 |
Celestron NexImage
by Revier
Everybody has to start somewhere in a new hobby and Celestron would like you to start with them and their entry level planetary imager the Neximage. Exclusively a lunar/planetary camera, the Neximage is marketed at the beginner interested in shooting objects within the solar system.
First, the facts...The neximage uses a 3.6mm ... x 2.7mm CCD colour chip with 640x480 resolution, with a pixel size of 5.6 microns giving a sensitivity of <1 lux. It's USB 2 and is capable of a maximum of 30fps (although we'll look at that in a bit more detail later). It comes with a CD Rom that's got processing software and camera control software on it. A Pc with a 333mhz pentium 2 and 128mb of ram is required as a minimum to run the camera.
On the surface all that sounds great to the budding astrophotographer until we look at the pricetag, £116. Celestron are hoping that their potential customers will be sufficiently unconfident and uncertain enough in starting their new hobby that they'll pay over the odds for a "comprehensive and complete start up package". A little unfair perhaps to place the blame squarely on Celestron, all of us (this writer included) have been guilty of paying for convenience and for someone else to do the work for us but in this instance, significantly better cameras with better (and free) softwares can be found with only a minimal effort.
The software found on the CD rom is outdated and basic with better image processing tools as well as camera operating softwares being easily obtained on the net, they are widely distributed, absolutely free (and legal).
The cameras claim to 30fps is slightly misleading, while technically the camera can produce 30 frames per second you can only effectively use 10 before data compression dramatically reduces image quality.
These days there are so many simple webcams out there that outperform the neximage, using the logitech fusion webcam that I started out with as an example. The Fusion has a max resolution of 1280x960 and will capture 20 fps at 640x480 with a pixel size of 3.5 microns. The most amazing part is, all that cost me just over a quarter of what Celestron is asking for the Neximage, £30.
I cannot recommend the Neximage for the simple reason that it is overpriced by about 400%, it is a highly standard camera with a hugely inflated pricetag that is targeted at the newcomer who might be attracted by a certain style of advertising.
Read the complete review |
 |
Opticron ES 80 GA SD/45
by Revier
A device that's used in observation must score highly in at least three key areas to be considered truly useful. A portable, durable and optically clear fieldscope will soon become an indispensable tool for the twitcher, astronomer and nosey neighbour alike! I myself fall into the former two categories (but that's only because of the ... subpoena, prohibiting me from the third). No, Not really of course, but whatever your monoculous needs, the ES by Opticron is a great place to start.
Setting itself apart from the competition, the ES manages to unite the big three together under a price tag that, whilst cannot be considered cheap, is certainly commensurate to it's quality. At just shy of £400 there's no denying the ES is a substantial outlay, but, with Opticrons triple lens design and their F-type multi coatings you can be sure it's a worthwhile one.
Made from a combination of aluminium and a Lexan like polycarbonate the body of the ES is not only strong but lightweight to, at just under 1.5kg (1484g) the whole scope weighs about the same as a bag of sugar. A tactile rubber 'armour' covers the body and ensures the scope will remain undamaged in all but the most forceful of accidents and although I've never dropped mine, I feel reassured by its presence.
At 390mm the scope is easily transported from A to B and when it's bantam weight is taken into consideration it makes an excellent scope for travelling with, fitting easily into any backpack or holdall.
So the ES is portable, it's also durable, but the criteria of arch importance for a fieldscope is the clarity of its optics. While the ES does suffer from mild chromatic abberation (a faint purplish glow around the observed object) and at higher magnifications views become slightly less crisp, less well defined, when we consider the scope within the context of its price bracket it can still be considered a strong performer. With excellent colour rendition (once you get used to the CA) and a range of eyepieces to choose from you'd have to spend considerably more to find a better fieldscope.
With a pleasingly responsive focusing knob, a portably sleek profile and an optical system that performs well within the arena of its price range, the ES 80 is an excellent choice for anyone who needs to cover long distances with their eyes.
Read the complete review |
|
|
Skywatcher 130/900 EQ-2
by RealHuman
Am I impressed with this little piece of equipment! The only thing important is that you READ THE INSTRUCTIONS carefully, you don't want to damage assembly. This is a very important.
Once assembled the telescope is a breeze to operate and the only thing in your way is the right coordinates and a clear sky. The main downside to ... the telescope is that you cannot look thru the eye piece when doing adjustments but that is not really a big problem.
The moon looks spectacular, other astronomical objects are more fun than the moon tho :-)
Another drawback, if you can call it that is that: you will _want_ to spend a lot on the cool accessories to improve the features and better views, and other cool things like clock drive.
All in all this is a great telescope, and if you don't like what is in the heavens it makes for a cool long distance scope :P .. I would recon it can provide many miles of visibility around you assuming you are high enough and have a clear line of sight.
Read the complete review |
