[janoskiss (Steve H)]

After a decade of being an astute visual observer, having tried most gear on offer, and having shown the night sky to many thousands of people with attention to what works for them and what works for me I was ready to rationalise my EP collection. So this is the final cut (for scopes up to 12" aperture at any f-ratio):

30 mm Parks Gold Series (or equivalent)
12 mm Pentax XF
8.5 mm Pentax XF
1.25" FMC Japanese fully baffled long barlow - Orion Ultrascopic branded

I still don't have the 30mm GS. I have an Antares Elite 25mm instead, which will do nicely till I have the cash to splash. If need be, I'd also add a good shorty barlow (e.g., Celestron Ultima) for scopes that need it to reach focus.

My criteria were: high optical performance, a versatile range of magnifications, comfort for me and everyone else, a generous field of view, in an easy to manage, lightweight and compact package. Price was also a factor - but it turns out that even if money was not an issue, I'd still go the same way.

Please share your thoughts.