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Old 07-01-2010, 09:47 PM
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Miaplacidus (Brian)
He used to cut the grass.

Miaplacidus is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Hobart
Posts: 1,235
I have bred eyepieces for many years now, and they all have their own virtues and idiosyncrasies. But I tend to gravitate to the smaller breeds now (i.e. the 1.25 inch format). No balance issues, the benefit of a lighter diagonal in the refractor, and just generally easier to pack and handle. True grab and go.

Anyway, here are a couple of simple tests for evaluating an eyepiece: how often do the owners use it? how infrequently does it turn up for resale? On these criteria I reckon you'd find that the 24 Pan comes out in front. My own experience confirms this, in its own right, and also in terms of value for money. (On the other hand, I've certainly seen some second-hand ethoi advertized about the place.)

Also, please note: three different focal lengths are essential. Although it can be done, anything more than that involves two grave dangers:
1. spending your evenings juggling very expensive glass in the dark instead of looking at astronomical wonders.
2. the irreparable reputational damage of being gauche.

Anyway, having been bitten more than once, I would be very reluctant to buy an eyepiece that I hadn't first used myself (and preferably in my own scope).

But all this discussion in pointless. Once addicted, there is no cure.

Commiserations.
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