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I've only had mine for a few weeks, but managed to try it in each of my scopes. The XF8.5 is excellent, very sharp across the field, no apparent lateral colour in my refractors, more neutral than the LVW in tone. I think it is a beautiful little eyepiece. The XF12 is equally good in everything except that it exhibits some field curvature. I use them for planetary viewing so the field curvature in the 12mm is of no consequence for me.
I think they are both "keepers"
I think they have been around long enough to prove themselves, there are a few reviews within several threads. I know that John (ausastronomer) has the 8.5 and likes it. Like most things Pentax they are very well made. I believe they employ one or more lanthanum glass elements although that in itself doesn't matter much if they are not mated to the correct glass types and well figured.
They are very light and compact, a blessing in this age of monstrous eyepieces.
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