Sky and Telescope - January 2018 - 31

ucts 2018
E

ach year, S&T editors scour the marketplace searching for
what we consider to be the year's most exciting new prod-

ucts. To make our list, a product should introduce new (or improve
upon existing) technologies, provide a solution to an old problem,
or simply deliver exceptional value. Our Hot Products list for 2018
includes a variety of gadgets ranging from mounts, cameras, and
accessories aimed at the growing popularity of robotic astronomy to
items big and small for observers who love being out under a starry
sky. As is often the case, this year some products caught our eye
because of their exceptional value - equipment that offers features
and performance at a cost well below that of similar items in the
past. We hope you enjoy reading about these innovative products
that piqued our interest.

Orion Telescopes & Binoculars oriontelescopes.com

A quick twist of the red ring tightly locks eyepieces and
camera adapters into these 90° mirror star diagonals with
dielectric coatings that provide 99% reflectivity. Models are
available in 1¼- and 2-inch sizes. The nosepiece of each
is threaded for filters and has machined baffles to reduce
light scatter. Both are made of anodized aluminum, and the
2-inch model includes a 1¼-adapter with the same twistlock feature.
* U.S. price: $119.99 and $189.99, respectively

MULTI-PURPOSE LANTERN
Orion Telescopes & Binoculars oriontelescopes.com

Any observer will tell you that having a good light handy
when you're out stargazing is worth its weight in gold.
The Orion DualBeam Astro Lantern is a waterproof, multipurpose, LED unit built around a rechargeable 2,600 mAH
lithium battery. You can cycle through four brightness levels
of red light and two of white, and the light can be turned off
from any setting without cycling through the others. Magnetic clips, a carabiner, and a wrist strap are included, and
the little lantern packs enough juice (and USB port) to boost
the battery life of most mobile devices.
* U.S. price: $24.99

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2

TWIST-LOCK STAR DIAGONALS

PREMIUM 6-INCH REFRACTOR
Stellarvue stellarvue.com

If you're in the market for an American-made, premium
APO refractor, the competition is pretty thin for apertures
greater than about 5 inches. The new Stellarvue SV152T
stands out as the only scope offering at least 6 inches of
aperture for less than $10 grand (and thousands of dollars
less than the nearest competitor). The scope's 3-element
f/8 objective is made with ED glass, and an optional field
flattener is available as well as an optional focal reducer.
Standard features include a 3.5-inch Feather Touch focuser,
machined tube rings, Losmandy-style dovetail bar, and
rugged transport case.
* U.S. price: $8,995

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sk yandtelescope.com * JA N UA RY 2 018

http://www.oriontelescopes.com http://www.oriontelescopes.com http://www.stellarvue.com http://www.skyandtelescope.com/

Sky and Telescope - January 2018

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Sky and Telescope - January 2018