Anthony Robinson Monoculars and telescopes are similar optical devices but are ultimately quite different and suit different purposes. In this article we investigate the differences between telescopes and monoculars and identify what each is best for. What is the Difference Between a Telescope and a Monocular? A telescope is an optical device that uses lenses, mirrors, or … Read more
Spotting scopes and monoculars can appear fairly similar but there are some key differences to consider. This can mean that one of these will suit you better than the other depending on what you want to do. With our expertise on astronomy and astrophotography gear, we have written this guide for you from that perspective, … Read more
Binoculars and monoculars can both be used for astronomy and stargazing. But what are the differences and what is best for night sky viewing and astrophotography? We have written this guide from an astronomy perspective, but many of the pros and cons will be applicable for other pursuits like bird-watching, hunting or shooting, etc. Read … Read more
For this introduction to landscape astrophotography, we cover all the steps to help you take amazing images of the night sky above Earth. To support this, we analyzed 260 of the best astro landscape images shortlisted in the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition to share what we could learn. This includes: Read on to … Read more
*This website makes money through affiliate commissions. This means we may be compensated if you click links on this page at no extra cost to you. The most powerful telescopes you can buy to use at home will have an aperture of 8 inches to 12 inches. This is the best measurement of the power … Read more
We have broken down the best space and astronomy books into four sections to help you get straight to what you are looking for: *This website makes money through affiliate commissions. This means we may be compensated if you click links on this page at no extra cost to you. Best Astronomy and Astrophysics Books … Read more
This astrophotography for beginners guide takes you through all you need to know. Follow this, and you’ll soon be taking amazing pictures of the stars, planets, and galaxies. You can impress your friends and family and you can do this with minimal gear (even a smartphone camera). It may be easier than you think. Read … Read more
If you are looking for a gift this year then check out our giant list of ideas for any space and astronomy lover. Here we bring you more than 50 great astronomy gifts for space lovers and stargazers – from cheap stocking fillers to telescopes and more. *This website makes money through affiliate commissions. This … Read more
We present here our list of the best astrophotography books to help you learn how to shoot the stars and other astronomical objects. Some would suit absolute beginners, whilst others are for intermediate or advanced astrophotographers. There is also a second section of the best space photography books that are less educational and more inspirational. … Read more
Cyber Monday 2022 has now passed. In the meantime, check out these articles for some great astrophotography and astronomy equipment recommendations: When was Cyber Monday 2022? Cyber Monday was on 28 November 2022. When was Black Friday 2022? Black Friday falls on the day after Thanksgiving. So in 2022, it was on Friday 25 November … Read more
Amazon Prime 2022 has now passed. Check out some of these articles for astronomy and astrophotography gear recommendations: When was Amazon Prime Day 2022? This year, Amazon Prime Day took place on 12 and 13 July 2022. When was Black Friday 2022? Black Friday falls on the day after Thanksgiving. So in 2022, it was … Read more
One of the first questions when considering a telescope is what is best: refractor vs reflector. Although this is the most common debate, there are actually 3 main types of telescope: Below we consider the pros and cons of each and recommend what telescope type is best for a beginner. Refractor Telescopes Refractor telescopes (often … Read more
This is our introduction to Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA), covering: Read on to find out more. What is Electronically Assisted Astronomy? Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA) is a form of observational astronomy with a telescope that uses a camera instead of an eyepiece. The camera captures a sequence of short exposures, then software stacks and processes … Read more
The new trend disrupting telescopes is hybrid smart telescopes that have cameras built in. They are operated by your smartphone and make astrophotography easy, plus they provide an answer to the problem of light pollution for astronomy. Right now there are four models that you can buy, each with its pros and cons: Read on … Read more
Here we have compiled a list of astrophotography competitions from all over the world so that you can find the right ones for you to enter your astronomy images and maybe win some prizes (or at least some pride!). We include information on when and how to enter, as well as prizes and judging criteria. … Read more
Black Friday 2022 has now passed. Check out some of these articles for astronomy and astrophotography gear recommendations: When is Black Friday 2022? Black Friday falls on the day after Thanksgiving. So in 2022, it was on Friday 25 November 2022. When is Cyber Monday 2022? Black Friday was followed by Cyber Monday on 28 … Read more
The history of famous astronomers is really a history of the development of human civilization. About 200,000 years ago, the first of our species evolved but it is only in the past few thousand years that we have been able to record history and make huge technological leaps. The first astronomers were the first people … Read more
Watching videos on YouTube is a great way of learning astrophotography for free. There are some brilliant channels that you can follow and I have learned a lot from what these people have shared. See below are some of our favorites (in no particular order). Alyn Wallace Alyn is based in Wales in the UK … Read more
Deep Sky West is a remote astrophotography observatory in New Mexico, USA. It offers the opportunity for any astrophotographer around the world to use the site to access clear skies without the need to travel there, and to use advanced astronomy and photography equipment without the need to own it themselves. We talk to Lloyd … Read more
*This website makes money through affiliate commissions. This means we may be compensated if you click links on this page at no extra cost to you. The Nikon D810A is one of a limited range of DSLR or mirrorless cameras optimized for astrophotography. Our research on the best cameras for astrophotography shows that it is … Read more
There are thought to be between 100 billion and 400 billion stars in our galaxy, the Milky Way, and way more beyond that – so which is the largest star in the universe according to current calculations in 2019? In this article, we are going to examine the biggest known stars, dig into how they … Read more
If you’re into taking astrophotography images then you should definitely be sharing them online. Even if you are a beginner and not confident in what you are doing, you will find that others will be supportive and give you tips on how you can improve. It also forces you to really think about your images … Read more
Astronomy, stargazing – whatever you want to call it, it is a fantastic and rewarding activity which once you started, will probably be with you for life. This guide to astronomy for beginners provides an overview of the basics to help you get going. We will cover: So let’s get going. Why take up astronomy? We … Read more
Make your home look stellar with these awesome space posters available for you to buy. Astronomy posters and space art like this make fantastic additions to bedrooms, studies, and living rooms for space lovers. They make great gifts for Christmas and birthdays. Check out the selected space-themed posters below, and see also links to look for … Read more
Having the best astrophotography apps on your smartphone or tablet can be a fantastic and inexpensive shortcut toward nailing a great shot of the night sky. The difference between taking a great astronomy photograph or not can often be external factors, such as finding the right location, waiting for optimal conditions, and timing it right. … Read more
*This website makes money through affiliate commissions. This means we may be compensated if you click links on this page at no extra cost to you. We analyzed 685 images shortlisted for the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition in the past five years to find the Best Planetary, Lunar and Solar Cameras. We found that the ZWO … Read more
*This website makes money through affiliate commissions. This means we may be compensated if you click links on this page at no extra cost to you. We analyzed 685 shortlisted images in the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition in the past 5 years to find the Best Mirrorless Cameras for Astrophotography. In 2023, our top recommendation is … Read more
If you are an experienced astronomer – or just unafraid of a challenge – then an intermediate telescope with a 6 to 8-inch aperture might be right for you. Many beginners’ telescopes can be disproportionately expensive as they add features only useful for kids or first-time users. With an intermediate-level telescope, you can get a … Read more
*This website makes money through affiliate commissions. This means we may be compensated if you click links on this page at no extra cost to you. We analyzed 685 images shortlisted for the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition in the past five years to find the Best ZWO Planetary and Deep-Sky cameras. From our data, we found … Read more
If you know someone who is into astrophotography – or wants to get into photographing space – then check out our list of great astrophotography gift ideas for 2023. We include the best cameras and lenses, as well as more budget-friendly suggestions like the best books and learning guides. *This website makes money through affiliate … Read more
The new Celestron StarSense Explorer telescopes use your smartphone to make it much easier to find planets, galaxies, and other objects to look at. This helps remove much of the frustration that can occur when starting with astronomy – that it is too hard and takes too long to find things to look at. But … Read more
[*This website makes money through affiliate commissions. This means we may be compensated if you click links on this page at no extra cost to you.] We analyzed 685 images shortlisted for the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition in the past five years to find the Best Mount for Astrophotography. From our data, we recommend the Sky-Watcher … Read more
We analyzed 685 images shortlisted for the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition in the past five years to find the Best Star Trackers. From our analysis, we recommend the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer: However, the iOptron SkyGuider Pro is a close alternative, and the Move Shoot Move is a great budget option, especially if you … Read more
Dobsonians are the best value telescope type and an 8-inch Dobsonian telescope provides the perfect balance of power to price. In this article, we recommend the top models available in 2023 and outline the key pros and cons of each. See below for quick links or read on for further detail. *This website makes money … Read more
Is good iPhone astrophotography possible? This sounds like a dream, right? Just taking your smartphone with you outside to shoot the night sky without having to lug bulky cameras, telescopes, and other equipment. It would be so much easier, require less planning, and not to mention be cheaper and open up astrophotography to a much … Read more
A great gift for any astronomy enthusiast is a calendar for the year ahead. Below we pick out the best space calendars for 2023 that are available to buy right now. *This website makes money through affiliate commissions. This means we may be compensated if you click links on this page at no extra cost … Read more
See our list of the best Moon-themed gifts for your lunar-loving friend or family member in 2023! Including moon lamps, mugs, jewelry, decor, and more. *This website makes money through affiliate commissions. This means we may be compensated if you click links on this page at no extra cost to you. Levitating Moon Lamp Best … Read more
For astrophotography, it is absolutely essential to have a quality tripod. You need to be able to rely on it for complete stability as you take long-exposure shots of the night sky. In this article, we have examined what the options are and recommend the three best options for different budgets. Overall, we recommend the … Read more
Learning how to photograph the Milky Way is not as hard as you might think. In fact, anybody with a basic knowledge of photography – or a desire to learn – can produce stunning night sky images capturing the stars and Milky Way. Below, we take you through all the basics that you need to … Read more
*This website makes money through affiliate commissions. This means we may be paid if you click links on this page at no extra cost to you. We analyzed 685 images shortlisted for the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition in the past five years to see what telescopes were used. We found that apochromatic refractors … Read more
*This website makes money through affiliate commissions. This means we may be compensated if you click links on this page at no extra cost to you. We analyzed 685 images shortlisted for the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition in the past five years to find the Best Telescopes for Astrophotography. Overall, our number one … Read more
We analyzed 100+ images shortlisted for Astronomy Photographer of the Year to find the Best Telescopes for Deep Space Astrophotography. We found that apochromatic refractors are the most successfully used telescope type: And Takahashi is the most successful manufacturer: Read on to find out our recommended telescope models and for more detail on the data … Read more
*This website makes money through affiliate commissions. This means we may be compensated if you click links on this page at no extra cost to you. We analyzed 685 images shortlisted for the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition in the past five years to find the Best Cameras for Astrophotography. In 2023, our top … Read more
We analyzed all 685 images shortlisted for the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition in the past five years. Our goal is to find out what equipment is being used by the best astrophotographers in the world today. They are producing amazing images and you want you to be able to too. We have looked … Read more
We analyzed 100+ images shortlisted for Astronomy Photographer of the Year to find the Best Telescopes for Planetary Imaging. We found the Celestron C11 at number one: *This website makes money through affiliate commissions. This means we may be compensated if you click links on this page at no extra cost to you. Read on … Read more
If you are looking for a portable telescope to take on a trip then there are some great options to suit different budgets. We recommend the five best travel telescopes along with their pros and cons and compare the alternatives in the shape of binoculars, monoculars, and spotting scopes. See below for quick links or … Read more
We looked at hundreds of photos shortlisted for the world’s leading astrophotography competition in the last three years to see how many were shot with DSLR vs mirrorless cameras: As you can see, we found that DSLRs were much more commonly used. But does that mean DSLRs are better than mirrorless for astrophotography? In short, … Read more
The TV show The Cosmos outlined the “Cosmic address” of where the Earth resides in the universe: But how big are each of these and how many planets are there? Below we outline the size of each of these and review the latest assessment of the number of stars and planets in the universe. How … Read more
If you live in a city, light pollution is probably the number one obstacle to your astrophotography. It likely means you won’t be able to just go into your garden and take Milky Way or deep sky images. (The number two issue is that you often have to get up in the middle of the … Read more
At some point in the future, human beings will likely need to find another planet to live on in order to continue as a species. This means either creating a planet that’s habitable or finding and migrating to one that’s already out there. But how many habitable planets are there out in space? Like most … Read more
In grand science-fiction fantasies, we imagine a universe dotted with planets that are perfectly capable of supporting human life. We have a vast assortment of planets from which to choose, and humans hop and skip from one hospitable globe to another, depending on their preferences. This will be a reality someday. Right? Well…maybe. In the … Read more
Here we present 11 case studies from some of the best astrophotographers in the world: 1. Michael Ver Sprill Michael Ver Sprill (“Milky Way Mike”) outlines how he took this photo of the Milky Way over the Palouse Falls in Washington State, USA: How did you plan the shot? I was planning a trip to Alaska … Read more
Smartphone cameras are getting better and better and taking amazing pictures of starry skies can now be done by anyone with the right phone. This means that you can produce amazing photos of the Milky Way or spectacular moon without needing a specialist camera. But what are the best phones for astrophotography? We have investigated … Read more
Astrophotography can be an expensive hobby but there are ways to cut costs and save money whilst still being able to produce amazing images. In this article, we present the best budget astrophotography setups so that you can get shooting the stars without breaking the bank. *This website makes money through affiliate commissions. This means … Read more
Astrophotography on Instagram has exploded in the past few years: That’s a growth rate of 4057% in seven years! There are many great astrophotography and astronomy accounts to follow on Instagram for learning and inspiration and this post brings together some of the best for you to follow. In addition, we answer the frequently asked … Read more
When you are trying to differentiate cameras, one of the first specifications to look at is the megapixel count (MP). The higher this, the more expensive the camera, and the better most people assume the camera is. However, in astrophotography, higher megapixels are not always better and can actually result in degrading image quality. And … Read more
Most DSLR and mirrorless cameras these days have either full-frame or APS-C (Crop) sensors. But what is the difference and what is best for astrophotography? We analyzed hundreds of images from a leading global astrophotography competition to see what types of cameras are being used. We found that full frame cameras are overwhelmingly more successful: … Read more
Canon, Nikon, and Sony all make great DSLR and mirrorless cameras, but who makes the best models for astrophotography? We looked at hundreds of photos shortlisted from the past three years of results for the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition. From this we examined the data for Canon vs Nikon vs Sony cameras to … Read more
We analyzed all images in the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition to find the best CCD and CMOS cameras for astrophotography: You can see above the top five cameras used in 165 planetary and deep space images shortlisted in the last three years. Read on for: Further insight into this data The pros and … Read more
Taking great images of the stars and objects in space takes a lot of dedication, effort, and expertise. But the fact that it is not easy raises the barrier to entry, therefore can we make money from astrophotography? The answer is yes, you can and some astrophotographers are very successful and make a living doing … Read more
The main difference between spotting scopes and binoculars is that binoculars allow you to use both your eyes, whilst with spotting scopes you use just one. However, spotting scopes do have some advantages depending on what you want to use them for. In this article, we explore the pros and cons of spotting scopes vs … Read more
A good home telescope can cost anything from $70 to $20,000, and more specialized models for observatories can go up to $700,000! But why are telescopes so expensive? In this article, we outline the key reasons why telescopes are not cheap, what factors increase the price, and why you get what you pay for. What … Read more
How much does a good telescope cost? We believe that $70-$100 is the minimum you need to spend to get a good telescope for beginners or kids. In general, as long as you go for a trusted brand you get what you pay for, so if you can spend more you will be rewarded with … Read more
The Celestron SkyMaster 20×80 are a great pair of astronomy binoculars. They will enhance your viewing of the night sky, whilst being easy to use and relatively inexpensive. Read below for the full review, covering what you can see with them, how they compare to other models, and how to use them for photography. *This … Read more
A barlow lens is a cost-effective accessory that increases the magnification of your telescope, and it combines with your eyepieces to effectively double your viewing options. We recommend here the Best Barlow Lenses and examine their pros and cons. See the table below for quick links, or reason for more information. *This website makes money … Read more
When looking to start out in astrophotography it can be incredibly confusing trying to work out what gear you need. In this article, we provide an easy-to-understand beginner’s guide to what equipment you need for astrophotography in 2022. Find out everything you need to get photographing the stars and objects in space tonight! [*This website … Read more
14mm lenses have the perfect focal length for landscape photography and astrophotography. In this article, we present the best 14mm lens options for different camera brands – Nikon, Canon, Sony, Pentax, Fujifilm, Olympus, plus smartphones. *This website makes money through affiliate commissions. This means we may be compensated if you click links on this page … Read more
There are a number of great tripods for binoculars for astronomy and other pursuits. In this article, we examine the best options available, including the best budget and lightweight options, and the best for heavy binoculars. See the quick links in the table below, or read on for more detailed reviews and recommendations. *This website … Read more
We have examined nearly 400 images shortlisted for the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition in the past three years to find out what is the Best Nikon Camera for Astrophotography. Our findings show that the Nikon D750 leads the way and provides the best value, with the Nikon D850 being the premium option. The … Read more
We have examined nearly 400 images shortlisted for the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition in the past three years to find the best lens for astrophotography. Using this data, we recommend here the best budget and premium lenses for either Milky Way landscape astrophotography or deep-sky astrophotography, for Sony, Canon, and Nikon cameras. See … Read more
With Computerized Telescopes, you can find stars, planets, galaxies, and more at the press of a button. Also known as GOTO or Computer-Controlled Telescopes, they are much easier to use for beginners and experienced users alike, and find amazing objects in space for you to view much quicker. We have examined here the Best Computerized … Read more
When I first started astronomy and astrophotography I had no idea how to know what might be in the night sky tonight from my location. It turns out there are a number of quick and easy ways for working out what is in the night sky for any time and place, including: What planets are … Read more
Ever heard people talk about using an astro modified DSLR camera to improve their astrophotography? See here for example, from a post on Reddit: You might also have heard other terms thrown around like “full-spectrum camera conversion” or “IR modified camera”. But what does it mean, how does it affect astrophotography, and how to get … Read more
When most people think about getting into astronomy they assume that they need a telescope. However, spotting scopes have a number of advantages that can make them a good alternative option to telescopes for some people. In this article, we explore the pros and cons of spotting scopes vs telescopes to help you decide what … Read more
As a dad of two, I love to share my passion for all things space and astronomy with my children. This also means I get to buy them cool space toys and play with them myself! Below is our list of the best space toys and gifts for kids of different ages and for different budgets. … Read more
Check out our list of the best space board games, including those based on popular science fiction TV shows and movies. When choosing what is best for you will need to consider the number of players you are likely to have, their age, and how long you are likely going to play for. Read below … Read more
Maksutov-Cassegrains and Schmidt-Cassegrains are two of the most popular telescope types on the market and there are a number of great models available of both. But what are the pros and cons of each that you should know about when considering buying? In this article, we examine Maksutov-Cassegrains vs Schmidt-Cassegrains and outline the advantages and … Read more
The Celestron NexStar computerized telescopes are some of the most popular on the market and there are 12 models in the range: Four in the SLT category Four in the SE category Four in the Evolution category But of these telescopes, what are the differences and which one is right for you? Below we assess … Read more
Using an intervalometer can be a great and cheap way to give you the remote control of your camera that you need for astrophotography, timelapse photography, self-portraits, and anything else. We recommend the Pixel TW-283 as the best intervalometer, giving all the control you need for good value. There are different versions depending on your … Read more
Astronomy binoculars are a great alternative to telescopes. They are generally smaller, easier to use, and cheaper. For those reasons, they are great for beginners and experienced astronomers alike. In this article, we examine what to look for when buying binoculars for astronomy and recommend the best models – covering the best budget and beginner … Read more
There are many advantages to using a spotting scope over a telescope for astronomy – it is often a much simpler affair with fewer accessories involved, you have something versatile for daytime and night sky use, and they tend to be cheaper. In this article, we have researched the best spotting scopes for astronomy and … Read more
This year will present some great opportunities for viewing meteor showers, eclipses, planets, and much more. Find below month-by-month highlights for the best astronomical events to view and photograph in 2022. January 2022 Astronomical Events Lunar Eclipse – 1 January 2022 The moon will turn blood red with a lunar eclipse on January 1st. It … Read more
Primarily for wildlife viewing, hunting and daytime observing, monoculars and small handheld telescopes can also be great for astronomy and even astrophotography. They are ultra-compact and light as well as being easy to use, and so have many advantages over telescopes and binoculars, particularly when traveling. Here we recommend the best monoculars for stargazing for … Read more
With hundreds to choose from it can be hard to work out what telescope to buy. I got it totally wrong with my first telescope – it was too bulky and too hard to use – learn from my mistake! In this article, we provide recommendations on the best telescopes for beginners for a range … Read more
Pentax is one of the leading manufacturers of photography equipment, but what is the best Pentax camera for astrophotography? In this article, we dig into what models are best and investigate Pentax’s Astrotracer functionality. Overall, we recommend the Pentax K-1 Mark II as the best Pentax for astrophotography, with the Pentax K-70 as the best … Read more
A telescope can make a great present for a child. It can stimulate interest in the sciences and the wider world and also give a parent something they can do as a family. In this article, we recommend the best telescopes for kids of all ages and for a range of budgets and explain what … Read more
Of these three great 8-inch Celestron telescope packages what are the differences and which is right for you? The top line is: The Celestron NexStar 8SE is the lighest and cheapest but with the weakest mount and lacking a few built-in features that the Evolutions’ have The Celestron Evolution 8 is more expensive, but comes … Read more
Night Vision Astronomy is the repurposing of night vision devices and technology for astronomical observing. Using these devices lights up the sky and enables you to see much more than you would otherwise – either with the naked eye or with a telescope under comparable conditions. It can be utilized for both wide-field stargazing and … Read more
Taking pictures of stars in the night sky is easier than you might think. It just requires a little bit of planning, and the right equipment with the right settings, and you can take amazing images of starry skies and even the Milky Way. Below we cover what gear you need, how to plan your … Read more
When looking at telescopes you may come across some that are labeled as Astrographs. But what are these, I hear you ask. In short, Astrographs are telescopes that work specially for astrophotography, rather than astronomy. If you’d like to understand more, please read on! What is an Astrograph? Astrographs are telescopes that are specifically designed … Read more
When researching and buying a telescope, choosing one from a reputable brand can be a good way of ensuring you get a quality product. On the other hand, there seemingly good value telescopes available for sale from unknown brands. Should these be avoided or are they bargains? We dig into this below. Reputable telescope brands … Read more