Hi everyone.
My name is Oliver Tinley, and first of all I wanted to thank you for stopping by Optical Mechanics.
I don’t have some crazy story about how I got into this, I just wanted to create a resource to help people learn about telescopes, binoculars and all things optical equipment.
While I’m not an expert in everything there is to know, the team here at Optical Mechanics are.
Our editorial team is made up of some of the best in their respected fields, from die hard enthusiasts to experienced professionals and published authors.
The team at Optical Mechanics will always put our readers first when it comes to how we do business and the content that we produce and thats something that we put our name to.
I’d like to thank you again for stopping by, please take a minute to check out the profiles of the rest of the team and find out what makes us tick.
Meet the Team
Below we have sorted our Posts by Author, so if you like a particular style, they should be easier to find.
Posts from Oliver
Unveiling the Mysteries of the James Webb Space Telescope
Minimal test
Orion: Stars, Nebulae, and Observing Guide
Explore Orion’s stars and nebulae: find the Belt, tour the Orion Nebula and Horsehead, learn Betelgeuse vs Rigel, star formation, history, and observing tips.
Dark Matter Explained: Evidence, Searches, Future
Understand dark matter: evidence from galaxies to the CMB, leading candidates, direct/indirect detection, lensing maps, simulations, small-scale puzzles, and what’s next.
Posts from Richard
Posts from Zane
Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102 Review
Celestron’s StarSense Explorer line is the latest in Celestron’s revolving door of low-cost, oddly designed and often computerized beginner telescopes. Celestron has previously tried to make using a telescope as easy as possible in the form of the NexStar telescopes (which sadly lost their extremely simple Level North alignment feature in a patent lawsuit, and
Refractor vs Reflector Telescope: What is the Difference?
Refractor vs reflector that is the question… Most people seem to have a fairly generic idea of a telescope that they picture in their minds, particularly when shopping for one: A long, skinny instrument with a lens at one end mounted on a spindly but elegant tripod, with the eyepiece at the rear. This is
Celestron Advanced VX: More Trouble Than It’s Worth?
Celestron’s Advanced VX is frequently cited as a great multipurpose mount for astrophotography, but in actuality, it’s ridden with problems in its design which make it less-than-optimal – a product of cost-cutting measures. The Advanced VX is great, however, if you want a big dumb mount for planetary imaging and visual use which has to
Posts from Alan
Celestron C9.25XLT OTA Review: A Great Step-Up
If you are looking for the next step up from your entry-level telescope, or you just want to start out with something which won’t need upgrading for a very long time, The Celestron C9.25 XLT with Starbright coatings (C925), may well be for you. The C925 can be found everywhere from back gardens and sheds,
Kellner vs Plossl Eyepiece – What is the Difference?
So you’ve bought yourself a shiny new telescope, or you’ve dug an old one out of the attic, or perhaps you have your telescope all set up and working nicely but you get upgrade-itis and have a nagging feeling that there is more quality that can be wrung from your telescope? Whilst idly reading the
Why Does the Moon Shine?
Why does the moon shine? is one of those seemingly simple questions that people tend to assume they were born with the knowledge to answer, like ‘why is the sky blue?’ That is until someone – usually a young child – asks them the question. But fear not, nobody is born with this knowledge, so
Posts from Jordanne
Best Telescopes for Deep Space Objects: See the Beauties!
When it comes to purchasing a deep space telescope, there are many different facets to think about. In this article, we will go through the top five best telescopes for deep space on the market, as well as go over what makes a good deep space telescope and some important tips for observing. In our
Celestron NexStar 6SE: Our Epic Review
The Celestron NexStar 6SE is one of Celestron’s more compact Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, providing a good balance between aperture and portability. This can be compared to some of Celestron’s other sibling products, the 4SE, 5SE, and 8SE, all of which are similar telescopes at different sizes of aperture. The NexStar 6SE Optical Tube Weighing in at
The Best Telescopes Under $500 in 2024
Looking for the best telescopes without breaking the bank? This article has got you covered. In this article, we will share our top picks for the best telescopes under $500. Contrary to what some may believe, it does not take an expensive telescope to be able to see the moon, stars, and planets with great
Post from Andrew
Choosing the Best Telescope Eyepieces for Deep-Sky Observation
Choosing the Best Telescope Eyepieces for Deep-Sky Observation Deep-sky observation is one of the most rewarding aspects of amateur astronomy, offering a glimpse into distant galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. But to truly unlock the potential of your telescope, selecting the right eyepiece is essential. The eyepiece acts as the lens through which you view
Telescope Rental Options in the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia
Telescope Rental Options in the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia Stargazing and astrophotography are fantastic ways to explore the night sky, but purchasing a high-quality telescope can be a significant investment. If you’re new to astronomy or simply want to try different equipment without the upfront cost, renting a telescope can be an ideal solution.
Step-by-Step Guide to Imaging the Andromeda Galaxy
Step-by-Step Guide to Imaging the Andromeda Galaxy Table of Contents Why Andromeda? Visibility of Andromeda in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres Fun Facts About Andromeda Essential Equipment Step-by-Step Imaging Process Processing Your Image Final Tips and Tricks 1. Why Andromeda? The Andromeda Galaxy is an ideal target for astrophotographers because it’s large, bright, and shows
