[mental4astro (Alexander)]

The key thing about this whole discussion is optical matching - matching the EP to the scope design.

Masuyama eyepieces are designed for refractors. Look at what the Japanese market was using when Masuyama was at its most popular, slow refractors. Wavy mentioned this too. The new Masuyama designs are also totally different beasts from those of 30 years ago.

With EP design being what it is with multi-elements, you will get variations in performance within individual EP focal lengths, not just in focal ratios but also scope types. This goes not just for Masuyama but for EVERY make and design. This is why some Masuyama pieces do better in faster fracs than others, and why some perform better/worse in Newts. You will not find a single eyepiece that will perform EXACTLY the same across all scope types and all focal ratios within each scope type. There will be some variation somewhere even if it all seems bonza... there will be a difference somewhere including ease of use/eye strain, eye placement. AND it will differ with different people (that's why TV offers theiir Dioptrix lenses). EP choice is also a personal choice for what works best for your eyes.

The worst mistake WE can make is pass judgement on an entire line or entire Brand based solely on using one single eyepiece in just one single scope type and focal ratio. Especially when that particular eyepiece is not designed for that scope... It just shows we have no idea what we are talking about. Add blind Brand loyalty/prejudice and the situation gets worse.

I have a 35mm Masuyama. Lovely eyepiece in a Mak and SCT. Haven't tried it in a refractor. In a Newt it is not an optical match and a 32mm plossl does better in a Newt, but the Masuyama craps all over it for transmission. Compared to a Vixen or Celestron (who don't make or design their own eyepieces), in what way? AFOV? Across the entire range? Different aberrations in all scope types? Age of design, older vs current? Brand??? Why not with TV or Pentax? And then too in regards to what parameters?