This novelty eyepiece review takes on an eyeopener.
An 85mm Super Plossl steps up to the plate.
Comments:
Great review of this eyepiece pointing out its strengths & weaknesses. I've owned one for almost 2 years and agree with Clayton's points both good & bad. The view through this eyepiece is almost like a small picture. For many 1st time viewers at Public Star Parties, it’s easier for them to “see” the image. Many state that this EP in a C8 looks better than what they “see” in larger scopes with Panoptic or Nagler EPs. Several times this EP has gotten a “Wow!” from veteran observers in a 12.5” Truss Dob. I've even had the same reaction with this EP in a 7” Starfire. <br>This eyepiece certainly isn’t for everyone any more than a 31 Nagler or CZ Abbe Ortho. It’s not something I’d suggest to people with limited EPs or a tight budget. But if you have a range of EPs & get a chance to use one on these fun EPs, I’d tell you to try it with an open mind. If you’re looking for a relatively inexpensive, very WF EP you should consider it too. You might be surprised. <br>I don't want to get into a discussion about exit pupil and dilation. That discussion has been beaten to death for years. As the article states, it's a useful eyepiece for certain situations & people, wasted light or not. I don’t intend to get rid of mine any more than I would dispose of my TV 41mm Panoptic or 31mm WF. For the price, it’s a great EP that can be a lot of fun. Thanks Clayton.
Glad too to see this review in stargazing-limbo (i.e. how low can you go). No techy talk here...thanks for bringing up FUN in views and observing. That seems to have disappeared in discussion these days; cold, theoretical and mathematical evaluations IMHO meant mostly to impress while complicating real-life user issues (I try to follow it but it goes over my head) and potentially turning off novices.<br><br>I've been through a slew of high power eps spanning the entire spectrum (including rare high end) and settled finally on a good set for visual use in my 5" classic refractor. Lately I've trolled through the low power reaches and acquired: 40mm Vixen ortho, TV 55mm plossl, UO 60mm Kellner...THIS exact reviewed ep was the possible next step. Thanks to this balanced review I'm gonna buy one, because its a "niche" ep for those moments when, you know, you have to have what one of these throws out.<br><br>Thanks all.<br><br>Pat Kelly in Maryland <br><br>
I'm sure glad MY pupils don't open wider in daylight!
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