Specifications

Suggested Guide Cameras

The new CFW3 series filter wheels are available in four sizes to accommodate filters from 1.25-inch to 50 millimeters square.

For filter wheel control a custom QHY 4-pin filter wheel port is included that provides power and control signals for QHY dual control filter wheels like the series 3 filter wheels. Both the series 2 and new series 3 filter wheels can be controlled by either an independent external program using the filter wheel’s USB port or via the QHY 4-pin serial port. When connected to the QHY 4-pin port there is no need for an additional power cable or control program. All of the filter wheel functions are controlled through the camera and its operating Software.

The series 3 filter wheels utilize a new motor with direct drive and will reverse direction to take the shortest path when moving from one filter to another. For Example, in this demonstration the wheel moves from filter position 1 to position 2 to position 3 and then back to 1 again, over to position 7 and back to position 1 without ever making a complete rotation of the carousel. This saves time if you’re doing a lot of filter changes in one imaging session.

LED changes color for each filter position. The tricolor LED assigns one unique color or combination of colors to each filter position so you can tell if it’s moved to the correct position without removing it from the Telescope.

The CFW3 is also thin. This feature and the short back focus of the COLDMOS cameras means you can add one of several camera lens adapters for Canon and Nikon camera lenses for wide field imaging with the filter wheel.

In the center of the back plate is a 12-volt DC power port. This port is threaded for a short extension cable that is supplied with the camera that securely attaches such that it will not accidentally disconnect while you are imaging.

Celestron has reinvented the Tabletop Dobsonian telescope with StarSense Explorer—the first Tabletop Dobsonian that uses your smartphone to analyze the night sky and calculate its position in real-time. This larger-aperture Celestron StarSense Explorer is ideal for beginners, thanks to the app's user-friendly interface and detailed tutorials. It's like having your own personal tour guide of the night sky.

Dock, Launch, Explore

Leave complicated star charts, imprecise planetarium apps, and computerized mounts behind. With StarSense Explorer, locating objects has never been easier, faster, or more accurate. Within minutes of setting up the telescope, you'll be navigating the sky with confidence. Simply place your phone in the unique StarSense dock and launch the StarSense Explorer app.

After aligning your phone to the telescope's optics (a quick and easy procedure), StarSense Explorer generates a list of celestial objects currently visible. Make your selection and arrows appear on-screen, guiding you as you move the telescope. When the object is ready to view in the eyepiece, the bullseye turns green. As you observe, listen to hundreds of audio descriptions and view detailed information about thousands of objects within the app’s robust database.

High-Quality Altazimuth Base

The stable Tabletop Dobsonian base provides a sturdy foundation for StarSense Explorer. The tabletop base is compact, lightweight, and easy to transport, making it perfect for travel. The base’s low-profile makes accessing the eyepiece easier for some observers (especially children). You can also place the base on a stable platform, like a table or hood of a car, to raise it to a comfortable viewing height. Consider adding the optional tripod for even more viewing options.

Teflon bearings provide smooth motion in both altitude and azimuth. The integrated altitude "brake" system allows you to adjust the tension along the altitude axis to ensure the smoothest motion, even with slight imbalances. The panning knob on the telescope tube provides an ergonomic grip so you can precisely point the telescope without introducing heat from your hands into the optical system. As celestial objects appear to drift across the night sky, you’ll be able to follow them easily.

The optical tube connects to the base via tube rings. It’s easy to adjust the tube’s position in the rings so the focuser is in the best viewing position. The base features an eyepiece rack to keep your extra eyepiece(s) close at hand.

Dazzling Views with Excellent Optics

With a large 150mm (5.9”) aperture parabolic primary mirror, this telescope has enough light gathering ability to bring out detail in celestial objects. You can expect sharp, bright views of Jupiter’s four Galilean moons, its cloud bands and Great Red Spot, the rings of Saturn, the trapezium in the Orion Nebula, and the beautiful Pleiades Open Star Cluster. You'll be able to discern subtle details while viewing the Moon and planets, as well as faint galaxies and nebulae.

This telescope features a 1.25” rack-and-pinion focuser that accepts 1.25” eyepieces and dust covers for the front of the tube and the focuser.

Perfect for the City or Dark Sky Sites

Even if you live in a light-polluted city location, the Celestron StarSense Explorer 150mm Tabletop Dobsonian is advanced enough to easily pick out Jupiter, Saturn, open star clusters like the Pleiades, double stars like Acrux (the "tail" of the Southern Cross), the Orion Nebula, Omega Centauri, and more of the best and brightest celestial objects.

But if you can take the telescope to an even slightly darker location, more objects will become visible. With this 150mm Dobsonian and relatively dark skies, hundreds of fascinating objects are well within your reach.

The StarSense Explorer Tabletop Dobsonian is equipped with carry handles, making it easy to transport to your observing site.

Smartphone Compatibility

Celestron StarSense Explorer works with most modern smartphones, including iPhone 6 and up, and most devices running Android 7.1.2 or later manufactured since 2016. For a complete compatibility list, click here.

Patented StarSense Sky Recognition Technology

StarSense Explorer uses patented technology and your smartphone to determine exactly where the telescope is pointed in the night sky. A Lost in Space Algorithm (LISA), like the ones satellites use in orbit to correctly orient themselves, helps the app match star patterns it detects overhead to its internal database.

While other astronomy apps may claim that they can help you find objects, they rely exclusively on the phone's gyros and accelerometers, which aren't as accurate as LISA technology. No other app can accurately tell you when your target is visible in the eyepiece.

Celestron has reinvented the Tabletop Dobsonian telescope with StarSense Explorer—the first Tabletop Dobsonian that uses your smartphone to analyze the night sky and calculate its position in real-time. This 130mm aperture Celestron StarSense Explorer is ideal for beginners, thanks to the app's user-friendly interface and detailed tutorials. It's like having your own personal tour guide of the night sky.

Dock, Launch, Explore

Leave complicated star charts, imprecise planetarium apps, and computerized mounts behind. With StarSense Explorer, locating objects has never been easier, faster, or more accurate. Within minutes of setting up the telescope, you'll be navigating the sky with confidence. Simply place your phone in the unique StarSense dock and launch the StarSense Explorer app.

After aligning your phone to the telescope's optics (a quick and easy procedure), StarSense Explorer generates a list of celestial objects currently visible. Make your selection and arrows appear on-screen, guiding you as you move the telescope. When the object is ready to view in the eyepiece, the bullseye turns green. As you observe, listen to hundreds of audio descriptions and view detailed information about thousands of objects within the app’s robust database.

High-Quality Altazimuth Base

The stable Tabletop Dobsonian base provides a sturdy foundation for StarSense Explorer. The tabletop base is compact, lightweight, and easy to transport, making it perfect for travel. The base’s low-profile makes accessing the eyepiece easier for some observers (especially children). You can also place the base on a stable platform, like a table or hood of a car to raise it to a comfortable viewing height. Consider adding the optional tripod for even more viewing options.

Teflon bearings provide smooth motion in both altitude and azimuth. The integrated altitude "brake" system allows you to adjust the tension along the altitude axis to ensure the smoothest motion even with slight imbalances. As celestial objects appear to drift across the night sky, you'll be able to follow them easily.

The optical tube connects to the base via tube rings and a dovetail bar. It’s easy to adjust the tube’s position in the rings so the focuser is in the most ergonomic viewing position. The base features an eyepiece rack to keep your extra eyepiece(s) close at hand.

Dazzling Views with Excellent Optics

With a 130mm (5.1”) parabolic primary mirror, this telescope has enough light gathering ability to bring out detail in celestial objects. You can expect sharp, bright views of Jupiter’s four Galilean moons, its cloud bands and Great Red Spot, the rings of Saturn, the trapezium in the Orion Nebula, and the beautiful Pleiades Open Star Cluster. You'll be able to discern subtle details while viewing the Moon and planets, as well as faint galaxies and nebulae.

This telescope features a 1.25” rack-and-pinion focuser that accepts 1.25” eyepieces and dust covers for the front of the tube and the focuser.

Perfect for the City or Dark Sky Sites

Even if you live in a light-polluted city location, the Celestron StarSense Explorer 130mm Tabletop Dobsonian is advanced enough to easily pick out Jupiter, Saturn, open star clusters like the Pleiades, double stars like Acrux (the "tail" of the Southern Cross) the Orion Nebula, Omega Centauri, and more of the best and brightest celestial objects.

But if you can take the telescope to an even slightly darker location, more objects will become visible. With this 130mm Dobsonian and relatively dark skies, hundreds of fascinating objects are well within your reach.

The StarSense Explorer Tabletop Dobsonian is lightweight and equipped with carry handles, making it easy to transport to your observing site.

Smartphone Compatibility

Celestron StarSense Explorer works with most modern smartphones, including iPhone 6 and up, and most devices running Android 7.1.2 or later manufactured since 2016. For a complete compatibility list, click here.

Patented StarSense Sky Recognition Technology

StarSense Explorer uses patented technology and your smartphone to determine exactly where the telescope is pointed in the night sky. A Lost in Space Algorithm (LISA), like the ones satellites use in orbit to correctly orient themselves, helps the app match star patterns it detects overhead to its internal database.

While other astronomy apps may claim that they can help you find objects, they rely exclusively on the phone's gyros and accelerometers, which aren't as accurate as LISA technology. No other app can accurately tell you when your target is visible in the eyepiece.

Celestron has reinvented the Tabletop Dobsonian telescope with StarSense Explorer—the first Tabletop Dobsonian that uses your smartphone to analyze the night sky and calculate its position in real-time. This 114mm aperture Celestron StarSense Explorer is ideal for beginners, thanks to the app's user-friendly interface and detailed tutorials. It's like having your own personal tour guide of the night sky.

Dock, Launch, Explore

Leave complicated star charts, imprecise planetarium apps, and computerized mounts behind. With StarSense Explorer, locating objects has never been easier, faster, or more accurate. Within minutes of setting up the telescope, you'll be navigating the sky with confidence. Simply place your phone in the unique StarSense dock and launch the StarSense Explorer app.

After aligning your phone to the telescope's optics (a quick and easy procedure), StarSense Explorer generates a list of celestial objects currently visible. Make your selection and arrows appear on-screen, guiding you as you move the telescope. When the object is ready to view in the eyepiece, the bullseye turns green. As you observe, listen to hundreds of audio descriptions and view detailed information about thousands of objects within the app’s robust database.

High-Quality Altazimuth Base

The stable Tabletop Dobsonian base provides a sturdy foundation for StarSense Explorer. The tabletop base is compact, lightweight, and easy to transport, making it perfect for travel. The base’s low profile makes accessing the eyepiece easier for some observers (especially children). You can also place the base on a stable platform, like a table or hood of a car, to raise it to a comfortable viewing height. Consider adding the optional tripod for even more viewing options.

Teflon bearings provide smooth motion in both altitude and azimuth. The integrated altitude "brake" system allows you to adjust the tension along the altitude axis to ensure the smoothest motion, even with slight imbalances. As celestial objects appear to drift across the night sky, you'll be able to follow them easily.

The optical tube connects to the base via a tube cradle. It’s easy to adjust the tube’s position in the cradle so the focuser is in the most ergonomic viewing position. The base features an eyepiece rack to keep your extra eyepiece(s) close at hand.

Dazzling Views with Excellent Optics

With a 114mm (4.5”) parabolic primary mirror, this telescope has enough light-gathering ability to bring out detail in celestial objects. You can expect sharp, bright views of Jupiter’s four Galilean moons, its cloud bands and Great Red Spot, the rings of Saturn, the trapezium in the Orion Nebula, and the beautiful Pleiades Open Star Cluster. You'll be able to discern subtle details while viewing the Moon and planets, as well as galaxies and nebulae.

This telescope features a 1.25” rack-and-pinion focuser that accepts 1.25” eyepieces and dust covers for the front of the tube and the focuser.

Perfect for the City or Dark Sky Sites

Even if you live in a light-polluted city location, the Celestron StarSense Explorer 114mm Tabletop Dobsonian is advanced enough to easily pick out Jupiter, Saturn, open star clusters like the Pleiades, double stars like Alberio, the Orion Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, and more of the best and brightest celestial objects.

But if you can take the telescope to an even slightly darker location, more objects will become visible. With this 114mm Dobsonian and relatively dark skies, hundreds of fascinating objects are well within your reach.

The StarSense Explorer Tabletop Dobsonian is lightweight and equipped with carry handles, making it easy to transport to your observing site.

Smartphone Compatibility

Celestron StarSense Explorer works with most modern smartphones, including iPhone 6 and up, and most devices running Android 7.1.2 or later manufactured since 2016. For a complete compatibility list, click here.

Patented StarSense Sky Recognition Technology

StarSense Explorer uses patented technology and your smartphone to determine exactly where the telescope is pointed in the night sky. A Lost in Space Algorithm (LISA), like the ones satellites use in orbit to correctly orient themselves, helps the app match star patterns it detects overhead to its internal database.

While other astronomy apps may claim that they can help you find objects, they rely exclusively on the phone's gyros and accelerometers, which aren't as accurate as LISA technology. No other app can accurately tell you when your target is visible in the eyepiece.

The Sky-Watcher 114/450 Newtonian is a fully automatic telescope ideal for beginners and those who want to get straight to observing. Aligning the mount takes mere minutes with the “Bright Object” alignment mode, and the computerised SynScan system is the ultimate upgrade that allows automatic pointing and tracking of more than 42,000 object in the sky! This means less time spent finding a faint nebula or a distant planet and more time to enjoy observing. Astronomy has never been so easy!

The Sky-Watcher 114/450 has superb Parabolic optics and provides excellent all-around performance for both the observation of the moon, planets and deep sky objects. The AZ-Go2 Mount – Wi-Fi-controllable with iOS and Android devices and compatible with the SynScan hand controller, offers smooth tracking and fast alignment. Use Wi-Fi to control the telescope wirelessly with your mobile device, either a smartphone or tablet.

Download the SynScan App from Google play or the App Store.

AZ-Go2 Mount Features:

• Wi-Fi GOTO
• DC12V Voltage
• 1.3kg Mount Weight
• DC Motor

In the Box:

• 114/450mm Newtonian
• AZ-Go2 Mount
• Smartphone Adapter
• Super Possl 25mm and 10mm Eyepieces – 1.25″ Barrel
• Red Dot Finderscope
• Power Requirement: 12v DC Power Supply (Tip Positive) or AA Batteries (not supplied)
• Stainless Steel Tripod with Accessory Tray

Specifications:

Sky-Watcher 127mm/1500mm Skymax 127 Maksutov-Cassegrain OTA

• Compact dimensions, ideal for transportation
• Practical main mirror focusing mechanism
• Universal accessory adaptation
• High contrast image without distracting false colour
• Quick release system for the tube
• Impressive viewing capabilities for its price range
• 5 years Sky-Watcher limited warranty

Celestron has reinvented the Dobsonian telescope with StarSense Explorer—the first Dobsonian that uses your smartphone to analyze the night sky and calculate its position in real-time. This large-aperture Celestron StarSense Explorer is ideal for serious beginners and advanced observers alike, thanks to the app's user-friendly interface and detailed tutorials. It's like having your own personal tour guide of the night sky. The large aperture will ensure that you won’t outgrow the telescope as you continue on in your astronomical adventures. Advanced observers will appreciate the ease of use and spectacular views the StarSense Explorer 12” Dobsonian provides.

Dock, Launch, Explore

Leave complicated star charts, imprecise planetarium apps, and computerized mounts behind. With StarSense Explorer, locating objects has never been easier, faster, or more accurate. Within minutes of setting up the telescope, you'll be navigating the sky with confidence. Simply place your phone in the unique StarSense dock and launch the StarSense Explorer app.

After aligning your phone to the telescope's optics (a quick and easy procedure), StarSense Explorer generates a list of celestial objects currently visible. Make your selection and arrows appear on-screen, guiding you as you move the telescope. When the object is ready to view in the eyepiece, the bullseye turns green. As you observe, listen to hundreds of audio descriptions and view detailed information about thousands of objects within the app’s robust database.

High-Quality Altazimuth Base

An ultra-stable Dobsonian base provides a sturdy foundation for StarSense Explorer. It features large diameter altitude bearings with variable tensioning, Teflon azimuth bearings, and braces on the side panels for extra stability (unlike many 12” Dobsonian bases). The altitude bearings provide a smooth up-and-down motion while the integrated altitude "brake" system allows you to adjust the tension along the altitude axis for smoothest motion even with slight imbalances. The panning knob on the telescope tube provides an ergonomic grip so you can precisely point the telescope without introducing heat from your hands into the optical system. As celestial objects appear to drift across the night sky, you'll be able to easily follow them with minor adjustments to the telescope’s position.

Dazzling Views with High-Quality Optics

With a large 12" Newtonian reflector optical tube, this telescope has enough light-gathering ability to bring out impressive detail in celestial objects. You can expect sharp, bright views of Jupiter's four Galilean moons, its cloud bands and Great Red Spot, the rings of Saturn, the gaseous glow of the Orion Nebula, dust lanes in the Lagoon Nebula, and our neighbor galaxy, Andromeda. Compared to the other StarSense Explorer Dobsonian telescopes, the 12” Dobsonian has 2.25 more light gathering ability than the 8” and 2.25x more light gathering ability than the 10”, providing better views of faint objects.

All mirror surfaces are coated with our XLT optical coatings to visibly increase contrast and light throughput for brighter views. With XLT, you'll be able to discern subtle details while viewing the Moon and planets, as well as faint galaxies and nebulae. The mirrors are made of low-expansion optical glass, which helps ensure the best images under changing environmental conditions.

This telescope also comes with a high-quality 2” Crayford focuser. The Crayford design provides precise and smooth movements without focus shifting. It also includes a 2” to 1.25” adapter and a 2” extension tube, so you can use virtually any 1.25” or 2” telescope eyepiece with your StarSense Explorer Dobsonian. The focuser also features a thumbscrew so you can lock in the sharpest focus.

Perfect for the City or Dark Sky Sites

Even if you live in a light-polluted city location, the Celestron StarSense Explorer 12” Dobsonian is advanced enough to easily pick out Jupiter, Saturn, open star clusters like the Pleiades, double stars like Acrux (the "tail" of the Southern Cross, the Orion Nebula, Omega Centauri, and more of the best and brightest celestial objects.

But if you can take the telescope to an even slightly darker location, more objects will become visible. With this 12" Dobsonian and relatively dark skies, hundreds of fascinating objects are well within your reach.

Transporting your StarSense Explorer Dobsonian is easy thanks to the ergonomic carry handles located at the balance point of the tube and base. Dust covers are also included for the front of the tube and the focuser.

Smartphone Compatibility

Celestron StarSense Explorer works with most modern smartphones, including iPhone 6 and up, and most devices running Android 7.1.2 or later manufactured since 2016. For a complete compatibility list, click here.

Patented StarSense Sky Recognition Technology

StarSense Explorer uses patented technology and your smartphone to determine exactly where the telescope is pointed in the night sky. A Lost in Space Algorithm (LISA), like the ones satellites use in orbit to correctly orient themselves, helps the app match star patterns it detects overhead to its internal database.

While other astronomy apps may claim that they can help you find objects, they rely exclusively on the phone's gyros and accelerometers, which aren't as accurate as LISA technology. No other app can accurately tell you when your target is visible in the eyepiece.

Enhance Your Setup

Keep your phone charged all night while exploring with your StarSense Explorer by adding the PowerTank Glow 5000 to your must-have accessories (sold separately). This 2-in-1 accessory was made with the StarSense Explorer Dobs in mind, it has a red flashlight PLUS a USB power bank for charging mobile devices in the field. Connect the PowerTank Glow 5000 to the two posts at the front of the StarSense Explorer dock with the included bands so it is held in a convenient location for charging your smartphone while in use.

To achieve the sharpest views faster, we recommend pairing the StarSense Explorer 12” Dobsonian with the USB Cooling Fan for Dobsonian Telescopes (sold separately). The fan cools the primary mirror to the ambient outdoor temperature faster, leaving you more time to observe. It mounts directly onto the rear cell of the Dobsonian and works with any USB power source.

180mm/2700mm Skymax 180 Maksutov-Cassegrain OTA – High Performance Optical Tube Assembly

The Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 Maksutov-Cassegrain OTA Telescope is perfect for the seasoned enthusiast moving up to a more powerful scope. The larger aperture enables more detailed views of our close planetary neighbours and sharper images of deep space objects.

Maksutov-Cassegrain Advantage
This telescope design has the inherent advantage of minimizing coma aberrations. It also presents a flatter and a more improved edge to edge clarity. Wide angle views of star fields and clusters have never looked so good!

Bring it to Your Favorite Viewing Spot
These Optical Tube Assemblies have a distinct advantage of being designed for use with different mounts. As long as the standard adaptors are present, you should be able to attach the OTA on it. The quick release mechanism enables you to assemble the tube quickly. It also allows you to make minor adjustments to the tube like a stroll in the park.

150mm/1800mm Skymax 150 Maksutov-Cassegrain OTA

The Hummingbird spotting scope shares many qualities with its namesake bird. In the wild, hummingbirds are known for their very small size, their agility (they can fly in most any direction at will), and their ability to travel long distances. The Celestron Hummingbird is the world’s first “micro” spotting scope well suited for hikers, birder watchers, and other wildlife watchers on the go.

Go “Micro”

Standard spotting scopes tend to be large and/or heavy, making them inconvenient to carry long distances in the field. The Hummingbird will shatter your expectations for how lightweight and compact a spotting scope can be, so you’ll take it places you never thought possible. You can easily hold this spotting scope in one hand, place it in a pocket, or pack it along in your carry-on luggage without compromising space.

Crisp, clear images

Although it is small, Hummingbird does not compromise on quality. All air-to-glass surfaces are fully multi-coated with high transmission optical coatings. The result is maximum light transmission for bright, sharp and contrast images. The prism is phase-coated BaK4, which increases contrast and resolution for sharper, more detailed images.

Durable, waterproof construction

The durable body of the Hummingbird works to keep the spotting scope protected against bumps and jolts both during transport and in the field. It’s also fully waterproof and nitrogen-purged, so you can use the scope worry-free in downpours, humid conditions, and other environmental challenges.

Ready for any adventure

The Hummingbird 9-27x56 spotting scope features a close focus of 10 feet, making it perfect for viewing birds, butterflies, plants, or other nearby subjects. The magnification of the 9-27x56mm spotting scope spans the standard magnification ranges of both a binocular and a spotting scope. No matter how you choose to observe, this versatile spotting scope is an excellent all-around performer.

Ways to observe

Unlike most spotting scopes, Hummingbird is so small that you can use it handheld at the lowest magnification level for a quick view of your subject. Travelers who want to save space can replace both their binocular and their spotting scope with this one optic. But the scope is also tripod adaptable, so you can secure it to a stable platform for comfortable long-duration or long-distance viewing.

Hummingbird provides plenty of eye relief for use with or without eyeglasses. For use while wearing eyeglasses, leave the twist-up eyecup in the lowered position. For use while not wearing eyeglasses, twist the twist-up eyecup into the extended position.

This remarkable tripod from BENRO is perfect for when you need a quality, lightweight tripod that also offers superb stability.

The TCBC15FS20PRO Carbon Fibre tripod kit features the new FS20PROC Hybrid head that can be used as a 3-way ball head or as a 2-way video head. In addition the FS20PROC has a dual panorama function so it can be panned both at the base or at the quick release platform. The head is Arca-plate compatible, has a pan handle that can be mounted for right or left hand use, its angle can be adjusted with the incorporated hex key and then the handle base expansion function allows you to create multiple alternative support options.

This 3-D printed bracket from BINTEL connects a QHY PoleMaster electronic polar assistance tool to a ZWO AM5 to eliminate polar alignment hassles.

(Please note this is the bracket only. QHY PoleMaster and ZWO AM5 mount not included.)

Itmes included:

• Bintel QHY Polemaster Adapter
• AM5 adapter (2 pieces)

The Helium ME400 Red Tripod is ideal for portable Paramount use and is available for the Paramount MEII and ME6 models:

• Provides a stable platform for all your equipment
  • Helium ME400 has a maximum payload capacity of 180 kg when the legs are fully extended, or up to 227 kg capacity when the legs are fully retracted
  • Allows eyepiece placement at a convenient height with an adjustable height range Helium ME400 from 61cm to 100 cm.
• The ultra-portable and lightweight design weighs in at 14kg

Helium MX400 Features

• Simple and intelligent mechanics permit the legs to be expanded or collapsed in seconds and produce exceptional stability at all heights
• The top plate rotates 360 degrees for hassle-free polar alignment in azimuth.
• A wide range of coarse leveling adjustments can accommodate gently sloping surfaces.
• Fine-level adjustments help achieve the optimal level
• Swiveling feet can be fit with spikes or other third-party commercial tripod feet based on your observing site (grass, wood, concrete, gravel, etc.)
• Built-in bubble level helps quickly get the top plate horizontal.
• The 6061 aluminum tripod legs are red anodized with black anodized aluminum structural components (top plate, feet, etc.)
• Large tray between the legs conveniently stows your eyepieces and other equipment
• Legs accept many off-the-shelf tripod feet (including spikes, and wide rubber pads) to optimize coupling to the observing surface

The result of these innovative features is an exceptionally stable and readily portable imaging platform that can be quickly set up on any surface, leveled and aligned with the celestial pole, and easily taken down each night.

Most SBIG filter wheels require a direct connection to an SBIG camera to be operated. Some specialized imaging configurations either require additional filter wheels, or a direct SBIG camera connection is not possible.   In this case, the SBIG USB to Filter Wheel Adapter (USB-FW) can be used to control the wheel.

Note:  The USB-FW does not include mechanical adapters.  If the wheel is not directly coupled to an SBIG camera then custom mechanical adapters may be required.

Features

• USB Mini B interface, 15 foot (4.5 m) USB A to Mini B cable included
• DB-9 style I2C connector for filter wheel – connects to original filter wheel cable
• Universal AC power supply with 9 foot (2.7 m) extension cable and locking power connector included
• Uses ASCOM driver for control from most astronomical imaging software or via custom scripts
• Works with SBIG AFW series filter wheels, FW8S-STXL, FW8S-STT, FW8-8300, and FW7-STX.
• Supports dual wheel operation for the SBIG AFW series wheels

Note:  Older SBIG wheels with a DB-9 style I2C connector may also be compatible, but have not been tested with the USB-FW adapter and correct operation is not guaranteed.

Rediscover the world of birdwatching with the ZEISS Victory® SF. You can experience every spectacle nature has to offer with brilliant optics and an unparalleled wide-angle field of view. Thanks to its light weight, unique ergonomic design and dynamic fast-focus feature, the Victory SF allows for hours of relaxing birding without fatigue. The Victory SF is the new benchmark for birding and wildlife observation in the 125-year development of ZEISS binoculars.

With a field of view of 148m / 1000m, the 8x magnification offers the widest, most natural view and leaves nothing hidden. The seven-lens eyepiece delivers extremely sharp focus all the way to the edges. The moderate magnification, balanced weight distribution and ergonomic grip make these binoculars easy to hold for hours of relaxing viewing. A transmission rate of 92% and large exit pupil measuring over 5 mm reveal the details in dark shadows or the dim light of dusk.

The Sky-Watcher HelioFind solar tracking mount is lightweight and ridiculously easy to use. No need to worry about aligning your equipment the night before or early in the morning. Using its patented HelioFind solar finder and built-in GPS, HelioFind automatically levels and calculates the azimuth and altitude of the Sun, all with the single push of a button. Once self-aligned, the mount locates and tracks the Sun for hours at a time. HelioFind is perfect for eclipse chasers, educators who teach science and astronomy during the day, or anyone fascinated with our nearest star.

Tired of wasting half the day not staring into space? Can’t wait until the Sun goes down to start your observing sessions? Need to fulfill those science curriculum standards for your classroom? Already planning your next total solar eclipse road trip? Nothing makes observing our home star as easy and engaging as HelioFind from Sky-Watcher!

You will need a small, dedicated Solar Telescope or small telescope with suitable Solar Filters attached.

Take the Sky-Watcher HelioFind outside on a sunny day, switch it on and it will automatically locate and point towards the Sun and then track it throughout the rest nest of the day. You don't need to align it or carry out any more adjustments

Ideal for observing sunspots, planetary transits, transits of the International or Chinese Space Stations, and solar eclipses with a white light solar filter. Or, attach an H-Alpha solar filter and observe the surface detail of the Sun directly along with tracking the daily changes in stormy prominences, filaments, plages, and even solar flares and coronal mass ejections.

Can be used with any standard photographic tripod (not included)

Perfect platform for Meade Corondo PST or Lunt 40mm, Lunt 50mm H-Alpha scopes.

Sky-Watcher HelioFind Mount is designed for solar observation only.

HelioFind Instruction Manual

The Helium MX400 Red Tripod is ideal for portable Paramount use and is available for the Paramount MX+ and MX6 models:

• Provides a stable platform for all your equipment
  • Helium MX400 has a maximum payload capacity of 180 kg when the legs are fully extended, or up to 227 kg capacity when the legs are fully retracted
  • Allows eyepiece placement at a convenient height with an adjustable height range Helium MX400 from 61cm to 100 cm.
• The ultra-portable and lightweight design weighs in at 14kg

Helium MX400 Features

• Simple and intelligent mechanics permit the legs to be expanded or collapsed in seconds and produce exceptional stability at all heights
• The top plate rotates 360 degrees for hassle-free polar alignment in azimuth.
• A wide range of coarse leveling adjustments can accommodate gently sloping surfaces.
• Fine-level adjustments help achieve the optimal level
• Swiveling feet can be fit with spikes or other third-party commercial tripod feet based on your observing site (grass, wood, concrete, gravel, etc.)
• Built-in bubble level helps quickly get the top plate horizontal.
• The 6061 aluminum tripod legs are red anodized with black anodized aluminum structural components (top plate, feet, etc.)
• Large tray between the legs conveniently stows your eyepieces and other equipment
• Legs accept many off-the-shelf tripod feet (including spikes, and wide rubber pads) to optimize coupling to the observing surface

The result of these innovative features is an exceptionally stable and readily portable imaging platform that can be quickly set up on any surface, leveled and aligned with the celestial pole, and easily taken down each night.

QHY5III200M is a new generation of QHY5III V2 series planetary guide camera, using domestic CMOS, with excellent quality, and near-infrared high sensitivity similar to 5III462C. QHY5III200 is also the first mono CMOS planetary camera with near-infrared enhancement characteristics QHY developed. In addition, the 4um large picture elements make it easier to use for guiding.

The QHY5III (Ver. 2) series planetary and guiding cameras are all equipped with a 512MB DDR3 image buffer which can effectively reduce the pressure on computer transmission, a great help for planetary photography which often requires writing a large amount of data in a short period of time. Some deep-sky astrophotography cameras on the market today only have 256MB, for example.

The new QHY5III (Ver.2) series cameras all use the USB3.2 Gen1 Type-C interface. Compared to the USB3.0 Type-B interface used in the previous generation, the Type-C interface has a longer life and is more flexible.

Tips: It is recommended to use the official standard Type-C data cable of QHYCCD. As the market is flooded with a large number of poor-quality Type-C cables, casual use may lead to the camera malfunctioning. If you use your own spare cable, please make sure it is a high-quality cable.

The custom interfaces of the previous generation of planetary cameras and guiders has been replaced in the QHY5III (Ver.2) cameras with a more universal ST-4 compatible guiding interface. Now, even if the guiding cable is lost or damaged, you will be able to easily get a replacement on the market at a low cost.

The new QHY5III (Ver.2) series of cameras is equipped with a status indicator at the back of the camera. If the camera experiences an abnormal status, the multi-colored indicator light will help to determine the situation with different colors signifying different conditions. During normal operation this indicator light is off, so there is no worry about light contaminating the image.

Specifications

Camera Curves

Sky-Watcher 9x50mm Finder Scope with Brackets

The Sky-Watcher 9×50 Finder Scope with Brackets is a vital accessory for accurate aiming. With its large 50mm aperture, wide 45° field of view and a simple cross-hair reticle, you are certain to gain almost perfect navigation sight with this excellent accessory for your astroviewing purposes. Besides, the finderscope also comes with a mounting bracket for easy setup and will fix to almost all standard finder shoes from Skywatcher.

• Achromatic 9x50mm Finderscope
• Large 50mm Aperture
• Wide 45° Field of View
• Cross-Hair Reticle
• Comes with a Mounting Bracket

This will fit all telescopes with a standard finderscope dovetail shoe. If you want to attach this to a Celestron SCT tube, you can use this BINTEL accessory:

Specifications

• CCD type: ICX267AL Sony SuperHAD interline CCD with low dark current and vertical anti-blooming.
• CCD Full resolution pixel data: Pixel size: 4.65uM x 4.65uM, Image format: 1392 x 1040 pixels
• CCD Image area: 6.4mm (Horizontal) x 4.75mm (Vertical).
• CCD quality: Grade 1
• Spectral Response: QE max at 520nM (~50%), 30% at 420nM and 670nM.
• Readout Noise: Less than 10 electrons RMS – typically only 7 electrons.
• Full-well capacity: Greater than 15,000 e- (unbinned)
• Anti-blooming: Overload margin greater than 1000x.
• Dark current: Less than 0.1 electrons/second @ + 10C ambient.
• Data format: 16 bits.
• System gain: 0.3 electrons per ADU
• Lens details: 2.5mm f/1.2 150 degree ‘Fish Eye’

A reducer has the optical property of decreasing the effective focal length of a telescope. This results in a wider-field and faster imaging time on nebulae and galaxies. Model NPR-2073 0.8x Reducer for NP Scopes is specifically designed to be used with the NP127is and NP101is. While it can also be used to enlarge the field of other Tele Vue Petzval type telescopes, it will not provide additional correction for those models.

This reducer was designed to minimize vignetting with camera sensors up to 43mm diagonal (Full Frame) and is a replacement for the previous 0.8x reducer, the NPR-1073, which worked best up to APS-C sensors. When combined with a Tele Vue Petzval type telescope, it reduces the focal length of the telescope by 20% and makes it that much faster. This increases the telescope's field of view by 25%.

For use on other Tele Vue Petzval model telescopes with 2-inch focusers, use the RAD-1074 Imaging System Nosepiece for 2" Focuser instead of the I.S. Imaging Adapter. Note that when used with 2" focusers there will be increased vignetting for full frame sensors because of the inner diameter of the 2-inch barrel.

This reducer requires the Imaging System insert to attach to the drawtube and Imaging System rings to attach to your accessories and camera.

SKU: NPR-2073

Specifications

The guide camera images a star through an off-axis guider (OAG), either supplied with the AO Unit as an optional extra, or through an OAG built into a filter wheel such as the MIDI or MAXI filter wheels from SX. The software calculates the centroid of the guide star rapidly and accurately, and if the guide star moves, the optical window can be adjusted to compensate for the movement of the guide star. As the guide camera and imaging camera are looking through the same optical system, any corrections made for the guide star are automatically translated through to the main imaging camera.

The optical corrections are controlled by 4 stepper motors, so the small amount of movement, combined with the lightweight mass of the optical window, allows the corrections to be implemented very quickly and much more accurately than the mount drive system is capable of achieving.

Ideally suited to longer focal lengths optical systems, the benefits of the Active Optics on the final image can also be seen with shorter focal length systems on less accurate mounts.

• • Image tracking and stabilisation using a high speed tip-tilt optical window.
  • Fast tracking speed of 5mS per increment.
  • Overcomes rapid gear errors to stabilise even difficult mounts.
  • Mount control output for correcting large drive errors while maintaining AO stabilisation.
  • Image shift factor independent of optical system or camera back-focus spacing.
  • May be used to image stabilise many other makes and types of camera, given suitable control software.
  • Clear aperture of 60mm for up to 35mm full-frame size chips.

• Short optical length – 74mm with OAG, 44mm without (add 6mm if front end adaptor is used).
• Very low light loss (~2%) from the multicoated optics.
• Filter threads for adding 48mm narrow band. IR blocking or pollution rejection filters without affecting the guide camera sensitivity.
• USB or Serial RS232 control via the computer.
• Low power consumption. Less than 600 mA at 12v DC when moving – 50mA quiescent current.
• Compact and lightweight – only 132mm in diameter x 44mm long – less than 700 grams load on the ‘scope.
  The SXV-AO-USB should be used with the off-axis guider assembly for the best results with most optical systems.

This non-OAG (off-axis guider) version of the SXV-AO-USB is designed to work with either a filter wheel with a built in OAG such as the MIDI filter wheel or MAXI filter wheel or a main imaging camera that has a built in OAG.

Combine this with the incredibly sensitive Lodestar PRO or Ultrastar PRO auto guide cameras, finding a guide star and tracking through the Active Optics system works absolutely seamlessly.

PRODUCT MANUAL Handbook-for-the-Starlight-Xpress-SX-AO-USB

Examples

Some examples of the AO in use.

No processing was applied, other than cropping, so that the images are essentially ‘raw’. The mount used was a Celestron CI700 with a C11 SCT at F10

A 2x enlarged clip from an SXV-H9 image. Ten minutes with a C11 at F10 using mount guiding only.

Another clip taken a few minutes later with the AO switched on and operating at 3 updates per second.

Here are some ‘extreme’ images from an Ultima 2000 on a fork mount with poor polar alignment and rapid gear errors. The camera was an SXV-M8C and the images have been resampled to 50% of full size for display.

Without AO correction.

With the AO switched on. (The short coloured spikes on the bright stars were produced when the AO switched off for image download)

Specifications

The guide camera images a star through an off-axis guider (OAG), either supplied with the AO Unit as an optional extra, or through an OAG built into a filter wheel such as the MIDI or MAXI filter wheels from SX. The software calculates the centroid of the guide star rapidly and accurately, and if the guide star moves, the optical window can be adjusted to compensate for the movement of the guide star. As the guide camera and imaging camera are looking through the same optical system, any corrections made for the guide star are automatically translated through to the main imaging camera.

The optical corrections are controlled by 4 stepper motors, so the small amount of movement, combined with the lightweight mass of the optical window, allows the corrections to be implemented very quickly and much more accurately than the mount drive system is capable of achieving.

Ideally suited to longer focal lengths optical systems, the benefits of the Active Optics on the final image can also be seen with shorter focal length systems on less accurate mounts.

• Image tracking and stabilisation using a high speed tip-tilt optical window.
• Fast tracking speed of 5mS per increment.
• Overcomes rapid gear errors to stabilise even difficult mounts.
• Mount control output for correcting large drive errors while maintaining AO stabilisation.
• Image shift factor independent of optical system or camera back-focus spacing.
• Off-axis guider assembly for use with a Lodestar Pro/Ultrastar Pro guide camera.
• May be used to image stabilise many other makes and types of camera, given suitable control software.
• Clear aperture of 60mm for up to 35mm full-frame size chips.
• Short optical length – 74mm with OAG, 44mm without (add 6mm if front end adaptor is used).
• Very low light loss (~2%) from the multicoated optics.
• Filter threads for adding 48mm narrow band. IR blocking or pollution rejection filters without affecting the guide camera sensitivity.
• USB or Serial RS232 control via the computer.
• Low power consumption. Less than 600 mA at 12v DC when moving – 50mA quiescent current.
• Compact and lightweight – only 132mm in diameter x 44mm long – less than 750 grams load on the ‘scope.
  The SXV-AO-USB should be used with the off-axis guider assembly for the best results with most optical systems.

This combination uses ideally suited to using the LodestarPRO or Ultrastar PRO to view the edge of the telescope field via a 10mm square prism and provides accurate positional feedback to the control software. Unlike cameras with an integrated guider chip, the OAG puts the guide camera ahead of any filters that the user fits into the camera ring recess and so its sensitivity is always at maximum. The guide camera mounting is designed to be parfocal with a SX camera when used in this combination – fine focus adjustment is provided by moving the threaded guider mount along the prism tube. If you do not need the OAG barrel (e.g. when using a filter wheel such as the MIDI or MAXI filter wheel by SX which has a built in OAG or a camera with a built-in OAG or guide chip), you can fit the 72mm or T adaptor directly onto the rear of the AO assembly.

Specifications

• CCD type: ICX825AL Sony ExView II interline CCD with ultra low dark current and vertical anti-blooming.
• CCD Full resolution pixel data: Pixel size: 6.45uM x 6.45uM, Image format: 1392 x 1040 pixels
• CCD Image area: 8.98mm (Horizontal) x 6.71mm (Vertical).
• CCD quality: Grade 1
• Spectral Response: QE max at 580nM (~75%), 50% at 400nM and 770nM.
• Readout Noise: Typically ONLY 3.5 electrons.
• Full-well capacity: Greater than 23,000 e- (unbinned)
• Anti-blooming: Overload margin greater than 1000x.
• Dark current: Less than 0.1 electrons/second @ + 10C ambient.
• Data format: 16 bits.
• System gain: 0.3 electrons per ADU
• Lens details: 1.55mm FL F/2 180 degree ‘Fish Eye’
• Computer Interface: Built-in USB 2.0 compatible interface.
• Image download time: Typically 0.6 seconds at full resolution using USB 2.0.
• Power requirements: Camera & Dew Heater requires 12v at 1.5 amp max.
• Input connection: ‘Mini B’ USB socket for USB2.0 and a 2.1mm jack for +12v heater supply. Cooling system: Ambient air cooling.
• Viewing dome: High quality polycarbonate hemisphere (replaceable)
• Overall size: 150mm tall x 95mm diameter

PRODUCT MANUAL Handbook-for-the-Oculus-PRO_Iss3

The Lodestar utilises a very sensitive Sony ‘ExView’ CCD (the ICX829AK) with an array of 752 x 580 pixels in a ‘half-inch’ format. Although the chip is not cooled, it has a very low dark signal and very little readout noise, so it can be used to guide on faint stars that are beyond the reach of webcams and CMOS chip based guide cameras.

Specification

• • CCD type: ICX829AK Sony Exview interline CCD with low dark current and vertical anti-blooming.
  • CCD Full resolution Pixel data: Pixel size: 8.6uM x 8.3uM, Image format: 752 x 580 pixels
  • CCD Image area: 6.4mm (Horizontal) x 4.75mm (Vertical).
  • Colour filter grid array: YMCG secondary colour filters.
  • CCD quality: Grade 1
  • Spectral Response: QE max at 620nM (~65%), 35% at 400nM and 770nM.
  • Readout Noise: Less than 15 electrons RMS – typically only 10 electrons.
  • Full-well capacity: Greater than 50,000 e- (unbinned)
  • Anti-blooming: Overload margin greater than 1000x.
  • Dark current: Dark frame saturation time greater than 1 hour. Less than 0.1 electrons/second @ + 10C ambient.
  • Data format: 16 bits.
  • System gain: 0.9 electrons per ADU
  • Computer Interface: Built-in USB 2.0 compatible interface.
  • Image download time: Typically 0.2 seconds at full resolution using USB 2.0.
  • Power requirements: USB powered.
  • Cooling system: Ambient air cooling.
  • Size: 32 x 72mm black anodised aluminium barrel with 25 x 0.75mm ‘C mount’ thread at the CCD window end & input/output plugs at rear.
  • Weight: approx. 50g.

  Here is a rear view of the guider:

Specifications

• CCD: Sony ICX825AL ExView2 monochrome CCD
• Pixel count: 1392(H) x 1040(V)
• Pixel size: 6.45 x 6.45uM
• Optical size: 8.98 x 6.71 mm
• Read noise: Typically 5.0 electrons
• QE: Peak QE 75% (yellow light)
• Gain: 0.3 e/ADU
• Barrel size: 31.75mm dia. x 85mm long (1.25 inch eyepiece push fit size)
• Barrel thread: 25.4mm x 0.75mm ‘CS’ mount lens thread
• Input connection: ‘Mini B’ USB socket for USB2.0
• Output connection: Standard RJ12 autoguider socket
• Output type: Opto-isolated 4 lines (N,S,E & W) pull down with common return line
• Download rate: Approx. 2 frames per second in binned 1×1 mode