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Share Readers Choice – 2006: The Top Ten New Products Tom Trusock – 1/2007 Lets face it, 2006 was a heck of a year for astrogadgets.   Looks like film is officially dead.  (Sorry Peter.) We saw new digital cameras and telescopes optimized for astrophotography, apos that are more affordable than ever before, the appearance of the first mass produced truss tube dobsonian, some premanufactured inexpensive domes for home observatories,  not one but TWO 5” refractors under 4k in price, and a computer that tells you where to look and describes what you’re looking at.  And these are only the tip of the iceberg!  I don't know about you, but my wallet emptied in record time last year. We've wanted to do a Best Of for the last couple of years, but trying to sort through all this stuff can be a tall order for even the most die hard gear hound.  Then we realized - you should really be the ones to tell US!  So back at the end of November, we asked you – our readers and forum members - what you thought were the most innovative, interesting, and all around best new equipment for 2006.  We gave you a list of 25 products chosen by the staff, and asked for your top ten.  As tough as it would seem to be, you were up to the challenge.  We received over 2500 votes, and the field narrowed. So here, in true countdown fashion, are your choices for the Top Ten Astronomy Products of 2006. #10 – Paragon 40 Eyepiece, $250 Offered by Burgess Optical and designed by TMB, this eyepiece represents a promising start to a new line.  The Paragon is a 6 element, 4 group design that touts every air to glass surface is multi-broadband coated for the highest in anti-reflection technology.  Bill and Thomas also point out that that all lens edges are blackened to ensure the utmost in performance.  Forum posts show it's not only a top flight performer, it's lightweight as well and sports a 68 degree AFOV.  Although it saw very limited availability in 2006, it’s entry on to our list at #10 shows that our readers feel its one of the most promising new eyepieces available today. #9 – William Optics EZTouch Mount, $499 If alt/az is your thing, William Optics has a winner in their EZ touch mount.  It's worth mentioning that if you're on the continent, you've probably known about this particular dash of simplistic heaven for a while, but the rest of us are just getting to discover it for ourselves.  The EZTouch is manufactured by AOK of Switzerland, and imported by WO.   This dual armed mount sports a standard Vixen dovetail, and optional additional dovetail plates for any system.   With an (optional) Losmandy style dovetail on the other side, it's particularly versatile - offering both industry standards in one lightweight mount.  And just because it's light, don't discount it.  The EZTouch offers good stability and smooth motions at a pittance of a price compared to many other mounts. Read the Review by Tom Trusock #8 – Meade DSI II Pro Digital Camera, $599 This easy to use black and white camera is both easy to use and easy on the pocket.  The DSI PRO II comes with all the hardware and software you need to get started imaging.  Among it's many extras, it offers automatic align and stack, magic eye focus, a live histogram and NASA's “Drizzle” technology to correct for field rotation.  Our readers tell us  - if you’re looking for a good start into imaging, look no further. #7 – William Optics UWAN eyepieces, $198 - $398 Ya say ya want more choices in 82 deg eyepieces?  Well, WO’s here with their UWAN line up.  At 28, 16, 7 and 4mm, they offer a decent selection of focal lengths at prices that won't break the bank.  Performance is pretty good as well. Forum members seem to indicated the 28 is probably the most popular, but the 4mm is one of my personal favorites.  If you’re looking to save a few bucks over the big boys, but need a good, well corrected eyepiece, the UWAN’s should definitely merit your attention. Read the Review by Tom Trusock #6 – TMB 130 Signature Series Apochromatic Refractor, $3790 A 5” Apochromatic refractor for under 4k?   And not just any either - a 5” TMB Apo with Japanese glass and optics, fitted out with excellent mechanical - and still under under 4K?  No, you’re not dreaming, it really does exist.  What’s more, there’s rumors of a Feathertouch upgrade, while STILL maintaining that 4k price point.  Our preliminary tests with this unit have shown it to be an exceptional optic, and the number of satisfied users on our forums drives this point home.  This is definitely one to watch if you're looking for some big glass. Look for a full CN Report in the not to distant future. #5 – 66mm Apochromatic Refractor (Various Vendors), $300 - $400 appx. So, 4k is a bit much for your wallet?  Well, money is no reason to be left out of the apo revolution.  These little gems are offered by several different companies, including SV, WO and AT.  There are several different, designs, finishes and colors out there to match your personal tastes.  Astro-Tech offers eight different finishes in their own product line!  (Mmmmmm Chrome....) Now some folks will claim that 66mm is too small for your only telescope, but there is  a significant gain from the naked eye.   In any case, there’s no denying that they make fantastic travel and birding optics.   With good optics and great mechanics, it’s no wonder our readers voted these into the top ten for 2006.  Pick your vendor, pick your flavor.  Welcome to the apo revolution! Read the Review by Tom Trusock Read the Review by Lawrence Carlino #4 – Celestron SkyScout - Personal Planetarium, $399 Rarely does a product comes around that looks to change the face of amateur astronomy.  And lets be honest – that face is looking pretty old lately.  Here’s a device squarely aimed at reducing the average age, and introducing beginners into our hobby.   The Celestron SkyScout is the wonder gadget of the decade.  About the size of a camcorder, this little guy can find objects on it’s own, or you can point it at a target of your choice while listening or reading information about what you’re seeing.  Celestron was trying to lure newbies into astronomy with this gadget, and judging from the sheer number of backorders, it looks like they've succeeded.   While it's perfect for the beginning astronomer, or some one who does a lot of outreach it will also appeal to those gadget lovers out there - you know who you are. (And if you look to the side, you'll see I'm right there next to you.) #3 – Sky & Telescope – Pocket Sky Atlas, $19.99  Is that Alnitak or Alniam?  Is M79 in Lepus or Orion?  Got Pocket?  Get yourself a pocket sky atlas!  (If you don’t have pockets, put some pants on man!)   This excellent little atlas from the crew at S&T will help answer these questions, so you’ll never find yourself in those awkward social situations again (unless you've forgotten your pants... again). Read the review by Michael Coren  #2 – Burgess / TMB Planetary Eyepieces, $99 Need some short focal lengths to go with that Paragon or those UWANs?  Bill Burgess has fleshed out the TMB Planetary series for 2007. They're tack sharp, with screw up eyecups and generous eye relief.  These 60 deg AFOV eyepieces will cost you a less than a benjamin and are available in 2.5, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9mm focal lengths. Read the Review by Tom Trusock (Caution – PDF) #1 – The Meade LightBridge - Truss Dob, 8" $599, 10" $799, 12" $999 Want aperture?  Meade wants to make sure you’ve got it – and in a portable package.  They stepped up to the plate last year and offered the LightBridge line, which our users have decisively voted it into first place as the best piece of new equipment for 2006.  With the first mast produced truss, Meade has definitely stepped into a new realm.  Currently available in 8, 10 and 12” sizes, keep an eye out in 2007 for Meade’s 16” version ($2000 est). Read the Review by Tom Trusock Well, that's it.  It's too bad you can only fit 10 in the top 10 - there were so many deserving products this year.  It's an excellent time to be a gear hound, and with NEAF right around the corner I'm guessing we'll soon get a look at what's in store for 2007.  It's hard to imagine it getting any better, but somehow, it always does. Now if I can just get my hands on one of those dang cloud filters, I'd be all set.