What's between 6 and 6.5?

Started by NebSteve, 06/11/2011 01:01AM
Posted 06/11/2011 01:01AM Opening Post
Hi All,
My scope is a 10" Maksutov, with a focal length of 2540mm. The Takahashi 5mm LE was a little too much to be really useful. It calculated out to 508x. Even on the most still nights with the optics cooled to perfection, 508x was a lot to ask. My next longer EP is the venerable Takahashi 7.5mm LE. It's very useful at 338x. However, there are three of four nights a year when I could really push it.

So, on those nights, and without using a Barlow, what's available? I'm thinking between 6 and 6.5mm for an attempt at or near 400x. I have some experience with TeleVue EPs like Panoptics, Naglers and the Ethos. All are great, but the wide view is not my goal here. I've also looked through a Baader Orthoscopic with a big grin on my face. One of the best little EPs I've seen if your eyelashes don't rub the lens. A bit hard to use at a star party, but this one's just for the rare night.

There are two great reviews on Siebert's Star-Splitter, and if memory serves, it comes in a 6.4mm. I do look for minimal glass to air surfaces. Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
Steve
8)
Posted 06/12/2011 03:01AM #1
.257 Roberts, 25-06 Remington, 257 Weatherby Magnum...
Posted 06/13/2011 08:16PM #2
I went with a 3-6mm zoom. I find that the quality of the seeing becomes so important at that kind of magnification that I like to be able to dial in what works best on the given night.