Image of the day

Captured by
Terry Wood

Jupiter (clearer) Nov 5th 2023 w/Mewlon 180c

My Account

New to Astromart?

Register an account...

Need Help?

Posts Made By: Phillip Creed

November 19, 2007 02:34 PM Forum: Eyepieces

New Celestron Ultima / Axiom EP reviews?

Posted By Phillip Creed

Has someone purchased a new Celestron Ultima LX or Axiom LX eyepiece and tested it in a fast Dob? I'm mildly interested in getting a "finder EP" and the 32-mm Celestron Ultima LX sounds like it might work, but there's just no reviews out there I could find.

Clear Skies,
Phil

December 14, 2007 01:05 AM Forum: Eyepieces

Ultima LX 13mm Comments

Posted By Phillip Creed

Peter,

Many thanks for doing a review of the new 13-mm Ultima LX. I've been scouring around looking for reviews on these EP's (particularly the 22- and 32-mm versions).

Clear Skies,
Phil

February 13, 2018 03:03 PM Forum: After Dark

druthers; ES AR102 refractor vs orion Starblast 6i?

Posted By Phillip Creed

Jim,

Tough call. There are several pros and cons I can see with either package.

AR102--

Bodacious:
(1) Quicker cooldown vs. 6" mirror
(2) Lower focal length (663mm vs. 750mm) allows for a little wider FOV
(3) Ability to use 2"-eyepieces allows for MUCH wider FOV
(4) Higher f-ratio is easier on eyepieces, particularly widefields

Bogus:
(1) Chromatic Aberration. Not terrible, but definitely there. Can be offset somewhat by minus-violet filter
(2) Less aperture than the 6" Starblast
(3) Might be too low an eyepiece position when aimed towards zenith.


6" Starblast:

Bodacious:
(1) More aperture than AR102
(2) Relatively lightweight
(3) Intelliscope design allows for quick location of DSO's
(4) No chromatic aberration. Zero. Zip. Nada.

Bogus:
(1) Longer cooldown vs. AR102
(2) Barely half the FOV as the AR102, owing to a longer focal length and limited to 1.25"-eyepieces
(3) Rack-and-pinion 1.25"-focuser leaves much to be desired. Can be swapped out for a 2"-focuser, but will likely require a dremmel tool and greatly ramp up the PITA Factor.

Clear Skies,
Phil

April 10, 2018 12:29 AM Forum: AstroMart FAQ

New format needs work.

Posted By Phillip Creed

Just to add one more complaint onto the pile...I lost all my astromart ratings.

Clear Skies,
Phil