Televuew radians

[PeterNw]

Hi just wandering how the televuew radians go.. Are they a good eyepiece? And also what are quality eyepieces at a fair price?

[rmcconachy]

I have five of them (two pairs for my binoviewer and a single 6mm) and I like them. :) For single eye viewing I slightly prefer the Pentax XL/XW and Tele Vue Delos (only tried the 6mm) eyepieces, all of which are more expensive than the Radians, but the Radians are still very good. The Radians are smaller and lighter than the Pentax and Delos oculars and IMHO work better in a binoviewer then their bigger competition.

[Geoff45]

They are good value for money; a good compromise between field of view and price. Bigger field of view than a plossl and more eye relief. Smaller field of view than the ethos, but much cheaper.
Geoff

[Waxing_Gibbous]

Have to disagree here.
I found them very difficult to use. Like pentax XWs, they require you (me anyway) to keep your eye in exactly the right position all the time.
Blackout and "kidney-beening" were constant annoyances.
Also I found their colour rendition to be very warm - Luna looked positively billious in my 6mm.

At half the price the TMB Planetary IIs are IMO, much better and for not alot more the short Naglers even better than that.

[brian nordstrom]

:) I have an 8mm Radian and yes it imparts a slight soft tint when using it for terrestial viewing , but it is invisable when using it at night .
I like mine a lot , its a very nice eyepiece in all ways and in all my scopes .
Brian.

[Tom Hancock]

The Explore Scientific are affordable premium eps.
I have the 8.8mm and the 18mm 82D and they are are my favorites.
They are available at vtioptics.com.au
The TMB are also good ep, very useable and they pop up every now and then on IIS for less then $60.

[HCR32]

They are a little on the warmer side but that kinda helps with Jupiters banding in my opinion. If you can find them second hand they are a good priced eyepiece without doubt. Other wise if your buying brand new and want a range of focal lengths Id go with a premium zoom like a Lecia Zoom or the Lecia ASPH Zoom which will cost you about $500 to $900. I know it alot to fork out but you will only need one eyepiece and these babys really perform well almost as good as top shelf orthos but with a widefield if thats what your after.

[brian nordstrom]

:) Here is a photo snapped using my HTC smart phone's camera using my 8mm Radian in my FS60C Takahashi , all traces of the " softness " are gone , I am in and out tonight using this combo and if there is a better one ,,,, well I have not seen it . :thumbsup:.
Radians were a world class design for high power and easy use eyepieces , but the new designs today have overtaken them in one respect , field of view only .:).
I dont mind that as it gives us non-millioneers a chance to buy quality eyepieces 2nd hand at reasonable prices as people update to the new TV Delos , Ethos's and the ES 100 degree line , etc etc . and other newer designs avaliable today ;).
Nothing wrong with my 8mm Radian as this photo shows . Comments welcome .
Brian.