Eyepiece Collection

Currently own:
40mm MK70 2"
24mm Konig 1.25
16mm Konig 1.25
9mm Ortho
7mm Ortho

I'm looking to replace my two Konigs w/ three Orthos: 25, 18, and 12.5mm. I was thinking of a 2nd wide-angle eyepiece between 25 and 40mm though. This is for an F/10 SCT. The 25mm MK70 is what I'm thinking, but if there's a better one for that price (or less), what is it?

-Mike

Michael,

Although it might be somewhat more than you were considering, you might think about a Pan 22mm or 27mm and maybe even the 35mm. You have probably seen the 27 and 35's go up recently to fund the purchase of a 26mm Nagler by many. In addition, the 22's will start going up for sale when the 24mm Pans come out. Obviously, it is a function of supply and demand. I never thought that I would ever spring for a Nagler EP but now I own a 9mmT1, 12mmT2, 16mmT2, 20mmT2 and due to the newer styles comming out (I have a 210 Mewlon f-11.5 and the 82 degree FOV is great!). I aqcuired them slowly and the cost for any one of them was between $180-250, but they will keep the value of what I paid. The same will hold true of the 22 or 27 Pan. From personal experience, those are great EPs and will hold their value if you get them for a decent price as well.

Good Luck, Owen

Mike,
As the owner of all five ... good choices!

Given the 24mm Konig is my least favorite, I could see replacing that with the 25mm MK-70, which I'd love to try! The 22-24mm Pan are good options, as are the 20-22mm Naglers (I have the 22mm as a NEAF blem and it's definitely found the home the 22mm Pan never quite moved into.) and the 22mm Vixun superwide. However, all are $$$ by comparison.

OTOH, the 16mm is my most favorite and I'll be long dead before that one goes. Very little can beat it for any one of AFOV, on-axis image sharpness, contrast, and most importantly, transmission. An 18mm Ortho would feel tight by comparison, with no improvment in the view. A 15mm Pan has dimmer images, even if they're sharper at the edge. It's in my f/10 more than anything.

That's not to say I wouldn't (didn't?) get the other Orthos.

HAve fun,
Frank

The one thing you said in your post is there anything out there better for the price or less and everyone comes back with $200 plus options, thats not giving you at all what you want. The only way you will get better and that's only going to show in some area's is spend allot more. The Koning's are very good ep's and there is nothing unless you spend 3 to 4 times the money that will do better. The Meade SWA's are good but 2 to 3 times more, the Vixen Super Wide's are very good but again 3 times as much. The Pentax's are 3 to 4 times as much and the TV's are the high priced spread and most all are 3 to 5 times as much. I think for the money you have invested your not going to do much better, what you have are IMO very decent maybe add a TV powermate or a Klee barlow to the mix and that might give you some different FL.

Mike- I would be interested in knowing what you think of the MK70. I have a 6" f8 refractor and eventually would like to get a 2" eyepiece in the 40-55mm range.A 40mm 70 degree eyepiece would give me a 2 degree field. Thanks, Gerry