The Audubon Bird Call invented by Roger Eddy in 1947 and still made by the Eddy family in Rhode Island USA. When twisted, this remarkable little birchwood and metal instrument makes a variety of sounds similar to wild birds. Each Audubon Bird Call is handmade and individually tuned, tending to work much better than standard "pishing".

It is the standard songbird call throughout the world and whilst it doesn't mimic a single specific bird, the sound it makes gets inquisitive birds to come in closer to check out the noise. In Australia, this works particularly well on honeyeaters, thornbills, fairy-wrens, emu-wrens, grasswrens, scrubwrens, gerygones, whistlers, and occasionally even Tyto owls will come in to check it out at night if you're quiet!

With reasonable care it should last a lifetime - just keep it dry. Can be carried in pocket, on a key ring, or worn on a lanyard.

The original Audubon Bird Call , available in classic red or natural birch finish, packed in attractive gift box. Sturdy cast zinc and solid birch construction. Rosin capsule included to maintain the call’s distinctive chirp.

The bird call's sound is produced by rotating the wooden cylinder against the cast zinc plug. By varying the pressure between the two surfaces while twisting back and forth, a variety of bird sounds can be accurately imitated. Originally conceived by songbird hunters in Europe, the bird call attracts birds by creating the illusion that other birds are in the area.

Recognised by multiple generations of birders and outdoors people, the Audubon Bird Call has been made and tuned by hand in the USA in the same way for over 60 years.

Orion Moon Map 260 | Orion Telescopes and Binoculars Orion Moon Map 260 | Orion Telescopes and Binoculars

• The meticulously detailed Moon Map 260 is a must-have for any backyard astronomer
• Map identifies over 260 lunar features including craters, valleys, ancient lava flows, mountain ranges, all successful US and Soviet lunar mission landing sites, and more
• Conveniently laminated for protection against dew, dirt, and the elements
• Measures 25.25″ x 11″ when fully unfolded, and folds up to 8.5″ x 11″ for easy portability
• Includes both correct-image and reversed “mirror image” maps of the Moon for easy use with binoculars, unaided eyes, or any telescope

Orion Moon Map 260 | Orion Telescopes and Binoculars

The bright face of our planet’s Moon has been inspiring astronomers for centuries. Since the Moon is much closer to Earth than any other object in the night sky, views of its illuminated surface are amazingly detailed when observed through binoculars or a telescope. Intriguing craters, craggy mountains, and vast “seas” of ancient lava flows make for wonderful targets for backyard astronomers. With the affordable Orion Moon Map 260, you can easily identify, locate and learn about the many interesting features of Earth’s only natural satellite.

The Moon Map identifies over 260 of the most popular lunar surface features including craters, mountain ranges, valleys, rilles, “seas” and more. Each feature is cross-referenced in the MoonMap’s tables with its official name, size and a brief description. In addition to lunar landscape features, all successful spacecraft landing sites from US Apollo, Surveyor and Ranger Probe missions as well as Soviet Luna Probe missions are also clearly identified on the map.

We’ve designed the Orion MoonMap 260 with versatility in mind. Both a correct-image and reversed, or “mirror image” view of the Moon are included on the map, so it can be used when observing the Moon with unaided eyes, binoculars; or any refractor, reflector, or Cassegrain telescope. The map is conveniently laminated for use in almost any weather.

Using the Moon Map 260 is easy. Simply find the reference number of the lunar feature you wish to identify on the map, and then look up its name using the map’s numerical index. Conversely, if you wish to locate a specific named feature with your telescope or binoculars, use the map’s numerical index to find the lunar feature’s reference number, then locate the number and feature on the map. For ease of use, the reference numbers are roughly ordered from north to south (top to bottom).

The Orion MoonMap 260 measures 25.25″ x 11″ when fully unfolded, and folds up to 8.5″ x 11″. The tri-fold MoonMap 260 is plastic laminated for long-lasting durability as well as protection against dew, dirt, and the occasional coffee spill.

Whether you’re an experienced amateur astronomer or a novice just beginning to explore the night sky, the MoonMap 260 will help you make each moonlit night more memorable. It’s a must-have for any of our fellow “Luna”tics!

Chandler Large Planisphere

The most popular versions of The Night Sky™ planisphere are the large and small plastic charts. These versions are made in the USA using durable plastic facing for the front and back and are secured with no-corrosion brass rivets. These planispheres are built to last; you will probably go through several telescope upgrades in your lifetime but will never need to upgrade your planisphere.

How it Works:

The Night Sky Planisphere is made up of 2 sections -- an inner rotating dial (white) marked with the days and months of the year, and a fixed outer section (blue) marked with the hours of the day.
The dial contains a sky map printed with dark stars on a light background for easy nighttime readability. To use the planisphere simply turn the dial to match the date with the time you are looking at the night sky. The planisphere will then show the stars, constellations, and prominent deep-sky objects that are currently above the horizon as well as the location of the Milky Way. It works for any hour, of any day, of any year!

The Chandler Large Planisphere is unique because it uses a two-sided projection to reduce sky distortion -- conventional planispheres severely distort the sky near the southern horizon.

The Chandler Large Planisphere is made from a plastic laminate so it won't get damp and wrinkly when used outside in the night air.

• Unlike coffee-table planispheres, The Chandler Larger Planisphere is printed with dark stars on a light background, for easy nighttime readability.
• The constellations are drawn simply, emphasizing the brighter stars which makes them easy to recognize and locate with the naked eye or entry level equipment.
• Coordinate grid lines are shown without being intrusive. Coordinates are shown because they can be useful for cross referencing with star atlases.
• A selection of deep sky objects for binocular viewing is included. It is important to point out to beginners that the best first telescope is a pair of binoculars. You may already have what it takes to start observing tonight!

Suitable for use in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina & Chile.

If you're after a telescope for daytime and night-time use, you'll appreciate the dual capabilities of the Saxon 70 AZ2 Refractor Telescope.

This portable telescope comes with a focal length of 700mm and an aperture of 70mm, giving you a wide field of view. Make the most of your observing session with the included accessories of three 1.25" eyepieces, a finderscope, an erecting eyepiece and aluminium tripod with accessory tray.

The easy-to-assemble Saxon 707 AZ2 Refractor Telescope is perfect for beginner observers.

Have you ever wanted to explore Mars, the planet next door to our own? With this detailed Map, you finally can- as complete as it can be with our current knowledge of the Martian terrain, the Orion Mars Map and Observing guide will be of great aid in locating and identifying the many intriguing martian features there are to find on this planet. This useful tool is ideal for any amateur astronomer looking to get more out of their telescopic observations of Mars- the map not only identifies the classical albedo features observable through a telescope, it also identifies over 150 Martian Features using modern nomenclature. Throughout the tri-fold of the map and observation guide, you can find heaps of information on the dust clouds and storms, polar ice caps, and seasons of Mars. The guide also includes information on optimal filters recommended to help enhance visual views and photos of mars- and to top it all of, it contains a detailed list of all upcoming conjunction and opposition events

Eyepieces - The 15 mm and 6 mm eyepieces can be used in any telescope with a 1.25” focuser. Each eyepiece is fully coated to improve light transmission and protect the optics. The 15 mm Kellner eyepiece offers a nice medium magnification view in most telescopes, and the 6 mm Plossl provides high magnifications, great for the Moon and planets, especially when seeing conditions are good.

2x Barlow Lens - Insert the 2x Barlow Lens between the eyepiece and the telescope and it doubles the magnification of any 1.25” eyepiece. That means the 15 mm Kellner included in this kit will double in power, effectively becoming a 7.5 mm eyepiece, and the 6 mm will provide the magnification of a 3 mm. Any other 1.25” eyepieces you already have will also work in this versatile accessory, giving you even more magnification choices. Remember, high magnifications do not always produce clear, sharp results, especially on evenings of poor or moderate seeing conditions. Experiment to find the magnifications that are best for you and your telescope. T-threads are machined into this Barlow lens, allowing a user to attach a DSLR camera with the addition of an optional T-ring.

Filters - Colored filters can be used to bring out certain details on a planet’s surface or its cloud structure. Both planetary filters, as well as the Moon filter, can be used on any 1.25” eyepiece with the proper filter threads, so they are very versatile. Just screw one onto your eyepiece of choice and slide it into the focuser.

The #80A is a medium-blue filter that enhances the contrast of the cloud belts on Jupiter and the polar ice caps on Saturn. It also can be used to increase contrast on the Moon if you don’t mind the color shift.

The #25 filter is a deep red color and is a good choice when you want to define the polar ice caps on Mars. It’s also fun to use this filter when observing Jupiter. The #25 Red filter blocks quite a bit of light coming through your telescope, however, so it is best used on bright objects with larger aperture telescopes.

The Moon filter is one of the first accessories most new amateur astronomers buy, and for good reason! It helps block out a portion of the light the Moon sends into your eyepiece so that you can see details better. You can also try this filter on Venus; it helps you see the planet’s phases.

Cleaning Cloth & Case: Keep the micro-fiber cleaning cloth stashed in your AstroMaster Accessory Kit case so that it will always be handy. It’s much better to use a micro-fiber cloth on your optics than other wipes or tissue, as it does not leave a residue, and can be reused. Remember to blow or brush any dust particles off of your optics before rubbing them with the cloth.

The black plastic carry case has die-cut foam inside to protect and cushion your accessories. Keep each one in its appointed place when not in use and you’ll keep them looking and performing like new.

The largest planet in our solar system is a joy to explore with a telescope, and the Orion Jupiter Map & Observing Guide is loaded with educational information and tips to help you get the most out of each and every view of Jupiter. With its bold equatorial cloud belts and swirling storms including the famous Great Red Spot, the planet Jupiter is an ideal telescopic target for beginners and experienced stargazers alike. The Orion Jupiter Map & Observing Guide is packed with observing tips, filter recommendations for viewing and imaging Jupiter, and features beautifully detailed images of the gas giant planet. Use it along with your telescope to identify Jovian atmospheric features including belts, zones, regions, and bright and dark features using official nomenclature.

The affordable Orion Saturn Map & Observing Guide is a wonderful tool for backyard astronomers of all skill levels who want to enrich their observations and understanding of this unique gas giant planet and its spectacular ring system. We've packed the tri-fold Saturn Map & Observing Guide with beautiful images and useful tips to help you get the most out of each view of Saturn. With this Map & Observing Guide at your side, you'll learn interesting information about Saturn's many moons, its extensive ring system, ring tilt cycle, and more. The Map will help you learn to identify light and dark atmospheric features of Saturn using official nomenclature. You'll appreciate the thorough list of recommended filters to help enhance visual views and astrophotos of Saturn, and the detailed list of all upcoming conjunctions and oppositions of Saturn from 2014 through 2020 will help you plan ahead to catch these interesting events.

The Saturn Map & Observing Guide measures 25.25" x 11" when fully unfolded, and folds up to 8.5" x 11". The tri-fold Saturn Map & Observing Guide is plastic laminated for long-lasting durability as well as protection against dew, dirt, and the occasional coffee spill.

• Includes lists of all Saturn oppositions, observable conjunctions from 2014 to 2020
• Lists best filters for visual observation and astrophotography of Saturn
• Plastic-laminated for durability, the Saturn Map measures 25.25" x 11" when fully unfolded, and folds up to 8.5" x 11" for easy portability

What accessories do I need to go with my telescope?

This is a question we get asked every day! We've put together some of our favourite accessories as the BINTEL Observer's Kit #1.

Included are:

BINTEL Plossl 32mm

Most telescopes come with at least one and sometime two eyepieces as standard. They usually offer a medium power around 25mm and a higher power 10mm. These are enough to get you started on your astro journey. While many beginners ask how to increase the magnification of their telescope with additional eyepieces, they often don't realise there's advantages to reducing the magnification with a longer focal length eyepiece.

Lower magnification brings a wider field of view. Some wonderful astro objects in the night sky such as large nebulae and star clusters might not fit into the eyepiece at higher magnifications. They'll need a wider view to see them in their fullest detail.

2x Barlow Lens with T-Adaptor

A Barlow lens effectively changes the focal length of each eyepiece. You insert the Barlow into your telescope and then your eyepiece into the Barlow. This doubles the magnification of each of your eyepieces. Your 10mm eyepiece becomes a 5mm, your 25mm a 12.5mm and so on. It's a quick and effective way of making your telescope more versatile.

This Celestron Barlow also had a T-Adaptor thread. If you have a DSLR camera, simply buy the matching low-cost T-ring for your camera body type (Nikon, Canon etc) here and this can be used to attach a DSLR to your telescope.

Celestron Night Vision Red Torch - RRP $29.95

Why do astronomers use red torches?

No matter the size of the telescope you're using, what's seen through the telescope will be faint. Luckily, our eyes get used to low light after spending a short time in the dark. It takes about 30-40 minutes for us to become "dark adapted". Our eyes are then some 10,000 to 1,000,000 more sensitive to light compared to when we're in full daylight.

(Needless to say, our eyes become less sensitive in the dark as we age and take longer to adapt.... )

This is something we're all used to seeing. At low light, our sight moves from full colour to black and white as different parts of our eyes become active. This dark adaption or night vision is especially important when observing at night. The problem is that even a short burst of white light from a car headlight, an outdoor light or a normal torch can "reset" dark adapted eyes and you need to start the entire process of adapting to the dark all over again.

It's easy to avoid the loss of night vision by using a low intensity red light. This Celestron Night Vision Red Torch lets you adjust your telescope, red maps and book or even attach cameras - all without losing your night vision. Many experienced astronomers will tell you their red lights are some their most used and handiest accessories in their observing toolkit!

Celestron Moon Filter RRP $19.95- yes, I wear my Sunglasses at Night

The Moon is bright enough to cast shadows! It's also sometimes overwhelmingly bright in a telescope eyepiece. The glare can make it uncomfortable to view.

A Moon filter simply reduces intensity to make the Moon easier to observe. With glare reduced, you'll also be able to pick out the finer details on the Lunar surface. This Celestron Moon Filter screws into the base of all 1.25" eyepieces.

Observer's Map of the Moon - RRP $19.95

This is a handy fold out, two-sided map of the Moon.

You can observe features with your telescope and locate them on the map or vice versa. This map also features a directory of all the key lunar regions with coordinates to find them.

On the reverse side of the map, there are close-up photos and information about the most exciting lunar regions to explore. You’ll also find images of the North and South polar regions for reference​. Refer to the lunar observing tips for practical information about using your telescope or binoculars to explore the Moon.

The Observer’s Map of the Moon is waterproof, tear-resistant, and can be folded into an 20cm x 10cm size, making it easy to take along on your next camping trip, star party, or evening in your backyard. When not in use, the Moon map will be a stylish decorative poster on your wall. It makes a great display for your classroom or astronomy club.

Bintel Logo Cap

Have you found yourself clicking through our pages, cooking up new ideas for your next astronomy set-up? Do you sometimes feel like you have us on speed dial? Show your love for astronomy, telescope equipment, and Bintel; even in the daylight! This is a pre-curved cotton cap with crossover velcro in the back to find your best fit.