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Specialists in telescopes, binoculars
and spotting scopes.
Star gazing is a favorite part of astronomy for many people. However, star gazing can be done easily with the naked eye. What most people really want to do is use a telescope to view other planets, and some deep space objects that can not be easily seen with the naked eye.
If you have already spent some time looking up without an optical aid, and have tried some simple binoculars for sharper viewing, you may be ready to step up to a good telescope. This is a great place to start your search for the right telescope.
Range
We have a wide range of telescopes for you to choose from including:
| > refractor telescopes | |
| > reflector telescopes | |
| > schmidt newtonians | |
| > maksutov cassegrain | |
| > catadioptrics | |
| > spotting scopes | |
| > portable binoculars | |
| > observation binoculars | |
Refractors
Generally, starter telescopes offer a small achromatic refractor of 60 mm to 80 mm aperture. This is fine for observing the moon and major planets. These small apertures, however, are not ideal for faint deep-sky objects. More advanced stargazers should consider moving up to a 90 mm or 100 mm refractor.
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The higher the refractor, the better the performance.
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Refractor telescopes are a good choice if you are doing most of your star gazing in the city or suburbs or other relatively high light areas. A larger scope will amplify the significant existing light and make it difficult to see anything.
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Reflectors
Newtonian reflectors are generally good all-around scopes for both planetary and deep-sky viewing. Smaller, 3-4.5 inch Newtonian reflectors are a significant step above refractor versions, and 6-8 inch versions offer even increased range. The size and weight of these versions limits their portability, so be sure you have a dedicated space for them
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Schmidt-Cassegrains are more portable than Newtonian models. An 8-inch version provides excellent versions of the moon, planets and deep-sky objects. These are expensive models for more advanced astronomers and are not recommended for backyard hobby viewing. |
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Spotting scopes
Spotting scopes are designed for viewing land objects and produces erected or "right side up" images. They are monoculars (half a binocular) with a much higher magnification and objective diameter than binoculars making them suitable for bird-watching, wildlife viewing, and star-gazing. Unlike monoculars, but like telescopes, spotting-scopes require mounting on a tripod because the high magnification produces unstable images when hand-held.
Note: We have extensive supplier lists so we are able to source a number of products not readily available in other stores. Talk to us about what you are after. Contact us 