View Full Version here: : Different approach for my EP collection?
JJDOBBER79
10-04-2014, 11:00 AM
I think I am going to try a different approach to an EP collection. Let me explain. Recently, I have been on a bit of a spending spree buying up on premium EP’s. I now have a N16T2, a xw10, a Tak LE 24mm and a Parks 32mm plossl. I definately wouldn’t say that I am disappointed with any of them, but none of them stand out either. I find I enjoy the views equally in all of them which I find interesting given that they are all very different in price, FOV, sharpness etc. Those of you who have helped me before on this forum will know that I am still very new to atronomy so I am wondering if maybe my observing skills are not at a level to be able to instantly recognise the areas in which these EP’s individually excel. So, I have decided to notch it back a little.
I have recently read numerous posts on different forums by people praising the TV plossls and claiming that it is the same glass and coatings as used in their premium EP’s. If this is correct , then it would be fair to say that all we are paying extra money for is a wider field, and seeing as this is something that I obviously don’t value at the moment, I feel I may be wasting my money.
So…… I have decided to keep my parks 32mm, and I have just bought a 20mmTV plossl, I will use these barlowed with my TV 2x barlow (that I already have) and I will be purchasing a TV 3x barlow. The 3X will be to achieve a high power 6.6mm equivalent out of the 20mm because I figure I don’t like looking through a pin hole so would rather use a 20mm piece of glass and barlow it and also I don’t have a problem or find it a nuisance using barlows like others do. This will give me 30, 20, 15, 10, 6.6 which I figure is all I need and it will be my main collection which will not change. Now… I figure (going through the IIS archives and checking prices) that I have about $750 in value in my 3 premium EP’s, and the 3x TV barlow will cost me about $100. With the extra $600, I plan to always hold 1 premium Eyepiece which I will buy on the used market and sell when I have had ample time with it. (not every week, but maybe 2 or 3 times a year) I figure that I wont lose money doing this, providing I always get them at a reasonable price, because the premium EP’s tend to hold value. I have 2 reasons for doing this, 1.) It will allow me to try pretty much any eyepiece on the market which will hopefully allow me to find what I like. 2.) I can kind of tailor this choice to what targets are visible at the time or at least the ones that I like to observe regularly.
The only down side I see to this is the risk of getting stung buying something damaged on the used market, and also losing a bit on postage. I am interested in others thoughts on this particularly any from others who use a similar approach.
I am thinking I should be able to get a 13mm (or maybe 17mm) ethos to start with for $600 used. The 100 degrees will probably settle the “do I appreciate wide FOV” question.
AG Hybrid
10-04-2014, 11:10 AM
Hi Jas,
Interesting post. Eyepieces are ultimately a personal choice. However, I will say this. If your not satisfied with the view a Pentax XW 10mm gives you. I'm afraid your next accessory will have to be a CCD camera and a laptop. Because visually. The Pentax 10mm XW and less focal lengths with the TV Delos equivalents are about as good as it gets visually.
Also, you didn't mention what scope(s) you are using.
JJDOBBER79
10-04-2014, 11:40 AM
Hi AG,
I wouldnt say that I am not satisfied with the view, i just feel that I didnt look through the xw and go:eyepop::eyepop::eyepop::eyepop:. Maybe I am expecting too much. I didnt get this from the nagler or the tak either and to be honest I am indifferent to the 70/84/whatever degrees the tak is. I find that I dont even notice it, I tend to look at the target and I dont care how big a chunk of sky is around it because I am not even looking there. Does that make sense?:P
I am keen to test this theory with an ethos though, I may completely change my tune after using one of those. who knows? But the nagler for example is an older one, so a new plossl will probably have the same optics, (or possibly better) bar the FOV at a fraction of the price. I think the TV plossls are about the same degrees as the tak anyway. I definately dont take the xw out of the focuser, put the tak in and want to put the xw back in. Maybe I am just an oddball:shrug:.
astro744
10-04-2014, 11:46 AM
In the case of Tele Vue, the extra money is for a highly corrected wider field so much so that in a Newtonian you actually see pure coma (a function of the primary mirror) and no other aberration and then all you need to eliminate the coma is a Paracorr if it bothers you for say f5 and under. There are many other branded wide field eyepieces on the market and some have considerable field curvature and off axis astigmatism. Surprisingly a Paracorr can improve the view with some of these eyepieces but in the end it comes down to what you're prepared to accept as far as off axis aberrations go.
My take is this; if I want an 80 deg field I want it all available to me not just 50 degrees of it otherwise I too would use a Plossl. Also when an eyepiece has significant field curvature then there is a significant part of the field that is out of focus. Any faint galaxy for example would be invisible in the outer part of the field.
Note highly corrected eyepieces such as Tele Vue perform well on any telescope. However some less well corrected eyepieces perform well on telescopes with longer focal ratios.
Your idea of using Plossls is fine but note the eye relief extends out further when using a Barlow with an eyepiece and eye placement and vignetting become an issue in say 30mm and over. A Powermate would eliminate this problem.
Buying and selling all the time is a personal choice. Some people do it all the time for various reasons and sometimes end up buying the same eyepiece back. It depends on what you want or need at the time but you should also think of what you may need in the future. You don't want to have to pay twice for an eyepiece you already had once.
astro744
10-04-2014, 11:54 AM
Maybe you're a purist and a simpler eyepiece design is for you.
The Tele Vue Plossls are very nice.
Also to consider would be Vernonscope Brandons. See http://www.vernonscope.com/ They are available individually or in sets.
Another outstanding alternative would be University H.D. Orthoscopics. See http://www.universityoptics.com/
No wide fields for any of the above just pure quality glass!
JJDOBBER79
10-04-2014, 11:58 AM
AG, I am using a f5 12" lightbridge
MortonH
10-04-2014, 12:32 PM
Consider a 14mm Delos. Very nice.
Varangian
10-04-2014, 01:10 PM
I've used the Tele Vue plossls at f5 and find them very satisfying. I think your position of using a 20mm plossl (so retaining good ER) and barlowing it is a good one. At f5 I personally struggle to find a good EP without considerable field curvature over 20-25mm focal length without a paracorr.
JJDOBBER79
10-04-2014, 01:11 PM
Thanks guys,
Hopefully I will get to all of those, astro. I have even considered giving clave a go for a while. If anyone is looking for any of my Ep's, keep an eye on the classifieds because I will be selling through here.
David Niven
10-04-2014, 01:21 PM
Hi Jas,
My eps are $200 and less.
82D afov is my sweet spot and IMHO is more than sufficient.
So, I am not chasing after 100D or the exotic glasses!
Simplicity is the way to go and you can certainly enjoy the night sky without having to spend a fortune.
Renato1
10-04-2014, 02:22 PM
My suggestion is don't buy another TV Barlow (I own two) instead get a TV Powermate. When looking at an image, in the back of my mind I always "know" when I'm using a Barlow, but that isn't the case with a Powermate.
I have astigmatism, so most low power eyepieces I can't really assess well. But even to my lousy eyesight I notice that the stars seem to be sharper and the contrast better in the more expensive eyepieces - much nicer - though in actual usage it doesn't make that much practical difference to me.
With higher power eyepieces where astigmatism isn't a problem, a lot depended on my telescope. I recollect buying what was supposed to be a really good orthoscopic eyepiece and not seeing any real difference compared to my standard plossl in my then C8 and 80mm ED refractor. I scratched my head about it, and then tried barlowing my little refractor up to 200X and looking at Jupiter. And sure enough, at the extreme high power for the refractor, the orthoscopic was showing somewhat more detail than the plossl (I could see a shadow transit easily with the orthoscopic, which was much sharper and better defined than in the Plossl).
Anyhow, that's my perspective, but I know that people with better vision see things differently.
Regards,
Renato
Camelopardalis
10-04-2014, 08:17 PM
I'd say that if you're not craving the wider AFOV, don't buy an Ethos...as you won't appreciate the crater it'll leave in your wallet.
Profiler
10-04-2014, 09:24 PM
Painfully expensive but I would have to say that the 13mm Ethos is the only eyepiece I have ever purchased which really did hit me with a 'WOW' experience when I looked through it.
From what I understand sales of all other Ethos fls combined equate to the number of 13mm alone which are sold
JJDOBBER79
11-04-2014, 09:34 AM
Hi Profiler,
All the rest of my gear is 1.25" and I think the 17ethos is 2" so 13 would probably be as low power as I would want to go
astro744
11-04-2014, 10:33 AM
Are you sure? The 13mm Ethos will give you a true field of only 0.85 degrees.
Using 1500mm focal length and field stop diameter in mm from Tele Vue here are some more examples. TFOV=FSDx57.3/FL
FL=Focal Length of Telescope
AFOV=Apparent Field of View
FSD=Field Stop Diameter
TFOV=True Field of View
EPD=Exit Pupil Diameter
32mm Plossl, AFOV=50deg, FSD=27mm, TFOV=1.03deg, EPD=6.4mm
24mm Panoptic, AFOV=68deg, FSD=27mm, TFOV=1.03deg, EPD=4.8mm
31mm T5 Nagler, AFOV=82deg, FSD=42mm, TFOV=1.60deg, EPD=6.2mm
26mm T5 Nagler, AFOV=82deg, FSD=35mm, TFOV=1.34deg, EPD=5.2mm
20mm T5 Nagler, AFOV=82deg, FSD=27.4mm, TFOV=1.05deg, EPD=4mm
16mm T5 Nagler, AFOV=82deg, FSD=22.1mm, TFOV=0.84deg, EPD=3.2mm
21mm Ethos, AFOV=100deg, FSD=36.2mm, TFOV=1.38deg, EPD=4.2mm
13mm Ethos, AFOV=100deg, FSD=22.3mm, TFOV=0.85deg, EPD=2.6mm
I suggest you create a spread sheet using data from the following table http://www.televue.com/engine/TV3b_page.asp?id=214#.U0csPmcRC9I
Note the same FSD gives the same TFOV. Note also if you have a different brand eyepiece and do not have FSD then you can use TFOV=AFOV/Magnification. The result is very close and any difference is due to distortion effects within the eyepiece. See http://www.televue.com/engine/TV3b_page.asp?return=Advice&id=113#.U0czJWcRC9I
See also http://www.televue.com/engine/TV3b_page.asp?return=Advice&id=79#.U0cyzWcRC9I
There are many ways to select a series of eyepieces and magnification spread is only one. However when there are different AFOV you could end up having the same TFOV. TFOV spread is another method and yet another is exit pupil spread giving say 6mm, 4mm, 2mm, 0.5mm (maybe 3mm & 0.7m) exit pupils.
I personally like observing with the same AFOV since TFOV and magnification spreads then correlate. (Of course this is not critical).
The actual magnification, TFOV & exit pupil depend a lot on what you a looking at. See also this article http://www.televue.com/engine/TV3b_page.asp?return=Advice&id=114#.U0czT2cRC9I Yes it is promoting Ethos but there is a lot of useful info there. Also refer Para beginning "The 1991 article ..."
On the issue of exit pupil, if you are young you can easily accommodate 7mm or more and provided the sky is dark enough you will get a spectacular view. A 41mm Panoptic with your telescope will give you the maximum TFOV of 1.76 degrees at the expense of a large exit pupil.
41mm Panoptic, AFOV=68deg, FSD=46mm, TFOV=1.76deg, EPD=8.2mm
35mm Panoptic, AFOV=68deg, FSD=38.7mm, TFOV=1.48deg, EPD=7mm
The 35mm Panoptic is a very good alternative to the 41mm being lighter and giving slightly less exit pupil.
Note if your purpose is to have as a large TFOV for easier star hopping then a large exit pupil does not matter. The amount of contrast you have will depend a lot on you location and sky conditions but under a dark sky a 41mm Panoptic will still give a very good view. If your eye cannot accommodate 8.2mm exit pupil (and only the young can barely) it just means you're not using all of your mirror diameter but if you're only finding stuff it really doesn't matter.
The 13mm Ethos is a nice choice and if you like it you may end up complementing it one day with a 21mm Ethos.
JJDOBBER79
11-04-2014, 11:58 AM
wow, information overload. That's a lot to take in. I basically just want to hold 1 premium EP and rotate it a bit to allow me to try a few. 41 pan is on the list with a 31mm, type 6 nagler, I would also like to try a docter 12.5, dont like my chances of getting a used one of those for around $600. Probably more like $800. :P Thank you for the analysis astro, this will come in handy when assessing potential purchases.
casstony
11-04-2014, 12:35 PM
I'd recommend you take the 31 Nagler off the list since it's mainly a finder eyepiece in your scope - better to spend your money on a primary observing eyepiece around 13 to 17mm. An ES 30mm 82 degree will serve just as well as the 31 Nagler.
IMO the 41 Pan is wasted in an f/5 scope due to the exit pupil being too large.
Camelopardalis
11-04-2014, 04:24 PM
Surprised you would sell your 10XW as that's one of (if not) the best eyepieces in that focal length. Great throughput, easy to use and pin sharp to the edge. The Ethos will only give you a wider FOV from there, the image isn't otherwise any different. If you're looking for a slap around the face experience from an eyepiece, you're expectations are probably too high from what you have now. The immersive experience from a Nagler or Ethos shouldn't be underestimated though, it just comes at quite a cost.
I'd be checking your telescope optics are in good condition and well collimated, as on a good clear night the XW range are excellent, as are the Delos and Ethos.
MattT
12-04-2014, 09:39 AM
The first thing I would buy is a Coma Corrector. I have an ES one that is as good as a TV Paracorr type 1 I had. No point in buying a 100º eyepiece if half the field is a mess. The ES 68º eyepieces all work beautifully in my 10" Newt with the ES CC. Nothing wrong with buying and selling eyepieces but I have to spend about a year with an eyepiece before I decide if I like it or not.
For the wow view your after....binoviewing....my suggestion, doesn't have to be expensive either!
Matt
Kunama
12-04-2014, 09:58 AM
+1 :eyepop:
The WOW factor between various eyepiece brands was nothing compared to putting a pair of them side by side.
Eye fatigue is a thing of the past, my first foray was not successful but now I think I have the eyepieces that suit me well.
I wish I had kept the RKE28s :(
astro744
12-04-2014, 12:02 PM
May I suggest a Paracorr too to eliminate primary mirror coma before you go selling off all you good eyepieces. You will get pin point stars to the edge and it may just give you the wow you are seeking. You can always use it with any Ethos you buy later and you're going to need it to get sharp stars to the edge.
Note a Paracorr will increase magnification by 1.15x and decrease true field and exit pupil by 1.15x. I would recommend any Paracorr with a tunable top for easy adjustment bewteen eyepieces.
If that does not satisfy may I suggest you test your current optics and if sub-standard then get a premium hand crafted mirror. You could go larger mass produced aperture and hope you get a good mirror.
Maybe too you would prefer views through an APO refractor. May I suggest a Tele Vue NP-101 or 127. Of course you wont need a Paracorr with either one of them but a 21mm Ethos would be nice.
Back to your Newt; Ethos 21mm + Paracorr Type 2 I think would satisfy most people.
JJDOBBER79
12-04-2014, 03:24 PM
Hi Matt and MattT, you have talked me into it:D I guess I really am searching for a wow factor. I will give binoviewing a go. I have a couple of questions though, hopefully you guys can help,
1.) I understand its a nightmare to get them to work with a big dob. I know I may have to barlow with them which limits the low power achievable, can I, instead of a Barlow, use an extension tube or even a series of them piggybacked if necessary?
2.) what would I do about eyepieces? Would I be correct in saying there is no point using premium eyepieces because the prisms will be cheap Chinese factory glass which will limit the EP's? I think I may have asked this question before but not sure of the answer.
3.) glend recently bought an andrews bino for $99 and he seemed happy with it, is this likely to be an ok choice if I don't want to commit to a binovue? I keep seeing the term BAK4 prisms. If they all have these they should all be roughly the same???? I don't know if the andrews one has this.
JJDOBBER79
12-04-2014, 03:44 PM
Also, I have a TV 20mm plossl on the way from the US. Would it be a good choice to buy another one of these?
astro744
12-04-2014, 04:32 PM
A binoviewer will require an extra 120-130mm of inward focus travel. You cannot do this on a standard Newtonian unless you have that much travel available.
The Tele Vue Bino Vue (see http://www.televue.com/engine/TV3b_page.asp?id=63&Tab=_back#.U0jYrFWSySo) comes with two nose-pieces; one offers 1x amplification and the other 2x amplification/correction.
The 1x is for SCT use or special refractors with a shortened tube such as TV-102iis (no longer in production) and the Tele Vue 85mm Bizarro; a special TV-85 with shortened tube for Bino Vue operation (no longer in production).
The 2x is for use on Newtonians and refractors with star diagonal.
Adding extension tubes is opposite to what you need so this will not work.
You certainly will get the wow factor when first seeing a stereo Moon. Note a pair of 24mm Panoptics and your telescope with 2x amplifier will give about 1/2 degree true field at 125x magnification. A pair of 20mm Plossls and your telescope with 2x amplifier will give about 1/3 degree true field at 150x magnification. This would be a great introduction to the Moon in stereo.
Look for a binoviewer with maximum clear aperture, i.e. you don't want a binoviewer with 20mm clear aperture and use an eyepiece with 27mm field stop diameter as you will get vignetting. The 20mm Plossl has 17.1mm field stop diameter whereas the 24mm Panoptic and 32mm Plossl have 27mm.
As far as what quality of eyepieces you use; the view will only be as good as the worst component in the optical chain. This includes telescope, eyepiece, binoviewer, observer, atmosphere and assuming everything is well collimated.
JJDOBBER79
12-04-2014, 04:46 PM
So, how do I get that much inward travel to use it only dob?
Kunama
12-04-2014, 04:51 PM
Hi Jas, I don't know enough about them yet to advise on their use on Newts. I think MattT can answer that better.
As for eyepieces I would suggest trying it with some cheapies until you're sure you want to use them regularly. One thing to remember is that the bulkier eyepieces do not work for everyone, it is best to try them before buying. The determining factor is your interpupillary distance and also you need room for your nose, especially with short eye relief eyepieces.
The eyepiece focal length needed also depends on the scope and whether you need a Glass Path Compensator in the optical train. I think with newts you will need to use a GPC.
I am using mine at "native" that is I have removed a section of my refractor OTA 105mm in lengths which corresponds to the length of the lightpath of the Denkmeier binos. This means that a 12mm performs in the binos same as it would without the binos.
A GPC is a form of 'barlow' in that it multiplied the power of the eyepiece. You would use longer focal length eyepieces with a GPC than without. The difference being the GPC factor.
I strongly suggest trying the cheaper ones like the WO or similar before splurging out for the Denkmeiers, Baader Mk Vs etc. Perhaps try to attend a viewing evening and try someone else's first (bit difficult around Lismore perhaps, although I know around Nimbin they have parties where everyone sees stars)
astro744
12-04-2014, 04:53 PM
In the case of the Tele Vue Bino Vue you have to use the 2x amplifier/corrector. With other brands some sort of 2x Barlow amplification is needed. I'm only familiar with the Bino Vue.
Kunama
12-04-2014, 04:54 PM
Or You move the Primary mirror up and then use extension tube when not binoviewing
astro744
12-04-2014, 05:00 PM
I was going to suggest this but the primary would have to be moved a considerable distance with implications on secondary performance.
JJDOBBER79
12-04-2014, 08:27 PM
Yeah.. I don't wanna move my primary. Is anyone out there that is binoviewing with a 12" dob and can save me considerable grief by telling me exactly what I need to acquire to make these binos work. I have about $600 to get this happening.
Renato1
13-04-2014, 05:08 AM
I have a Denkmeir Binoviewer set, which requires using different pieces to be attached to the Binoviewer or star diagonal in order for it to work with SCTs, refractors and Dobs. (You can download instructions at their site).
Mine worked fine with my 14.5" dob, but the binoviewer and eyepieces were extremely heavy, requiring a lot more counterweight - which I didn't have, so I basically hand held my dob up to look at the bigger DSOs.
The Denkmeir ones have versions where you move sliders across and change the magnification in the unit while using it, so that you can get several magnifications on a pair of eyepieces. But the magnifications are different, depending on which telescope type is used.
I also have a simpler Takahashi binoviewer, where the eyepieces go in at a 45 degree angle. It basically connects to SCT via SCT thread and to refractors (using 2" to SCT thread adapter). It is easier to attach and use, but the 45 degree eyepiece angle makes it hard to use on anything high up in the sky. It can't be used with my dob.
I guess I'm the exception, I don't get wowed that much using binoviewers - either with my Denkmeir or Takahashi one - rather I think them a nuisance to viewing lots of things in the sky. Some people like looking at the same thing for a lot of time, and I think a binoviewer would suit them better. I think I've only been wowed using them to look at the moon in my C8.
So I don't use them much, preferring to use my 20 or so pairs of binoculars instead. But plenty of people love using them, and you may be one.
Regards,
Renato
JJDOBBER79
13-04-2014, 06:54 AM
Thanks Renato, you certainly have some gear (20 pairs????)
I think I am going to give the andrews bino a go as an entry level, can't go wrong with $90. I can get some cheap Denks etc on astromart but would cost $100 to get them here. I still don't know what I need to get it to work, would a different focuser be an option and if so, what would that mean for single ep viewing?
JJDOBBER79
13-04-2014, 07:26 AM
I'm thinking I could get a low profile focusr and just use an extension tube when single ep viewing, would this work?
JJDOBBER79
13-04-2014, 07:48 AM
Something like this???
http://www.cloudynights.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=98855&sort=&cat=20&page=2
MattT
13-04-2014, 10:56 AM
Jas you sure move quick!
I wouldn't buy the focuser you linked to. From what I have read it isn't that good. Much better to get a Feather Touch, Moonlite or a Baader Steel Track.
If I were you I'd read the threads on dobs and bino's on CN binoviewer forum. There is a lot to read…a whole lot. It seems that dobs that are solid tube or fixed UTA need some type of OCS, my 10" Newt does.
Look at the useful links on the BV CN forum too, there is a lot of info on the different types of binoviewers and what eyepieces vignette etc etc etc
So if you get the Andrews bino's, get a pair of GSO 25mm plossls, good and cheap and will give the max TFOV with this bino, and if you don't have a 2x 1.25" barlow get the GSO one…good and cheap :lol: Keep your focuser!
That'll get you started for under $200. The barlow nose piece can be taken off and screwed onto the nose piece of the bino's for a little less magnification.
You won't need a Coma Corrector with bino's either.
It's not high end stuff but should work.
Matt
JJDOBBER79
13-04-2014, 11:19 AM
Thanks Matt,
Let me get this straight, you are saying that all I should need is the andrews bino, 2 x gso plossls and this combined with my 2 x TV Barlow should bring my 12" lightbridge to focus with the stock focuser? You don't think I need anything else in the chain?
casstony
13-04-2014, 11:38 AM
For a dob you're best option is a used Denk II supersytem from Astromart. This gives you a greater clear aperture through the binos and the proper 2" optical corrector allowing focus at lower powers. It's probably not hard to find with owners upgrading to the Binotron.
The cheaper Chinese binoviewers are perfectly adequate for use with refractors and SCT's.
Moving mirrors up tubes is not worth mucking around with since an f/5 light cone doesn't work well with the narrow aperture and long light path of the binoviewer - you need f/7 or slower.
MattT
13-04-2014, 11:42 AM
Should work yes….the only but is the 2x might not be enough, in which case the next step is a 2.5x, but I doubt you'll need it. Today I'll try my Newt with a 2X barlow and measure the difference between that and the 1.6 OCA.
Tony is right though it's a bit more of an expense.
JJDOBBER79
13-04-2014, 11:55 AM
How about this, I need a 3x Barlow for my ep collection anyway to achieve all the fl's I want so, if I order a bino, the pair of plossls and a 3x Barlow. I will have a 2x and a 3x so I should be able to get it going. Tony, I've been looking at binos from the us but postage is going to be huge.
casstony
13-04-2014, 12:37 PM
probably about US$50 or so for USPS Priority Mail International.
JJDOBBER79
13-04-2014, 12:46 PM
Is that all? I was thinking 100+ maybe I will keep looking.
Renato1
13-04-2014, 01:27 PM
Make sure you ask the knowledgeable people at Andrews if their binoviewer works in a dob, and if not, if they have the accessory that makes it do so.
On my Denkmeir binoviewer, I have to connect the optical correction piece, the Newtonian spacer and the nose piece together and into the binoviewer to be able to get focus. It's a long light relay mechanism. I don't think a different focuser would get you there if your telescope was like mine.
If your secondary mirror isn't somewhat oversized, and it currently exactly matches the light coming in from the primary mirror, wouldn't raising the primary mirror to get focus in a binoviewer effectively reduce the aperture of your telescope? Since some of the light from the primary would not be reflected by the secondary?
Before buying any cheap Denks on Astromart, you have to make sure that you know what you are buying. I bought the package with everything in it which cost the most, but at the time they did sell lesser packages. So you may be buying something that was cheaper in the first instance. I've got the older type Denkmeir (I think they have Type 11 now), and in a Newtonian I can get 1.3X and 2.3X with any set of eyepieces. By way of contrast, in an SCT I can get 0.66X, 1.15X and 2X.
As for my binoculars, some are expensive, some are moderately price and some are Ebay bargains. Funniest pair I bought was three years ago when I bid $51 on a pair of brand new Sakura 20X80 binoculars and won. Comparing them to my other binoculars, they were actually 16X75 in performance, and they had that looking down a well effect, like looking through orthoscopic eyepieces. But they are very good on DSOs. I told club members about them, and one guy won a pair for $46, and he was delighted with them.
Cheers,
Renato
JJDOBBER79
14-04-2014, 03:31 PM
Ok, spoke with Luke from Andrews this morning about their bino compatability with a 12" LB and he said they have never tried that combination due to them not selling the LB. He thinks that a 2x or maybe 3x barlow is all that is required on a solid 12" and cant see why it would be any different with a LB. so... I have ordered the bino, 2 x 20mm superviews and a GSO 3x barlow (I already have a 2x) and they were nice enough to overnight post them, I am trying to do some observing at a dark site over the long weekend. Fingers crossed that it will work. Seibert optical have a multi mag barlow which claims to work on EVERY telescope even dobs for $169 so that will be plan B. Thank you to everyone who helped me with this yesterday, I realise it was sunday morning and you probably had better things to do. I will post a review on this thread IF i get them going.
vBulletin® v3.8.7, Copyright ©2000-2025, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.