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POLAR: classic weather stations with incredibly precise mechanics

March 27 2023, Stefan Taube

These classic weather stations with mechanical analogue pointers are particularly aesthetically pleasing and will enhance any living space. K. Fischer GmbH, the fine instrument manufacturer, offers fine mechanical craftsmanship created in its own production facilities in Germany.

POLAR thermo-hygrometer weather station

Fischer presents a new series of handmade barometers, thermometers and hair hygrometers under the brand name POLAR. These are the three most important meteorological measuring devices, which provide information about the current weather conditions and the room climate.

All instruments are precisely adjusted after manufacture and function completely maintenance-free. Each individual instrument is assigned a serial number.

The curved instrument pointers ensure parallax-free reading of the respective measured value. The dial’s typography and indices are clear and easy to read, despite their graphic refinement.

An overview of all instruments in the POLAR series can be found here in the shop.

Tags: Fischer, weather stations
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New binoculars from ZEISS: SFL series

December 15 2022, Stefan Taube

True lightweights among high-performance binoculars: ZEISS SFL

Ideal for observing birds and other animals!
Very lightweight and compact for nature walks!
Very high quality ZEISS lenses for lifelike colours and fine details!

With the ZEISS SFL binoculars (SmartFocus Lightweight) special moments can be easily experienced. The binoculars are optimised so that they are as lightweight and compact as possible.

The new ultra-high definition (UHD) concept provides lifelike colour reproduction and ultra high detail. Thanks to its SmartFocus design, the focusing wheel is perfectly positioned and enables fast precision focusing – even when wearing gloves.

The optimised ergonomics and a large exit pupil provide a relaxed, undisturbed view.

The binoculars are available in the following versions:

Tags: binoculars, ZEISS
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Omegon Pro Kolossus – the new mount for large binoculars

February 24 2022, Marcus Schenk

Large binoculars with diameters of 80mm or 100mm are almost reminiscent of a double refractor. So how can such heavy binoculars be used practically in the skies? With the new Kolossus parallelogram mount!

Using this, you can move heavy instruments like a feather across the sky.

Simply attach binoculars with a level view or an angled scope and then surf the skies. This is a good way to describe using your binoculars under the stars. Turn the mount in any direction you desire. Without having to tighten axles or kneel on the ground in awkward positions. Simple, natural and comfortable.

Different than usual

Normal tripods are small, too weak and you often need to position yourself awkwardly until you’re able to see an object. With the Kolossus parallelogram mount all that is history. You can move your binoculars upwards, downwards, to the right and to the left always in a relaxed position. This does not only lead to comfortable and more intensive observations – you also see more!

Observe together

Your binoculars move where you want them to go! Observe when lying down, on a stool or sitting normally. Thanks to the huge swivel mechanism, you have complete freedom when observing. What would it be like to observe with others? This is easy with the Kolossus mount as height differences are not a problem. Within seconds, you can lower the binoculars and also let your children observe with you.

The Kolossus mount was specially-designed for large binoculars. The sturdy swivel arm allows for 360 degree rotation so that you can reach almost every point in the skies. When packed up, the new wonder mount fits into a practical carry bag. Optimal for transportation to the observation site. All you need are your favourite binoculars and a sturdy three-legged tripod. And your new observation sensation can begin.

Want to observe more simply and naturally? View the Omegon Kollossus parallelogram here.

Tags: binoculars, Mount
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New CMOS-optimised line filters from Baader

July 1 2021, Stefan Taube

The manufacturer Baader presents new filters for astrophotography in the spectral lines H-alpha, OIII and SII.

Narrowband filters for aperture ratios f/10 to f/3.5
f/2 highspeed filters for aperture ratios f/3.4 to f/1.8
Ultra-narrowband filters for aperture ratios f/10 to f/3.5
f/2 ultra-highspeed filters for aperture ratios f/3.4 to f/1.8

The half-width of the narrowband filters is 6.5 nanometres, and for the ultra-narrowband it is as little as 3.5 to 4 nanometres. The f/2 filters are optimised for very fast astrographs such as Celestron’s RASA optics.

All filters are available in standard sizes:

With a line filter, astrophotography of luminous nebulae is possible even under a light-polluted city sky! These filters only allow those wavelenghts of light in which the selected celestial object shines to fall on the camera sensor. All other wavelengths are blocked. This produces high-contrast images of planetary nebulae, supernovae remnants and star-forming regions.

Three types of line filters are used in astrophotography, each of which is transparent to the brightest spectral lines of oxygen, sulphur or hydrogen atoms. Depending on the astronomical object, a single filter may be enough for a spectacular image. Combining three shots, each taken through a line filter, creates an ideal result.

The new generation of Baader CMOS-optimised filters is characterised by, among other things:

Reflex-Blocker™ coatings, for maximum insensitivity to retro-reflection from adjacent auxiliary optics, even under the most adverse conditions.
FWHM on each filter category carefully designed to allow for 1:1:1 exposures, matched for typical CMOS quantum efficiency and S/N ratio.
Blackened edges all around, with filter-lead-side-indicator in the form of a black frontside outer rim, to additionally eliminate any reflections due to light falling onto the edges of a filter.
Each filter is coated individually, with sealed coating edges.
Life-Coat™: Hard coatings to enable a non-aging coating for life – even in the most adverse environments.

You can find all the new filters here in the shop.

Tags: Baader, filters, telescope accessoires
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Build your own OpenAstroTech mount!

June 11 2021, Stefan Taube

A photo mount allows you to track the rotation of the night sky on a camera equipped with a photo lens or a small telescope. This allows for long exposure shots of large areas of the night sky.

The manufacturer OpenAstroTech now offers a very functional, yet particularly inexpensive variant of a photo mount. The OpenAstroTracker is a mount you can build yourself!

Der OpenAstroTracker mit Kamera und optionalem Autoguider

The OpenAstroTracker with camera and optional autoguider

Building the mount yourself is not only fun and educational, you also get a powerful GoTo mount at an extremely low price thanks to the DIY approach!

Some of the features:

GoTo: The mount comes with full, computer-control functionality. The electronics are compatible with commonly used astronomy software.
Suitable for DSLR cameras with a maximum total length of 35cm (camera body with lens). The maximum recommended focal length without autoguider is 200mm.
High-precision stepper motors: GoTo positioning accuracy of approx. 1 arcmin, tracking accuracy of 25 arcsec, guided accuracy of approx. 1 arcsec.

What you will need: A USB power bank able to deliver at least 5V 1A

The OpenAstroTracker is available in different latitude setting versions. We will supply you with a set that allows you to set up the mount for a latitude of either 35° to 45° or 45° to 55°.

The OpenAstroTracker kit

No need to worry: The electronic components are all designed for easy use. No soldering is necessary.

A matching DIY autoguider is also available as an option: OpenAstroGuider V2

Tags: accessories, Mount, OpenAstroTech, photo mount
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Declare war on viruses and bacteria!

January 12 2021, Patric Leibig

During the colder seasons, we spend more and more time in enclosed spaces, therefore increasing our risk of contracting viruses.
It only takes a short amount of time for us to lose our ability to assess air quality as we adapt to smells. This increases the importance of counteracting this.

Significantly reduce the risk of infection due to SARS-CoV-2 / Covid19 (Coronaviruses) and other viruses by using ambient air filters with Hepa H13 filter systems and CO2 monitors.

Seben HT-2008 CO2 Monitor

Air filters reduce aerosols in the ambient air.

SARS-CoV-2 / Covid19 and other lower respiratory illnesses are transmitted via aerosols/water droplets, amongst other things. Air purifiers with class H13 HEPA filters can filter these minute particles out of the ambient air and therefore significantly reduce the risk of infection. A combination of regular ventilation and air purifiers with class H13 “High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters” HEPA filters is the best way to reduce the risk of infection in enclosed spaces. H13 HEPA filters remove minute aerosols (<5µm) from the air and improve air quality. CO2 monitors can also be used to support ventilation.

According to estimates, the risk of a person in a room becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2 / Covid19 (coronaviruses) due to the presence of a superspreader is reduced sixfold by using air filters with H13 HEPA filter technology.

Monitor and improve the air quality in your office, your flat, the classroom, etc, using the following measures:

Proper and regular ventilation / cross ventilation
CO2 monitors which support your ventilation
Air purifiers / air filters with H13 or H14 “High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter” HEPA filters

Calculating the filter output for your room:

The ambient air filter should be able to filter the entire volume of air in the room at least 2x per hour in order to considerably reduce the concentration of aerosols and particulates. It is easy to work out the filter output you require:

To calculate the volume of your room, and therefore the volume of air, multiple the room’s length x breadth x height. Multiply this result by 2 and you have calculated the filter output in m³/h for your room.

Example:

Length: 5m, width: 4m, height: 2.5m

5m x 4m x 2.5m = 50m³

50m³ x 2 (per h) = 100m³/h

For classrooms / schools or other spaces where groups of people gather, we recommend calculating the air purifier’s output at 5 to 6 times the volume of the room.

Example:

For a room with a volume of 50m³, the air purifier used should have a minimum output of 300m³/h.

New in stock: CO2 monitors

November 6 2020, Patric Leibig

These air monitors display the carbon dioxide content in the air.

What is the ideal maximum indoor CO₂ level?
According to the German Federal Environment Agency, indoor air quality is categorised as follows:

Good ambient air quality: < 800ppm
Average ambient air quality: 800 to 1,000ppm
Moderate ambient air quality: 1,000 to 1,400ppm
Poor ambient air quality: > 1,400ppm

Omegon 1200P CO2 Monitor

Regular and proper ventilation…

The German Federal Centre for Health Education and the Robert Koch Institute advise regular ventilation of offices, schools, flats… Indoor spaces in general. Aerosols provide a possible transmission path for Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. They build up very quickly and disperse themselves in closed indoor spaces. Proper ventilation is important to prevent risk of infection and improve the indoor climate.

Omegon HT-2008 CO2 Monitor

CO₂ monitors help you to monitor ambient air quality and support your regular ventilation. Most devices warn you using a traffic light system or alarm sounds as soon as pre-programmed values are exceeded. This is important as people are generally very good at assessing a room’s air quality upon entry but they quickly lose this assessment ability as they adapt to smells, meaning that any deterioration is no longer noticed. We also tend to close windows too quickly when the temperature falls starkly and it gets colder.

The CO₂ monitors use sensors to measure the air’s CO₂ concentration and show the current carbon dioxide content range using the traffic light display.

These devices use sensors to measure the ambient air’s CO₂ content, the temperature and usually also the humidity and therefore help you to learn how to ventilate properly in order to contain viruses.

You can find a large selection of CO₂ monitors here in our shop.

Tags: CO2 monitors, Omegon, weather stations
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Two new ranges of binoculars: BD II XD and SV II

April 1 2020, Betty Lux

This year Kowa have, once again, come up with new ranges of binoculars. With immediate effect you can benefit from the further development of two well-known product families.

Demand a wider angle of view: Kowa BD II XD binoculars

What can simplify birdwatching and the next nature trip? Presumably this is the question the Kowa developers were asking themselves as they put together the BD II XD. The answer is clear: the 6.5×32 model offers an exceptional visual field of 10° with which you will be able to locate birds, animals and other targets much more easily, and observe them effortlessly. On top of that comes greater ease of use – the BD II XD range sits wonderfully in the hand and is compact – as well as special Kowa XD lenses. The advantage: the lens material is enriched with fluorite, a material which yet again hugely increases not just contrast, but also resolving power.

Kowa wide angle binocular BD II XD

However the BD II XD range is not just of interest to ornithologists and outdoor enthusiasts, but also for amateur astronomers. Thanks to the wide field of view and crystal clear imaging performance, you can conveniently and spectacularly enjoy the Moon, the planets and constellations.

Further development of the proven SV range: Kowa SV II binoculars

The Kowa SV range is well-known and tried and tested by birdwatchers. But Kowa is not resting on its laurels, but instead has once again significantly improved their ease of use. The SV II range now has a fresh, green, new look and has improved lens caps which cannot be so easily mislaid. The eyecups are robust, the focusing runs smoothly and is easy to operate.

Kowa bincular SV II

So all in all a real outdoors binocular that offers excellent value for money. This range also includes the KR coating developed by Kowa, which makes the binoculars ready for action in any weather, while ensuring that water or dirt can accumulate on the lenses.

We offer all new products and of course all the well-proven Kowa optics ranges. Click through our selection and you will quickly find the perfect pair of binoculars for you.

Tags: binoculars, birdwatching, Kowa, nature observation
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The SkyGuider Pro camera mount from iOptron is now available with an electronic polar finder

January 8 2020, Stefan Taube

The SkyGuider Pro is a very light mount on which you can set up a camera with interchangeable lenses or a small telescope. This approach allows longer exposure times and so you can create fascinating wide-angle shots of the night sky.

iOptron Montierung SkyGuider Pro iPolar Set

iOptron Mount SkyGuider Pro iPolar Set

The SkyGuider Pro is now also available as a set together with the iPolar electronic polar finder, which has been built into the mount. With this accessory, you can easily and very precisely polar-align your mount.

The electronic finder has a built-in camera. This shows the position of the northern celestial pole and the location that the polar axis of the mount is pointing at, on your laptop. Simply bring the two points together by turning the adjustment screws for the azimuth and altitude axes of the mount – and you’re done!

SkyGuider Pro with iPolar

The location of the celestial north pole differs somewhat from the location of the Pole Star. The electronics calculate the exact position using the date and time. Thanks to the sensitivity of the camera and the large field of view, this so-called polar alignment is successful even when the mount has been only roughly positioned. This also works in the southern hemisphere and even takes into account atmospheric refraction at low latitudes!

If want to do without iPolar, you can of course still purchase the SkyGuider Pro mount without the electronic polar finder here.

Tags: Astrophotography, iOptron, Mount, Telescope Accessories
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Omegon MiniTrack LX3: get ready for liftoff with heavenly photos of the starry sky

November 15 2019, Marcus Schenk

A photo of the starry sky that looks exactly how it would look on a clear night in the mountains or in the desert: this is a dream you can now fulfil with the new MiniTrack LX3. The new mini-mount ensures you are well-prepared and is now even more powerful than its predecessor, the MiniTrack LX2.

The new MiniTrack LX3 mount

It is much easier than you think to take a fantastic photo of the starry sky. You don’t even have to be an experienced astrophotographer. In a dark location, align the mount to the north celestial pole, attach your camera, wind up the mechanism and start your recording. With the MiniTrack LX3, anyone can conjure up a beautiful photo of the starry sky – almost as easy as boiling an egg

Until now you’ve almost certainly been aware of the MiniTrack LX2: a fully mechanical small mount that you can attach to any commercially available camera tripod and which is so compact that it fits into any luggage. The new version, the MiniTrack LX3, has been revised yet again and is now better than ever. Sky&Telescope magazine awarded the MiniTrack the “Hot Product Award” and the users of the MiniTrack are also certain: you can not only take beautiful photos. With the MiniTrack LX3, the starry sky presents itself as if it were on the catwalk.

What has changed?

More load-bearing capacity: now you can attach a camera up to 3kg in weight.
New Teflon bush for even smoother movement.
Adjustable suspension system: you can slow down or speed up tracking, making it more precise and the stars rounder.
CNC body: more stable and even more finely finished.
An optical polar finder is already included. This allows more precise polar alignment of the MiniTrack LX3 – and you can expose your photo for longer.

Let yourself be inspired by the Omegon MiniTrack LX3 and learn more about the compact travel mount here.