In recent years it seems that all the emphasis has been on 2-inch eyepieces and accessories, leaving the venerable 1¼-inch “standard” in the shadows of the amateur marketplace. But no longer. Astronomy Technologies, or Astro-Tech for short, has incorporated most of the latest features found on premium 2-inch diagonals in a classic 1¼-inch design ($69.95). A 46-layer, ion-deposited dielectric coating on the diagonal’s 1/10-wave mirror delivers 99% reflectivity, while the machined-aluminum housing with a brass compression-ring lock for the eyepiece adds to the solid construction. The diagonal’s nosepiece is threaded for standard 1¼-inch filters and accessories.

Contact: Astronomics, 680 SW 24th Ave., Norman, OK 73069; 800-422-7876; www.astronomics.com

High Point Scientific, 442 Route 206, Montague, NJ 07827; 800-266-9590; www.highpointscientific.com

Every year the editors of Sky & Telescope present their selection of the most intriguing new products to enter the marketplace. "Hot New Products for 2007" appeared in the January 2007 issue, page 100. For further information about a specific product, contact the manufacturer or distributor. To alert the editors of Sky & Telescope to the introduction of a new product, please send e-mail to nps@SkyandTelescope.com.