Image of the day

Captured by
Gary Taylor

M27 - Dumbell Nebula

My Account

New to Astromart?

Register an account...

Need Help?

Zoom eyepieces?

Started by Johannes, 03/21/2004 05:25PM
Posted 03/21/2004 05:25PM Opening Post
I'm looking for a good all-round zoom eyepiece (not the Nagler Zoom). I have been looking at the following eyepieces:
Leica Zoom 7.3-22
Nikon Zoom 7-21, 9-21, 9-26
Zeiss 8,4-25,1
Pentax Zoom 8-24
Anyone who have made any comparisons or got any comments?

Thanks in advance,
Johannes
Posted 03/21/2004 05:45PM #1
I have the Leica zoom and although I've only tried it out a couple of times it gave very sharp, crisp views throughout its range....at 22mm the FOV is a narrow 38 degrees vs at 7mm a wide 65-68 degrees. I did have the opportunity to compare the Leica to the Vixen 8-24mm zoom and the Leica was in a completely different league...being brighter, sharper and far more contrasty on planets. The initial impression of the Leica is that it truly is the finest zoom lense money can buy.
Posted 03/21/2004 06:51PM #2
Have no experience with the Zeiss (I believe they are pretty expensive - comparable in cost to the Leica). However, I have the Leica and the Nikon 9-21 and I have used several others. Of the ones I have viewed through, the Leica is clearly the best. The Nikon 9-21 is not that far behind and, at about 1/2 the price and weight of the Leica, worth considering if you can find one. Don't confuse the three Nikons with each other, they are each quite different.