new Burgess\TMB planetary eyepieces

[davidpretorius]

any local suppliers of these John?

[Starkler]

Im also very interested in this :)

[iceman]

I don't know of any local suppliers, DP.. You'd have to import it, which isn't a drama. But they are receiving good reports in the US.

[chunkylad]

Here is a link to a US distributor. They appear to be an interesting alternative.http://www.astronomics.com/main/category.asp/catalog_name/Astronomics/category_name/N8NGQBMBBU0G9JWGG4U5JSCVC2/Page/1

[davidpretorius]

great link dave!

nice looking ep.

the 4mm would be the one for me as i am looking at the 4mm vixen lv????

[davidpretorius]

ok i have emailed high point scientific and astronomics in the USA so check whether there is a supposed "retaining ring" glare issue. and am very tempted to bring in a 4mm if things look ok.
___________________________________ __
Features:

Designed by Thomas Back of TMB Optics
60° Apparent Field of View
16mm Eye Relief
Fully internally baffled
Every Air to Glass surface has Multi Broadband coatings!
Internal spacers have flat anodizing to reduce reflections.
Twist-up eyecups with flexible eyecups on top.
___________________________________ ________________________

[davidpretorius]

wow, that was quick, a reply from astronomics:
___________________________________ __________

Our new stock is supposed to have them in place already.
Clear Skies,
Pete

www.astronomics.com (http://www.astronomics.com/)
www.cloudynights.com (http://www.cloudynights.com/)


www.astrofieds.com (http://www.astrofieds.com/)----- Original Message -----



<FONT face=Verdana><FONT size=2><FONT color=black><FONT color=black><FONT face=Verdana><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com /><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></P> </P><P style=<o:p></o:p>

I have heard that have what is known as the "retaining ring" glare issue, but that this was being fixed and a replacement ring should be included when you purchase one. Is this correct?<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

They look like a great eyepiece!<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

Kind Regards<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

David Pretorius<o:p></o:p>

[ausastronomer]

David/Geoff

You can't buy them in Australia. A number of US dealers have already been mentioned. Also if you go to the Burgess Website there is further information on the eyepieces there, also some links to worthwhile comments from Thomas Back re their design. If you go to their buying page it tells "non US" residents how to order them via email direct from Burgess. Be wary of the discounted 6mm for $US49, it is an early design that has now been improved upon slightly and the new version will be on sale very soon at the normal price of $US99.

http://www.burgessoptical.com/EPs.html

http://www.burgessoptical.com/EPs/Planetary.html

http://www.burgessoptical.com/OrderE-Mail.html


I have had recent discussions with Tom Trussock and John O'Hara about these eyepieces, here are some extracts:-

CS-John B

*********************************** ********************
>Tom Trussock wrote:

>Hi John,

>I worked with the prototype 4mm, as well as a final 4mm and 9mm (both
>with and without improved retaining rings).

>My experience is here:

> http://www.cloudynights.com/documents/Burgesstmb.pdf

>It includes a discussion of the glare issue - interestingly it was
>non-existent in the prototype (and possible homemade solutions), a
>record of my e-mails with TMB about the glare issue, and an update that
>includes how they perform with the replacement retaining ring.

>Frankly, I think you'd be hard pressed to find a better all around
>eyepiece at that price. True the naglers have em in AFOV, the radians
>in eye relief - but for $100?

>Good deal.

>Tom T.

>>John O'Hara wrote:

>> One thing I'd like to see in the book are the new Burgess Planetary
>>eyepieces. I had a chance to do a detailed review under the stars,
>> and the 9 mm version compared very favorably, except for field of
>> view, with my 9 mm Nagler T-6. The AFoV of the 9 mm Burgess was
>> advertised as 60 deg., and mine came in at 61.6 deg., determined by
>> timing a star at the celestial equator. I'd be interested to know if
>> anyone on the "review team" has had an opportunity to uses any of
>>these eyepieces?
>
>> John O'Hara

[davidpretorius]

thanks john!

[davidpretorius]

very good read, i may be tempted away from my beloved vixens??????

John,

would you recommend a supplier from the states, I was thinking of taking onto one of the other forum members orders from the US to spread the freight.

thanks

dave p

[chunkylad]

Thanks John

After that read, I may have to wait a little longer before purchasing more planetary eps. While my UO HD Ortho gives me the contrast and sharpness I'm looking for, I thought I would be hard pressed to find a comparable quality planetary ep in this price range - 60 degrees AFOV would be a blessing for my non-driven 12" dob.

BTW< does anyone know of the Burgess Planetary's off axis performance at F5 or faster? ( the article by Tom Truscott mentions testing at F6)
Dave

[barees63]

FWIW, since highpointscientific were mentioned, I recently received a Tectron sight-tube from them and found them to be friendly and reliable, the freight cost was more reasonable than many US suppliers (they basically charged actual cost plus $1 P&H for airmail).

[ausastronomer]

David,

I was planning to order mine from Burgess Optical themselves or Astronomics. If we get a few people that wish to purchase 1 or more of these I would be happy to handle the order and then distribute when I get the goods. It would certainly save everyone about $10 to $12 if we did this.

Is anyone interested in pooling the purchase ?

CS-John B

[davidpretorius]

yes, i would be john for a 4mm

[Starkler]

I'm interested in the 6mm . Any idea when the new improved version 6mm are due ?

Are there still savings to made considering im in Vic and the extra shipping cost?

[iceman]

hmm they look pretty good.. 60deg AFOV, 16mm ER..

As chunkus said, any reports of how they perform at f/5 out to the edge?

I could be interested in bringing in a 6mm to Oz.. how much would that be?

[janoskiss]

Loads of info on CN, Mike.
I was tempted to get one but decided to wait till they've completed the whole line and got all the bugs out (like the "retaining ring" glare issue, e.g.).

[davidpretorius]

$99 @ .75 + taxes etc = $160 ish????

plus the discount john B can get out of his good mates at every optics place in the known universe!

[davidpretorius]

retaining ring issue is fixed!

[ausastronomer]

As David said the retaining ring issue is fixed on all of them. However they are clearing out the old design 6mm before they bring in the new design, this is why I am waiting. There is nothing wrong with the old design, just the new version is better. All focal lengths other than the 6mm are of the new design.

Geoff, Yes if we can get an order up for 6 to 12 eyepieces you will save a bit. Postage from Sydney to Hobart for David's collimator he bought off me was only $3.60. plus about $1-00 for the padded bag.

Lets assume 8 eyepieces. Postage from US would be say $24 for 8 eyepieces which is $3 each plus local postage of $4-60. Hence total postage cost if we buy 8 eyepieces is about $7-60 each. If you buy 1 eyepiece and ship direct from USA its going to cost you a lot more than $7-60 postage I would think.

I just realised we would need to keep the order under $AUS500 to avoid duty and GST, anyone know what the import limits are on this stuff at the moment?

CS-John B

[davidpretorius]

$1000 i think: janoskiss????

[janoskiss]

Yes $AU1000 is supposed to be the new limit. There is a thread on it somewhere around here started by Starkler.


That's pretty cheap postage John! Where from? I ordered stuff from Highpoint Sci and they charge $US70-80 postage no matter what you buy and how much of it.

[davidpretorius]

i can here it now

"aaarrrrgh my young grass hopper......"

[ausastronomer]

Steve,

I recently purchased from a dealer in the US and they charged me $US12 postage on a small box containing 4 items. On that basis I figured a box containing 8 eyepieces would cost just under $US20, it may be a little more but it won't be a lot. I received the goods 4 days after placing the order. I can order these eyepieces from that dealer.

CS-John B

[chunkylad]

As at today's exchange rate: $99.oo USD = $131.6o AUD. This would be plus postage, of course. There should be no added tax or GST as long as you stay under the $1000.oo AUD limit.

As far as US postage is concerned: I believe the USPS charge their parcel rates by weight and level of service: i.e. how fast they get it to you. Link to the USPS is here:http://postcalc.usps.gov/
example: A 1.0 kg Airmail parcel post (4-10 days delivery to Oz) = $25.80 USD
Same thing weighing only 300g = $16.oo USD
Ditto 3.0kg = $45.85
Bearing in mind that these Burgess Planetary eps weigh in at 6oz/227g each.

There are cheaper (surface mail) options, and much more expensive express options also. I have found 10 -14 days to be average for airmail parcels.Hope this helps your calculations

This is looking better all the time.;) I would also like to get my hands on a 6mm of the new production run. If it takes a little while, then I don't mind, as I can save the pennies in anticipation.
Dave

[davidpretorius]

just had a reply back from astronomics, they cannot ship internationally and they mention that i may need to go directly to burgess.

i have also sent an email to burgess checking if the 5mm is now availiable as it is appearing on their website!

[matt]

DP...

I've just picked up on this thread and am also interested in the 5mm.

How do I get my name added to the order list, if such a creature exists?:)

[davidpretorius]

John B (auaustronomer) is looking at doing a combined order. I will pm him now to add you as wanting to know more about the 5mm.

I hope to get back some info today re whether the 5mm is in production or still a prototype. Hopefully the 6mm is back in production, then I believe we would have 6 people interested in getting some.

dp - 4mm
matt - 5mm
john, starkler, mike, chunky - 6mm

[matt]

Well, now I'm thinking 4mm. Should be a good perfromer in the f5 (1000mm fl) Newt (for 250x)?

[davidpretorius]

i was very happy with the vixen 5mm in terms of being able to use it often (8/10) times. So therefore I believe 4mm will be my highest mag that i get to use when the seeing is 7/10 or above. I will then build up from there ie 5mm, 6mm and so on!

[barees63]

I ordered a sight-tube from highpoint and they charged $US14 (and it was in quite a big box), I've subsequently made enquiries about other products and have been quoted the same figure ($14) for shipping..

PS. their site says $65 but they work out actual shipping and charge that instead.

[davidpretorius]

Highpoint have confirmed that the range will not have the glare!

I have subsequently asked to see if they ship internationally and if so how wmuch freight for 1/2 dozen?
__________________________________
Hi,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Yes, all of the current and future Burgess Optical/ TMB Planetary eyepieces will incorporate the new thread-baffled retaining ring, which will “fix” the light fan effect.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Thank you<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">High Point</st1:place></st1:City> Scientific, Inc.<o:p></o:p>

800-266-9590<o:p></o:p>

http://www.highpointscientific.com (http://www.highpointscientific.com/)

[davidpretorius]

___________________________________
Hi again,

Yes, we can ship these to you in Australia. We can ship UPS, which is our preferred option, but can be costly. It only takes 2-4 days, and would be about $85 - $100 USD (it could be more or less depending on the location). We can also do USPS, but only Global Express Mail which is usually about half the cost. This is a little longer, generally between 7-10 business days, but it can actually take up to 90 days (it depends on the receiving country’s postal system to respond). I have been told that the import duties are cheaper through USPS as well. If you decide to order the eyepieces, you can do it online, and select UPS worldwide for a shipping option. If you want to go with the USPS shipping option, just state that in the notes section during checkout. We process all of the orders manually, so you don’t need to worry about being overcharged.
Let me know if you need anything else.

Thank you

High Point Scientific, Inc.
800-266-9590
http://www.highpointscientific.com
<st1:country-region w:st="on">

<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com /><st1:place w:st=Australia</st1:place></st1:country-region>. We can ship UPS, which is our preferred option, but can be costly. It only takes 2-4 days, and would be about $85 - $100 USD (it could be more or less depending on the location). We can also do USPS, but only Global Express Mail which is usually about half the cost. This is a little longer, generally between 7-10 business days, but it can actually take up to 90 days (it depends on the receiving country’s postal system to respond). I have been told that the import duties are cheaper through USPS as well. If you decide to order the eyepieces, you can do it online, and select UPS worldwide for a shipping option. If you want to go with the USPS shipping option, just state that in the notes section during checkout. We process all of the orders manually, so you don’t need to worry about being overcharged.


<st1:country-region w:st="on"></st1:country-region></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></P></st1:country-region>

[janoskiss]

Thanks Davo! When I ordered from HPS I just used the online checkout and it did not give me any choice so I just went along with it and paid the high shipping cost. :(

[ausastronomer]

Guys,

I have the postage thing sorted out, please leave that with me. We have ways and means :)

Anyone who wants to order an eyepiece could you please send me a PM advising what focal length you want. I am going to order a maximum of 6 only to ensure that I stay under the $AUS 1,000 limit. Consequently the 1st 6 people to send me a PM stating their intent, will be the 6 people I order for. If by some strange event I get "stung" by Customs for GST/Duty when the goods arrive, I would expect that cost to be shared equally between everyone who has ordered, its very unlikely and wouldn't be a lot, but if it wasnt shared it makes my 1 eyepiece very expensive :)

I won't be placing the order until the new 6mm version is available which should be within the next couple of weeks. At present I am just trying to get a list together for a "probable" order.

CS-John B

[davidpretorius]

pm done!

well done CJ, I loved the 5mm with moon and saturn, but jupiter is the one!!!

I am very confident the vixen are very good in 4,5,6,7,8 etc, ie high power planetary.

My own plan is to probably look at 27mm panoptics (eeek) etc for low mag and then come back to that 12 - 15mm.

At the moment, most of my stuff is planetary and wide field looking for galaxies and stuff so i will slowly work those areas out first and then after that fill in the gaps.

What may be a great planetary eyepiece in design may not be suitable for medium or low mags!

[davidpretorius]

i will pm mike, starkler, matt, chunky to make sure they don't miss the post.

thanks for the help for us young bulls, old wise bull!

[davidpretorius]

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=7264

have you tried the planetary??? also the double star. I have detailed some small galaxies there as well. I would use your largest eyepiece first to help find the area and then zoom in!

Also, have you had a crack at the handle of the saucepan. It is pretty much overhead to the north from dusk on wards. There is a thumping big nebula right there.

[iceman]

Thanks for the PM Dave, but thinking about it now i'll probably wait.. While I'd like to save a few dollars on shipping, after just buying the 22 Pan the budget is tight, plus I want to spend some $$$ getting wombat_in_space to make me the whizz-bang temp sensing unit.

I'll just wait and have a look through John B's when he gets it, so I can see it's performance at f/5, compared to an Ortho and Vixen LV.

[ausastronomer]

Ok here is the order list to date, remember I am going to order 6 eyepieces only, including 2 for myself.

John B (me) 5mm
John B (me) 6mm
David Pretorius 4mm
Geoff (Starkler) 6mm
Dave W (Chunky) 4mm (I think you would be way better with the 6mm)
Matt 4mm

The list is now completed but I am waiting on confirmation from Matt.

If it turns out that there is demand for a 2nd order I will place that about a month after the 1st order to ensure customs don't grab me.

CS-John B

[davidpretorius]

cool, i will sent up the 4mm for you to look at as well

a bit off topic, but jaycar sell those dual sensing units for about $30, of course if you want it to be computer linked, wombats the man!!

[ausastronomer]

Matt,

I have used the 22mm Vixen LVW and like it a lot, but I have never used it barlowed.

CS-John B

[chunkylad]

Hi guys, This discussion has lead me to want try the Burgess Planetary eps. Below is a reply I sent to both DP and John regarding these eps:

I have been thinking about which of these Burgess eps I'd like , and to be honest, I'd like all three - 4, 5 & 6mmm eventually. What I will try, however, is the 4mm (not the 6mm) first off at F5, before committing the funds for all three.

I have been buying lots of hobby gear from the USA for the last few years, and find the USPS most satisfactory, and best value for money. As I said in my post: if we keep it under the limit, we shouldn't get stung with import duty and GST

CJ: As Davo said: try the handle of the saucepan, (this is The Great Nebula in Orion)and use the longest focal length eyepiece (the one with the biggest number on it) you have to start with.

Good luck!

[janoskiss]

That's funny, Mike! Telling CJ to stay on topic, when we've hijacked his thread about Vixen LV 5mm many posts ago, and turned it into a discussion about Burgess EPs, overseas postage, and a communal OS purchase exercise for the Burgess EPs. :rofl: :P

[iceman]

I know Steve, I plan to split the TMB stuff out into a new thread. :ashamed: At least it's eyepiece related :) Unlike the book or M42 :)

[matt]

John B

Is it too late to put me down for a 4mm?

If not, I'm in!:)

[ausastronomer]

Matt,

Send me a PM stating what you want, but I think you would be better with the 5mm as it will hold up more often under the seeing. On rare nights of exceptional seeing you may also get to use the 5mm in the C9.25 for 470X whereas you will never get to use the 4mm @ 590X in the C9.25.

CS-John B

[Starkler]

Done :)

[janoskiss]

Nice work Geoff! :)


You don't seriously believe that you'll be able to buy at the "official" exchange rate, do you? :P The rate you get in practice is always few % lower. Paypal has to be one of the worst. They skim about 3% on the currency exchange and then another 3% for the credit card payment. :mad2:

[davidpretorius]

i have supreme confidence in our illustrious eyepiece leader!

[matt]

Me too, DP!

Those 4mm beauties will be winging their way OzSide in no time:)

[davidpretorius]

i think John was waiting for the new 6mm to be sorted out in a couple of weeks and then 1 week for delivery and then us big kids become unbearable to our partners with our new toys!!

[Striker]

$1000AUD including postage is the max John..

So no more then 7 eyepieces.

I will take a 6 mm as well.

[acropolite]

As the shopping trolley is well and truly full, I'll wait until I hear reports from you learned Gents. :confuse3:

[davidpretorius]

if they are as good value as they appear to be, then there will be some follow up orders.

The 4mm will be my good seeing one, but I want a 5mm and a 6mm eventually

[matt]

Yep. Same DP.

Did a bit of backwards and forwards over the 4 or 5mm but decided on the 4 as the upper mag in my Newt.

As you say, if it turns out to be a shrewd investment then perhaps other EPs in the same series could be in the offing:)

Roll on the next few weeks!

[Starkler]

Missing Johns order shouldnt stop anyone whos wants to buy one.

If you ask for USPS airmail parcel post shipping shouldnt cost more than $16USD and arrive in under 14 days . Once it was 5 days for me !

[chunkylad]

Oh ye of little faith..........
It's been my experience in past international transactions that my ********bank Visa card has been charged at very close to the current exchange rate, albeit with a small "international currency exchange fee" tacked on.

I agree about 'Paypal' though, and have only used it as a last resort.

Dave

PS: Thanks for splitting this thread Geoff. Much appreciated. I was feeling very guilty for being party to hijacking CJ's Vixen thread.:ashamed:

PPS: Here is a link to a currency converter to be used as a guide :nerd: (happy Steve?) when purchasing overseas:http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic

[ausastronomer]

David,

Thats correct, I am going to contact Burgess to find out when the new style 6mm eyepiece will be available and I will place the order once its available. Should be in less than 2 weeks I would think. I have a CTB Platinum Mastercard and I don't think the US exchange deal is too bad on that.

CS-John B

[ausastronomer]

Tony,

The 1st trolley load is full. 7 is sailing too close to the wind IMO. I know of 4 others including yourself who wish to be included in round 2 so if you can wait a month or so I will be happy to order it for you at that stage.

Besides you will only keep yours a month and sell it anyway so whats the rush :poke:

CS-John B

[Thiink]

Im interested in a second round if there ends up being one. Looking forward to seeing the results.

Thanks for the pioneers for giving these a go, and John for organising the group buy (good on ya John!).

[Striker]

I'm in no hurry John....

Just let us know when you are ordering the second round.

This one wont be for sale...I have been after an average 6mm with good eye relief for the ED80 for a while....you know for the 3 times a year I might actualy look through the scope...lol

[chunkylad]

Hi John

Any update from Burgess at this early stage?

[ausastronomer]

Dave,

I was going to wait a week to 10 days to see if they pull the discounted 6mm's off their website. I want a 6mm for myself (as does Geoff and I also think thats what you should get :) ) and don't want to risk getting the early designs. If the special on the early 6mm's is still up in a week or two I will contact them and ask "whats going on" then place the order.

CS-John B

[ausastronomer]

Dave,

Have you thought further about ordering the 6mm yourself instead of the 4mm ?

CS-John B

[chunkylad]

Hi John

Thanks for your concern and counsel. I know that the 6mm will be more useful, and get more 'light-time' than a 4mm, and would be a more obvious choice.:confuse3: So I will follow your recommendation and change my preference to the 6mm.;)

Actually. I would eventually like all three 4, 5 and 6mm versions: pending the performance of the first order/batch and available funds. The 5mm actually shows "pre-order" status on Burgess' website (whatever that means in terms of its availabilty time-frame)

Cheers
Dave W

[ausastronomer]

Dave,

I think thats a good decision, particularly if cost is an issue, as it is for most people. When upgrading I have always tried to buy the items which will get the most use 1st. I would buy the 6mm then the 5mm then the 4mm.

Although my wife considers it all wasted money anyway and sees a new computerised embroidery sewing machine sitting in my eyepiece case every time I open it :)

CS-John B

[chunkylad]

I see myself going that route - 6mm, then 5mm and 4mm. Perhaps the 5mm will be in stock when next it is time to order?

I think your statement has generic application though: lol

"Although my wife considers it all wasted money anyway and sees a {PLACE YOUR WIFE'S / PARTNER'S FIRST, MOST EXPENSIVE PREFERENCE HERE}sitting in my eyepiece case every time I open it "

cheers:lol:

[ving]

umm... wheres this bus going to?

[chunkylad]

Hi John

Just hit Burgess' eyepiece webpage to find that the 6mm Planetary ep shows "discontinued" status. This may only apply to the flawed 6mm units at$49USD, but the way it reads, it seems the 6mm may be discontinued completely:eyepop: :shrug: .http://www.burgessoptical.com/Availability.html#Eyepieces

Anyone have any further info???

Cheers
Dave W

[ausastronomer]

Dave,

I just emailed Bill Burgess to find out what's going on.

CS-John B

[chunkylad]

Cheers John B:)

I'm sure many of us are keen to hear their reply:poke:

Dave W

[Starkler]

John , did Bill reply or does he need a bit more prodding ? :poke:

[davidpretorius]

Just a thought, John, when these do arrive, please can you keep my 4mm long enough to do a review along with your 6mm. i now have bought asimovs 5mm lv vixen and would love to hear you thoughts on the burgess, so that i can then do my own comparison and see what I can pick up.

thanks

I had a good look thru panoptics / naglers & an ortho at snake valley. I am keen to lift my skills in this area

[ausastronomer]

Geoff,

I haven't heard back from Bill Burgess. I will email him again tomorrow. I checked the website yesterday and they have the 6mm's listed back on "garage sale" so I guess they are still clearing out the early version.

David,

Happy to hang on to the 4mm and do a review.

CS-John B

[acropolite]

Any further info on this thread?? Have the EP's arrived and if so what's the verdict???

[ausastronomer]

Phil,

Burgess are still clearing out the early version of the 6mm. I need to wait until these are all gone. The new version 6mm is not yet available.

CS-John B

[Starkler]

I notice the 6mm old version seem to be gone now from astronomics (along with the 5mm :scared: ).

I just emailed Burgess direct hoping to get an answer on when the new 6mm will be in stock.

Im wanting the 6 and the 5mm . Those wanting other focal lengths should maybe organise another group order?

I just found this (http://www.brayebrookobservatory.org/BrayObsWebSite/HOMEPAGE/BO-TMB-review.html) , which is an interesting critical review of the 9mm.

[davidpretorius]

very interesting!

[janoskiss]

He wasn't too impressed with the Burgess 9mm, was he? Sure went to a lot of trouble over a $99 EP though.

[chunkylad]

On Burgess' own website, it shows the 5mm is now 'in stock'. The 6mm is still showing as ' garage sale' status.

I'm happy to change my preference to the 5mm, if it gets one to my door a little faster.

Cheers

[square_peg114GT]

A couple guys on CloudyNights have reported glare issues with the new 5mm B/TMBs, similar to what the 4, 6 & 9 had with the old retaining rings. These owners are seeing the problem with the 'grooved' retaining ring (odd because this was the 'fix' for the other eyepieces). Supposedly the 5mm B/TMBs are supposed to have a bead-blasted retaining ring. You might want to call ahead and make sure you're getting one with the bead-blasted ring.

CloudyNights thread (http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=Eyepieces&Number=902924&Forum=,All_Forums,&Words=&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Main=898363&Search=true&where=&Name=6408&daterange=&newerval=&newertype=&olderval=&oldertype=&bodyprev=#Post902924)

[chunkylad]

To John B (Ausastronomer)

Any update on our bulk buy? Are the 6mm EPs discontinued?

Cheers

Dave W

[ausastronomer]

Dave,

As Pegster has indicated there are still issues with these eyepieces regarding glare and internal reflections. I believe the problems relate to the Chinese contract manufacturer not following the design specifications exactly and substituting "parts on hand". What I don't need is to land a batch of eyepieces that are not right and then have a bunfight with a dealer 12,000 miles away. I can appreciate that some of you may be sweating on these things arriving, I am not in that situation as I already have a full set of UO HD orthos, including the focal lengths I am looking to purchase from Burgess. The only reason I am looking to buy these new Burgess TMB eyepieces is an increase in eye-relief. Consequently, I would rather wait until all the issues are resolved and then ultimately land a product that everyone, including myself, is happy with.

CS-John B

[davidpretorius]

i am happy to wait

[chunkylad]

Thanks John - can't argue with that:D

I may seem a little anxious, and I am indeed hanging out for a good planetary ep of 5-6mm, but I'm happy to wait until you're satisfied that these issues have been settled. :thumbsup:

cheers

Dave

[square_peg114GT]

Burgess has the 5mm eyepieces with the correct retaining ring in stock. Burgess has asked Astronomics and High Point Scientific to stop selling the 5mm until they can ship the good ones to them. Apparently the problem was only with a portion of the new eyepieces. Anyone who got a bad one (from any dealer) is being asked to return it directly to Burgess for replacement. Any ordered from here on will have the correct ring. All this according to someone who says he just spoke with Bill Burgess.

[chunkylad]

Bump

Has anyone had any recent news about the Burgess eps?

[ausastronomer]

Dave,

There has been some specials deals on these eyepieces in the USA but the "top grade" 6mm is still not available, this was the one I wanted. They also have a couple of new focal lengths being released in August. To be honest I got sick of waiting for the 6mm and bought a 5mm Pentax XW to go with my other XW's. This really suited me as I like to stay with 1 brand if I can.

CS-John B

[davidpretorius]

Do you still reckon you will be buying any Burgess ones John?

[ausastronomer]

David,

Not at the moment.

At some time in the reasonably near future I would like a 6mm and an 8mm long eye-relief planetary eyepiece. Burgess are going to do an 8mm but it's not ready yet and the 6mm is still on "garage sale" and has been for a long time.

I wish Pentax made a 6mm and 8mm XW but they dont. Certainly the 8.5mm Pentax XF is a likely candidate in the very near future and the 14mm XW in the 2.5X Powermate gives me 5.6mm anyway.

CS-John B

[Starkler]

Yep indeed. If Pentax made a 6mm xw I would already own it ;)

[Harpspitfire]

sorry to butt in here, im know im new- but id be VERY careful with ANY burgess optical product- their semi-APO refractors were nothing but a horror story-other products were constantly on pre-order with a deposit and ended up vaporware- that 'TMB' design is what it is- just 3 letters- i think the chinese plant is a defunct military optical factory looking for work- they totally messed up the 1026 semi and 'lost' the formula to make the promised objective- i dont know if the burgess optical yahoo group still exists- but you may wanna check it out- along with any forums you did up that has any info like at cloudynights or astromart- i was one of the ones being led to the promised land of semi APO with a deposit paid- only to find out over a year later i could buy the piece of defected junk for $199- with the option of a corrected lens cell to ship 'later'- i elected to get my refund after a wait- others took the option, bought their scope- and the corrected lens cell ended up another vaporware product- those people got the 'im sorry- your screwed'- my personnal opinion is - 'if' you get what you paid for it, thats probably all the quality's in its worth- maybe a little less- the advertising propaganda like a few other manufactureres is grossly overated IMHO

[Hammerman]

Small world! When did you find your way here, John? Opps, I forgot we're down under. Let me rephrase that. Hey bloke! What brings you to the proper side of this planet? :rofl:

[Harpspitfire]

i looked at different forums at this one is A-OK-- ill tell ya what- they take the best jupiter images ive seen anywhere- i posted one of my cruddy ones and was offered alot of help on it right away! o well, maybe someday ill be able to do that if i ever get my brain on the same frequency a computer is- BTW- i heard you joined some weirdo group over in the US- LOL

[Hammerman]

SHHHHH!!!!! I'm incognito over there. LMAO

Speaking of Jupiter.... have you seen Mike's (Iceman) Jupiter animation he posted the other day? Fantastic work!

[Harpspitfire]

yeah, i looked at it-- ill say!