Need help--Tak vs. Pentax optics

I'm a somewhat new scope geek, and don't have an astronomy club anywhere within 100 plus miles of where I live. So here's the problem--I can't find a Pentax XW 5 to compare with my Tak Hi-Ortho 4mm. Anyone have experience with both? I love my Tak's ability to resolve detail on the planets, but would love to have a larger FOV since I have a 4" f7 refractor on an undriven mount. Resolution vs. Field, and I'm not sure I want to compromise resolution! Thanks for looking.

---Rob

I can't help with these specific eyepieces, but maybe in a more general way: I have Pentax XLs in 14 & 28 mm, and a complete set of Tak orthos. Both are very good optically (better than the Meade Superwides I had before, and better than the Celestron Axioms I still have). I don't think you will see any problems in either. Both are very sharp in my f/6 refractor.

Aside from field of view, the biggest difference is in physical size and weight: you can put the whole set of Tak orthos in one pocket, or one Pentax. This may also be an issue when balancing your scope.

If you can find a used Pentax XL or XW on Astromart, buy it. In the very unlikely case that you find you don't like it, you'll be able to sell it quickly for what you paid for it.