Quality Binoculars and Other Optical Products

For telescopes, binoculars, and other optical equipment – or to obtain some expert specialist advice in relation to such products – Sherwoods should be your first stop, a company who can guarantee high quality items and information. Established over 60 years ago, the company is made up of family members who are all specialists in optical products, with each staff member able to advise customers on the best equipment and how to get the optimum results from their purchase once they receive it. The company is based in Warwickshire, orders from the company can be delivered next day free of charge within the UK when ordered online, meaning that you can begin to enjoy your purchase almost immediately.

In terms of binoculars, the company understands that different uses call for different properties, and they aim to stock the best to suit every need. So whether you are seeking a pair for general wildlife observation, specifically for night-time use, or for devoted bird watching, the best options for each intention are available on the website. Telescopes are offered for amateurs or for more dedicated stargazers, with a section of the site dedicated to outlining the pros and cons of the three kinds of telescopes available and how to get the optimum results from each.

If the expert advice such as this – which is available to all who visit the site – does not answer your queries, the company’s staff members are all equipped to deal directly with enquiries and offer well-informed, expert opinions about the optical products in the company’s catalogue.

Alternative Options to the Traditional Telescope

Telescopes are a great way to view the night time sky. For years mankind has had a fascination with the celestial heavens above, and throughout time this has changed very little. What has changed, however, is mankind’s ability to view objects in space. Since the invention of the telescope, this piece of equipment so vital in the observation of space has been re-invented time and again to give man the greatest ability to see space. And now the telescope has undergone a very different change. Binoculars with the ability to see objects in space as a telescope would has become an easier way to enjoy the observational hobby of astronomical studies.

These days the telescope can seem like a very unwieldy piece of equipment. Other forms of technology are leaning to downsize and the astronomical telescope can benefit a great deal from the same. What’s even more important is their dual-functionality ability. Many of the models of binoculars that have astronomical capabilities also have the potential to show long range terrestrial views as well. This makes them great value for money, whether using them to enjoy the night skies, or for terrestrial viewing seeing far away landscapes or objects in the day.

These binoculars are very comparable to telescopes, giving the option to mount them to a tripod, like astronomical telescopes. But this is merely an option, giving you the ability to store them easily. The advantage of portability will also make travelling easier and this can be a key reason for taking your hobby wherever you wish.

Telescopes for the Traditional Observer

Telescopes are a fantastic way to observe the night sky. And in many ways, there is no older hobby for mankind. Fascination with the stars reaches back hundreds, even thousands, of years but never before has mankind ever been so equipped to see what space has to offer. For many though, telescopes aren’t something to simply hide in the closet until they are ready to be used. They are an exquisite piece of furniture to be shown off in the home, to be made into the centrepiece to a room, as both hobby equipment and a unique conversation point.

If you delight in showing off your telescope and are looking to invest in another for your home, consider the glory of a brass telescope in your possession. It’s very presence gives the impression of traditional, fine craftsmanship that is as much a magnificent sight as what you will be using it to view. Options such as a mahogany tripod, copper arc mount and erecting prism give it a luxurious and impressive quality that many newer models of telescopes lack. And considering the detail and regal features of this astronomical telescope, it won’t come at astronomical prices.

To make this astronomical telescope even more attractive is the fact that it can be used for terrestrial viewing, as well as observations of space. You will want to spend as much time gazing at this fantastic telescope as you will want to look into space. You will be the envy of enthusiasts.

Do You Know How Binoculars Work?

Binoculars have been in use for a considerable length of time and almost everyone will have used them at some point in their lives, even if only for a brief glimpse while they were passed around by a group.

However, the technology behind them remains mysterious to many.

Essentially, they are a pair of identical mirror-symmetrical telescopes that are mounted next to one another and aligned to point in the same direction.

This allows users to view with both of their eyes when they are looking at objects.

The majority of such devices are shaped and sized to be held using both hands, although some vary widely from small, light-weight models to large pedestal-mounted pairs – for example those used on occasion by the military.

Unlike telescopes, they provide a three-dimensional image and therefore allow users to get an impression of depth.

Binoculars have a range of uses, including general activities – such as observing animals and views for leisure purposes. This is one of the most common ways in which they are utilised and as the technology has fallen in price, they are now accessible for virtually anyone who wants a go.

In addition, the armed forces sometimes make use of them in a range of contexts, as do those engaged in range finding and people involved in astronomy.

Indeed, so prolific are the objects that we do not think twice when seeing them in use and it is easy to forget they have made such a substantial contribution to the way we live.

Power isn’t Everything with Astronomical Telescopes

In the case of so many products, consumers can be driven to think power is everything when they are choosing between different options. However, in the case of astronomical telescopes, this is not so.

Some individuals may be surprised to hear that a telescope’s aperture has no bearing on its magnification, but rather it is the focal length – which is the distance from the lens or mirror to a point at which it forms an image of the distant object.

Generally speaking, low powers are used to look at faint subjects such as galaxies and nebulae because if they are enlarged too much, they will lose some of their clarity.

So when seeking an astronomical telescope, simply going for the most powerful possible may defeat the point and you could be left with inferior results, depending on what your goal is.

There are a plethora of such devices available and when searching through the options, you should have your specific requirements in mind.

This way, you will be able to avoid homing in on a product that is inappropriate. By approaching the task of buying in this way, you are likely to be able to avoid possible disappointment.

There are three main categories of such telescopes used by amateur astronomers. Roughly, they fall into refractors, reflectors and catadiopiric.

Whichever of these you need, make sure you take into account all the necessary factors – rather than simply power – when short-listing your favourites and eventually deciding on one that you believe is right for you.

How Much Would You Spend on an Astronomical Telescope?

Everyone has their own budget when they purchase an astronomical telescope. While it is important not to exceed this and cause yourself financial strife, it is also inadvisable to skimp on such products.

By aiming too low, you can end up with instruments that are of poor quality either optically or mechanically. And this is not something you want when trying to enjoy your new purchase.

This said, there are a great number of bargains that can be had and the internet has helped in this regard.

So, if you are limited in funds, do not be put off, just make sure you do your research so that when you see something you think seems like a good deal, it really is.

If you are starting out in the field and are planning to get an astronomical telescope, there is no point in splashing out on the priciest model you can find.

This is because if you are learning to identify constellations, for example, there will be many features on some devices that you will not need.

You must also bear in mind that when you purchase an instrument such as this there are extras that need to go with it, such as a mount and a tripod.

It is therefore crucial that you leave some cash to get these pieces.

As long as you avoid poor-quality telescopes and those that are too technical for your purposes, you should be fine and will be able to enjoy hours of pleasurable star gazing.

Binoculars Can Light Up the Night Sky

There are countless ways in which binoculars can be used and many of their applications apply to activity during the day. For example, bird watching is a particular favourite of many enthusiasts.

However, when the sun goes down this does not necessarily mean the instruments should be put away. Indeed, they are a great way of observing the night sky – bringing more of its wonder into view.

Passion for astronomy among adults and children alike can be ignited by using such devices to view the planets and the stars.

For example, you can set your sights on such things as the Andromeda Nebula and comets like Hale Bopp, bringing the marvel of science right into your hands.

And because you are using both your eyes to view your target, you can sweep large areas of sky and observe objects such as the Pleiades Cluster in Taurus that are simply too large to be viewed in the field of most telescopes.

While making a choice between the various binoculars on offer can be confusing, don’t let this put you off.

One simple rule to bear in mind is that you should not necessarily think the larger the magnification the better, as this limits the field of view and may cause the image you see to jump about.

Unless you are using a tripod or other stabilising device, a magnification greater than ten is not recommended.

So if you are seeking to get to grips with the stars and do not want to buy a telescope, binoculars could be the ideal solution.