Some Awesome Links - For Online "Window shopping"

As is my custom, I am sharing some Web Links which I enjoy. I'll also add some of them (the "must haves") to a new permanent Link List.

So, in no particular order, here are some links:

Oberwerk - This link will bring you straight to the 'Astronomy (Mounted)' section of their lovely site - Which, if my estimate is correct, is exactly where you'd want to be! Simply lovely instruments, which any binocular astronomer would be thrilled to use.

I mean, would you take a look at this beauty? 

Link

What I would really love to see, is a nice, thorough, review of this intriguing new instrument! 

One of the things which I've always greatly admired, is the fact that Oberwerk checks the collimation of each binocular before shipment. Using extremely rare and expensive equipment, I might add. I've ordered a pair or two myself over the years. And it's always been a wonderful comfort knowing this. Never had a problem.
Excellent prices, on binoculars which are built to last a lifetime.

High Point Scientific I've been spending some time admiring the scopes on this site as well. Large selection, from scopes for Kids, to serious instruments. Great prices, and - They have a Pay Over Time option! 
They offer the Apertura branded Dobs (of which I had an 8" ver. once). I really liked that scope! Here are a few sketches I made using it:

 M57 The Ring Nebula, 8" Dobsonian telescope at 120x magnification

 NGC457, open star cluster.
A quick pencil sketch, using 8" Dobsonian reflector telescope, in Bronx NY.

Sadly, I was forced to sell the Apertura Dobsonian, when my Sister-in-law moved to a smaller place (with no back garden).

Teleskop Service In Germany. Now, if you live on this side of the pond, you may be wondering: "why would I want to order an instrument from Europe?" Let me tell you, I've been lusting over the unique binoculars they offer for years!
Have a look, to see what I'm referring to... Several of the pairs they offer have interesting specifications. And I've always been intrigued by the pair featuring built-in nebula filters.

OPT Corp Another Dealer of astronomy equipment, with a large selection and very good prices. 

Orion Last, but not least is a place which everyone is familiar with. Very nice selection of instruments. Their easy Payment Plans are what I find most attractive. I wish more dealers offered similar, easy, payment plans.
The selection of binoculars, well-suited for astronomy, is what keeps me going back.
Frankly, I'm surprised I hadn't already shared the links above...since these days, I spend a lot of my free time, admiring the lovely binoculars - Looking forward to the day (~January) when I'm able to order one :) 

Clear skies!

Review Of The Astronomik CLS Clip-Filter (EOS APS-C)

The CLS Clip-Filter  (for The Canon EOS APS-C)

The CLS (City Light Pollution) Filter, from Astronomik, is designed to clip-in to (many models of) Canon EOS DSLR cameras. The specific filter which I was loaned for this review, is The CLS CCD Clip-Filter EOS APS-C.The CCD designation indicates that the filter is designed for use with CCD cameras (obviously!), but also IR-Modified DSLR cameras as well as Black & White film astrophotography.
Recommended for use with optical instruments/lenses of all apertures, with a focal ratio of f/3 or higher.

This particular offering from Astronomik would be of great interest to the increasing number of astrophotographers using infrared modified DSLR cameras. 

The filter fits in front of the sensor/shutter area of the camera (the area exposed whenever a lens is removed). Be advised: These types of filters don't always produce an audible "click" when inserted. It's important to take your time and use care whenever installing or removing these filters. Ensure the filter is properly seated; I sometimes test to see if it's snugly in place, by slowly tilting the camera. It's a good idea to have a clean microfiber cloth (or other suitable clean material) held directly underneath, in case the filter does in fact slip out.

The Clip-In Filter arrives very well packaged; in a foam-lined plastic case. It looks like it would be right at home even in a Professional observatory.

The Astronomik CLS CCD filter features an integrated IR blocking layer, which is very useful (and convenient) for use in Astro-modified DSLRs. 

The filter is available in many different configurations and sizes. As you can see on the links below, you should have no trouble finding the filter housing you need for your specific purpose.

• For Visual Use
• For Photographic Use

I found the Clip-In Filter very easy to use. However, I would have preferred to have it actually snap into place - with an audible "click". So that I could have an additional indicator, as to whether it is completely seated or not. 
On a related note: I've learned of some hobbyists, using a very small (Jeweler's size) flat-head screwdriver, to carefully expand the two small tension "fingers" on the black filter housing - To ensure a snug fit when inserting in camera. I have not had the need to try this "work around" on my filter. Nor would I in any case, as this filter was (graciously) loaned to me for review, by the kind folks at Astro-Shop in Germany.
Here's the Link to the (Google-translated) English version of this Site.

Again, the detailed specifications of The CLS series of filters, may be seen on this page of the Astronomik site.
These are basically high-quality light pollution filters, which are available for a reasonable price. They are simply ideal for anyone imaging from an area with light pollution.
My former residence, where I made my astrophotgraphy attempts, was under Bortle 8/9 skies. Very close to the worst possible level of light pollution. Under skies like that, The CLS CCD Clip Filter is a necessity!

It would be very difficult to get any good sub-exposures, without a good light pollution filter in place. In use, I've found the filter to do an excellent job of eliminating light pollution. And more importantly, without any multi-color gradients in the resulting images; as I've experienced with both the IDAS Light Pollution Filter from Hutech and The "CLS" CCD Clip-In Filter from Optolong.

I plan to add a few more examples of astrophotos, taken with The Astronomik CLS CCD Filter, The Optolong "CLS CCD" Filter, and possibly even The Hutech IDAS Filter; so that you'll be able to better form your own conclusions, etc.
As for my recommendation, when it comes to light pollution filters for photographic use, I'd simply stick with the products made by Astronomik - And avoid the others.

But, for now, I'd like to share a couple of the images (from 2 different filters) for comparison:
A section of Cassiopeia, featuring NGC 281 (The Pacman Nebula) in the center of the FOV.
Bear in mind, that these are single frame / sub-exposures of 30 seconds each, using an 85mm lens, with ISO 1600. Everything was the same, except for the clip-in filters. 
Camera used, was my IR-Modified Canon T5i. A simple, homemade motorized barn door tracker was used as the mount. No additional filters were used, these are as shot, directly from the SD card:

Wide Field NGC 281

Optolong CLS-CCD Filter 30" NGC 281

Wide Field NGC 281

Astronomik CLS-CCD Filter 30" NGC 281

The first difference you've probably noticed between these results, is the strong red/magenta hued gradient throughout the exposure taken with The Optolong CLS-CCD Filter in place.
I always do my best to avoid light pollution filters which produce these unnatural color gradients, etc. 
As you can see, The Astronomik CLS-CCD Clip-In Filter does not produce any of these unnatural colors. Which translates into having more accurate sub-exposures for stacking, from the start. I have a couple of more examples, which illustrate the same differences as those above. Including images processed (identically) in Adobe PhotoShop and other photo editing software applications. As well as stacked & processed images (I look forward to adding them here soon).

As for The Astronomik CLS-CCD Clip-Filter, it was originally designed, produced, and named (CLS-CCD) by Astronomik in Germany. It is manufactured using very high-quality materials and processes. And the effort put forth by Astronomik is obvious when one looks at the results.

The Astronomik CLS Clip-Filter may be purchased from:

• Astro-Shop (Germany)
• Astronomik (Germany)
• Gerd-Neumann Jr. (Germany) - Contains additional Info Re: manufacturing process.
• Opt Corp. (California, USA)

This particular review was not as lengthy as I originally envisioned it. However, I have acquired some additional images, as well as data in the form of notes, etc. So, I do hope to add some additional technical details here in the near future.

Clear skies!

The CLS-CCD Filter From Astro-Shop has Arrived!

I'm very happy to report the arrival of the CLS-CCD Filter, from Astro-Shop in Germany.
As is always the case, whenever a new piece of Astro equipment arrives, there has been nothing but cloudy skies & rain/thunderstorms. 
So, I've been unable to test it yet...
For now, I'll post some Pics I took of the filter - It arrived professionally packaged/well-protected (see below). It looks very promising, I'm looking forward to testing... 

The professionally packaged CLS-CCD Filter, by Astronomik on the right. The Optolong "CLS" version of it, on the left.

The Optolong "CLS" Filter

The Astronomik CLS-CCD Filter

The quick Pics above were taken of a ceiling fan, fitted with CFL (Compact Fluorescent Tube) bulbs; with a point & shoot camera. Consumer grade CFL bulbs are proposed to emit full-spectrum light.

As soon as I get a clear night, there will be more to report.

Clear skies!

Upcoming Product Review - The CLS-CCD Filter from Astro-Shop

The next product to be tested and reviewed here, will be the (original) CLS-CCD Filter (Clip-In for my Canon T5i).
Which can be seen Here from it's true place of origin.
(Site is in the German language, use Google Translate, if needed).

I'm looking forward to doing a shoot-out between the original, high-quality CLS filter and the inexpensive copy from Optolong...
I have a "CLS" clip-in filter from Optolong here, which I've been using...
I purchased it, used, via Cloudy Nights

And I've been assured, by a representative from Optolong, that the layers, optical coatings and etc. have remained unchanged 
for the past eight years.
So, in other words - There is no difference between an Optolong "CLS" filter purchased eight years ago, and one purchased today.

I'm really looking forward to the arrival of the CLS-CCD Clip-In Filter from Astro-Shop.

Clear skies!