The leaves and prices are falling this autumn!
You can find our colorful selection of special offers here in the shop. Get them now!
The offer is valid from September 23rd to November 28th, 2024 and only while supplies last!
Posts Tagged 'accessories'
iOptron CEM40 + GEM45: Now at great bargain prices
June 1 2024, Jan Ströher
Take a look at the impressive technology of the iOptron CEM40 and GEM45 mounts, now available at reduced prices for a limited time. Convince yourself of their versatile features and excellent weight-to-payload ratio.
The iOptron GEM45 mount has a sleek design and an excellent weight-to-payload ratio, plus an integrated electronic polar finder, user-friendly locking levers, internal cable management, a versatile self-centering saddle, an energy-saving stepper motor drive system and an advanced GoTo system with over 212,000 objects plus optional Wi-Fi.
The CEM40 weighs just 8.2kg, but can support optical instruments and accessories up to 18kg. This impressive ratio of 2.5 between payload capacity and weight makes the CEM40 so versatile. You can transport it to the best observation sites under dark skies or set it up on a small pier in your backyard observatory.
We are having the iOptron CEM40 and GEM45 mounts on sale until 31 July!
Make your choice now. As long as supplies last!
GEM45 – save now in our clearance sale!
November 9 2023, Jan Ströher
From 1st to 30th November (inclusive) we are offering iOptron’s GEM45 mount in our clearance sale for amazing prices. This mount is available in four different versions: GEM45G GoTo LiteRoc, GEM45 GoTo LiteRoc with carry case, GEM45-EC GoTo LiteRoc and, the basic version, the GEM45 GoTo LiteRoc.
The iOptron GEM45 is the next generation equatorial mount ! Due to its functionality and technology, it is a first-class, medium-sized mount.
iOptron GEM45 with LiteRoc tripod
The GEM45 is not just a pretty face…
The mount has a compact design and an extremely good weight-to-load ratio – the 7 kilogram mount can precisely and securely carry a load of up to 20 kilograms! With its built-in electronic polarscope (iPolar) correctly aligning the mount (polar alignment) is child’s play – even if the Pole Star is not visible. Thanks to their large clamping levers, the gears can also be easily loosened or tightened even when wearing gloves. Internal cable management prevents tangled cables or cables being torn out. The universal self-centring mounting saddle takes both Losmandy-style and Vixen-style dovetail rails. The mount uses a reliable stepper motor drive system with low energy consumption and a database of over 212,000 objects. The integrated GPS, as well as the large hand controls with optional WiFi, provide additional comfort.
You can only secure this excellent mount, providing you with decades of fun and reliability, at this amazing price during our clearance sale!
This offer is only valid on qualifying items from 01/11/2023 to 30/11/2023 and as long as stocks last!
Order the new version of the OCAL collimator now!
October 18 2023, Stefan Taube
The OCAL PRO collimator has revolutionised precision collimation of reflector telescopes since its introduction in 2021! Now you can get an improved version of the collimator: OCAL V3.0 electronic collimator
Transportation and general usage can cause telescopes to lose their collimation. This is because the scopes’ primary and secondary mirrors shift position. The instrument can no longer show off its capabilities. An abundance of collimation accessories help to redress this.
The OCAL V3.0 uses a camera for this. This makes it unbeatably precise.
The OCAL V3.0 has an entirely new design:
- Inside, it has an in-built, light-sensitive CMOS sensor. This makes collimation easier in poor light conditions.
- Exposure time is also now only 1/20, compared to previous models.
- The OCAL V3.0 has a much bigger lens than both of its predecessors.
- The new OCAL V3.0 can achieve considerably higher resolutions. This makes images clearer, even in critical conditions and improves the precision of the results.
- The new version comes with different adaptors.
You can find further information, price and purchase options using the following link: OCAL V3.0
The remote-controlled eagle – PrimaLuceLab Eagle
September 5 2023, Bengt Lindqvist
A comprehensive, intuitive to use WiFi and remote-control unit, no matter where, how, or what you need to control. No other system offers such a wide range of configurations, regardless of whether it is for controlling a camera, focuser motor, automatic flatfield box, or even the rotator. Operate two imaging devices simultaneously? It’s happy to help. Various connection options are available depending on the Eagle model you choose. The entire power supply runs via the Eagle and can therefore also be controlled and regulated. Tilt angle and motion sensor, absolutely no problem. From the Eagle 5 version onwards, these functions are fully available to you, not to mention the Eye sensor, which permanently measures the quality of the sky in the direction that your telescope is pointing. Windows or IOS – sure thing! N.I.N.A. or SharpCap, but of course! Put simply: if your preferred software is Windows-compatible, then the Eagle also supports it, without restrictions. It’s an open platform for the end customer.
Special features of the Eagle LE
You’re not keen on a Sesto Senso 2 motor focuser, and would rather work with a device of your own choosing? Happy to oblige. You will be able to connect it to the Eagle. In addition, you can use any software you choose. There are no limits here. We’ve all been there before. The camera freezes and will not deliver an image, what now? Pull out the plug? But let’s do that digitally. You can switch the Eagle and/or USB ports on or off remotely which can be tremendously helpful in tricky situations.
Even CPU-intensive image processing can be carried out on the fly thanks to powerful processors and a large memory, piggybacked on the imaging device of course! A full-feature, controllable Windows computer that leaves nothing to be desired, apart from the external power supply. 12 volts are required (max. 16 amperes), no matter whether power supply, power bank, or battery, and probably also the only downside. GPS, inclinometer, or even a humidity sensor; for the correct choices, depending on your requirements and setup, the following function and overview list should be a huge help. Should you still be unsure, our consultants will be happy to help you by telephone or e-mail.
Eagle series features
Key features depending on the Eagle model
- WiFi – wireless connection
- Ethernet – wired control
- Remote On/Off – external access to turn the Eagle on and off
- Remote On/Off USB – External access to turn the USB ports on and off
- GPS sensor – location detection
- Eye sensor – to monitor sky quality
- Inclinometer
- Motion detector
- DARK mode– disables all LEDs on the Eagle
- Industrial grade SSD/RAM
- ECCO2– optional module to control dew heater temperature For automatic real-time monitoring, over and above the standard Eagle functions, equipped with a humidity sensor and an air pressure sensor.
New telecentric from Baader: TZ-4S Sundancer II
August 8 2023, Stefan Taube
Like a Barlow lens, a telecentric extends a telescope’s focal length. However, the telecentric generates a parallel optical beam. This is particularly important when using etalon filters for solar observation in H-alpha light.
The new Telecentric TZ-4S from Baader is perfect for use with the Sundancer II H-alpha filter. It replaces the integrated telecentric which has a 3x focal length extension. Thanks to the 4x focal length extension created by the TZ-4S, the ideal aperture ratio of f/30 is achieved, even with f/7 to f/8 optics.
The achromatic Telecentric TZ-4S is designed for the entire visible spectrum, and can therefore not only be used with H-alpha systems.
You can find more information here in our shop.
Total lunar eclipse on 16th May 2022
April 25 2022, Marcus Schenk
After more than three years, we are once again about to enjoy a total lunar eclipse. It is a memorable experience when the full moon gradually disappears from the sky, smouldering with an unearthly rust-coloured glow.
This year, we are only able to view the first partial phase up until the start of the totality. You can find everything you need to know in the “Brief information about the total lunar eclipse” infographic.
We wish you a very happy lunar experience! With the naked eye, a telescope or binoculars.
Useful products for the lunar eclipse
Do you have a telescope and want to quickly and easily photograph the Moon? The Omegon Easy-Pic smartphone adapter is ideally suited to this. Simply attach it to the eyepiece and lock your smartphone in place – and you’ll soon have a lasting memory of this unique experience.
Our infographic provides the most important information about the current lunar eclipse. When the Moon shines red in the sky, it shines several magnitudes less bright. Photographing it with a long enough focal length without a telescope can be a challenge – especially during totality. Is there a simple solution? Yes. The Omegon Mini Track. Although most often used for the Milky Way and deep sky astronomy, it is also an excellent tool here. Tracking provides sharp images of the red Moon.
Of course, every telescope and every pair of handheld binoculars are suitable for observation. Take a look at our product pages – you can find a suitable device for every type of observation.
Like our infographic? You can share and print out our graphic, hang it in your observatory for visitors or create a link to it on your website (at: www.astroshop.eu).
Want to soak up some of the atmosphere? In this blog post, you can see images of the lunar eclipse created by our colleagues in 2018.
New version: the Polarie U star tracker mount from Vixen
October 28 2021, Stefan Taube
A few years ago, the Japanese manufacturer Vixen launched the Polarie, the first tracking unit for cameras that can fit in every photographer’s bag. The tracking device, also called a star tracker, compensates for the celestial rotation. With it, a camera remains aligned with a section of the night sky for many minutes, and can gather light from faint stars, the Milky Way and cosmic nebulae.
Vixen now offers a new version of its successful star tracker mount, the Polarie U Star Tracker.
Polarie U star tracker mount with camera and optional ball head
Compared to the classic Polarie, the new Polarie U is significantly lighter whilst at the same time having a higher load-bearing capacity. The distance between the two bearings supporting the rotating shaft is approximately four times that of its predecessor. This has led to a higher load-bearing capacity despite a 20% weight reduction. It can carry 2.5kg for wide-field astrophotography using lenses with a short focal length. The optional mounting accessories comprising a prism rail and counterweight can be used to increase the load capacity to 6.5kg, so that the star tracker mount can also carry cameras with large lenses.
In addition, the Polarie U creates its own WLAN. You can connect your smartphone to the mount and control it using a free app. With a suitable cable release from the Polarie U accessory selection, you can also control the camera itself via the app, for example to set a series of exposures. This is not only convenient, but also very useful thanks to the hands-free operation.
The Polarie U can of course also be converted for use in the southern hemisphere. The lightweight mount is therefore ideal for your next expedition south of the equator.
Baader SunDancer II for observation and solar photography
October 7 2021, Stefan Taube
The Baader SunDancer II sun filter transforms smaller refractors quickly and simply into telescopes for solar observation using H-alpha spectral lines. In this wavelength, you can see the Sun’s chromosphere with dark filaments, bright radiation bursts and spectacular solar prominences!
Baader SunDancer II H-alpha 2″/1.25″ solar filter
Simply position the SunDancer II between the diagonal mirror and the eyepiece and connect it to a power source. The filter is then automatically brought to the optimal operating temperature so that no adjustments are required during longer observations.
The SunDancer II can be safely used on refracting telescopes with apertures up to 80 millimetres. An additional energy rejection filter is only required in front of the telescope for objective apertures upwards of 80 millimetres; alternatively, the telescope can be dimmed using an optional 80mm screen in front of the lens.
Telescopes with secondary mirrors, such as Newtonian, Maksutov or SCTs, always require an additional energy rejection filter, regardless of their size.
The complete solar disc can be seen in telescopes with apertures of up to 600mm.
The T2 thread beneath the eyepiece clamp facilitates easy adaptation for larger cameras:
SunDancer II with DSLR camera
A power supply unit is included. For mobile observation, a powerbank can also be used.
You can find further information on this particularly high-quality H-alpha filter for the eyepiece side here in our shop.
New: Deluxe equatorial wedge for Omegon MiniTrack
August 27 2021, Marcus Schenk
Using the latest deluxe equatorial wedge, aligning the MiniTrack with the north celestial pole is easier than ever. The advantages? Spherical stars all night long.
How do you align your MiniTrack and other astrotrackers without an equatorial wedge? In theory, this is possible using a tripod head but the alignment and the fixed support sometimes resemble weather forecasting, in a word: uncertain. And yet, the photography session is meant to be a success.
The right tools for success
Thanks to the deluxe equatorial wedge, you can simply and precisely align your MiniTrack with the north celestial pole. It’s easy peasy lemon squeezy!
A robust locking mechanism provides permanent polar alignment, even when you are continuously focusing your camera on new targets.
In our set-up, we use an Omegon 32mm carbon tripod, the deluxe equatorial wedge and a MiniTrack 3 with pole finder.
Simple installation on any tripod
Using the 3/8 inch thread, you can attach the polar wedge to any camera tripod. To do so, you simply need a mini Vixen-style rail, such as the Omegon 55mm prism rail, which can be used with the MiniTrack. You can then connect and align your astrotracker easily.
Quality made in Portugal
The equatorial wedge is manufactured to the highest quality and consists of CNC components and stainless-steel screws. It is produced in small batches in Portugal and checked for quality.
The ideal addition to your MiniTrack: view the Omegon Deluxe equatorial wedge in the shop now.
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!
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