Equipment

Vixen VMC110L modified Cassegrain OTA

Steve Ringwood appraises the VMC110L, a novel “grab ‘n’ go” modified Cassegrain telescope of 110mm aperture and 1035mm focal length (f/9.4) from renowned Japanese manufacturer Vixen. The instrument features twin 1¼” eyepiece ports — one of which can be used for imaging or photography — and an internal flip mirror system to quickly switch between the two.

Equipment

Baader 2″ Diamond SteelTrack focusers

Steve Ringwood reviews a new range of precision focusers aimed at refractors, SCTs and Newtonians that employ real diamonds to create a micro-geared high-precision drive system. Capable of handling a load of 6kg (13 lbs), these focusers offer complete freedom from backlash and flexure. Motor drive option with focus control via PC also available.

Equipment

Astro-Video Systems DSO-1 camera

Are you looking for something to bring the wow factor back to your public viewing sessions, or a means to observe in comfort out of the cold? The sub-£100 Astro-Video Systems DSO-1 camera promises near realtime colour imaging of deep-sky objects and high-resolution planetary imaging with modest telescopes. Does it deliver? Ade Ashford finds out.

Equipment

Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25 review

Celestron, a leading manufacturer of Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, recently added the WiFi-enabled Evolution series to its computerised NexStar range. Targeted at intermediate-level users, we took the flagship Evolution 9.25 model through its paces and admired its futuristic vision of telescope control.