Long Eye Relief (LER) Eyepieces

While I normally use UO Orthos for my planetary observing, I need something inexpensive with more comfortable eye relief for my wife, children and others with whom I share my hobby. I'm looking for a 9-10mm and a 5-6mm in the $40-$75 range for use primarily with an f/5 scope.

I've seen the reviews on the Orion Epics and Expanses (possibilities), but have also encountered the Skywatcher/Synta LER (Long Eye Relief) eyepieces. Has anyone used these and how do they compare with some of these other lower priced longer eye relief eyepieces?

Any feedback would be helpful. Thanks!

Hello, Peter.

I do know that the Orion Expanse and Skywatcher Ultra Wide eyepieces are indeed "siblings" (same manufacture). The LER eyepieces do have a little more eye relief (20mm for all), but the 13-to-17mm provided by the various Expanse/Ultra Wide units is likely sufficient for most applications (i.e. viewing without glasses).

I haven't been lucky enough to try *either* design (same goes for the ED-2 line), but I would expect them all to provide nice, comfortable views with reasonably good fidelity. Yes, f/5 will challenge most any eyepiece off axis, but these particular lines should still do a good job axially (central 60%-75% of their fields).

I'll likely try one or two from the Expanse and ED-2 lines, myself. If I like them, I'll definitely come back to the forums and say so.

I'm sure several Astromarters will chime in and share their own experiences and impressions with the ED-2s, Expanses/Ultra Wides, and the LERs. In fact, you might end up with a LOT more feedback than you ever expected! :-) Just enjoy it.

Best wishes and luck.
-Dan

I've got the set of four Skywatcher Ultrawides. The 15's a little short in eye relief, but it's acceptable.

In my use I've found that they all suffer from some pretty serious ghosting when viewing bright objects off center, so they're not ideal planetary eyepieces, but I think that's pretty common in Erfle designs. Correct me if I'm wrong. I find that they all offer sharp and highly usable FOV's. All but the outer edges of the FOV's are free of significant abberation.

Overall they're good eyepieces for the money.