6mm Radian

[AstroBug]

I've had my 10" dob for about 8 months and thought it was about time I purchased a quality eyepiece and also wanted something with a little higher mag. I bought a 6mm Radian 3 weeks ago and I was excited, looking forward to some sharpness and contrast. However the last 3 weeks have been pretty disappointing - until tonight! I now know how important good seeing is.

I thought the conditions had been OK in the last few weeks but couldn't get sharp focus on stars or on Jupiter (although I know Jupiter is past its prime now). But tonight looked promising with the jetstream map showing a small clear window and the satellite map cloudless apart from that haze we've been getting lately.

Finally stars were almost pinpoint. I found Uranus and it was a perfect, small disk. Then turned to 47 Tuc and it was the best I've ever seen it. Resolved right into the core and the contrast was great. And this is just 10km out of Melbourne and with half a moon in the sky. Now I can't wait to get to a dark sky sight and try the Radian out in good conditions. And Saturn is just around the corner.

Of course this is not a serious eyepiece review. Just a rant from a relieved and excited owner of a new ep. :D

[Dennis]

Hi Brett

I'm glad that you have removed that niggling doubt about the eyepiece. It's nice to validate that your hard earned money has been well spent and that you haven't got a dud eyepiece. Nice observing report too.

Cheers

Dennis

[AstroBug]

Thanks Dennis,

I triple checked my collimation but that seemed fine. Then I read a recent thread here about the influence of seeing conditions once you get up to 200+ mag so that gave me hope that my purchase wasn't a dud. I'm now very happy with the Radian and can't wait to use it under perfect conditions. :thumbsup:

[matt]

Glad to hear things are on the improve Brett.

I think we sometimes are a little too quick to blame or question our gear when the problem rests elsewhere ie poor collimation, seeing, scope cooling/thermal issues etc

It's quite noticeable how much better the viewing is when these other areas are more favourable.

Keep at it, and enjoy:)

[CoombellKid]

Another thing I find with premium ep's is they will magnify these influences
of seeing conditions beautifully. Where as cheaper varieties can tend to
hide these influences somewhat in their cheaper coatings (or lack of) or
within their optical design (or lack of)

So think of it like this, your still seeing the same crappy influence of seeing
conditions, but prettier :) ...if that's a word

regards,CS sunny days

Rob

PS: Congrats on you new purchase!! they a dang fine EP, not that I have
one but have tried the odd one. Enjoy!

[ausastronomer]

Nice eyepiece Brett. You can do a lot worse than the 6mm Radian.

CS-John B