31mm Nagler/30mm Pentax

[Greenswale]

I am in the market for a low power, widefield eyepiece, and thouroughly enjoyed the thread that made comparison of the 31mm Nagler/35mm Panoptic. For me, the Nagler seemed to be the choice.

The 30mm Pentax was mentioned in that thread, but no comment was made on its performance. I have a few Pentax XWs and find them superb - so I guess that I have a bit of bias toward them.

So the question - is anyone able to provide a comparison between the Pentax XW 30mm and the Nagler 31mm? My scope is a 12" F5 Newt.

[blink138]

20% off televue @bintel now
pat

[casstony]

An informative thread here: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=43679

Wider field in the Nagler, XW a touch better in other areas.

[Greenswale]

Thanks Pat and Tony, and to Ricky for his splendid offer to visit and view.

I have decided on the Pentax, now all I need to do is find a well priced supplier!

[Derek Klepp]

Vixen LVW 42mm thats all I'll say

[UniPol]

Get the 31mm TV

[AstroJunk]

Buy some good binoculars instead?

This and other well meaning but conflicting advice brought to you by fellow forum users...

[ballaratdragons]

Wren, I bags first look through the Pentax :lol:

Good choice :thumbsup:

[ausastronomer]

Com'on Derek, that's not even a realistic consideration for his scope. It has a 36% greater focal length than what he is seeking and provides a "tiny" 8.4mm exit pupil in his F5 scope. It is a fine eyepiece in a slow F-Ratio scope, but not at F5.

Wren,

IMO you have chosen the right eyepiece in the 30mm Pentax XW for your 12"/F5 scope.

Cheers,
John B

[Greenswale]

Thanks to all for the spirited discussion!

I have placed the order, now it is up to UPS and customs. Should be here well in time for the next SVAA club night.

Hey Ken, guess what? You can be second to have a look through it!! (Manic laughter fades into the night......!!!)

[Waxing_Gibbous]

Tch! You should have bought the other one. :)

[wavelandscott]

I believe that you will enjoy the Pentax. While the 'Terminagler' is an impressive beast and beloved by many, the Pentax XW is a wonderful eypiece.

While I don't own either, I've preferred the views through the 30 mm Pentax over the 31 mm Nagler in looking through other people's scopes when I have had occassion to compare them.

Please enjoy!

[Greenswale]

Well, the Pentax 30mm arrived today. It feels and looks absolutely beautiful. Busting to look through it!!!!

So, a check of the local forecast for tonight - Mostly cloudy! Typical.

[casstony]

Looking on the bright side the Moon wouldn't have let you give it a proper run anyway.

I took my new 31 Nagler for a test drive and it performs as I expected in the 6" f/5 refractor - wider true field than the 35mm Titan ED/Paragon with better edge correction; Orion's belt comfortably fits in one field of view. Looking forward to darker skies (without clouds that is) :) .

[Greenswale]

Lucky you Tony! You are bound to enjoy the Nagler.

Cloud again toight?!!