Agena 15mm SWA ?

[orestis]

Hi Everyone:hi:,

I have a 300mm(aperture)x1500mm,f4.9 reflecting telescope and i want to have a medium power EP,100x mag sounds good.So a 15mm Ep would be perfect.

I was doing some research on Eps to purchase and came onto the Agena line of SWA's, apparantly there really good.Has anyone had any experience with this EP.

The only problem is shipping it from the US.The Ep costs $45 which I think is pretty neat for a good quality EP.

My limit in price is $100.

So do you think its worth it ?

Thanks in advance
Orestis:thumbsup:

[dannat]

i have a 26mm 2" its a good ep. might i make 2 suggestions:
-if you are worried about shipping find a secondhand GSO superview 15mm & save for something better i.e. below
-go for one of the explore scientific 82 deg eps - in the long run i think it will last you longer - i think it comes as 14 mm, a good buy at 119 -with our high dollar

[mozzie]

iv'e bought several items from his web store,get your shipping price before you buy.... excellent store never had any problems at all.....

[mozzie]

i was just on his site and priority international postage which is a little slower and to my post code was only $7.81 so you just may get 2 eyepieces for your $100.... hope this has helped

[Suzy]

Don't do it Orestis. :prey:

Hang on to that $100 and keep saving, Christmas is only around the corner and trust me, it'll be worth the wait.
There were some concerns I had about this ep working with your "fast" dob. so I did a bit of research. From what i've summised, it works fine on slow scopes. On fast scopes, it seems to suffer the usual edge performance and astigmatism. If that doesn't bother you?
They talk about here on cloudy nights...
http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/3898671/Main/2267158

The 15mm is a good all rounder, it'll probably end up being your most used focal length, so please try to make this purchase a good one if you can - you have amazing observing skills and would hate to see you frustrated with an eye piece.

The Explore Scientific range seem to be a popular choice, many are happy with their performance, and their affordable.
http://explorescientific.com/eyepieces/

Have a look at a thread I did regarding choosing a 15mm ep- some great information is supplied on this thread, including much input from Mr John Bambury and other experienced visual observers.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=71653

You can get a top performing Vixen LVW (65 deg. fov) around $220 second hand. Or even go for a Baader Hyperion (LVW knock off) new for $209 from OzScopes. http://www.ozscopes.com.au/baader-planetarium-hyperion-eyepieces.html

Note: You have a fast scope, cheaper eye pieces will tend to show up problems at f/5 and under.
As an example, with my 6" f/7 my 15mm Orion Expanse worked beautifully. On my 10" f/5 it's toast. :mad2: Astigmatism (sea gulling) so bad across the entire fov, I cannot even tolerate it. What you can put up with or how critical you are, I guess is up to you. :shrug:

[Suzy]

Just had a thought... how about putting a wanted ad in the classifieds here. I've always had good results. :D

If you want something right away, I'll be happy to loan you my Orion Expanse 15mm ep. I'm only hanging on to it in case I get a grab'n'go scope. Just send a pm if you're interested. ;)

[traveller]

I just bought a Celestron ultima lx 17mm ep from e&$y seller for just over 100 including delivery from US. Seller name is astronomy and stuff. The same ep cost 300 at Andrews and has some good reviews. Hope that helps. Bo

[traveller]

Also, shipping from US for Eps should be around $15 US via USPS, the can be put into small boxes or large envelops padded of course. Anyway, I got the lx ep plus a dew zapper and he only charged me $16 US, which I think is very reasonable. Cheers, Bo :thumbsup:

[orestis]

Thanks for all the help everyone,

I think i might save up for a 13mm hyperion,they sound pretty good to me.I also want to get a couple of filters aswell,so i'll have to start saving.

Thanks again
Orestis:thumbsup:

[Suzy]

Good move. :thumbsup:

I'll keep an eye out for you, Orestis. ;)

In the mean time, consider putting an ad for all those things in the "Wanted" section.;)

[Waxing_Gibbous]

I have the 26 & 32mm Agena EPs, and both are very good indeed.
My only problem with Agena was the time it took for delivery - 4 weeks first class int'l.
However, at the price I don't think you will go too far wrong, though as Dannat points, out the Explore Scientific 14mm can be had for only a little more and the wider FoV will probably prove more pleasing in a Dob.