Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Gamble
Hi John,
In your honest opinion, which ones will you prefers, SMC or the NLV?
And from your considerable experience, what are the advantage of your choice over the other?
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Hi Richard,
I haven't used the Vixen NLV's. I have used the Vixen LV's which the NLV's replaced. Most of the differences between the two I believe are just cosmetic. While Vixen might claim some extra bells and whistles, the reports I have read indicate there is no detectable optical difference between them. I rate the Vixen LV's as pretty decent eyepieces. While they have 20mm of eye relief their FOV is narrow, 45° in some focal length 50° in others. I find the optical performance of the LV's to be a touch behind the LVW's which have a wider FOV and cost more money. I find the LV's to have slightly reduced light throughput and contrast compared to the LVW's and top quality plossls or orthoscopics. I would also consider them to be a step behind the Pentax XF's, but keep in mind the Pentax XF only comes in 2 focal lengths, whereas the Vixen NLV's have a multitude of focal length choices. Not an eyepiece I will ever own but certainly an eyepiece that many people will be very happy with.
Cheers,
John B