June 2016 - Optics Den

EOTech 512.A65 Holographic Sight Review

The EOTech 512.A65 is one of the most popular short target holographic sights on the market today. Meant as a high tech replacement to iron sights, the EOTech 512 has rocketed in acclaim thanks to its ease of use, high accuracy, and durability.

The first thing you’ll notice about the 512 is its box. Durable, attractive, and weatherproof, the case alone places it above some competition. The optic also ships with a full manual (explaining installation, use, and care) and a cleaning cloth for its lenses. Installation is simple (and universal to most modern weapon systems), consisting of mounting the unit to either a 1″ weaver or Picatinny rail. Once the screws are locked in the unit is surprisingly secure, with none of the wiggle sometimes seen in other, cheaper, optics. This solid setting is important, as it also eases the job of sighting the weapon, and improves overall accuracy.

The 512 runs off two standard AA batteries (600 hours if you use bog standard store brands). This is, however, a double edged sword. While the use of standard AA batteries means that replacements are cheap, easy to find, and plentiful, it also means that you’ll be swapping batteries more often than with some other brands. The sight does have a low power indicator, and adding a spare set of batteries to your kit shouldn’t be too much trouble. The 512 also has more features than most other optical sights, including adjustable reticles and brightness settings. Experienced shooters who’ve fired with other optics may be surprised at the 512’s versatility, its many brightness settings all but ensure that no matter the light conditions your sight will still perform strong. The only (admittedly minor) complaint about the sight’s lighting is that it lacks night vision compatibility. While this won’t be an issue for almost all civilian shooters, military or police customers may still want to take it into account. EOTech does make other sights that do possess night vision though, so look into those if night vision use is one of your buying factors.

The 512 was designed for (and indeed performs best at) short range engagements and target acquisition. Once properly mounted the sight helps place bullets with pinpoint accuracy out to around 50 yards. Even inexperienced experienced shooters often find that they can put rounds on target in under a few seconds at these shorter ranges. Within these ‘bad breath’ zones the 512 allows for extremely rapid shooting, and hits targets with great regularity (making it a great choice for courses that permit dynamic movement). Keep in mind that it’s important to suppress the natural instinct to close one eye while aiming an EOTech. The 512 especially, is made for use with both eyes open, as this superimposes the reticle over your vision. As no two firearms are exactly the same, it’s critical that shooters use short range shooting to dial in their sighting with the 512. While this becomes less of a concern with modern weapons platforms (most notably the AR-15), older firearms may need some work to find their ‘sweet spot’ within the optic’s target circle. Once zeroed the 512 is remarkably secure, and almost nothing short of severe damage or total removal will shift the sight’s picture.

It’s only when one gets into the longer ranges that the 512 shows some of its weaknesses. At 100 yards (and up) skill will start to count more and more, requiring compensation on longer shots. If you possess some moderate training and skill, shooting within 200 to 300 yards should still be easy, and your greatest problems will most likely be wind speed and the drop of your bullets (depending on caliber of course). Shooting at even greater distances will require greater skill, especially as the optic’s range tops out around 400 yards.

The 512 possesses a higher price point than much of its competition, and most buyers should expect to pay somewhere around $500. While other sights can be had for cheaper, almost none can match the versatility, stability, and durability of the EOTech 512.A65. The 512 is one of the preferred models for military and law enforcement around the world for good reason. Professionals the world over will gladly say they’d trust EOTech products with their life, and many do. The 512’s higher price reflects its quality, and it’s important to note that EOTech is famous for their generous and speedy customer service (especially for manufacturing defects and repairs). Most firearm dealers will allow you to play around with a demo version of most optical sights, so you should always ask your dealer for a quick presentation. If the 512 is lacking some feature or detail, browse the entire EOTech catalogue, as they manufacture a wide range of optical sights to fit every need/role.

Rifle Scopes

Rifle Scope Review: Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6X24

If you are looking for speed and versatility, Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6X24 rifle scope is the scope for you. The Strike Eagle Easily goes from point blank to extended ranges with very little effort. The Strike Eagle comes with removable lens covers, lens cloth and CR2032 battery all included and at its low price point is an excellent buy for anyone looking to gear up their rifles accuracy. The Strike eagle come with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all of its air to glass surfaces increasing the scopes light transmission. The second focal plane reticle’s subtensions used for estimating range, holdover and wind drift corrections are accurate at the highest magnification and the glass etched and illuminated reticle are durable and provide precision aiming under low-light conditions. The Strike Eagle is made of single piece tube construction cut from aircraft-grade aluminum with a tube size of 30mm. The scope is also waterproof, fog proof and shockproof due to its O-ring seals, nitrogen gas purging over a wide range of temperatures and rugged construction that withstands recoil and impact. Covering this solid piece of aircraft aluminum is a hard anodized finish that is highly durable and low -glare, helping to camouflage the shooter’s position. The capped reset turrets allow re-indexing of the turret back to zero after sighting in the rifle scope. The caps also provide external protection from the elements. For your convenience there is fast focus eyepiece to allow quick and easy reticle focusing.

The magnification as told in the description is 1-6 x with a 24mm objective lens diameter giving you a field of view of 116.5-19.2 feet/100 yards. The length is 10.5 inches and with a weight of only 17.6 ounces the Strike Eagle is very versatile and easy to haul on those long trips. The AR-BDC reticle is both versatile and easy to use due to the illuminated centered halo which makes fast target a1quisition quick and precise. The manual has details on using the AR-BDC reticle for ranging and bullet drop compensation to further advance your accuracy. On look through the lens gives an impressively clear view with optics usually only found on much higher priced models.

The 11 illumination intensity levels give a very good range of illumination while out in the field helping to get a better view of your target near or far. The Strike Eagle is of course covered by Vortex’s VIP warranty (standing for Very Important Promise) which states that Vortex will repair or replace your Strike Eagle Scope at no charge in the event that it becomes damaged or defective. Vortex does not care how it happened, who was at fault or where you purchased their product. Vortex boasts an unlimited lifetime warranty, fully transferable with no card to fill out and no need to hang on to your receipt! The only things that it does not cover are loss, theft, deliberate damage or cosmetic changes that would have hindered the performance of the scope.

While using the scope I found the design very easy to work with. All of the adjustments were easily within reach and had a great ergonomic feel while using it.

The Strike Eagle is a huge improvement over sights and seemed just as easy to use. The optics were not only forgiving, but you don’t have to be a pro or even a regular scope user to master it. The manual was very helpful in using all of the advanced options that I had never tried out before and the AR-BDC reticle made it very easy to spot my target at first glance. AT first glance the look of the Strike Eagle is very solid and looks well machined and tight within all moving parts. There were no gaps that were uneven and the smooth even finish of the outside of the scope was both beautiful and held a strong functional presence. Due to the solid construction and easy ergonomic design the scope was easily mounted and had a nice solid feel once in place. After mounting the Strike Eagle became part of the gun as if it were made specifically for it.

I would have to say that the Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Rifle Scope with AR-BDC Reticle lives up the the Vortex Optics name with its ease of function and quality of design. This scope easily looks like a scope well above its price range and also performs like one. When you add in the Vortex VIP warranty this purchase is a no brainer, when I think back to my days of shooting with sights alone and what I spent. I wonder why I didn’t get it sooner! Needless to say the Strike Eagle has made a good impression on me, but Vortex Optics as a company also was very impressive in their commitment to not only putting out a quality product that is easy to use, but their commitment to pleasing their customers as well.

Rifle Scopes

Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Riflescope Review

Your rifle’s accuracy is only as good as the scope that you use. That’s why it’s so important to invest the time and energy necessary to find a solid scope that works well for your intended purpose. The Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Riflescope offers exceptional durability, gives a clear view of the target and works over a long distance.

Overview of Essential Specifications

The Vortex Diamondback riflescope offers several features that are designed to make your next excursion more enjoyable. It’s solidly built, and it uses a solid, one-piece aircraft grade aluminum allow construction for ultimate durability. This material also makes it extremely resistant to heavy recoils. The scope is also able to eliminate internal fogging by using Argon gas while also serving to provide protective properties over an extreme range of temperatures. When it comes to clarity, this scope offers crystal-clear vision and you’ll enjoy fully multi-coated optics that are capable of transmitting 91 percent of the available light. The scope comes with a protective lens, and it features fast and easy to use windage and elevation pop-up dials.

Most Important Features and Benefits

This scope will work with a variety of rifles, and it’s exceptionally well-suited for rifles that are designed for hunting. It has good long range capabilities, and it is also an exceptional option for target practice. The dead hold reticle uses a modified design that gives it a unique method of operation. The result is that you’ll be able to eliminate much of the guesswork that is associated with windage and hold-over corrections.

Use this scope for shooting at multiple ranges where the issue of hold-over could present an issue. The Argon gas that is used in the scope also has the advantage of not reacting negatively to water or absorb it. This makes it an ideal scope for a wide range of applications, terrain and weather conditions. It’s designed to make it easy and fast to make quick windage and elevation adjustments, and it’s based on the zero reset accuracy system.

In practical use, the glass on the scope is extremely vivid and bright, and you’ll be able to get a clear view even at the edges of the scope. Focus adjustments are extremely accurate and won’t obscure your shot, and you can make adjustments quickly. Overall, it’s a good all-around scope for general purpose hunting use.

A Matter of Design

Experienced hunters know that simple is often the best option when it comes to reliability and performance. The Vortex Diamondback is a reliable scope that uses a simple design. It’s not meant to do everything, but it excels at what it is designed to do. The design makes it rugged, long-lasting and you won’t have to worry about damaging this scope on more intense hunting adventures. It’s a single-objective scope that is designed to help you hunt game from a distance with the ease and simplicity of an expert marksman. You’ll be able to render 1/4-inch MOA click alterations at a range of 100 yards, which makes it exceptionally accurate.

The design is lightweight and fairly short, so it won’t be a burden to carry with you. It’s an ideal scope for general hunting at a distance, and you’ll find that it’s easy to handle and install. It’s designed to be used by a right-handed shooter, and some modifications would need to be made if you’re left-handed. The nicest feature of its design is that it works equally well with new and older guns, and you’ll be able to interchange it if you wish.

Is It Right For You?

This scope is a solid scope that will introduce you to shooting with a scope. It’s great for those who are on a budget, or for hunters who need a scope they can knock around a bit. It’s not a professional scope, but it’s a great option for those who hunt sporadically or consider themselves beginners. The simple design and limited options make it simple to configure and use. You’ll be able to get up and running with this scope in no time.

The scope is an excellent first-time purchase for someone who is new to using a scope. It doesn’t make sense to buy an expensive scope until you know exactly what you need. By going with a high-quality, entry-level scope like the Vortex Diamondback you can gain experience and learn what features you need most in a scope.

Conclusion: Weighing the Pros and Cons

It’s important to realize what you’re buying when you get this scope. Customer reviews tend to rank this scope highly, but you should realize it’s not a professional-grade scope. No scope is perfect, and this scope does have some flaws. However, the overall value and features for the price make this scope a great deal if it fits your personal needs. For a middle of the road, general purpose rifle scope, this will satisfy the needs of most customers. That is why it is one of our highest recommended scopes, and why it also shows up on other similar lists.

On the plus side, the focus range is exceptional. You’ll get extremely precise cross-hair focus, and the precision doesn’t diminish as objects gain greater distance. The scope is worth more than it’s advertised price. When it comes to features, reliability and price, this scope is in a league of its own. It’s also extremely tough, and you don’t need to worry too much about any rough handling, which is another reason it’s perfect for the beginner.

The downside is that you need to be fairly accurate with the alignment or you’ll likely miss your target. You’ll need a sharp image of your intended target with zero field of view loss. Because of this, it may take some time to adjust your shot. Late afternoon shooting could be hampered somewhat by the available light, but it’s still usable in a variety of lighting conditions. Finally, the parallax is great at about 10 yards. Try to go above 50 yards isn’t really practical for this scope.

Rifle Scopes

Riflescope Review: UTG 3-9×32 BugBuster

The UTG 3-9×32 BugBuster Riflescope has been a favorite choice among many shooters and hunters. This is because of the accuracy it provides through its magnifying lens. Most of the consumers have expressed positive reviews on this particular rifle scope. Its various incredible features also further enhance its positive response among most if not all of its consumers.

Some of the positive reviews expressed by consumers relate to its optics and magnifying power. Consumers really like its scope. They say that it looks great on M&P 15/22. The magnification range is perfect for a .22 scope. Users like how the optics are surprisingly sharp at its affordable price. The rifle scope can focus accurately over a range of twenty five yards. The clarity of the scope through its magnification is nothing short of perfection. For many users, the scope can zoom well at objects that are up to 80 yards. Its magnifier is great for bringing objects in close quarters much closer. The scope has a fast target acquisition that is easy to zero and holds no zero. The scope is also very durable. This has made many users to like the riflescope more.

Reviewers love the affordability of this riflescope. It is relatively cheap compared to other rifle scopes and has a performance equal to a $200+ rifle scope. This rifle scope presents a great deal for your money and is worth every penny. Its powerful features more than surpass the price of the UTG. Many consumers say that they do not see any reason to spend hundreds of dollars on big name tactical scopes to shoot at the range while the Bug Buster is readily available.

Another positive review is with regards to its reticule. The reticule poses no issue to the users. Many users love the fact that the reticule is as straight as it should be. Reviewers also like the reticule for its brightness and visibility. This makes the rifle scope an ideal tool and perfect to use for aiming and shooting dark targets. The UTG 3-9×32 Bug Buster Riflescope has a mil-dot reticule which gives users to enhance their shooting performance and accuracy. This is because the mil-dot reticule has four dots in each direction on the cross hair. This enables users to have nine different aiming points for elevation or windage

Reviewers love its strong platform. This riflescope comes with an innovative True Strength Platform that has a spherical structure. This structure helps control the interaction between the inner and outer tubes of the rifle scope. The platform has a unique design guarantees users precise adjustment elevation over time. The rifle scope is easy to mount on an American made AR-15 among other rifles.

Reviewers have shown appreciation for its RGB Side Wheel Illumination that offers up to thirty six colors in multi-color mode. This enables users to accommodate all light and weather conditions when they are shooting. Many users like this riflescope because it utilizes an innovative EZ-TAP illumination system. They love this system because it gives them easy and convenient access to color change. Its side wheel adjustments allows the users to switch between different colors. This feature is not common for all rifle scopes and this has made the UTG 3-9X32 Bug Buster Riflescope a favorite for many.

Reviewers love the reliability that UTG 3-9X32 Bug Buster Riflescope offers when mounted on their firearm because of its fog, shock and rain proof feature. This rifle scope is filled with nitrogen and is completely sealed. It is therefore very suitable for most users who find themselves in adverse weather conditions and environments because its dual red and green illumination makes this rifle scope the best choice for them. Users love it because it is resistant to all weather conditions.

Consumers love this rifle because of it offers a parallax free view from three yards and beyond. The rifle scope is able to achieve an parallax view. Users prefer this rifle scope because this particular feature is not common to all rifle scopes in the market. On top of that, it is also quite impressive of the UTG 3-9X32 Bug Buster Riflescope.

Reviewers like the UTG Bug Buster because it comes with scope rings. The rings are QD (Quick Detach) therefore enabling users sure and easy mounting. This rifle scope also comes with a set of flip up lens caps and optional sun shades that help consumers reduce glare.

In summary, the overall ratings and reviews of the UTG 3-9X32 Bug Buster Riflescope falls on the positive. This is because it has an excellent optic and is pocket friendly in terms of budgeting. Its lenses are very clear at various distances. Its fog, shock and rain proof feature is very impressive.

Rifle Scopes

Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Riflescope Review

In this review, I will address the features, the turrets, the usability, the aiming range, the BDC reticle, and the hash marks of the Nikon P-223 3-9×40 riflescope. Eighty three percent of Amazon reviewers give it 5 stars, and there are very few setbacks to the device.

The Features

Reviewers rave about the generous, consistent eye relief that keeps your forehead from bruising even when the heaviest recoiling lightweight rifles, cartridges, and severe shooting angles threaten. The BDC 600 reticle has been specially developed for the trajectory of the 5.56 NATO round/ 223 Rem with 55 grain polymer-tipped bullet. This reticle provides shooters hash marks from 100-600 yards and open circle aiming points. There are also precise, hand-turnable, zero-reset turrets with positive click adjustments, which help you to zero in sooner and to maintain your setting despite even repeated recoil. Then, the 100-yd. Parallax setting eliminates parallax, improving your aim. Because the scope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen-filled, it functions even in watery and foggy conditions. The scope is 13 in. long.

The Turrets

Being uncovered, the turrets are directly accessible, which is highly unusual in scopes at this price range. Most Nikon Prostaff scopes need screw-capped adjustments.

Reviewers say the turret adjustments are crisp, and after you have zeroed in the scope, you can turn and lift the turret caps — without having to reset everything — and drop it back into the zero place. So, if they get bumped or turned somehow, all you have to do is return both turrets to zero. You do not need to zero in the scope again. Now is that wonderful or what?

The Usability

Even a handicapped person can use this sturdy, durable, well-constructed scope. The Nikon design is hard to beat. It is nearly as good as a Mark 4 LR/T 4.5-14x50mm or Schmidt Bender 3-12×50 PM II/LP, which both cost about 10 times more. The scope has no caps on it, which is yet another great feature, as you do not need to worry about removing and losing them. Another easy-to-use feature is that after sighting the scope in, all you have to do is to pull out on the turrets and turn them to zero in 6 clicks in either direction without changing the setting. When you adjust the uncovered turrets, the clicks are crisp and easily audible. Each click is a quarter inch at 100 yards. So, as one user says, the lens caps had to go — elastic and all. Lastly, the weight of the scope is quite reasonable.

The Aiming Range

The scope can be zeroed at 100 yards and adjusted out to 800 yards. With this scope, you can consistently hit an 8 inch gong at 800 yards, though, at upper magnification, it gets just barely fuzzy. The clear glass optics are sharp and bright, and only minimal sighting in is needed. Still, zoomed 9 times in low light, the clarity remains amazing. The only problem with the aiming device is that when you are hunting at night when there is snow on the ground and you turn on a red light, the scope draws in so much of it that it causes a halo effect because of the light reflecting off the snow and into the sighting device. In low light situations, though, its drawing of the light is very useful. One user said he could see through the scope on full moon nights to the point that he felt enabled to make a clean shot if needful, and that he had thrown everything he could at this scope and that it still performed perfectly. Up to 300 yards, the picture is clear, and another user reports the scope can reach out to 600 yards, which is the same distance as the marking goes out to. Yet another user reports it very effective for getting a 100 yard zero on a 50 yard target. When he checked it at 100 yards, it was a close thing, and he just had to make one minor adjustment to get it to where he wanted it. The eye relief is constant, and the aim is still accurate. After sighting this scope, you can even reset windage and elevation dials back to zero.

The Reticle

This has two pluses and two negatives to it. One positive thing about it is that it does not change a bit during zoom range. The other is that the Spot On technology tells you what each dot means in terms of yardage and zoom settings. However, the reticle only functions correctly at full zoom, and the miniature BDC reticle bubbles look odd.

The Hash Marks

They do not line up when zero adjusting. Nor do they line up perfectly after you zero it and reset the windage and elevation knobs. The BDC dots that indicate yardage are quite small, causing the user to need to adjust the focus at the back of the scope in order to make the reticle show clearly. Then you need to adjust a smidgin to achieve the hold-over indicated by the dots. In addition, the dots are hard to see against a variable pattern or a dark target. It requires concentration to spot them.

In this review, I have discussed the features, the turrets, the usability, the aiming range, the BDC reticle, and the hash marks of the Nikon P-223 3-9×40 riflescope. Overall, users love it, but there are just a few minor flaws.

Astrology

How to Do Astrophotography Like a Pro

Astrophotography means taking pictures of objects in the night sky such the moon, stars and distant galaxies or constellations. Since these objects are very far away, and the light from them tends to be very faint, astrophotography is more difficult in some ways than other types of photography.

What You Need

Your equipment depends a great deal on what you are trying to photograph and the level of detail you want to achieve. If you want to photograph the full range of possibilities you should have all of the following:

Camera with manual shutter control and a wide aperture
Tripod mount
Telescope
Computerized altazimuth mount
Equatorial motorized mount
Camera remote control

Using a Simple Digital Camera (Beginners)

One of the best things about astrophotography is that just about anyone with a digital camera can take some simple but beautiful shots of the night sky without any sort of fancy equipment or complex technical know-how. If you are just starting out with this kind of photography, or you aren’t able to buy more expensive equipment, then just use the following tips to take good shots.

It is important that the camera be manually set for taking pictures of faint and distant objects. This means keeping the exposure time as along as possible and having a wide aperture. There are a few other digital camera tricks that can help as well. These settings can usually be found in the camera’s menu.

Digital cameras also have a sensitivity multiplier called the ISO setting. This is another way to capture more light and details. The trick here is to set the ISO as high as possible for the camera, and then go back and filter out any problems on the computer afterward.

Be sure to keep the auto-focus turned off. Standard digital cameras are not programmed to focus on such distant and faint objects, and it is very unlikely that auto-focus will get it right. Then you can manually focus the camera at its farthest focus setting.

Be sure to take steady shots either with a tripod mount or using some other anchor for support. Any movement in the camera will turn a long-exposure shot into a blurry mess. Keep in mind that with these extreme settings, many initial pictures may not look that great. Most shots done this way will require some tweaking on the computer before being presentable, but any digital photographer expects this. There is always computer work to be done afterward.

Your final pictures may also have star trails. This is a product of long-exposure shots done without the use of a motorized mount. Since the stars move even in the few seconds of exposure, their image elongates into a trail. This can be beautiful in its own right for some shots.

Using a Telescope and Mount (Advanced)

Those who truly wish to capture the glory of distant stars will want to use a telescope and motorized mount. This allows detailed images to be taken of the moon surface, as well as much better images of planets and distant objects. The motorized mount is important to compensate for the Earth’s rotation and prevent very long star trails or blurry images.

Hooking the camera to the telescope depends on the type of camera you have. Many cameras can be hooked to the telescope but still use their own lens, essentially seeing through the scope much like a person would. DSLR cameras and other advanced cameras may be able to hook directly into the telescope and use the telescope’s lens as their own. The direct hookup method is more advanced and will result in better pictures. This can be done with a few simple accessories, namely a T-mount and 2-inch or similar adapter. Be sure to get accessories that match your camera model and telescope size, since they are usually brand-specific.

Keeping the camera mounted on a motorized altazimuth mount or an even more advanced equatorial mount is very important for telescoped pictures. These mounts both stabilize the camera and keep it moving at about the speed of the Earth’s rotation. This allows the camera to stay steady on distant objects for very long exposure times. An altazimuth mount provides enough adjustment for about 30 second exposures. Longer exposures required equatorial mounts.

Most cameras can be manually set for an exposure time up to 30 seconds. Longer exposures will require a few extra tricks. After 30 seconds, the next highest setting is called bulb. The bulb setting means that the camera will keep its shutter open as long as you hold down the button. The problem is that you can’t do this while the camera is hooked up to the motorized mount and telescope. Your next accessory will be a remote control for the camera. Most brands have these to allow you to manipulate the camera shutter and settings without touching it.

Choosing the Right Location

As with all photography, location is critical to getting the best pictures. The most important factor for astrophotos is light pollution. Longer exposure times mean that even the smallest amount of light pollution can ruin the photo. You will not be able to take good pictures anywhere near a town or city, so the best astrophotographers travel as far as they can from civilization. Also be sure there is not a busy roadway nearby.

By keeping these simple tips and procedures in mind, you are well on your way to taking amazing shots of the night sky.

Astrology

Best DSLR Cameras for Astrophotography

We constantly dream of taking pictures of the night sky, but they have no idea how to get started. In the past, there were no cameras that could be used to capture the sky’s stunning beauty, but today, there are several options to choose from.

The problem with older cameras is that they didn’t have the technological capabilities to get the job done. Since camera technology has become significantly more advanced, there are many DSLR cameras that are up to the task.

Why Get A DSLR for Astrophotography?

Maybe you’re wondering why a DSLR camera is required. The truth is that there are a few different types of cameras that can be used for astrophotography. There are a few dedicated CMOS and CCD cameras that work very well, but many consumers don’t have enough money to afford these high-tech devices.

DSLR cameras are popular because they’re inexpensive and can deliver excellent results. The main reason why these cameras work well is that they have large sensors. Although smartphones have become quite advanced, they still don’t have the right type of camera for astrophotography.

The camera sensor inside of a modern smartphone is too small, so it doesn’t receive enough light particles to capture the glorious night sky. A number of entry-level DSLR cameras can be purchased for about $500, and they can be used to get the job done.

It’s important to realize that you don’t need to start with an extremely expensive camera. Many of the best cameras for astrophotography cost several thousand dollars, so they’re not the best cameras to start out with.

However, if money isn’t a problem, you can check out some of the options towards the end of this article. If you’re just getting started, two great models to consider are the Nikon D3200 and Canon Rebel, or the Pentax models designed for astrophotography. Since they have larger sensors, DSLR cameras are best for shooting at night.

Choosing the Right Lens

Picking the right lens is just as important as choosing the right camera. Without the right lens, you might not get the results you were hoping for. When shooting pictures with almost no visible light, fast lenses tend to work the best. The best lenses for astrophotography should have a large aperture because you’ll need as much light as you can get.

A large aperture lets more light hit the camera’s sensor than a small aperture. For the best results, you’ll want to consider a lens that has an aperture of F/2.8 or bigger. It’s also important to think about what you want to shoot images of. A number of photographers enjoy taking large shots of the night sky.

For example, they might shoot a large section of the Milky Way galaxy. To get the best results when shooting large sections of the sky, you’ll want to consider getting a wide-angle lens, and it should have a focal length of 20mm.

Since this is a general guideline, you can get a lens with a focal length that is less than 20mm. If your goal is to take shots of the moon and various planets, you’re going to need a better zoom. For these shots, consider getting a lens with a focal length of at least 300mm. Depending on your goals, you can go much higher than 300mm.

Shooting In Manual Mode

When shooting for astrophotography, you’ll almost always need to use the manual mode on your DSLR camera. The manual mode is used because the camera won’t be able to automatically focus at night, and by setting the camera to manual mode, you can set the focus for whatever shot you’re trying to take. Since you’ll need to use manual mode, it might be a good idea to consider getting a manual-focus lens. There are several great options from Rokinon.

A popular example is the 14mm F/2.8 lens, which works exceptionally well for wide-field shooting. You can purchase this lens for under $400. If you’re looking for the Canon equivalent for this lens, you could end up spending $2,000.

Other Equipment

Although the camera and lens are important components, there are other pieces of equipment to consider. It’s always a good idea to purchase a strong tripod. Many consumers attempt astrophotography using a cheap tripod, and it almost never works because the tripod shakes too much.

A sturdy tripod won’t shake while you’re taking long exposures with your camera. Another piece of equipment to consider is a telescope mount. This is a great piece of equipment to have when you’re planning to take long exposures with your DSLR camera.

Choosing the Right DSLR Camera

Taking shots of the night sky can be fun and exciting. It’s especially enjoyable when you’re using the right camera for the job. When searching for a good DSLR camera for astrophotography, it’s always a good idea to keep it simple. There are many different brands that sell DSLR cameras, so you might feel overwhelmed when searching for that perfect model.

The best way to solve this problem is to narrow down your selection and only choose a camera from Nikon or Canon. These companies are known for creating some of the best cameras on the market, and they have several models that are affordable and great for astrophotography. However, two need models of Pentax designed for astrophotography are definitely worth considering.

It’s important to realize that this type of photography is specialized, so you want to choose cameras that are known to work well for this purpose. Nikon and Canon happen to have several models that are proven to work well for this specialized type of photography.

Most consumers who shoot pictures of the night sky use Canon DSLR cameras because they tend to work very well for this purpose. To shoot beautiful pictures of the night sky, a camera needs to have low-noise characteristics, and Canon is the first company to create a low-cost DSLR camera that has these characteristics.

Over time, Nikon has caught up and offers several comparable cameras to choose from. Many of the Nikon cameras have very powerful sensors, but Canon offers several cameras that are much better choices for astrophotography.

If you’re purchasing a DSLR camera for the first time, you should consider getting a Canon or Pentax. There are two minor problems that make Nikon cameras less suitable for this specialized type of photography. Unlike Canon DSLR cameras, Nikon models automatically apply a blurring filter, and they also don’t give you access to the bulb setting, which is important for exposures that are longer than 30 minutes.

Although Nikon’s blurring filter can be turned off, it requires a massive amount of time and great inconvenience. These are minor problems, but they serve as two great reasons to consider getting a Canon.

Top Cameras we Recommend

#1 Pick: Pentax K-3 II

The Pentax K-3 II is a mid-range DSLR at a nice price. Oh, and it has some extra perks for would-be astrophotographers. For under $1000, you can pick up a great all-around DSLR that will also let you take awesome photos of the night sky.

Features include the Astrotracer, which utilizes the built-in GPS to sync the sensor to the movement of celestial bodies. Pentax also gave the K-3 II a sensor without an anti-aliasing filter (something typically only available on more expensive cameras). AA filters soften images, which can be troublesome for astrophotgraphers.

With no AA filter, Astrotracer, and a shockingly low price, the Pentax K-3 II is a fantastic option for an intermediate photographer interested in taking great shots and taking the plunge into astrophotography.

Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera

For a great entry-level DSLR for astrophotography, consider the Nikon D3300. This camera has several features that make it great for taking shots of the night sky. For starters, it has a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor.It has a 3.0-inch LCD screen. The Nikon D3300 offers excellent image quality and uses an interface that is designed for beginners.

Although it’s designed with the beginner in mind, it offers plenty of manual control, which is what you need to focus on objects in deep space. This is a top DSLR camera from Nikon, and it provides many of the features that you’d want for astrophotography.

It doesn’t perform as well as cameras in higher price ranges, but it outperforms many of the cheaper entry-level DSLR cameras. You should be able to pick one of these cameras up for a modest sum and start capturing the stunning beauty of objects in deep space.

Canon EOS Rebel T5 DSLR Camera

The Canon EOS Rebel T5 is another top model to consider, and it’s in the price range that is one step above the entry-level DSLR cameras. You can use it to capture beautiful shots of large portions of the night sky. The kit linked to above comes with a variety of accessories (including lenses) which will be helpful for getting started.

As a base model, this camera works great for taking shots at night. With a large CMOS sensor, it absorbs lots of light and can give you incredible photos of space objects. It features an 18-megapixel sensor and has the low-noise characteristics that you need for shooting at night.

You even get the manual options that you need to focus the camera and get great shots of objects in space. The price of this DSLR camera is slightly higher than what you’d expect for entry-level cameras, so it’s an excellent choice for consumers who want to get a little bit more out of their astrophotography experience.

Nikon D5300 DSLR Camera

Another mid-range DSLR camera that is great for shooting images of the night sky is the Nikon D5300. With a 24.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor, it can take incredible photos of objects in space. The image sensor is capable of producing the high-resolution images that show the glory of deep space.

It’s also a great choice because it has the low-noise characteristics that are required for shooting at night. Without these characteristics, photos taken at night would look very grainy.

For just the body, you could be looking at paying just under $700. However, you’ll need to get a lens to capture the beauty of the stars. All of the ISO settings on this camera deliver competitive image quality, which means it’s really good.

The Nikon D5300 delivers superior ISO performance with low noise, and it provides exceptional detail in every shot. If you’re looking for great image quality, agility, speed, and versatility, this is a top camera to consider.

The Nikon D5300 DSLR Camera delivers all of the features that you need for an enjoyable astrophotography experience, but since it’s a mid-range camera, you’ll need to pay more money for it. You should consider getting this camera if you want better performance than what an entry-level model can provide.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

The Canon 5D Mark IV is a great model for professionals. If you’re looking for an unbeatable experience, and you don’t care how much it’s going to cost, this is one of the best DSLR cameras that you can buy for astrophotography.

Since it has a 30.4-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, it has no trouble absorbing the light that pours down from the heavens above. When using this high-end camera, you can expect almost no noise, and it will deliver some of the best astrophotography photos imaginable.

It has all of the features that you need to take stunning shots of the Milky Way and planets. It delivers excellent resolution and ISO performance. It has powerful built-in features for noise reduction and features one of the best CMOS sensors for shooting photos at night.

Nikon D5 DSLR Camera

A final product to consider is the Nikon D5 DSLR Camera. It is Nikon’s latest flagship camera for professionals. With a 20.8-megapixel CMOS sensor, the Nikon D5 can shoot great images of the night sky.

However, if you choose to purchase only the body, you’ll need to get a lens that matches the specifications we recommended earlier. Like all of the other cameras mentioned, the Nikon D5 offers low-noise characteristics, but it does everything a little bit better than the cheaper cameras.

When used at high-ISO setting settings, it delivers unbeatable image quality. It’s compatible with virtually all Nikon lenses and takes amazing photos at night. It’s one of the best DSLR cameras for night shots, but it’s several times the cost of entry-level models.

Nikon 810A

The Nikon 810A is a tricked out version of Nikon’s fantastic full-frame 810. It is designed specifically for dedicated to long-exposure deep-sky astrophotography. This is an excellent model that will let you capture the night sky with professional precision.

The IR filter is optimized for a type of light called Hydrogen-alpha red tones. The 36.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS image sensor has no optical low-pass filter. Nikon has added a number of features that are specifically for astrophotography needs. It’s best used on a tripod for celestial shooting.

The 810A works great as a regular DSLR, too, so this is a great investment if you want a pro DSLR feel that also lets you take amazing astrophotography shots. If you have the budget for this, we highly recommend it.

Pentax K-1

A step up from the K-3 II, the Pentax K-1 has all the same astrophotography features as the less expensive model, but is a full-frame DSLR with a lot more to love. If this camera fits your budget, you will get a great DSLR and what is possibly the best option out there for astrophotographers.

The Astrotracer system eliminates the need for a star tracker. In astrophotography mode, the camera can capture up to five minutes’ worth of exposure. Other modes, like Star Stream, give photographers new options to capture the stars. All other features and bells and whistles either contribute directly to astrophotography, or just make this a darned good DSLR.

The price for this full-frame, 36mp sensor, astrophotography-ready DSLR is simply phenomenal. The functionality is pretty intuitive and the quality of photos is excellent. This is an amazing pick for an enthusiast who wants a really great full-frame camera and has an interest in astrophotography. This might be the best DSLR on the market for astrophotography.

When shopping for the best DSLR camera for astrophotography, the price is the biggest consideration to make. By choosing one of these recommended products, you can avoid picking a camera that doesn’t work very well for this specialized use.

Once you’ve purchased the right camera, lens, and equipment, you can begin your journey with astrophotography and capture the stunning beauty of the universe.

Telescopes

How to Use a Telescope like a Pro

One of the great wonders in life is the sky. At night, when the sun has gone down and all the lights are turned off, we can stare up at this massive expanse of black with millions of tiny little dots in it, and we’re reminded just how small we are on a tiny little planet in the midst of a huge universe. So much of it is visible with just the naked eye. It’s quite enjoyable to lay on the lawn and look up at all the stars blanketing the sky, but it’s another feeling altogether to be able to experience them much closer through the lens of a telescope.

Buying Your First Telescope

A good home telescope doesn’t have to be expensive. There is a wide array available out there for any budget and any experience level, whether you’re looking to spend less than $50 or over $1000. As with everything, do your research and find the telescope that’s right for you and your personal situation. Amazon has hundreds of options to choose from, ranging from small and easy to use to massively complex monstrosities. Make sure you read the reviews before you buy, both good and bad. They will typically tell your more than the description will.

Setting Up Your Telescope

Once you’ve purchased your new telescope, you will need to assemble it. Follow the instructions provided carefully. Do not rush. Make sure everything is put together exactly how it is supposed to be. A mistake in assembly could result in an inaccurate or completely unusable telescope. Once you have it together, now it’s time to test it. Don’t try your first test at night. Night objects, such as the stars and moon, are harder to focus on and move due to the earth’s rotation. Try it out during the day and pick a stable object, such as a tree. Focus on the tree and practice using your adjustments.

A Note On Power

When first starting out with telescopes, many people assume that more power means a better telescope. This isn’t true. Ignore the claims of the ‘Barlow’ lens allowing 500x magnification. While it’s true, it will also give you a blurry image. Imagine blowing up your favorite photograph. The larger you make it, the blurrier it becomes, right? This is what happens with the telescope. Take note of what size your reflector is and multiply that by 50. That is the max power you should use. For example, if you have a 6-inch reflector, the most power you should use is 300. The image will be smaller, but clearer. In fact, a good rule of thumb is to use half of the max to achieve the best image.

Test It Out

As you focus on your tree or other stable object, play around with your adjustments. See what they all do, what effect they have when you twist one way versus the other. Now is the time to really figure out the ins and outs of your particular scope. If you have one of the more popular home telescopes, read the reviews on Amazon. Often, reviews will post advice or things they learned in their reviews. Search for your telescope on a search engine. In all likelihood, someone has posted a guide out there that you can use to fine tune your own viewing. There are numerous resources you can make use of. Don’t be afraid to look for them.

Get Some Guides

While many telescopes will come with a basic star map, it would be best to get one of your own. There are numerous books out there that will give you a full overview of what to look for and what you will see when you look through your telescope. Find one that will give you a good idea of what you can see from where you are and give good instructions on how to locate each constellation.

Find The Right Spot

Finding the right place to set up your telescope is key. Sometimes your options are limited, such as to a back deck or rooftop terrace, but if you can, do a little testing and see where you get the clearest night view. You want someplace that’s dark without a lot of ambient light. If you are stuck on the deck, turn off the lights inside the house. If you can remove yourself to a dark area, that is going to be the most effective for you. Also keep in mind the height of your telescope. Some are designed to be set on railings or tables. You don’t want to be using a miniature telescope and have to lay on the ground for hours if you find that uncomfortable.

Start Exploring

Now that you’re all set up, it’s time to start your journey through space. The easiest object to find is usually the moon. It’s the biggest and brightest. But it’s also one of the most interesting. With a telescope, you can see amazing detail on the moon. Did you know that the moon reflects the Earth? If you look closely, you can see a negative image of the Earth on the moon, due to the way the Sun reflects off the oceans. Other easy to see objects are the other planets in our solar system, especially Jupiter and its moons, Mars, and Saturn. Some constellations are easily recognizable, including the Big and Little Dippers and Orion’s Belt. The Milky Way is a stunning cluster of beauty that shouldn’t be missed. Pull out your guide and see what you can find.

Owning a telescope can be a rewarding experience if you take the time to set it up right and learn how to use it before trying to explore the night sky. With a little patience, a lot of interest, and a good guide book, you’ll be discovering the wonders of the universe in no time at all.

Telescopes

How do Telescopes Work? Your Question Answered

Telescopes have the ability to see objects from hundreds of thousands of miles away in space, but how do they work? Truth is, telescopes come in many shapes and sizes, and they range from the little plastic tube that you can buy at the toy store for $2 to the Hubble Space Telescope. On the middle end of the spectrum, you have amateur telescopes that fit in the middle, and while they are not as powerful as the Hubble, they can still accomplish incredible things like read the writing on a dime from more than 150 feet away. When it comes to the amateur telescopes of today, you have two types: a refractor telescope and a reflector telescope.

The Two Telescopes

Instead of using lenses, the reflector telescope uses mirrors while the refractor telescope uses glass lenses. They both accomplish the same thing, but they do it in different ways. To understand what makes telescopes work, first, let’s look at why you cannot see far away. For example, why can’t you read a dime from 150 feet away without a telescope? The answer is that the object does not take up enough space on your eye screen. To give an analogy, it is like how digital cameras couldn’t see the writing on a dime because it does not cover enough pixels on your retinal sensor.

Using a bigger eye, you can collect light from the object and create a bright image that will magnify the image to stretch it over more pixels on the retina. This is what lets you see further away.

The Objective Lens and the Eyepiece Lens

The objective lenses, also known as the primary mirror, will collect light from distant objects and bring the light to a point of focus. On the other hand, you have the eyepiece lens, and this takes bright light from the objective lens, and it focuses the objective lens. In other words, it spreads out and magnifies the primary mirror. Telescopes operate using the same principle that you find with a magnifying glass. In essence, the idea behind it is to collect as much light as possible to form images inside the telescope, and the light magnifies it like a glass that takes up the space on your retina.

The Ability to Collect Light

Your telescope’s light collecting capabilities relate directly to the diameter of the lens or mirror that is known as the aperture or objective lens. The aperture gathers light, and the larger your aperture, the more light that your telescope can collect and bring into focus. The more light that you have, the brighter the final image will be. How does a telescope magnify things? A telescope’s ability to magnify images will depend on the lenses and the combinations that are used. The eyepiece will perform a magnification, and that magnification can achieved with almost all telescopes.

Why Can’t the Eye See Objects at a Distance?

While human eyes do have the ability to see for long distances, most of it will appear to be a tiny point in the sky. For example, humans can see the Andromeda Galaxy, which is more than 2.5 million light years away, but even in a massive galaxy like Andromeda, it appears as a tiny point in the sky to the naked eye. As an object gets further away, the harder will be to see, but that is why telescopes have proven an invaluable tool for exploring the known universe.

Will a Bigger Lens Yield a Bigger Image?

If you want to make a distant object appear bigger and brighter, you want to collect more light. You can create a brighter image so that it takes up more space on your retina. In fact, the big lens of telescopes will collect more light than what the naked eye has the ability to collect, and this focuses the light to a point from inside the telescope. Your telescope’s ability to collect light will largely depend on the objective lens, which will gather and focus the light from a narrow portion of the sky. The performance of your telescope will depend almost entirely on the size of your objective lens, which is why you should look for a telescope with a larger objective lens.

Refracting telescopes have sometimes been seen as inferior. If you have ever watched light bend through a prism, then you know where the problem comes in at with a refracting telescope: the lens. As light passes through the glass, it will slow down, and while lenses have the shape to bend light, the amount of bending will depend on the wavelength. Understanding this, however, you can make an informed decision on the best choice for a telescope. Reflecting telescopes can be much larger, and they look deeper into space because of the design.