Eyepiece recommendations for Public Viewing

[Hans Tucker (Hans)]

Let's face it not all types of eyepieces are easy to use, some even presenting a challenge for the veteran observer

For those that have done Public Viewing Sessions what eyepieces did you use that were easy for the public to view and enjoy the experience?

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

Baader Morpheus are worth considering. Good eye relief and pretty comfortable to use. Not sure about the price in Australia but nicely mid ranged price here in the USA

[iborg (Philip)]

Hi Hans


I use a zoom 8-24mm. With that, you can so some magic with some stars, and hey presto - make one become two!


Philip

[AstralTraveller (David)]

I have an Andrews 9.5ED (about 20 years old) that works well for low power lunar/planetary. The optical quality is close to my orthos but the ergonomics are much better. It has long eye relief and a good eye cup, so it is easy for a novice to use and it avoids make-up etc on the glass.

[ausastronomer (John Bambury)]

I use my Pentax XW's, Nagler T4's or Tv Radians as they all have a larger eye lens and long eye relief and are generally easy for inexperienced people to use.

On the basis that I am using expensive eyepieces, I just make sure that no drinks, lollies or chocolate, go any where near the telescopes or the eyepieces.

I just prefer that approach, rather than using cheap difficult to use eyepieces that will only turn people away from Astronomy. Any high quality long eye relief eyepiece is a good choice. The Baader Morpheus that Scott suggested would also work very well.

Cheers

[Rainmaker (Matt)]

Like John, I use my everyday eyepieces for outreach, Nagler 31, 22 & 12 as well as the Leica Zoom ( though I am a bit more particular about who gets to use that one).

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

I should have added, I normally use my Pentax, Televue for public viewing and just make sure no sticky hands get near…

But for a less expensive but nice alternative the Baader Morpheus will work