Thread: 14mm UWA
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Old 04-10-2006, 02:26 AM
Don Pensack's Avatar
Don Pensack
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Los Angeles
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I recently did this comparison and the 13mm T6 won the contest. I reported my findings in a thread on CloudyNights.com. The 13mm did show fainter objects, but I cannot say with total authority that it was not due to the increased magnification.
There is more to viewing than merely transmission, however (the Pentax XW would also beat the 14mm Meade 4K). There is comfort of use, related to eye relief, head positioning, edge sharpness, etc.
Having spent two long all-night sessions comparing the 13mm T6 and 14mm UWA, I've decided to retire the 14mm UWA. It's very close, but I haven't found a single category in which the 13mm doesn't "nose out" the 14mm Meade.
Well, maybe one: I have to remove the counterweight to use the 13mm, and put it back on when I use my 17mm T4. That's a pain.
But I also own and use the 9mm T6, 7mm T6, and 5mm T6, and am in the process of comparing those to the equivalent UWA 4K's (8.8,6.7,4.7). It is beginning to look like the T6's are just better.
But it's not a "slap you in the face" difference. Just subtly sharper, less aberrated, and better transmission of faint objects.
The 4K UWAs fare remarkably well considering how long ago they were designed and manufactured. And they are easy to use.
Don
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