Orion Stratus wide-field eyepieces

[janoskiss]

Unless someone here talks me out of it, I'm about to take a punt on some Orion Stratus eyepieces at $US119 plus a few bucks for postage. They are rumoured to be Vixen LVW clones. I just can't go back to narrow-view designs after having used the Nagler and Panoptic, but I can't afford any more Naglers either.

[Robert_T]

Hi Steve,

I'm not familiar with the Orion Stratus, but wondered had you considered the Orion Expanse eyepieces? These have a 66deg fov (might vary with some focal lengths) and are very reasonably priced as ~$80AU a piece (1.25in barrel). I have the 20mm and am very happy with it - it's no Televue, but quite respectable.

Sirius Optics in Brisbane sell these. They don't appear on their web-site but they do stock them. One thing they do show on their web-site that IS very cose to a Nagler are the Widescan series eyepieces from Japan. 84deg fov. There is 20, 16 and 13mm in 1.25 inch barrel for $299AU each and a massive 2in barrelled 30mm for $399AU!

http://www.sirius-optics.com.au/eyepieces.htm

cheers,

[janoskiss]

To preepmt the flood of responses, let me just assert that I am aware of the problems most widefields have with fast scopes. I'm willing to compromise somewhat though if it means sacrificing a little in quality to save a lot of cash. I'm only interested in trying out these Stratus EPs because so far the response from users has been very positive.

[janoskiss]

... and there is an astromart review on it, also very positive. Although I wouldn't have a clue if astromart reviews are to be trusted at all.

[Starkler]

Just remember Steve if you upgrade to a bigger dob later, its likely to be f5 or less :whistle:

The Meade s5000 plossls with 60 degree field might be a reasonable comprimise cheapy @ $150AU.

With a quick look they seemed fairly decent, if a little soft at the edge at f5.

[ballaratdragons]

Use a Barlow. Then you shouldn't get the f5 widefield blues! ;)

[xstream]

I was going to suggest the same thing Steve.
I don't know if you got the chance to look through Stu's 5000's or not, but I was more than impressed with them and think they're a worthy compromise.

[janoskiss]

Yes I did look through the S5000s and was impressed with them, as well. But I've placed my order for the Stratus EPs now. I ordered an 8 and and an 5mm for high-mag observing, and also a 21 and 13mm to compare with my 19mm Panoptic and 13mm Nagler. Depending on how I like them I'll be reselling either the Televues or the Orions.

[dhumpie]

I suspect you will be selling them Stratus in comparison to the TV's :) But I have heard some good things about these ep's. Let us know how they pan out in you f/5 scope (i.e edge of field distortion and flaring...something that is very prevalent in these budget widefields).

Darren

[bytor666]

Someone on Cloudy Nights compared the stratus Eyepieces very close to the TeleVue Panoptics or Radians !!!...Go for it!!!...You won't be disappointed from what I have been reading from everybody!!! ;)
--------------------
Mark
12" GSO Reflector
30mm 1rpd,(on the way)
20mm Nagler T2, (negotiating a deal right now)
14mm Meade series 4000 UWA
10mm Pentax XW (on the way)
2" GSO Barlow

[xstream]

Put me down for your 19mm Pan Steve. :)

[janoskiss]

Thanks Mark. I have ordered them. I'll let you know if I agree with the Cloudy Nights post. BTW It's amazing how many people announce on CN that they've bought eyepieces and that they will post a review soon after first light, but then do no such thing.

[janoskiss]

Just hang on a minute, John. I'm not selling anything yet. But if I decide to sell the Pan, you'll be the first to know. :D

[Starkler]

You won't be like them, will you Steve? :whistle:

[janoskiss]

Who, me? No Geoff. Never. :innocent: I will let you all know how I like them and how they compare with the Pan and Nagler. It would be nice to have someone with more experience give their opinion on them too...

[bytor666]

Steve, there has been TONS of feedback about the Orion Stratus eyepieces on CN if you search for it... :whistle:
--------------------------------------------
Mark
12" GSO Reflector
30mm 1rpd,(on the way)
20mm Nagler T2, (negotiating a deal right now)
14mm Meade series 4000 UWA
10mm Pentax XW (on the way)
2" GSO Barlow

[Starkler]

It looks like their closest competition is from Vixen LVW's and Pentax xl/xw.
Daniel has some LVW's and I have a couple of pentaxs. It would be interesting to compare.

[ballaratdragons]

Send up to me Steve. Just for a few months, and I'll do a comparison test for you! :D

[janoskiss]

Your too kind, Ken, but I really don't want to impose.