I've decided for my DSO eyepiece it's going to be a choice between the Pentax XL 14mm, and the Meade 4000 UWA 14mm. Does anyone have any specific comments or comparisons between these two?
I can get the Meade for around AU$300 (new from Aus) and the Pentax for around AU$260 (2nd hand from the US).
Mike,
May I suggest before you rush out and buy yourself an expensive eyepiece that you try my 10mm Pentax XW and specifically compare it to the 14mm Pentax XW. I do 80% of my DSO observing with the 10mm Pentax XW as opposed to the 14mm Pentax XW. The 10mm in my 10"/F5 GS Dob gives 120X with a 35' TFOV and creates a 2mm exit pupil, the 14mm gives 90X with a 47' TFOV and creates a 2.8mm exit pupil. In my case I am prepared to sacrifice the TFOV of the 14 for the greater contrast and magnification given by the 10. Whether your budget can stretch the extra $100 to the Pentax XW series isn't really the issue, the 10mm Pentax XL may in fact be a better option for you than the 14mm Pentax XL. Bear in mind of course that the Pentax XW's are superior eyepieces to the XL's. Just some more food for thought before you spend your hard earned
Clear Skies
John Bambury