Zoom eyepiece instead of a set?

[Macka]

Hi, I am just starting out and interested to know if a good zoom eyepiece like Leica 25-50x WW ASPH is a viable choice of eyepiece for my 100ed scope instead of many singular eyepieces. I imagine it would also minimise balance issues on an az mount? These eyepieces as far as I can tell now have a bayonette mount. Can they be adapted for 2" focuser use?

[sil]

I am biased towards having a good zoom eyepiece. I switched to a baader zoom from baader hyperions (NO optical difference). Apart from balance and juggling eyepieces in the dark issues it gives you a range to view over so you can determine the ideal eyepiece sizes for your scope before outlaying cash on them. Zooms make star hopping much easier.

Sorry, don't know about the bayonette mount . I had no troubles using 1.25" zoom on my 2" diagonal on a C11. However on small scopes you can have problem reaching focus with a zoom. If your single EPs focus close to the inward limit of the focuser a zoom might not work for you. Was fine on my 102SLT so shouldn't be a concern on 100ED for you. Also, I'm a fan of Leica optics and have a few products (no eyepiece though) and am always impressed at how well the optics perform so I have no doubt the leica zoom won't fail you.

[dannat]

Yes there is an adapter for 2" use (apm make 1)

& yes the Leica zoom is good enough to replace A few single eyepieces, you may want a Barlow for planetary use as it only gets to 115x with your 100ed

[The Mekon]

Grant, Leica are the only decent zooms I have looked through. I would not own one due to the huge cost (the 9 - 17 you are looking at must be at least $1500 over here) and the fact that you will get better and cheaper views with a range of eyepieces. For the same money you could have four of the new Televue DeLites, and a much better range of magnifications.

[mikerr]

Grant, there is a very informative thread about Zoom eyepieces on the Cloudy Nights Forum....

http://www.cloudynights.com/topic/489696-zoom-eyepiece-recommendation/

I have the Baader 8-24 Mk3 Zoom and and it has become my main eyepiece in a Celestron C8.

Michael

[Macka]

I just ordered a Leica zoom and now need an adapter. Will I find one in Australia anywhere or only directly from apm?

[dannat]

I have an adapter which fits Leica, pm me