Binoculars come in many forms in order to suit the large number of activities in which they are used.
There are designs to suit bird watching and other hobbies, such as amateur star gazing. Other pastimes that may require the use of specialist devices include sailing and sea fishing. Marine binoculars are especially created to perform well in damp, salty environments and there are many types to choose from. Both amateur and expert sailors choose to purchase these instruments to get a good view of the surrounding water, which could highlight potential dangers.
Due to the rocking motion of boats and the conditions on the ocean, there is a lesser magnification value applied to these devices, compared with those used on land. This figure is expressed as 7x, which simply states that what the user sees appears to be seven times nearer than it actually is. In other binoculars, magnification is normally set at 8x, but this depends on individual models.
As well as magnification, marine binoculars can differ from terrestrial ones in other ways. For example, devices built to withstand the sea atmosphere have been hermetically sealed to protect them from moisture. These types sometimes contain nitrogen, which is a sure sign they are waterproof. However, not all instruments of this type are fully waterproof, though expert suppliers often suggest to sailing fans to buy those that cannot be penetrated by moisture.
Additionally, marine binoculars often have their lenses coated with special substances that boost light levels as much as possible, adding greater clarity during twilight and dawn, while many sailors like to opt for those devices that include compasses for navigational purposes.
After deciding which telescope to opt for, it is recommended that shoppers buy the best mount for their needs.
Experts in the astronomy field tend to share the same view that buying a good support for scopes is imperative for getting great views of the night sky. Shoppers keen to get their devices home to indulge their hobby ought to first take time to buy suitable telescope mounts before they rush to assemble their devices. Some stands may appear as complicated as the mechanisms making up telescopes, as they have become increasingly complex over the years.
Our range consists of more basic and expert kinds, which suit novices and experts alike. Motors can be attached to the tripods, in order to find and view celestial objects. Alt-Azimuth mounts swing in a left to right and up and down motion, and are normally more affordable than other types. Due to their movements, tracking objects across the sky during long observation sessions is tricky as the view rotates in a manner the stands find hard to catch. In this instance, owners of telescopes may like to choose an equatorial tripod.
These mounts have an extra axis of movement, meaning they are better positioned to follow objects throughout the sky as they move through the heavens. These tend to be preferred by users of telescopes who wish to take photos via the devices. Despite the kind of stand purchased, they all need to be well-positioned and set up in order to get the best use from them. Effectively utilised mounts provide still images of the starry sky without vibrations, in addition to being able to locate celestial objects.
Weather conditions can have limiting affects on the performance of night vision devices.
Fog and rain work by reducing the level of light, which affects the clarity of images. This can be partially rectified by purchasing instruments that have infrared illuminators. These accessories are often included as part of the device, but it is also possible to buy them separately if necessary. Night vision scopes collect ambient light from the environment using a special tube.
There are three different kinds of device called Generation 1, Generation 2 and Generation 3. They range in complexity, with the latter two kinds tending to be more expensive as they have mechanisms that boost their capability to gather light. As weather conditions deteriorate and it becomes harder for the devices to pick up ambient light, some users prefer to use infrared illuminators, which are included in a range of our night vision goggles.
The accessory works by sending out a beam of light, which consists of a wavelength that cannot be picked up by animal and human eyes. This can cover fairly large distances, and is ideal for those using their instruments in the dark. In addition to revealing objects in low-light conditions, night vision devices fitted with infrared illuminators can greatly enhance the images produced by the goggles.
This means that Generation 1 instruments may perform on a level with Generation 2 products, thanks to the accessory. The improvement in clarity of the image is also evident in Generation 2 instruments that utilise illuminators of this type.
Fans of telescopes who wish to buy a device that is a combination of past and present designs may like to browse our supply of brass instruments.
Manufacturers realise that some stargazers are keen to purchase items that hark back to earlier times, but also feature all the hi-tech internal mechanisms found in modern-day astronomical telescopes and other products. Brass devices are appealing to many shopping for this kind of product due to their antique design and ability to show celestial objects with great clarity. Instruments made from this metal mainly consist of refractive telescopes, which are slim and cylindrical in shape, with eyepieces fixed at the end of the tubing.
Scopes of this nature are considered by many to be the archetypal telescope shape, which makes them popular for those looking for classic designs. These telescopes depend on lenses to catch light, rather than mirrors, such as those found in reflective devices. Despite their delicate appearance, refractive types are sturdily made, as their fixed lenses are embedded within the cylinders, although care should still be taken to make sure they are not knocked over accidentally.
As well as producing brass scopes to a high quality, creators of the devices also tend to pay great attention to the stands they rest on. Most of the instruments are sold with Alt-Azimuth mounts that are manufactured to blend in with the telescopes. These ensure that the instruments have telescope mounts on which to rest, so users can take in great views of the starry skies or terrestrial landscape if they prefer.
It is certainly true that in the UK we are uniquely blessed with a great diversity of magnificent garden birds, from robins to warblers to name but two. However, to observe some of our rarest and most glorious birdlife you’ll need a decent pair of bird watching binoculars and the appropriate location.
Britain’s Island nature means that it has over 11, 000 miles of coastline, making it the ideal home for a truly astonishing amount of shore and sea birds. Some of the most familiar include Puffins, viewable in places like Anglesey , and kittiwakes, observable on the cliffs of Northumberland, which means that some truly world class birdlife is never more than a few miles drive away. When observing coastal birds, a pair of binoculars really come into their own, as seabirds often nest on cliff edges a fair way out to sea making them difficult to spot with the naked eye.
As well as an enormous coast-line, the UK also possesses more than its fair share of inland water-masses, from lakes to canals systems (which is one of the reasons that it makes the perfect destination for migrating birds.) Some birds you can expect to see hanging around our marshes and waterways include bitterns and avocets, but be prepared to stake out waterways in strategically placed hides – and remember your binoculars.
As well as beautiful birdlife, the UK is also home to some truly dramatic birdlife, in fact some of the most iconic birds of prey call England home, for at least part of the year. Some notable examples include Ospreys (who migrate to and from Africa) and Golden Eagles, up in the highlands.
Last year we gave you the Last of the Celestron Advanced 80 EDR at the low price of £300 This year we have managed to get our hands on the last of the Celestron 100EDR’s. The scope is supplied complete with a Celestron CG5 Equatorial mount making a combination ideal for both imaging and observation. The advanced ED optics Give images and views free from chromatic aberration (colour fringing). The price of this combination is £395.00 including delivery, a big saving when you compare it to the cost of some of the competitors scopes on the market, in fact the mount alone would set you back £210.00 (Synta Optics Skywatcher EQ5 mount). So if you are in the market to upgrade your tube, mount or both this is a perfect time to jump in.
At our offices in Morton Bagot we have a Wildlife World nest box complete with integrated camera. We have noticed a fair amount of activity with the prospective parent(s) making there way back and forth with nesting material. Hopefully although the nest building is a little latter in the month than previous years we will be lucky enough to get another successful pair using the nest box again….I’ll keep you updated.