the lightest and most compact model in the range. They are very transportable but can still carry up to 12kg payload. As with the larger CEM mounts, the CEM26 features the perfect relationship between weight and payload. The key to this optimised ratio is the centre-balanced equatorial mount (CEM) design developed by iOptron, which directs the combined mount and payload weight to the centre of the tripod to create a natural centre of gravity. Building on the product expertise gained from previous CEM models, the CEM26 has additional features to ensure maximum convenience during use. It also includes an integrated Wi-Fi system, as well as permanent periodic error correction (PEC).

CEM26 from iOptron

In terms of functionality, the CEM26 delivers precise pointing and highly accurate tracking of selected objects, setting new standards for compact, medium-sized equatorial GoTo mounts. Equipped with the latest Go2Nova® technology, it is one of the most powerful and accurate GoTo mounts on the market today!

Secure your preferred version of the CEM26 as part of our autumn promotion – choose from three models: all are available for immediate delivery from stock!

CEM26 in a carrying case

This promotion is valid on the selected models from 01 to 31 October or as long as stocks last!

Higher contrast for comet hunters: C2 Swan Band filter

September 29 2023, Stefan Taube

CS-Band-Filter

German manufacturer, Baader, has produced a new filter for 511 and 514 nanometre spectral lines which is available to fit both available filter thread sizes:

These Swan Band emission lines, which are named after their discoverer, are produced by carbon. They make up the majority of a comet’s gas tail in the visible spectrum. The filter only allows light from these two carbon wavelengths to pass through and blocks the ever-present light pollution. Structures within a comet’s gas tail, therefore, become more pronounced even in good observing conditions.

At the same time, it blocks the 501 nanometre OIII spectral lines. This increases contrast and makes it easier to distinguish comets with gas tails from comets with dust tails.

Both C2 Swan Band filters belong to Baader’s new CMOS-optimised filters:

The remote-controlled eagle – PrimaLuceLab Eagle

September 5 2023, Bengt Lindqvist

A comprehensive, intuitive to use WiFi and remote-control unit, no matter where, how, or what you need to control. No other system offers such a wide range of configurations, regardless of whether it is for controlling a camera, focuser motor, automatic flatfield box, or even the rotator. Operate two imaging devices simultaneously? It’s happy to help. Various connection options are available depending on the Eagle model you choose. The entire power supply runs via the Eagle and can therefore also be controlled and regulated. Tilt angle and motion sensor, absolutely no problem. From the Eagle 5 version onwards, these functions are fully available to you, not to mention the Eye sensor, which permanently measures the quality of the sky in the direction that your telescope is pointing. Windows or IOS – sure thing! N.I.N.A. or SharpCap, but of course! Put simply: if your preferred software is Windows-compatible, then the Eagle also supports it, without restrictions. It’s an open platform for the end customer.

Special features of the Eagle LE

You’re not keen on a Sesto Senso 2 motor focuser, and would rather work with a device of your own choosing? Happy to oblige. You will be able to connect it to the Eagle. In addition, you can use any software you choose. There are no limits here. We’ve all been there before. The camera freezes and will not deliver an image, what now? Pull out the plug? But let’s do that digitally. You can switch the Eagle and/or USB ports on or off remotely which can be tremendously helpful in tricky situations.

Even CPU-intensive image processing can be carried out on the fly thanks to powerful processors and a large memory, piggybacked on the imaging device of course! A full-feature, controllable Windows computer that leaves nothing to be desired, apart from the external power supply. 12 volts are required (max. 16 amperes), no matter whether power supply, power bank, or battery, and probably also the only downside. GPS, inclinometer, or even a humidity sensor; for the correct choices, depending on your requirements and setup, the following function and overview list should be a huge help. Should you still be unsure, our consultants will be happy to help you by telephone or e-mail.

Eagle series features

Key features depending on the Eagle model

  • WiFi – wireless connection
  • Ethernet – wired control
  • Remote On/Off – external access to turn the Eagle on and off
  • Remote On/Off USB – External access to turn the USB ports on and off
  • GPS sensor – location detection
  • Eye sensor – to monitor sky quality
  • Inclinometer
  • Motion detector
  • DARK mode– disables all LEDs on the Eagle
  • Industrial grade SSD/RAM
  • ECCO2– optional module to control dew heater temperature For automatic real-time monitoring, over and above the standard Eagle functions, equipped with a humidity sensor and an air pressure sensor.

Up to 40% discount for curious people: entry-level microscopes for your hobby

September 1 2023, Marcus Schenk

Why not immerse yourself in the world of the microcosm this autumn? You can save up to 40% in September and October with our new promotion on entry-level microscopes.

Whether you already have some experience in microscopy, or are a complete newcomer: the microscopes in our promotion offer you everything you need. With precise optics, easy handling, and versatile functions.

The different types included in the offer

Biological microscopes are suitable for students and beginners who want to dive deep into biological structures. Binocular reflected light microscopes are ideal for coin and mineral collectors and for any larger objects you want to examine in more detail. Maybe you are a detectorist and want to take a closer look at your treasures. LCD microscopes have a screen that allows you to view your objects comfortably – without having to look through an eyepiece. Hand-held microscopes are a good choice if you are in a hurry. You will find models from this wide range included in our offer.

So, grab your new microscope at a special price – the offer is valid until 31.10.2023 or as long as stocks last.

The iOptron GEM28 on special offer in September

September 1 2023, Jan Ströher

The summer is coming to an end and in most places the holiday season is also almost over… but there are still reasons for us to look forward to the coming autumn, astronomically speaking. Firstly because it gets dark earlier, which means we have longer nights for our hobby, and secondly because the GEM28 mounts from iOptron are available at affordable prices in our special September promotion – and the full range is available from stock! The GEM28 is perfect for mobile astrophotography. It can carry up to 13kg, but its compact design and low weight means that it can be taken almost anywhere. Compared to iOptron’s centre-balanced CEM mounts, the GEM series is a classic equatorial mount featuring the latest technology and a slim design. The GEM28 has been on the market for around two years, and enjoys great popularity among both astrophotographers and visual observers who are looking for a very good EQ5-class mount.

GEM28 GoTo iPolar LiteRoc

You can save a lot of money in September on these GEM28 models:

As always, the following applies to this offer which ends on 30 September: the items included in the offer are available from stock only while stocks last!

(Promotion period 01 to 30 September 2023)