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Old 01-09-2006, 06:42 AM
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Don Pensack
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 536
30mm XW

Yes, though the positive field curvature should add to the positive field curvature of most scopes, which could theoretically make field curvature visible, in practice the amount is so small the 30mm is a fine eyepiece in any scope. It does not correct coma in a short f/ratio, but it might be the first time you've seen what pure coma looks like (without astigmatism, field curvature, or rectilinear distortion thrown in).
Visually, in daytime use, the 30mm is significantly better than the 31 Nagler or the 30mm Meade UWA. Pentax's background in spotting scopes shows through, here.
At night, on stars, the 30mm, though superb, doesn't have the field of view of those others. Frankly, though, it's less expensive than the other two, and would make a *Best Buy* at that focal length if the wider field wasn't wanted or needed.
I chose the 35 Panoptic as my lowest-power eyepiece, but, if I had to do it over again, the 30mm XW might edge it out. I really don't view that many objects that need a 1.22 degree field of view. 1.15 degrees would be just fine.
I've now looked through all the XWs except the 40mm, and this one, along with the 10mm, are my favorites in the series.
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