Baader Hyperion Eyepiece

[OICURMT]

I'm looking for some advice regarding these eyepieces. I notice that the series have a built-in M43 thread such that one can use them for eyepiece projection photography. I assume from reading the specifications that I'll need an M43/T2 adapter as all of my T-rings are T2 (M42x0.75)->Model.

I'd like to know if anyone has any experience with these lenses (visually) and whether anyone has used them for eyepiece or afocal projection (photography).

There are a myriad of accessories, which I'm still trolling through, any experience with these would be greatly appreciated.

I'm thinking about buying the full set of eight (3.5, 5, 8, 10, 13, 17, 21, 24). I'm aware that they don't have the greatest FOV (68deg), but the flexibility may sway me to get them.

Any criticisms, lavish praise and/or any note-worthy comments welcome.


Thanks
OIC!

[mswhin63]

Hi OIC,

I have these eyepieces as well but for Astro photography I have not used them. But they are still good visual lenses and I purchased them for the purpose that maybe one day I would get some value out of them for Astro photography.
They are not anything like the Nagler's or the like, but they are a good economic will and very functional eyepiece and they have an excellent high relief which is really great because I wear glasses.

[GeoffW1]

Hi,

You won't necessrily need all eight I think. Hyperion EPs have a detachable front Barlow element group which then increases the focal length. For instance a 8mm EP becomes a 21.8 mm EP, albeit with a 2" barrel instead of the 1 1/4" which was removed with the front group.

Then you can buy Fine Tuning Rings which fit between the front group with its 1 1/4" barrel, and the main body of the EP with its 2" barrel. These FTRs further modify the focal length and can be bought in 2 sizes, 14 mm and 28 mm. The attachment shows the effect, as these FTRs can be used singly or together. So one lense can be made to have 5 selectable focal lengths. A 13 mm Hyperion can function as that, also 8.1 mm, 9.2 mm, 10.8 mm, and 22.9 mm.

http://www.baader-planetarium.de/sektion/s26/download/hyperion_overview_en.pdf

The exception to all this is the 24 mm Hyperion which has a different design.

I am about to purchase a pair of these FTRs myself. Reviews seem to indicate they do not degrade the image noticably.

Cheers

[Hagar]

I have a set of Baader Hyperion EP's and find them a very usable EP... Some time back JohnG and I did a comparison of similar sized and fielded Nagler EP's and found the Baader EP's to be very comparable to the TV Ep's. The TV's showed slightly more contrast with the background being a little darker but all up we both felt the Baader Ep's were a very ecconomical alternative with great eye relief and a confortable EP to use.
I haven't used them for astrophotography and couldn't reccomend them for this purpose but for visual they are pretty good.

[MikeyB]

Optically, Hyperions are pretty good (but not outstanding), however as might be expected, their Swiss army knife versatility doesn't come without a price, as a BBC Sky By Night magazine review from 2007 highlighted:



Baader's modular design also leads to an annoying dust problem possibly unique to Hyperions: the surface of the internal lens exposed when the bottom section is removed, is in focus through the eyepiece, so dust particles that enter will be very obvious when later observing the moon and potentially other targets.

[Irish stargazer]

Rather than buy a full set of hyperions think about getting three Naglers. I have just replaced my 21, 13 and 8mm Hyperions with Naglers. Three good eyepieces is enough. The Hyperions are good eyepieces though, great value and I still have mine.

[Wavytone]

Ditto...

... just buy a set of 3 that give you the lowest power your scope can give (6mm exit pupil), medium and moderately high power at X1 to X1.5 per mm of aperture).

You won't use the rest.

[JethroB76]

I certainly wouldnt get a whole set either, 3 or maybe 4 max should do the trick.
In wide FOV EPs, the new model Explore Scientific 82 degree EPs are ones that are worth a look at also; $100 off each in May and a nice strong AU dollar...

[OICURMT]

Cheers guys.. good food for thought.

I notice that no one has rocked up with comments about imaging through the eyepieces, do most people use PowerMates?

OIC!