Binoculars :
We stock a good range of binoculars catering to all budgets and purposes. These range from basic compact models to larger, more powerful models.
As with cameras, the price is usually a good indicator of the quality of binoculars.
We encourage our customers to try different pairs before making a purchase.

CHOOSING BINOCULARS

WHAT THE NUMBERS MEAN

Binoculars are usually described by a set of numbers, such as 7x35 or 10x50. The first number is the magnification and the second number is the diameter of the objective lens, in millimetres. Additionally, the angle of the field of view, (eg. 8°), and the size of the field of view, (in feet or metres), may also be included.

MAGNIFICATION

This indicates how large an object will appear. For example, a 10x50 binocular will show an object 10 times larger compared with viewing with the naked eye. A side effect generally, is that the higher the magnification, the darker the image. Also, the image is more prone to shaking. A tripod is recommended for binoculars with high magnification.

BRIGHTNESS

The size of the objective lens (the front lens) determines the brightness of the image.
A 10x50 binocular will display a brighter image than a 10x25 model. A larger objective lens will usually produce a sharper and clearer image. For viewing in low light, a large diameter objective lens is recommended.

FIELD OF VIEW

This is the angle of viewing coverage. This is measured in degrees, eg 8.5°. Additionally, it may be measured as the width of the field at a particular distance, for example a field of 100 metres wide at a distance of 1000 metres.
Generally, the higher the magnification, the lower the angle of the field of view. However, some models feature a wide angle field of view. These produce the same magnification, but allow a wider view.

LENS COATINGS

As with camera lenses, the image quality is improved by the use of lens coatings, which increase light transmission and reduce reflections, thereby improving image quality. More expensive binoculars utilise better lens coatings.
The degree of coating is described below :

'coated' - selected lenses are coated.
'fully-coated'- all air-to-glass surfaces are coated.
'multi-coated' - certain lenses have multiple coatings, for clearer images.
'fully-multi-coated' all air-to-glass surfaces have multiple coatings. (best level of coating)
'rubicon-coated' - multiple layers of various colours on the objective lenses to filter out red light, providing clearer and brighter images in daylight. Suitable for bright scenes.
'UVC-coated' - Ultraviolet coating to remove glare caused by UV radiation.
Especially suitable for use in bright light.

EXTRA FEATURES

*"Zoom" binoculars allow variable magnifications.
*"Focus-Free" binoculars do not have a focusing mechanism. The image appears always in focus. Suited to persons with corrected vision. Also suited for fast-moving sports.
*"Long Eye Relief" - Eye relief is the distance that a binocular can be held from the eyes and still provide the full field of view. Some models feature "long eye relief", which is especially suited to spectacle wearers.
*Tripod adapter fittings allow a tripod adapter bracket to be used to attach a binocular to a tripod, a necessity for higher powered binoculars.

CHOOSING SUITABLE BINOCULARS

Telescopes :

We usually stock a small range of Tasco brand telescopes.

CHOOSING A TELESCOPE : TERMS AND FEATURES

CELESTIAL OR TERRESTIAL : A celestial (or astronomical) telescope produces an upside-down image. Suitable for viewing the night sky, moon, planets etc. A terrestial telescope has a normal upright image, and is therefore suitable for viewing over land.
An erecting eyepiece converts a celestial telescope to a terrestial telescope.

EYEPIECES and LENSES : These are available in a range of sizes to produce different magnifications. Most telescopes include several interchangeable ones.

EYEPIECE DIAMETER : The wider the diameter, the more light can be transmitted, giving a brighter and clearer image. Common sizes are 25mm and 32mm (sizes are still commonly referred to as 1" and 1.25")

FINDERSCOPE : A small, low power viewfinder attached to the telescope to enable easy locating of objects.

MAGNIFICATION : Telescopes are usually described by a confusing set of numbers, such as 675x60mm for example, or even a single number such as 900mm Focal Length.

*In the 675x60mm example, the 675x means a maximum magnification of 675 times, using the supplied eyepieces. Different eyepieces will produce different magnifications. Magnifications that are too high will result in dim images. The 60mm part of that number refers to the diameter of the front lens of the telescope. Generally, the larger the diameter, the more light is transmitted, giving a brighter and clearer image.
*In the 900mm Focal Length example, that refers to the the focal length of the telescope. The magnification is calculated by dividing the focal length of the telescope by the focal length of the eyepiece. For example a telescope with a 600mm focal length and an eyepiece of 4mm focal length, will give a magnification of 600/4 = 125 times.

MOUNTS : Because of the Earths rotation, to view objects in the night sky, it is necessary to move the telescope to track the object. An Altazimuth mount allows simple manual tracking, by moving the telescope tube up & down and sideways. Also suitable for tracking moving objects over land. An Equatorial mount is found on more expensive telescopes. It allows more accurate tracking, and can be motorised, and is a necessity for astrophotography.

TRIPOD : An absolute must. The sturdier the better.