Panoptics, Naglers, and Powermates

Hello,

I have some questions about eyepieces for my LX200GPS. I have an 8"F-10, and I am about ready to buy a William Optics 2" diagnal. I just sold all but 2 of my Meade Series 4000 Super Plossls, so I am ready to go and buy some quality eyepieces.

I was thinking about the 27mm Panoptic, a 16mm Nagler type 5, and a 2x powermate. In addition to these, I have decided to keep the 26mm and 9.7mm Meade Super Plossls for use when inexperienced viewers look through the scope. In looking at the Televues that I am preparing to buy, does it look like I am covering a wide enough range of fields of view and magnifications? Can anyone comment on the 27 Pan, 16 Nagler T5, or 2x powermate in use with an 8" F-10?

Will I need to buy the Barlow Interface for the 27 Pan when used with the Powermate?

Comments on the individual eyepices or other eyepieces I should consiter would be appreicated.

Thanks,
Taylor Chonis

You don't need the panoptic-barlow interface with a powermate - they effectively have one built in.

That said, I agree with Bob. I would go for either a 35 pan or 41 pan for your low power (or 40 Pentax XW). These will give you a wider field and get to somewhat larger exit pupils (you are at f10, so even the 41 pan will only be a 4.1mm exit pupil). The 41 plus the 2x powermate would be 20.5, and if you get the 27 you will have 41, 27, 20.5, and 13.5, which is a pretty nice progression, close to 1.4x steps. I would skip the 16 nagler - too close to the 27 doubled to be worth it. You could add in a 9 or 11 nagler T6 or 10 radian for the high powers (or use the 9.7mm plossl you already have). I would sell the 26 plossl, unless you want it for public star party use. You will like the 27 Pan much better.

Hope this helps,

Jarad

Taylor,

There are some good choices out there for your scope. For widefield viewing the TV 55mm Plossl is a good choice that is not too expensive. In the 35mm range I found the Celestron Ultima to be very good (although it has a very long eye-relief that some people have trouble with). In the 30mm range, the Apogee 30mm Widescan performs quite well. In the 17mm range the TV Nagler 17mm T4 is excellent. It was my first "upgrade" EP, and I still have it. With your 8", f/10 scope I would not go lower than 9mm - the Nagler 9mm T6 is a good choice - or a barlowed 17mm. Besides considering a barlow, remember that you can also get an f/6.3 focal reducer/corrector which will have the opposite effect (reduce the magnification of your EPs). There is a great review on Cloudy Nights about this useful accessory.

Good luck!

John