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Optics

Optics

From microscopes to telescopes, rifle scopes to night vision, eHow’s got the optics information you’re looking for. In the market for binoculars? On the hunt for the perfect optical accessories for the bird watcher in your life? Advice from eHow experts make shopping for optics easy. Having trouble getting a good look at Mars on a perfectly clear night? Learn how to focus a telescope. From sighting wild game to locating a paramecium on a microscope slide, see it all with step-by-step instructions from resident experts.

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Showing 1-50 of 51 results

  • How to Choose Astronomy Binoculars

    Many people end up purchasing expensive telescopes in order to view the stars, completely unaware that there's a vast array of binoculars that can be just as adequately used to stargaze. If you...

  • Telescope Accessories: Portable Planetariums

    Portable planetariums help astronomers figure out where to point their telescopes in the night sky. Discover the night sky with the astronomy accessories in this free video on home astronomy from...

  • Telescope Buying Guide: Practical Accessories

    Accessories to protect telescopes and make them easier to use are good investments. Buy useful accessories for telescopes with the shopping tips in this free video on home astronomy from a...

  • Telescope Accessories: Planisphere

    Purchase a planisphere or star chart with a telescope to be able to locate planets and stars in the night sky.Find the stars in the sky with telescope tips in this free video on home astronomy...

  • Resources for Amateur Astronomers

    Use the Internet or local library to research astronomy. Find out where to learn more about outfitting telescopes in this free video on home astronomy from a telescope salesperson.

  • Telescope Buying Guide: Eyepieces

    When choosing a telescope eyepiece, remember that more space between the eye and the lens allows for more adjustment possibilities. Compare different styles of eyepieces for telescopes with the...

  • Telescope Buying Guide: Barlow Eyepiece

    Barlow eyepieces for telescopes are sold in different magnification factors. Find out about a Barlow eyepiece for a telescope in this free video on home astronomy from a telescope salesperson.

  • Telescope Buying Guide: Low Cost Options

    Excellent quality telescopes can be purchased for less than $500. Save money when shopping for telescopes with the buying tips in this free video on home astronomy from a telescope salesperson.

  • Telescope Buying Guide: What to Avoid

    When buying a telescope, be wary of inflated magnification claims and wobbly tripods. Shop wisely for telescopes with the buying tips in this free video on home astronomy from a telescope salesperson.

  • Telescope Buying Guide: Filters for Viewing the Sun

    In spite of all of those childhood warnings, telescopes can be used to look at the sun with the proper filters. Find out how to buy telescope accessories in this free video on home astronomy from...

  • Tips for Buying a Telescope

    Know what features to look for when buying a telescope. Telescope buyers are faced with many options and confusing technological terms when choosing what to purchase. Find out what to look for...

  • Telescope Buying Guide: Aperture

    The aperture of a telescope refers to its ability to gather light. Find out which aperture to choose when buying a telescope in this free video on home astronomy from a telescope salesperson.

  • Telescope Buying Guide: Focal Ratio & Focal Length

    When buying a telescope, use the focal length and focal ratio to determine the magnification of a telescope. Choose a focal ratio for a telescopes based on the tips in this free video on home...

  • Telescope Buying Guide: Refracting Telescopes

    A refracting telescope is the most common kind of telescope. Discover the difference between refracting and reflecting telescopes in this free video on home astronomy from a telescope salesperson.

  • Telescope Buying Guide: Reflecting Telescopes

    A reflecting telescope should only be used for night sky viewing. Discover the difference between reflecting and refracting telescopes in this free video on home astronomy from a telescope...

  • Telescope Buying Guide: Composite Telescopes

    Composite telescopes have greater focal lengths and more compact designs than standard telescopes. Find out how composite telescopes differ from other telescopes in this free video on home...

  • Binoculars for Astronomy

    Binoculars are a great way to learn to navigate the night sky. Learn why binoculars are an essential astronomy tool in this free video on home astronomy from a telescope salesperson.

  • Telescope Buying Guide: Mounts

    More expensive telescope mounts have smoother adjustment controls. Compare mounts for telescopes with buying tips in this free video on home astronomy from a telescope salesperson.

  • Telescope Buying Guide: Dobsonian Mounts

    Dobsonian telescope mounts are commonly used for reflecting telescopes or Newtonian telescopes. Learn about Dobsonian mounts for telescopes in this free video on home astronomy from a telescope...

  • Telescope Buying Guide: Equatorial Mounts

    Equatorial telescope mounts allow users to track the earth's rotation. Find out about equatorial mounts for telescopes in this free video on home astronomy from a telescope salesperson.

  • Telescope Buying Guide: GoTo Mounts

    GoTo telescope mounts have electronic motors for both the horizontal axis and vertical axis. Learn about GoTo mounts for telescopes in this free video on home astronomy from a telescope salesperson.

  • Telescope Buying Guide: Finder Scopes

    When buying a telescope, select a finder scope that is comfortable to look through. Decide what type of finder scope to purchase for a telescope with the buying tips in this free video on home...

  • Planetarium Software & Telescope Viewing

    Planetarium software for telescope users and lay astronomers help viewers explore the sky. Learn about planetarium programs that help local telescope viewers from an observatory director in this...

  • What a Home Telescope Can See

    Home telescopes can see many galaxies and star clusters, but images will not be as profound as space telescope images. Find out what a home telescope can reasonably hope to see from an observatory...

  • Telescope Viewing & City Lights

    Use a telescope far from city lights and light pollution to see stars, but view meteors with the naked eye. Get tips on viewing meteor showers and observing starry skies with a telescope from an...

  • Internet Resources for Telescope Viewing

    The internet can help telescope enthusiasts have fun exploring the night sky, seeing satellites or keeping up with astronomy. Learn internet resources for home telescope viewing from an...

  • Taking Care of Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes

    Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes can collect frost or dew on viewing plates, but simple heating devices can keep viewing crystal clear. Care for Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes with an observatory...

  • Forked Equatorial Telescope Mounts

    Telescopes with fork equatorial mounts rotate to follow the arc of the sun, not in straight lines. Learn how to use equatorial mounts for a telescope from an observatory director in this free...

  • Telescope Eyepieces

    Telescopes can feature different eyepieces that change magnification and viewing options during telescope use. Learn different eyepieces for telescope viewing from an observatory director in this...

  • Using Newtonian Telescopes

    Telescopes that follow the design made by Sir Isaac Newton were coined Newtonian and have finding telescopes attached. Study Newtonian telescopes with an observatory director in this free...

  • Telescope Maintenance

    Clean telescope lenses and mirrors only every few years and never use a T-shirt or finger to wipe viewing surfaces. Maintain a telescope in working order with an observatory director in this free...

  • What to View With a Telescope

    Use a telescope to see the Messier Objects or take in planets and moons as they trace the ecliptic arc. Observe the stars with a telescope alongside an observatory director in this free astronomy...

  • Using Star Charts With Telescopes

    Star charts and star wheels help home telescope users find and identify stars in the night sky. Learn to use star charts for telescope viewing from an observatory director in this free astronomy...

  • Tools to Aid Telescope Viewing

    Try red lights and binoculars when telescope viewing to keep up night vision and home in on star clusters. Use tools that help telescope observations with an observatory director in this free...

  • How Do Telescopes Work?

    The parts of telescope can differ in varying telescope designs, but they work by using mirrors or lenses as reflectors or refractors to magnify light. Learn the parts of a basic telescope from an...

  • Joining an Astronomy Club

    Finding the right astronomy club can lead you towards buying the best telescopes. Learn more tips for trying out telescopes in this free home astronomy equipment video from a telescope designer...

  • Advances in Telescope Technology

    A brief discussion on what's around the corner in telescope technology. Learn more about telescope design in this free home astronomy equipment video from a telescope designer and manufacturer.

  • Types of Telescopes to Avoid

    Stay away from these telescopes! Learn more buying tips for telescopes in this free home astronomy equipment video from a telescope designer and manufacturer.

  • Staying Warm for Winter Telescope Viewing

    Buying the right clothing is also an essential part of buying your telescope. Learn what clothes you will need for telescope viewing excursions in this free home astronomy equipment video from a...

  • Star Parties for Testing Telescopes

    Star parties are a great way to test out other telescopes. Learn more about socializing with other telescope users in this free home astronomy equipment video from a telescope designer and...

  • Using Planisphere With Telescope

    Why a planisphere should be your first telescope accessory. Learn more about purchasing accessories for your telescope in this free home astronomy equipment video from a telescope designer and...

  • Using Color Filters With Telescopes

    Discussion of how color filters can enhance your telescope experience. Learn more about buying accessories for your telescope in this free home astronomy equipment video from a telescope designer...

  • Portable Telescopes for Birdwatching

    For on-the-go star viewing or birdwatching in your backyard, a grab-and-gun telescope may be ideal for you. Learn more about the uses of a portable telescope in this free home astronomy equipment...

  • Eyepieces for Telescopes

    Discussion of the varieties of telescope eyepieces available. Learn how to choose the right eyepiece for you in this free home astronomy equipment video from a telescope designer and manufacturer.

  • How to Buy Eyepiece for Telescope

    What qualities to look for in a telescope eyepiece and what to avoid. Learn more tips for buying a telescope this free home astronomy equipment video from a telescope designer and manufacturer.

  • Deciding What Size Telescope to Buy

    Finding the right size of telescope for your needs. Find out the right telescope for you in this free home astronomy equipment video from a telescope designer and manufacturer.

  • Parts of Refractor Telescope

    Discussion of the components of a refractoring telescope. Learn how a telescope works in this free home astronomy equipment video from a telescope designer and manufacturer.

  • Binoculars Vs. Telescopes

    Binoculars may be the best starter telescope for you! Learn how to choose between binoculars and a telescope in this free home astronomy equipment video from a telescope designer and manufacturer.

  • What to Look for in First Telescope

    A discussion of what make the best first telescope. Learn buying tips for telescopes in this free home astronomy equipment video from a telescope designer and manufacturer.

  • How to Select a Portable Astronomy Telescope

    A telescope is a link to the heavens, and depending on how much of an enthusiast you are, you're going to want to have it with you when you travel. The problem is, some telescopes are simply not...

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