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Posts Made By: Victor Kennedy

February 18, 2004 10:21 AM Forum: Binoviewers

Pentax XL's in binos?

Posted By Victor Kennedy

I have a pair of 28 mm Pentax XLs that I use with a BW Optik binoviewer. They are big eyepieces, but my eyes are wide enough apart that I can use them, and the image merges well. Nose relief is important with these eps because of the size of the rotating collars. My nose won't fit between the eyepieces so I can't get both eyes right down to the eyepieces as I can with my 2 25 mm Tak orthos.

However, the appeal of the 28 mms is that they are sharp right across the field of view in both my C8 and f/6 refractor. I used to have a pair of 19 mm Axioms that worked well in the C8 but showed some edge distortion in the refractor. They had a 70 degree afov, compared to the Pentax 55 degrees, but I still prefer the Pentaxes. As others have noted, the field of view seems wider in a binoviewer. I also used to have Meade 13.8 and 18 mm Superwides; I never tried them in a binoviewer, but they had even more edge distortion (to me) than the Axiom. They would probably be ok in a longer focal length scope.

February 23, 2004 11:47 AM Forum: DVDs and Music and Books That You Recommend

GOOD deal

Posted By Victor Kennedy

Sounds like an offer I can't refuse :-)

February 23, 2004 11:54 AM Forum: Eyepieces

My first 2"

Posted By Victor Kennedy

Hi Rob:

My 34 mm Axiom is quite good in my AT1010, but as others have mentioned about other not-so-expensive eps, it may be not so great in an f/4. Your best bet is probably a 40 mm Pentax XL. They come up on Astromart every so often for about $200.

April 10, 2004 12:05 PM Forum: Off Topic Discussions

Don't be this guy

Posted By Victor Kennedy

Hmmm. Pot calling the kettle black?

April 14, 2004 06:46 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Suggestions for a worry free, sub 400.00 scope?

Posted By Victor Kennedy

Bill, if I were you, I'd take the $400 and buy the wife something she's always wanted.

Vic (Machiavelli) Kennedy

June 15, 2004 11:04 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Is it worth it? 1.25" diag vs 2" diag for an 8" SC

Posted By Victor Kennedy

I bougth a 2" visual back, diagonal, and 34 mm 2" eyepiece for my C8. For me, it was worth it. I get a wider field of view and I don't see any vignetting.

If you buy the $99 William Optics 2" diagonal for SCTs, you don't have to buy a special visual back; it just screws right on, saving you about $50. I didn't get that one (it was out of stock when I ordered), but I do have a regular 2" William Optics diagonal, and it provides the same (to me) views as my more expensive Televue diagonal.

So you should be able to get a WO diagonal and a decent 2" eyepiece for around $200.

June 25, 2004 09:04 AM Forum: Off Topic Discussions

Pasta

Posted By Victor Kennedy

I've had cats and dogs since I was a kid. It is always painful when they die, but when that passes, there are good memories. They just have shorter lifespans than we do. All we can do is try to make sure they are healthy and happy while they are here.

July 12, 2004 03:15 PM Forum: Eyepieces

Need help--Tak vs. Pentax optics

Posted By Victor Kennedy

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.

October 30, 2004 05:30 PM Forum: DVDs and Music and Books That You Recommend

March 7, 2005 08:42 PM Forum: Refractors

Deciding on a First Scope

Posted By Victor Kennedy

I suggest you find an astronomy club nearby and try to attend a star party. People will let you look through their scopes and you can decide which view you like best.

Folks here will give you great advice, but it will conflict, and you may end up more confused than enlightened.

p.s. I bought a small refractor first, then an 8" SCT. They are different, but I like them both.