Question on eyepieces Celestron Ultima vs Vixen

Hi there,
I currently have a ultima 9.25 and a focal reducer for it.
I was thinking about adding a 42mm and 9 or 10mm to my collection (right now I have a 6mm, 25mm, 32mm and 2x barlow). I was however curious as to how people think the celestron ultima stacks up to the vixen series? I have an astigmatism and must wear eyeglasses while observing so I need the long eye relief and am somewhat financially constrained to the 100 dollar or so range. Also Orion has some new product called ED eyepieces. Has anyone had experience with these? Any general opionions on brands, sizes welcome and appreciated.
Thanks

Jared:

I prefer the Ultimas because of their excellent contrast and sharpness - better than other plossls I have tried. I have virtually a full set (7.5mm - 30mm) and use almost all with my glasses on because of my astigmatism. You can get them used on Astromart for $50-$60.

Skip the 42mm - what you gain in view because of lower magnification you lose because of the narrower FOV. The best you can do is the 35mm (a big monster) or the 30mm. By the way, the Ultimas are identical to the Orion Ultrascopics and Antares Ultras (same eyepieces, different brand), and these brands offer slightly different focal lengths if you need them, such as 15mm and 10mm.

The 7.5mm and 12.5mm Ultimas are outstanding planetary eyepieces. Excellent contrast, tack sharp and good color. While they do have tight eye relief and require taking my glasses off to take in the full FOV, I usually keep my glasses on because observing planets only requires having a good view of MOST of the FOV.

I have faced the same challenge with eye relief and have tried many of the options like the Epics and Long Views. Sorry, they just don't compare to a better mid power eyepiece with longer eye relief coupled with a high-quality barlow (many longer view eyepieces just incorporate a barlow). So, I've stuck to my 18mm Ultima, 12.5 Ultima and a 9mm University Optics Ortho barlowed for my high power observing needs. I've found the Celestron 2x Ultima and Antares 3x Ultra best for this AND AFFORDABLE TOO!

Hope this helps.