Our sun, the star at the center of our Solar System, is a fantastic subject for both viewing and photographing and humans have been viewing it since the beginning of time. A special form of solar viewing is the solar eclipse. There are few experiences in nature as awe inspiring as an eclipse—solar or lunar—when the Earth, sun, and moon align. If you want to observe and study the sun, B&H has what you need to do it safely and do it
Despite their popularity, the way binoculars work, what makes one better (or different) than another, and what all the numbers mean, are still rather mysterious to many prospective buyers. Read on and find out all you need to know about the ubiquitous binocular before making your choice so you can be sure you’re choosing the right one for whatever you’re planning on viewing.
The Basics
Simply stated, binoculars use a series of lenses, elements, and prisms to produce a magnified view of distant people, places, or things. Using two parallel
A few times over the past year, I have met people who, when they had a youngster express interest in astronomy, rushed out to B&H Photo to purchase the family a telescope. In a few of these anecdotes, the telescope saw limited initial use and then it was simply incorporated into the home’s décor—gathering dust in a corner. It became obvious to me that what the family could have benefited from more would have been a
From personal experience, whenever I try to describe to someone who’s never seen what the rings of Saturn look like through a telescope or how a sunspot moves and changes shape as it transits the chromosphere over the course of weekend, there is definitely something lost in the telling. Wouldn’t it be great if even a novice astronomer with just some basic gear and knowledge could capture their own images of heavenly bodies to post on social media or (to go old-school) print them and hang on a wall?
Well, wish no more, dear reader! We live in
Whether you’re a youngster with an interest in astronomy or a young-at-heart stargazer, selecting a first telescope can be a bit daunting. You want a telescope that’s capable, easy to use, and designed for users just beginning to explore the night sky. Levenhuk, the American optics brand focused on user-friendly products, checks all these boxes with the Strike 90 PLUS Refractor Telescope Kit.
Built to the exacting standards of its founder, optics pioneer Al Nagler, which have come to define the brand, Tele Vue’s line of apochromatic doublet refractor telescopes are designed for the discerning amateur astronomer who requires a fast and highly portable optical tube that does not sacrifice performance.
While Tele Vue has made its reputation designing superior-quality eyepieces, the
New and updated products for long-distance hunters and shooters for 2018 are out from Vortex Optics—new spotting scopes with premium optic elements, rangefinders with longer reach, and a western-style hunting binocular with high magnification and big lenses for the prime times of dawn and dusk.
The 18x56
It feels good to know you’re going the right way—especially if it doesn’t involve unfolding and re-folding a map or, heaven forbid, asking for directions. Auto makers and tech companies have catered for decades to our desire for accurate, hassle-free navigation aids, and today it’s hard to imagine a smartphone or recent-model car that doesn’t offer turn-by-turn GPS.
But modern stand-alone GPS units offer much more than maps and directions, and they’re not just for use in motor vehicles. GPS bicycle computers let you take part in virtual races
Building on the success of its predecessor, Leica has introduced refinements and improvements across the board to produce its new Rangemaster CRF 2700-B laser rangefinder. Up top is a longer metering range that reaches out to 2,700 yards, thanks, in part, to a narrower beam divergence, while staying with the same small CR2 battery previously used.
Still in place is the onboard inclinometer and environmental sensors that measure the
Carson Optical’s new RD Binocular Series has an ergonomic open-bridge design that shaves off weight and allows for a more comfortable grip, making your day in the field more enjoyable. The five models feature BAK4 prisms and multicoated lenses for a bright, sharp image, and present generous fields of view. The two compact models are ideal for concerts, festivals, sporting events, and sightseeing: the
Swarovski Optik adds to its growing family of CL-series binoculars with the 8x and 10x25 CL Pocket Mountain models. Built to the same exacting standards and with the same features as the other pocket iterations, the Mountains stand apart with their sleek two-tone black and green armoring, and an upgraded strap and carrying case.
To help offset the relatively small objectives, and to ensure bright and crisp views, the CL Mountains
As preparations for the upcoming North American Solar Eclipse gain momentum, Meade Instruments now offers a broad line of white-light solar and eclipse-viewing optics called the EclipseView series. Consisting of a variety of devices, this new batch of products is designed to give users a wide range of options for observing our closest star. The entire EclipseView line features ISO-certified film filters that block 99.999% of the intense light from the sun,
Whether you’re off the grid camping or the grid is down during a storm, GOAL ZERO’s latest line of solar panels and portable power stations help to keep the lights on and your devices charged, by harnessing the power of the sun.
The Boulder and Nomad series of solar panels provide a wide range of sizes and outputs to satisfy
A great deal of mystery and misconception surround the topic of observing the sun and solar eclipses, and while you should absolutely not look directly at the sun without proper protection, we here at B&H have got you covered on how to enjoy viewing the sun and, later this year, the solar eclipse. Read on to see what’s available for you, if you’re interested in investing in a dedicated solar telescope.
White Light or Narrow Band?
Right out of the gate, you need to decide: White light or Narrow-band (Targeted) viewing? For specifics about