A Radian for a Nagler?

Hi All:

I have a Meade 12 LX200. I purchased a 13mm Nagler giving 234x for planetary viewing and perhaps some higher magnification for deep sky stuff. I think I may have chosen the wrong eyepiece--giving more value to the largest fov rather than clarity, though the Nagler is quite nice.

Perhaps I should have purchased a 14mm Radian? I know both of these eyepieces are premium, but would the Radian be the better choice (or perhpas a Vixen or Orion Lanthanum Wide)? I still want at least a decent fov, but the Radian may be better suited to the viewing I will do. I know the TMB momos are out there and I am not really looking for those. I tried a UO Ortho and was dissapointed. I had Meade Super Plossls and they were fairly nice, but I like the Televues (I have 22mm and 13mm Naglers).

At 234x and above does the Nagler fov rsally help or will most of what I would view at those powers be in a Radian fov? And be a bit sharper?

Thanx for any help.

Gregg
Augusta, Maine

Well first off understand that at the higher magnificaion you will get a dimmer image.
The 13mm Nagler IMO will out perform the Lanthanum in brightness. Clarity too in most cases.
The Radian would not be any better really, though it might be a bit brighter because of less glass.
Try a Ultrascopic or an Ortoscopic and see if you think that is better. You might be able to borrow one at a star party.
Floyd

Hello there Gregg,

To say I love my Radian is an understatement, but if you're looking for the ultimate in planetary eyepieces, I would like to suggest the TMB SuperMonocentric. The old monocentric has long been a favorite of planetary observers and Thomas Back provide a modern improved version of it (better glass, better coating). Makes no mistakes, these are special purpose eyepiece as they have a very small AFOV (30 degree) and very tight eyerelief though I was surprised by how usable even my 4mm TMB SuperMono is to me who is addicted to long eye relief.

Ron B[ee]