Description

Name: Astra IIIB Deluxe Sextant
Brand: Astra
SKU: NAS3A

The Astra IIIB Sextant incorporates all of the features of high-end German and Japanese sextants, at about one third of their cost. But make no mistake: it is a very accurate instrument of very high quality. How does Astra do it? First of all, it's made in China, where labor rates are vastly lower than in Germany or Japan. Second, they use an aluminum alloy for the frame (as does Freiberger and C. Plath in its lightweight sextants). As a result, there is a very minor sacrifice in potential accuracy (+ or - 20 seconds throughout the arc, compared with 9 seconds for the Cassens & Plath), which is likely to be completely inconsequential when taking sights from a moving small yacht. The Astra IIIB is, in fact, used by many professional navigators.

Specifications

The Astra features a rectangular index mirror, available with either a traditional half-silvered (split) or whole (full) horizon versions. The mirrors are easily interchanged, so if you don't know which to choose, start with the whole horizon type. It's a little easier for beginners to use, and you can always change it later. Other features include LED lighting of arc and drum, oil, adjusting wrench, and instructions, all in a varnished wooden case. A 3.5 x 40 scope is standard.

We can recommend the Astra IIIB Deluxe to all navigators - and especially to those beginning to learn celestial - without reservation. It's a bargain. Astra IIIB Deluxe Sextant Whole / Full Horizon Mirror
Astra IIIB Deluxe Sextant Split (Traditional) Horizon Mirror