Dwarf II Smart Telescope - Improved App and more Deep Sky captures Jenhams Astro 2024-01-19 | In this follow up video I've downloaded the latest V2.0.2 app for iOS and the latest firmware. I've got a feel for the updated app and tried some features like moon tracking that weren't in my initial review. Finally as the clouds have cleared I've grabbed some more DSO images. I think it is a big improvement.
DWARF 2 (II) Smart Telescope Review and First Images Jenhams Astro 2023-12-28 | Dwarflab have kindly sent me a sample of their DWARF 2 / II Smart Telescope for review - not as a paid promotion; I don't do those. It's my first foray into smart telescopes. In this video I setup the scope, walk through the associated smartphone app and try out a few images of day and nightime objects.Note that an updated version of the app and firmware has just dropped - I will assess the differences soon.
Bausch and Lomb Criterion 4000 Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope - Review Jenhams Astro 2023-11-25 | I could not resist this B&L 4000 when I saw it on an auction site. The forums suggest it may not be a classic... Bausch & Lomb didn't make astro scopes for long after this model and it's big brother had retailed in the mid 1980s. Is mine a hidden gem, as good as an old Celestron C5 or is it a poor performer as pronounced online? In this review I see what was supplied in the box labelled "Bausch and Lomb Criterion 4000 Telescope System", and try out the scope for some birding in Cornwall and over a few nights for astro.Any owners who can clarify if the "No.2" reducer is 0.5x or some less reduction, please let me know in the comments. It definitely reduces, but I'm not certain how much.
Beginner Telescopes - Old vs New (130P/AWB Onesky vs Astroscan) Jenhams Astro 2023-05-07 | In this video I compare a beginners scope first made in the 1970s - the Edmund Scientific Astroscan, to a modern equivalent - the Skywatcher Heritage 130p/AWB Onesky. I'll look at their specifications, their design features and how well they work.The 130P is available here:firstlightoptics.com/beginner-telescopes/skywatcher-heritage-130p-flextube.htmlThe AWB Onesky is available here:shop.astronomerswithoutborders.org/products/awb-onesky-reflector-telescopeThe Edmund Scientific Astroscan is no longer available to purchase new but can be found on auction sites.
SCT Reducer Corrector with a Maksutov Telescope - Strange Artefact Investigation Jenhams Astro 2023-04-11 | This is a follow-up video in which I investigate some strange loops of light which I photographed when using an SCT Reducer/Corrector with a 127 Maksutov telescope.Thanks to all the comment contributors from the first video.
SCT Corrector Reducer with a Skymax 127 Maksutov Telescope Jenhams Astro 2023-02-17 | I've had an f/6.3 reducer/corrector (or is it a corrector/reducer?!) for my SCT scopes for a while, and I've wondered if it would work on a Maksutov telescope. In this video I try it out on my Skywatcher 127 Skymax telescope.I developed the idea for the video from one made by @GarnettLeary Please check out his channel.
Maksutov to SCT telscope rear cell adapter #Shorts Jenhams Astro 2023-01-14 | In this video I show how you can adapt the rear thread of Maksutov telescope from 44.5mm diameter to the standard SCT size. The video uses a Skywatcher Skymax 127 to demonstrate this easy fix. Many recent Skywatcher Maks are now supplied with an SCT rear thread, but previous models often used the smaller "Mak" thread.
Astrophotography with an old C90 Maksutov Telescope? Jenhams Astro 2022-12-18 | The original Celestron C90 was sold in 3 variants - Astro Telescope, Telephoto lens and Spotting Scope. In this video I try to do astrophotography of the brighter planets and moon using a de-forked C90 Astro optical tube assembly. Initially I used a piggyback mount to attach the C90 to my nearly new Celestron 8" Evolution telescope, and then I move onto using a lightweight equatorial grab and go setup. Is the old Maksutov any good at AP?
Vintage Celestron C90 Astro Telescope Jenhams Astro 2022-11-27 | If you've looked at my channel you'll know I like Maksutovs and old scopes, as well as more modern kit. In this video I look at my latest old scope, a Celestron C90 Astro from the 1970s. These scopes are fairly scarce and I couldn't find another video on YT, so here goes. Thanks for watching.
Astronomy Gift Ideas for under £25 or $30 Jenhams Astro 2022-11-04 | Amateur astronomers can be tricky people to buy a gift for, especially if you want it to be a surprise. In this video I look at 5 items that you might consider. They cost no more than around £25 or $30 and I think most astronomers will find them useful, interesting or fun.Here are a few links to the items described in the video:1) Turn Left at Orion Sky Atlas and observing guide:cambridge.org/turnleftfirstlightoptics.com/books/turn-left-at-orion-book.htmlamazon.com/Turn-Left-Orion-Hundreds-Telescope-dp-1108457568/dp/1108457568/ref=dp_ob_title_bk2) Solarcan Camerasolarcan.co.ukkickstarter.com/projects/samcornwell/the-solarcan3) Baader Optical Wonder Cleaning Solutionbaader-planetarium.com/en/optical-wonder-cleaning-fluid.htmlfirstlightoptics.com/astronomy-optics-cleaning-protection/baader-optical-wonder-fluid.html4) David Chandler Red Torchdavidchandler.com/products/night-readersagenaastro.com/david-chandler-night-reader-pro-red-light-key-chain.html5) Astronomy Socksamazon.co.uk/Studio-Astronomy-Socks/dp/B0713RNSXYskyatnightmagazine.com/top-astronomy-kit/space-astronomy-sockszazzle.co.uk/astronomy+socksI have not been paid by any of the makers of these products, these are just my own opinions.This is a different kind of video to my normal efforts, so please humour me if it isn't your cup of tea.Thanks for watching & Clear Skies.Graham
Baader Clicklock installation on Telescope #Shorts Jenhams Astro 2022-10-22 | Installing a Baader Planetarium 2" ClickLock on a Celestron Evolution 8" SCT Telescope. This gadget allows you to quickly insert and remove telescope eyepieces, diagonals or cameras, whilst holding heavy items securely, even if the telescope is pointing straight up.baader-planetarium.co.uk/shop/baader-2-sct-edgehd-clicklock-clamp-c5-c9#Shorts
Europa Transit of Jupiter with a Celestron Evolution 8 telescope Jenhams Astro 2022-09-25 | In this short video I've had a go at capturing a transit of a Galilean Moon, Europa, across the disk of Jupiter. The seeing conditions were awful, with layers of cloud and unstable air, so the result could definitely be improved upon, but it was fun to track down the black dot of the moon as its parent planet nears oppositon. Why not have a go at capturing a moon with your telescope.I've taken the transit times from the excellent Astronomy Now magazine.I've processed the file using AutoStakkert 3, Registax and Paint Shop Pro.
Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 Telescope - Review Jenhams Astro 2022-08-19 | Having used my Celestron Nexstar Evolution 8 Telescope for a few months I've made this review video to explain the features of the package and why I think it works so well. We will look at portability, wifi, alignment, motor noise, optical quality and more.
Baader Morpheus 17.5mm Telescope Eyepiece Unboxing Jenhams Astro 2022-07-30 | I have taken the plunge and spent more than £100 on an eyepiece for the first time. In this short video I unbox a Baader Morpheus 17.5mm eyepiece, which offers a 76 degree field of view and around 20mm of eye relief.baader-planetarium.com/en/accessories/optical-accessories/eyepieces/morpheus.htmlfirstlightoptics.com/baader-planetarium/baader-morpheus-76-degree-wide-field-eyepieces.html
Celestron Evolution 8 Telscope - Quality Control Problem? Jenhams Astro 2022-06-17 | After endless research about my "next scope" (this is normal, right?) I decided to go for the Celestron Evolution 8" SCT. The model has been around since 2014 and there are many unboxing videos on YT. Having encountered some problems when my new Evo arrived I thought I'd make another which shows the issues and (hopefully) their resolution by my supplier First Light Optics.The Evo 8 box ships at a weight of 26 kilos. The scope components inside total about 18kg.celestron.com/products/nexstar-evolution-8-telescope
Celestron C5 SCT vs Skymax 127 Mak - Double Star comparison test Jenhams Astro 2022-03-27 | In this video I compare the performance of two similar telescopes, the Celestron C5 and the Skywatcher Skymax 127. I've used a dozen double stars that are visible in the spring sky and looked at how the images from the SCT compare with those from the Maksutov.Screenshots are included from Stellarium.
Celestron C5 Astro Orange Tube SCT - Defork Jenhams Astro 2022-03-18 | In this video I remove my 1981/2 Celestron C5 SCT from its trusty fork mount and fit the OTA with a set of tube rings and a Vixen dovetail. The idea is to use the scope more on other mounts, as I know it's got decent optics.
Panasonic Lumix FZ82 Bridge Camera for Astrophotography? Jenhams Astro 2022-02-06 | Is there a 3rd way with cameras for astro? In this video I try out a so-called Bridge camera (aka a superzoom camera) on a range of astro targets. I used a Panasonic Lumix FZ82 model which takes great daytime shots, but would it be any good on astro targets? Can it rival a DSLR for £300?As has been pointed out by my fellow astro YouTuber Garnett Leary, a better option to try AP might be to pick up a used DSLR and give astro a try with an affordable lens like the Canon 50mm "nifty 50" which can also be picked up used. Check out Garnett's channel here for common sense advise: youtube.com/c/GarnettLeary
10 Dobsonian Telescope - Full Moon Rising Jenhams Astro 2021-10-22 | A short video showing the full moon as captured using a ZWO ASI 224MC camera, attached at prime focus of a StellaLyra GSO 10" Dobsonian telescope. The video was captured using the Firecapture tool. I discovered that the focuser on the scope will not allow a DSLR to reach focus, so I used the ZWO instead.
StellaLyra (Zhumell/Apertura) 10 inch Dobsonian Telescope First Light Review Jenhams Astro 2021-09-11 | In this video i give my first impressions of using the 10" StellaLyra Dobsonian telescope, both good and bad. The video covers finding objects, the dual speed focuser, collimation and optical quality.The scope is made by GSO in Taiwan, and is also sold under different brand names including Zhumell and Apertura.
StellaLyra (GSO) 10 inch Dobsonian Telescope Unboxing and Assembly (same as Zhumell Z10) Jenhams Astro 2021-08-16 | In this video I look at a scope for visual astronomy, unboxing a 10" f/5 Dobsonian Telescope produced branded as StellaLyra. The scope is very similar to those branded as Zhumell, as the Z10 model. The scope originates from GSO in Taiwan, and in the video I open the boxes and follow the assembly process.
Deep Sky Imaging with a ZWO ASI 224MC Planetary Astro Camera Jenhams Astro 2021-04-06 | In this video I try out the well known ZWO ASI 224MC planetary camera on a few deep sky astro targets. I capture the data using a WO GT81 on an HEQ5 Pro mount, using the Firecapture tool.
Photographing the planet Uranus using a 127mm Skywatcher telescope Jenhams Astro 2021-02-28 | In this video i use a Skywatcher Skymax 127mm Maksutov Telescope to image the planet Uranus. It proved to be quite a challenge as the brightness of the blue gas giant is much lower than my recent targets of Mars, Jupiter and even Saturn. I use a ZWO ASI-120MC camera, the Firecapture application, and then Autostakkert, Registax and Paintshop Pro. EQMOD was used to control the mount.
Digiscoping the Orion Nebula using Binoculars and a Smartphone Jenhams Astro 2021-02-14 | In this video i use a smartphone, a smartphone adapter and a pair of 10x50 binoculars to image Messier 42, the Orion Nebula. I'll explain how to attach the camera to the binoculars, how to setup a camera app to control exposure, speed and file format, and how to use multiple frames to make a single image of the nebula. I used a pair of Celestron Upclose G2 binoculars and the ProCam 8 smartphone camera app. It's an unusual form of digiscoping, but it works with a little careful setup and practice.Note: The ProCam app is only available for iPhones but there are many good camera apps for Android phones including HD Camera Pro.
The Changing Face of Planet Mars with a 127mm Maksutov Telescope Jenhams Astro 2021-01-24 | The red planet got a lot of attention last autumn when it reached opposition in October, and I made several videos for this channel using a range of maksutov telescopes. In this video I see what a difference of three months makes to the image that Mars presents to the Earth, making a direct comparison of the video I captured using my Skymax 127 telescope and a 2x barlow lens. I used a ZWO ASI-120MC colour camera.
Orion Paragon Plus Binocular Mount - Model 5376 Unboxing and Review Jenhams Astro 2020-12-30 | In order to use large binoculars for prolonged periods to look at the night sky, some form of mount is required. In this video I unbox the Orion Paragon Plus Binocular Mount, model 5376, and give my impressions of its design and construction.
Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn December 2020 - A quick look with a Celestron C90 Telescope Jenhams Astro 2020-12-20 | After a year skimming low down across the southern night sky, the dance of Jupiter and Saturn is almost complete. This short video shows these two bright planets two days before conjunction, which will occur on the 21st December. I've used a Celestron C90 telescope and a Canon 700D EOS camera. The planets are at their closest for hundreds of years and make a great naked-eye, binocular or telescopic sight
Mars through Celestron C90 and Skywatcher Skymax 127 Maksutov telescopes - which is better? Jenhams Astro 2020-11-06 | This is the second comparison video I've made using the Celestron C90 and the Skywatcher Skymax 127. This time the target is Mars, and we'll look to see if the larger aperture translates into better image definition on the red planet. The set-up I've used is the same for each OTA. HEQ5 Pro mount, 2x TV barlow, ZWO ADC and ZWO ASI-120MC camera. In post processing i have used AutoStakkert to stack the best 25% of frames, with the app placing the alignment points (APs). Then the same set of wavelet filters have been applied in Registax.
More Mars with a Skymax 127 Maksutov Telescope Jenhams Astro 2020-10-24 | Each time I image Mars I am trying to improve my technique to get a better result, using tips I've received from helpful viewers. In this short video I'm trying more frames at a slightly shorter exposure than last time (8ms vs 10ms). The file is also being transferred to my PC in RAW form, with colour re-applied (de-bayering) by Autostakkert during post processing. The Skymax 127 Maksutov telescope is still not the weak link - it's me! Onwards and upwards.
Skywatcher 127 vs 102mm Maksutov telescope comparison when imaging the planet Mars. Jenhams Astro 2020-10-17 | Continuing on from my previous videos testing out the StarQuest 102MC Maksutov telescope and it's larger brother the Skymax 127, in this video they go head-to-head imaging the planet Mars, as it rides high in the sky during the 2020 opposition. Does an 127mm mirror beat a 102mm on a bright target? Let's see.
Mars at Opposition 2020 using a Skywatcher Starquest 102MC OTA Jenhams Astro 2020-10-08 | In this short video I capture video from the OTA of a StarQuest 102MC Maksutov telescope, looking at Mars on the night of closest approach in its 2020 opposition. The idea is to further test the quality of the OTA, which is bundled as a package with a lightweight alt-az/equatorial mount.
How Equatorial Mounts follow the stars, for Beginners Jenhams Astro 2020-09-24 | In this video I explain in simple terms how an equatorial mount is useful for astronomy. I show how it works at different latitudes, and how to position it when you take it outside for a night of observing the stars. I've used a Skywatcher StarQuest telescope for the demonstration, along with a more sophisticated HEQ5 pro mount. Equatorial mounts can appear cumbersome and angular, so I've tried to explain their form.
Jupiter Saturn and Mars through a Skywatcher Skymax 127 Maksutov Telescope Jenhams Astro 2020-09-14 | Whilst Jupiter and Saturn have been frustratingly low in the southern sky from the UK this summer, Mars rules the night, rising high in the sky during late evening as it heads towards opposition in October. I used my Skywatcher Skymax 127mm Maksutov telescope to image the three planets on one night. Saturn was a struggle with its low surface brightness, but Jupiter and Mars offered exciting surface details. I used the Firecapture software for the first time to capture the video from my ZWO ASI120mc camera.
Skywatcher Starquest 102MC Telescope Review - Adjustment and First Light Jenhams Astro 2020-09-06 | Having unboxed and assembled the Skywatcher StarQuest 102MC Maksutov Cassegrain Telescope in my previous video, now I take a look at setting up the scope for use, and it’s performance under the stars. Targets such as planets and double stars are captured, and I give my verdict on this new, lightweight telescope package.
Skywatcher Starquest 102MC Telescope for the Moon and Planets Unboxing and Assembly Jenhams Astro 2020-08-29 | This telescope package from Skywatcher promises good performance from its Maksutov optical tube, coupled to a modern, lightweight equatorial mount. Could this be a perfect first telescope if you are new to astronomy? Let's open the boxes and find out!
How to photograph Comet NEOWISE in 5 Easy Steps Jenhams Astro 2020-07-12 | Comet C/2020 F3 "NEOWISE" is the brightest comet that has been visible in the northern hemisphere for years. You don't need a telescope to see or photograph it. This video shows you how to grab a memorable image.
Celestron C5 Astro Telescope, circa 1982 auction purchase Jenhams Astro 2020-05-31 | Telescopes should work well but the best of them look great too! This scope, made around 1981 or 82, is one of my favourites and its performance does not disappoint. Orange tube C5 - glory of the 80s!
BST StarGuider 50mm Guide Scope for Astrophotography- unboxing and review Jenhams Astro 2020-05-24 | On the lookout for an affordable guide scope? In this video I check out one option from BST, a 50mm unit that will attach to a standard Synta-style finder shoe. The scope is lightweight and costs around £70 in the UK.
Astrophotography with a Short Tube 80 ST80 Achromatic Telescope Jenhams Astro 2020-04-26 | There are many routes into Astrophotography (AP). In this video I look at one option using a low cost optical tube that is readily available new or used. Is an 80mm f/5 achromat like the Short Tube or ST80 good enough to build your AP skills? Let's see.
Comets ATLAS C/2019 Y4 and PANSTARRS C/2017 T2 imaged with a William Optics GT81 Jenhams Astro 2020-04-13 | A rare chance to capture two comets in one night from my back garden. On a lovely mild April evening with birdsong at dusk, the comets looked very different but were both worth hunting down.
Venus, the Pleiades and the ISS in one DSLR frame with a William Optics GT81 Telescope Jenhams Astro 2020-03-31 | As Venus moves ever closer to M45 in the evening sky, I noticed in the excellent Stellarium planetarium software that the International Space Station would pass nearby. It predicted it would fit in the field of my William Optics GT81 and Canon 700D if I used the 0.8x reducer. And it did!
Venus with a Skymax 127 Quick look Jenhams Astro 2020-03-24 | Venus is now high in the western sky after sunset. This is a quick video capture of the planet using a Skywatcher Skymax 127.
Canon 18- 55mm kit lens for Astrophotography Jenhams Astro 2020-02-14 | If, like me, you bought your Canon EOS as a kit, you may well have an 18-55mm lens which you have overlooked for use in Astrophotography. This video tries out the lens and compares it to some prime lenses.
Using the ZWO ADC (Atmospheric Dispersion Corrector) to image the planet Venus Jenhams Astro 2020-01-04 | This is my first attempt at using the ZWO ADC to remove the orange/red and blue/violet fringing that exists when imaging a planet which is close to the horizon. A Skymax127 is used.
Double Stars with a Skywatcher Skymax 127 Telescope Jenhams Astro 2019-09-14 | A look at some popular double stars using the 5" Mak and a DSLR. A scope like a Maksutov is well placed to give great view of double and multiple stars with little or no false colour. Here I visit a few favourites with the Skymax 127.
Skywatcher Skymax 127 vs Celestron C90 telescope comparison Jenhams Astro 2019-08-17 | A back to back comparison of these two small maksutov telescopes, looking at their specification and their performance imaging Jupiter.
Skywatcher Skymax 127 Telescope First Light: Moon and Jupiter Jenhams Astro 2019-07-13 | A few weeks after its arrival, this video includes my first results using the Skymax 127. More videos will follow for this scope.
Skywatcher Skymax 127 Telescope Unboxing Jenhams Astro 2019-06-01 | Unboxing a new Skymax 127 Maksutov telescope, and looking at the accessories included by Skywatcher with the Optical Tube Assembly.
Which first telescope under £150 / $200 Skywatcher Heritage Onesky AWB 130 Video 4 Moongazing Jenhams Astro 2019-05-12 | A short video to assess the quality of the Heritage 130 optics. I've put the OTA onto a Vixen AP mount, and i use a ZWO camera to look at the moon.
Astrophotography with budget camera lenses Jenhams Astro 2019-04-27 | The used market is full of old camera lenses, and this video shows the kind of results which are possible using these lenses with a DSLR on a star tracking platform. Since publishing the video I've received the following tips for used lenses: - 24mm and 40mm Canon Pancake. - Super Takumar
