Vixen LVW

[Heath]

I have a cash converters right by work and I pop in from time to time in the off chance some kit or lens show up.

They currently have 2 Vixen LVW's in there, the 22mm and the 5mm, both priced at $225 each.

I currently have a 2" WO Swan 25mm and are not sure whether the LVW 22mm would be doubling up or not?

I believe these LVW's to be very good eyepieces? Also is this a good price for them?

Regards Heath

[dannat]

lvw's are 335 at myastroshop - the WO swan ep's are ok - the one i had was a little soft, didn't appear too sharp at the edge.
i would get the lvw

[Heath]

Cheers for that Daniel,

Sounds like the price is reasonable even though they're second hand

[Heath]

Hi Daniel,

This may sound stupid, but is there much or any difference between having a 2" 25mm and a 1.25" equivalent with the same FOV? Not taking into account better optics but would you actually lose any visibility with the small entrance diameter?

[Paddy]

I wouldn't think you would lose light as the exit pupil would be similar. My LVW 17mm is an excellent eyepiece. Crisp stars across the whole FOV.

[Heath]

As it turns out I went in and got the 5mm LVW and they gave it to me for $150!!!

Went in the next day and got the 22mm LVW for the same price. Very chuffed!

They actually have an 8mm LVW in there as well, but not sure how much benefit I would get from having a 5mm and an 8mm? Or am I missing something here?

[Suzy]

The seeing conditions won't always allow you to go down to 5mm. Hurry up and grab that 8mm. That's an outrageous price. Second hand they sell for for around $250 so you have done exceptionally well. I have the LVW22 and I love it - pin point stars right to the edge.

[Heath]

Right! Thanks Suzy,

I didn't realise that about the 5mm. On my way!

Regards Heath

[mercedes_sl1970]

What a great deal - well done! I have had the 22mm for a while and really enjoy using it - works very well in both an f6 200mm dobsonian and an f13 100mm refractor. I also have a 5mm coming too.

Wish I'd paid your prices...

Andrew

[Heath]

I was pretty amazed that they would drop so much off it.

[ausastronomer]

Hi Heath,

These are excellent eyepieces and you will be very happy with them. They are clearly superior IMO to the cheaper Chinese/Taiwanese made eyepieces. You were wise getting the 8mm, you will need it. As Suzy pointed out quite often the seeing will not support the 5mm.

In terms of price you got a good deal. However at the original price they were way overpriced IMO and the original seller would have only got about $100 to $120 for them. About 2 years ago ,prior to the exchange rate improving dramatically they were on special in the US for about 3 months where you could land them for about $180 new. They then reverted back to their normal price of about $320.

You can currently buy them brand new from a very reputable Japanese dealer for $230 (8mm) so IMO anyone who paid more than about $180 for them second hand, didn't do their homework, or has plenty of money.

Cheers,
John B

[Heath]

Cheers John,

Obviously pays to do your homework on price! Having looked through these I am extremely pleased and now get the reason an 8mm and a 5mm are both very useful. I'm really happy with the set of ep's I now have.

Thanks Suzy for pointing this out.

[Suzy]

You're most welcome Heath :).

You are fortunate to have Mr John Bambury offer his advice, I hold a lot of respect for him, his knowledge on eyepieces is prize gold. I have learned so much from him regarding them.
Be very proud that you have these in your kit, and obviously you did your homework well enough to know that these were top notch eyepieces, so give yourself a pat on the back. ;):D

By the way, just thought you might be interested in reading this review by Sky at Night Magazine on the 8mm LVW. :) It will make you feel even better. :D:lol:.
http://www.optcorp.com/pdf/Vixen/lvw_review.pdf

[Heath]

Hi Suzy,

I see that you too make a concerted effort to encourage and advise many newcomers to this hobby. So thank you.

I've realised that doing your homework to avoid being disappointed with your purchases is really important. We are very fortunate to have people like John, you and many more on here to assist us whilst we learn.

Keep up the good work and lets hope the skies clear soon!

Thank you Heath :thanx: