The Place to Buy Telescopes Online

Which is the best 5” Newtonian? The Sky-Watcher Explorer 130 or the more expensive Sky-Watcher Explorer 130p?

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/skywatcher-explorer-130-vs-130p.html

First Light Optics - Suppliers of Astronomy telescopes, binoculars and accessories from Skywatcher, Celestron, Meade, William Optics, Atik, Imaging Source, Starlight Xpress, ADM, Moonlite, Catseye, Hutech and others.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/cleaning-a-newtonian-mirror.html

The new 8-position ZWO Electronic Filter Wheel (EFW) is incoming, we are expecting our first delivery Nov/Dec.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/new-zwo-8-position-electronic-filter-wheel-efw.html

Sky-Watcher have released new SynScan hand controller firmware for version 3 and 4 of their handsets.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/new-sky-watcher-synscan-firmware.html

The weathermen, bless 'em, forecast some clear skies last night so I got the Borg out and braved the elements (it was COLD!) and the various rockets and other gunpowder related debris dropping ou...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/california-nebula-borg-77ed-ii-f43-sxvr-694.html

After four imaging sessions in just 8 days it's the object I turned to last that has given me the most satisfaction so far... in part because I had to cut down most of a tree to capture it as it ...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/rosette-nebula-borg-77ed-ii-f43-sxvr-694.html

After my Ha effort on the North American Nebula rather than a mosaic with the Pelican I thought I'd try colour. My history with colour images is a frustrating one but I figured I've got to give i...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/north-america-nebula-borg-77ed-ii-f43-sxvr-694.html

EQMOD is a popular set of software tools used by many astronomers to control the Skywatcher HEQ5, NEQ6 and other mounts directly from a PC. We asked Steve Richards to write an overview of EQMOD w...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/eqmod-controlling-the-heq5-neq6-and-other-mounts-directly-from-a-pc.html

A quick reminder of the differences between the three versions of this popular Skywatcher mount.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/skywatcher-heq5-v-heq5-syntrek-v-heq5-pro.html

First Light Optics - Suppliers of Astronomy telescopes, binoculars and accessories from Skywatcher, Celestron, Meade, William Optics, Atik, Imaging Source, Starlight Xpress, ADM, Moonlite, Catseye, Hutech and others.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/what-is-a-barlow.html

First Light Optics - Suppliers of Astronomy telescopes, binoculars and accessories from Skywatcher, Celestron, Meade, William Optics, Atik, Imaging Source, Starlight Xpress, ADM, Moonlite, Catseye, Hutech and others.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/clear-outside-new-kit-paradox.html

The multi award winning QHY PoleMaster is a modern solution to an age-old problem.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/qhy-polemaster-heq5-neq6-az-eq6-cgem.html

Atik have released details of their new Atik 16200 Camera with large KAF-16200 sensor.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/new-atik-16200-camera.html

Atik have released a Christmas present for astronomers with iPads and iPhones.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/atik-ccd-fov-calculator-for-iphone-ipad.html

The Astromi.ch MBox USB Meteostation is a small (fits in the palm of your hand) self-contained weather sensing device that delivers barometric pressure, temperature, humidity and dew point inform...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/astromi-mbox-usb-weather-station.html

We have released two new Lynx Astro EQDIR USB adapters with FTDI chipset for reliable performance across all versions of Windows.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/new-lynx-ftdi-eqdir-adapter.html

In his new book Inside PixInsight Warren Keller reveals, in a practical easy to follow manner, how to improve your digital images using PixInsight software.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/new-inside-pixinsight-book-warren-keller.html

This is the third instalment of the long-term review currently being conducted by Steve Richards. The first part of the review can be read here: Skywatcher AZ EQ6-GT Review Part-1 and part two he...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/skywatcher-az-eq6-gt-review-part-3.html

This is the second instalment of the long-term review currently being conducted by Steve Richards. The first part of the review can be read here: Skywatcher AZ EQ6-GT Review Part-1.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/skywatcher-az-eq6-gt-review-part-2.html

The new Skywatcher AZ EQ6-GT has had a successful launch and has been well received. Customer feedback so far is excellent and we have experienced zero returns but there is still very little in t...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/skywatcher-az-eq6-gt-review-part-1.html

Celestron mounts are like buses, you wait for ages then two arrive!

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/new-celestron-cgem-ii-mount.html

The new Celestron CGX mount, revealed only yesterday at Photokina, offers an impressive feature-set that includes...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/new-celestron-cgx-mount.html

The new MoonLite CM-Mini 1.25" Crayford Focuser for Lunt LS50 Solar Scopes has arrived

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/moonlite-focuser-for-lunt-50.html

We are often asked to source and supply 'affordable' triplet refractor telescopes. It would be easy enough, FLO has access to them, so why are we not doing so?

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/affordable-triplet-refractors.html

Hi, Last year we announced on Stargazerslounge that we were working on a new website so would be grateful for suggestions and criticism. We received plenty of both! This is the new website, we ho...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/first-light-optics-new-website.html

We are proud to announce a major new feature for the Clear Outside iPhone & Android apps - a ‘Clear My Skies’ button.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/new-clear-my-skies-button.html

The Skywatcher Skymax 150 and Skymax 180 PRO telescopes now feature a standard SCT thread for the attachment of accessories.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/skywatcher-skymax-150-and-180-pro-now-have-sct-threads.html

We kept a keen eye on the telescopes mentioned in tonight’s episode of Stargazing Live hosted by Professor Brian Cox and Dara O’Brian. The BBC were, of course, careful not to endorse a partic...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/stargazing-live-telescopes.html

We decided to build the best weather forecast site focused entirely on astronomy and to release it free of charge

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/clear-outside-weather-forecasts-for-astronomers.html

We recently sent John Huntley a set of Baader Classic Orthoscopic and Plossl eyepieces to assess and compare with the more expensive (but now discontinued) Baader Genuine Orthoscopics. John is we...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/baader-classic-ortho-plossl-review.html

The BBC Stargazing Live series of programmes with Brian Cox and Dara Ó Briain is nearly upon us! The first episode airs next Tue 8pm on BBC-2. Some will remember how incredibly successful the la...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/bbc-stargazing-live-brian-cox-affect.html

We are often asked to price-match or to offer discount so we thought it might help if we let everyone know where we stand with regards to pricing.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/first-light-optics-pricing-policy.html

Lunt have announced a new 50mm pressure tuned HA solar scope - the LS50THa. We will add additional images and pricing shortly. The press release from Lunt can be seen below:

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/new-lunt-50mm-solar-scope-announced.html

Vixen have announced a number of new products: Sphinx SG2 Equatorial Mount, Widefield Astronomy Binoculars and a useful refractor and tripod carry case.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/new-vixen-products-announced.html

An updated version of the Atik capture software is now available to download. Featuring a number of new features requested by customers over the last few months.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/updated-atik-capture-software.html

Howie Glatter manufacturer's what is generally regarded as the best laser collimation tools available. This article written by the man himself will be useful to anyone considering laser collimati...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/howie-glatter-collimation-tools.html

Steve Richards is fast developing a reputation for thorough and objective reviews. This time he turns his attention to the increasingly popular Vixen Polarie Star Tracker.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/vixen-polarie-star-tracker-mount-review.html

All good Crayford focusers (at least those expected to carry any weight) have tension adjustment screws. It is just a matter of locating and applying them.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/adjusting-skywatcher-equinox-focuser-tension.html

We are pleased to announce First Light Optics are now an official dealer for Japanese-made IDAS P2 Light Pollution Suppression filters. The IDAS is arguably the BEST Light Pollution Suppression f...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/idas-filter-at-first-light-optics.html

The Atik 460EX and 490EX cameras are similarly priced so which one is best for me?

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/atik-460ex-v-atik-490ex.html

Starlight Xpress are renowned for small, compact, innovative designs, along with excellent build quality. The new Trius range of deep-sky, cooled CCD cameras has taken these values to a new level...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/starlight-xpress-trius-cameras.html

First Light Optics has been appointed exclusive UK retailer for StarSharp Bahtinov focus masks You would think sourcing a well-made Bahtinov focusing mask would be easy! Slots cut into a sheet of...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/starsharp-bahtinov-focus-masks.html

Starlight Xpress Ltd have a new address and new owners

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/changes-at-starlight-xpress-ltd.html

Atik cameras are looking for external software developers.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/atik-cameras-software-developers.html

The new Slim Off Axis Guider from OVL shows promise so we sent one to Steve Richards for an in depth review.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/blog-53.html

We have received details of Baader's long awaited Mark-III replacement for the highly regarded Baader MPCC Coma Corrector. The most noticeable change is a newly designed lens system optimised for...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/new-baader-mpcc-mark-iii-coma-corrector.html

We have received news of a new Skywatcher f4 Aplanatic Super Coma-Corrector that when used with the Skywatcher Quattro series of F4 imaging Newtonians provides a flat, evenly illuminated field fr...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/skywatcher-f4-aplanatic-super-coma-corrector.html

Skywatcher have announced a new V3.32 firmware upgrade for the Skywatcher AZ EQ6-GT mount which includes a Polar Alignment feature that enables the user to polar align in EQ mode without aligning...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/skywatcher-az-eq6-gt-v332-firmware-and-instructions.html

Atik cameras have released their latest newsletter which includes details of the annual Atik 2012-13 Imaging Competition.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/atik-newsletter-no-18.html

Atik have launched their 2012-13 Atik Imaging competition and this year they are offering an Atik 11000 Mono CCD camera for the winning entry!

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/atik-2012-13-imaging-competition.html

Light pollution suppression filters are often the topic for heated discussions among amateur astronomers because of some common misconceptions.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/light-pollution-suppression-filter-misconceptions.html

Some consider a filter wheel to be an astro-imaging accessory but filter wheels are used by visual observers too. Consider, you could load a number of visual filters into the wheel then simply di...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/new-manual-5-position-filter-wheel.html

"All autocollimators have an eyepiece case, a mirror, and all show multiple reflections of the primary mirror center spot. That does not mean much. A true autocollimator has to meet a high standa...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-telescope-autocollimator.html

We have recieved news of a new Skywatcher AZ EQ6-GT dual-load, dual-purpose heavy-duty mount incorporating both Alt-Azimuth & Equatorial GOTO functions.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/new-skywatcher-az-eq6-mount-news.html

The new and highly versatile Skywatcher Allview motorized multifinction mount is in stock and available for overnight delivery.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/skywatcher-allview-mount-astronomy-time-lapse-panoramic-photography-surveillance.html

The Skywatcher Guidescope Mount offer an alternative to conventional guidescope rings and features full alt-azimuth control for quick and precise alignment of guidescope with main telescope. We s...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/skywatcher-guidescope-mount-review.html

The Skywatcher Explorer 130p DS Newtonian is finally available here in the UK!

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/skywatcher-explorer-130p-ds-in-stock-.html

We have received details of a new Skywatcher EQ8 premium quality heavy-duty mount with 50 Kg payload capacity, a new pillar-tripod design, high resolution direct-drive stepper-motors and patented...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/new-skywatcher-eq8-mount.html

Why are Starlight Xpress SXVR cameras more expensive than budget brands?

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/starlight-xpress-sxv-cameras.html

The NEW f6 William Optics Zenithstar 70 ED is an excellent choice for wide-field astrophotography and will undoubtedly become a bestseller.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/new-william-optics-zenithstar-zs70-2012.html

This detailed Skywatcher Esprit 120 Review by Alan Dyer was recently published by 'SkyNews', the Canadian magazine of astronomy and stargazing.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/skywatcher-esprit-120-review.html

We know we don't always get it right, we are human after all. Recently we struggled to stay on top of enquiries following the tidal wave of communications generated by the BBC Stargazing Live ser...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/an-apology-and-a-commitment.html

Atik cameras have released their latest newsletter which includes a feature on the Kelling star party, their new Atik 420L and Atik 450L cameras and details of their Imaging Competition.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/atik-newsletter-no13.html

This review of the Atik EFW2 Filter Wheel and Off Axis Guider is the second of two reviews written for us by Steve Richards, author of ‘Making Every Photon Count’ and writer for The Sunday Ti...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/atik-efw2-filter-wheel-oag-review.html

Fans of Off Axis Guiders have never had it so good! The flimsy lightweight offerings of yesterday have given way to new sturdy models that are more easily setup and adjusted. Starlight Xpress and...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/starlight-xpress-filter-wheel-oag-review.html

Atik cameras have released their latest newsletter. They have a new camera nearly ready for production, a new member of staff, a visit to the South West Astronomy Fair and an article about the we...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/atik-newsletter-12.html

Two of a kind! The hugely popular Baader Hyperion eyepieces are clearly 'influenced' by the Japanese-made Vixen LVW series. Back in Autumn 2010 we loaned a set of both to John Huntley of Stargaze...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/vixen-lvw-vs-baader-hyperion-review.html

First Light Optics is now an authorised retailer for Hawke Optics products We have a number of their binoculars in stock including the Hawke Frontier ED and ProStalk ED series and a rather neat N...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/blog/hawke-frontier-ed-binocular.html