The Orion SkyQuest XT12i is a massive instrument designed for demanding observers, and one of the less expensive 12” Dobsonians available, mainly due to its simple build. The XT12i costs only a bit more than its non-computerized competitors, but its Intelliscope mount makes it a bit easier to use – and is a bit more […]
Orion SkyQuest XT12i Review: A Dob at a Great Price Read More »
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
Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102 Review Read More »
12×25 Binos: What to Expect Binoculars are one of the most important assets in an amateur astronomer’s arsenal. They provide easy grab-and-go portability while allowing you to crank up the power and light gathering on objects that may need it. For daytime users, binoculars can also be a great tool for walking or exploring, providing
How Far Can You See with 12×25 Binoculars? You’ll Be Amazed Read More »
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
Refractor vs Reflector Telescope: What is the Difference? Read More »
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
Celestron Advanced VX: More Trouble Than It’s Worth? Read More »
You’ve purchased a new telescope and can’t wait to use it to find celestial objects in the night sky. But although your telescope can be set up in minutes, that doesn’t mean that you can use it straight out of the box – it needs to be aligned! Why do you have to align your
How To Align Your Telescope Read More »
The Skywatcher EQ6-R-Pro is a Go-to German Equatorial mount that finds itself in something of a price and weight-bearing sweet spot. It’s relatively affordable in a hobby that will never be cheap, but expensive enough an investment that you won’t want to replace it for many years. It’s a well-known true-ism in astrophotography circles that
Skywatcher EQ6-R Pro Review: Is This The Sweet Spot? Read More »
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
Best Telescopes for Deep Space Objects: See the Beauties! Read More »
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,
Celestron C9.25XLT OTA Review: A Great Step-Up Read More »
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
Kellner vs Plossl Eyepiece – What is the Difference? Read More »
The Orion SkyScanner 100 is basically the cheapest good telescope available these days, with a proper parabolic primary mirror to deliver sharp images, enough aperture to show you faint fuzzies, and accessories that aren’t plastic garbage. The scope does have a few concessions due to its low price tag but these are easily ignored. Like
Orion SkyScanner 100 Review: It’s Cheap, But Is It Good? Read More »
The Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 is the smallest of Orion’s XT-series “SkyQuest” Dobsonians, and seldom seen at star parties or astronomy events. It’s a rather niche instrument considering the lower price of shorter 4.5” and even 5” tabletop reflectors, however is a good entry for someone considering a smaller, lower-priced dobsonian. What We Like What We
Orion Skyquest XT4.5 Review: Is It Right For You? Read More »