Well, I bit the bullet. I just ordered a Pentax XW 14mm from Star Optics. After researching, it came down to the Vixen LVW 13mm or Pentax 14. Although the Pentax is ~ $100 more expensive, I became convinced that the transmission and contrast sound exceptional in the Pentax. In addition, the slightly less magnification/greater AFOV compared the Vixen is something I also wanted at this point.
We'll see about the Pentax field curvature issue at >14mm, but I am sure the XW on all fronts must be steets ahead of my 17 year old TV 15mm WideField it is replacing (and notwithstanding my mediocre observation skills).
Thanks John B, in particular, for all your useful comments about the XW range and suitability for my TV Genesis. Will be waiting next to my letter box... Cheers, Fox.
