Baader Planetarium Hyperion eyepieces

[acropolite (Phil)]

Anyone got any exposure to or feedback on these new EP's from Baader??? http://www.baader-planetarium.de/zub...o_hyperion.htm (sorry it's in german)....

[ving (David)]

and heres a pdf of the english version
http://www.baader-planetarium.de/dow...e_englisch.pdf

looks great, wonder how much they are?

[acropolite (Phil)]

That's the same info that was in the cover of Aus S&S this month. The price is there as well, I remember it was under $300

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

They are essentially the same as the Stratus EPs. I had a look at some at York Optical in Melbourne, they certainly look the same as the Stratus.

But they are expensive, $265 or $285 ea (I forget which). The Stratus can be had for about $180 ea delievered in under a week from the US (or if you're after a 5mm, I've got one for sale ). I've read rumours that an upgraded version of the Hyperions will be coming out, which will have better coatings than the Stratus or the first Hyperions. I don't know if this is true. The Stratus are fully multi-coated. (It says so on the barrel so it must be true )

[acropolite (Phil)]

Looking at the Stratus specs it would seem that they are the same EP. The Baader specs mention that the bottom part of the EP ("negative achromat lens group") is removable leaving an EP with larger FOV, as the top section of the EP is basically a 6 element Erfle design of longer F/L, although they don't mention by how much the F/L changes. Is this the case with the Stratus EP's as well Steve??

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

I did not dare to try, Phil. I have read that people have tried it, but with both makes of EPs, removing the barlowing bit degrades the view, especially in terms of edge performance.

[GrampianStars (Rob)]

Originally Posted by janoskiss

They are essentially the same as the Stratus EPs. I had a look at some at York Optical in Melbourne, they certainly look the same as the Stratus.

But they are expensive, $265 or $285 ea (I forget which). The Stratus can be had for about $180 ea delievered in under a week from the US (or if you're after a 5mm, I've got one for sale ). I've read rumours that an upgraded version of the Hyperions will be coming out, which will have better coatings than the Stratus or the first Hyperions. I don't know if this is true. The Stratus are fully multi-coated. (It says so on the barrel so it must be true )

Just to clarify Apples for Apples here guys
From Alpine Astronomical
HYP-3, HYP-5, HYP-8, HYP-13, HYP-17, HYP-21
Baader Hyperion 68° Modular Eyepieces NEW!!
3.5,5,8,13,17,21mm Focal Lengths (specify which) $129 US

[Kieken]

I'm waiting for them to be back in stock. For us Europeans they are backordered until the end of January.

They are almost the same as the Stratus except for the coatings and some camera adapters and stuff like that. For as far as I know they are slightly better then the Stratus but not by much. So spending 80 or 100 dollars more on a Hyperion sounds a bit to silly to me.

Here is a comparison between the Vixen LVW, Orion Stratus and Baader Hyperion. I’ve translated it for you to English with Babelfish

When in May 2005 this eyepiece row was announced, the similarity with briefly before the published eyepieces of the Orion Stratus row was indeterminable. This applied both to the shape of the housing and outward details, and to the announced structure of lens. After by the company Baader the complete hyperion pallet was put to me to the test at the disposal, this impression was confirmed, and like that it is meaningful to include the realizations from the experiences with the Orion Stratus into this empiric report with. Already at first sight itself Baader Hyperion and Orion Stratus are very similar, but evenly already at first sight not directly. The eyepieces are based however on the same structure of lens, as the company confirmed Baader. The Baader Hyperion is supplied in a sturdy sticking box, together with a soft pouch from imitation leather. Zuoberst in the packing is equal an additional eyepiece cover. This is one the small and thought out details that of hyperion. There is an eyepiece cover, which fits with turned down eyecup and a further, which on the folded up eyecup fits. As eyeglass wearers one can lock and away-pack thus the eyepiece also with turned down eyecup, which saves annoying handles with the eyepiece change. Also the further form of the Hyperion is durchdacht. As the Stratus can it be used in a 2"excerpt. While however the two tariff wedging is possible with the Stratus only on a very narrow ring, from which some clamping screw meets only the edge, has the Hyperion here a broad ring and even a safeguard groove. The safeguard groove gives it naturally also at the 1.25"connector socket, unfortunately unnecessarily deeply entrenched. Lately repeatedly problems with locking rings and safeguard groove one discussed. The safeguard slots with hyperion are broadly enough, in order to let also a locking ring dive into it. Particularly after in my circle of acquaintances two accidents with expensive equipment to me admits became, which would have been prevented surely by a safeguard groove, I remained with the endorsement of these safeguard slots. The total loss of a Zeiss Bino is my opinion after meaningfully enough. With direct comparison with the Stratus it is noticeable that eyepieces of same focal length are of various sizes. An exact view shows then that the field lens lies with some hyperion further down in the connector socket, as with the Stratus counterparts. After information of Baader this is to make the Hyperion usable with devices with little baking focus, in particular at some Spektiven. Since the Hyperion sits many more deeply in the 2"wedging, the 1.25" connector socket was also somewhat shortened, so that the eyepiece does not touch down on a zenith mirror. Nevertheless one should look first times whether also with the own zenith mirror like that is. Between that a further ring from silicone rubber is handy reinforcing and the eyecup from soft silicone rubber. Among them one finds a connecting thread for Baader "SP54" to photo adapter. If one takes the rubber eyecup off, which goes very easily, then one finds a M43 thread which fits some video cameras (e.g. Panasonic). To this thread also a T2-Uebergangsring can be screwed, which makes eyepiece projection possible with a mirror reflex camera. Suitably the "SP54"-Gewinde Baader offers adapter rings for usual digital cameras and also on T2. By these connection types the eyepiece can be begun nearly at each camera for projection. Particularly with the afokalen projection at a digital camera with firm objective the "SP54" connection is interesting, since the adapter ring ensures the smallest possible distance between eyepiece and objective and thus for a good illuminating of the display format provides. The adapter rings are at present available for very favorable 10 euro. The T2-Adapter ensures with additional extension rings then for the possibility of the eyepiece projection with mirror reflex cameras. As a result of the screw connection with the eyepiece a very much weight-saving and also stable construction arises. It depends natural thereby also on the okularklemmung, which should become stable however with heavy cameras at least in 2"a wedging enough. Also the centring of eyepiece and objective is so automatically ensured to each other. A further detail that of hyperion should be the usefulness of a second focal length. In addition the 1.25"connector socket with the Barlow element contained in it is unscrewed. The eyepiece is then in 2"wedgable and the thread of the unscrewed part functioned now as filter thread, so that thus also 2" filters are usable. Unfortunately the eyepieces screwed themselves thereby also gladly in the wrong place apart. Times it was the chromium-plated connector socket, which separated from the extension ring on 2", times went the eyepiece in the center apart. Particularly in the first case is to be found verflixt difficult it, a packing, in order to out-get the ring. In the future these threads with an adhesive become secured, so that the screw connection separates only, where it is intended. The use might be small meanwhile also for most star friends, because the Barlow element is taken into consideration into the function of the optical Design, so that particularly the edge illustration worsens. The observations should show, with which telescope types this option would be meaningfully applicable. Another idea for the change of the focal length is substantially more promising. A star friend came on the thought to screw in 2"filters directly between Barlow and eyepiece upper section. He noticed an easily stronger enlargement, which led to the idea, to shorten the focal length of the eyepiece by several empty filter versions as the distance between the lenses was increased. Warscheinlich are offered shortly for it even suitable verlaengerungshuelsen by Baader. In addition, the processing of the eyepieces is so far correct, corresponds the preisklasse. Like that the density of the filter thread was not particularly good in the 1.25"connector socket, because the used mattlack became not everywhere correctly matte and showed shining places. The lens locking rings are only black anodized and shine, while one would rather find a black mattlack naturally also here. The interior density precipitates somewhat differently. Here are it shown a few brightly shining rings, particularly with the long focal lengths, which are to be led back my estimate after on the again not correctly matte lacquer to internal screens and in the connector socket. On request it was communicated to me that within the range of the 2"filter thread a special sticking lacquer was used, which was to bind penetrating dust particle. The lacquer is to lie also outside of the path of rays, so that after-paint nothing to bring and only the function of the sticking lacquer would paralyze. The lens edges are however properly blackened, but like already with the Stratus also here a thin, bright line at the edge of the remuneration is noticeable. This would have no role however outside of the path of rays to lie and should therefore to play. As last exterior detail would be to be called the inscription. It is sufficiently large, yet one needs in the dark a while, before one found the focal length, because this number in character size does not stand out against the further letters. The eyepiece focal lengths are to be differentiated also by a colored anodized ring, but with red light that does not function naturally. As already mentions, the structure of lens that of hyperion is identical to that the Stratus. The manufacturer Baader stresses the use of a "phantom Group" remuneration for hyperion. The remuneration colors are different actually and on the "group photos" are noticeable those of hyperion as those eyepieces with the weakest reflexes. Since these pictures taken up under diagonal beam of light are however not meaningful, had to be compared with the observations carefully. In order to compare the structure of lens of the eyepieces, the eyepiece rows in the focal lengths 21mm, 13mm, 5mm and 3,5mm were compared directly with each other. The eyepieces were fastened and photographed in addition in same position to the camera, whereby as a result of the different size of Stratus and Hyperion however easy differences arose.

[Kieken]

The second part

The pictures show that the structure of lens is actually as far as possible identical. Only with the 21mm Hyperion was noticeable that the reflex of a cement surface changed the position. A further view applied for possible color distortions. Already with daylight no difference between Hyperion, Stratus and LVW of same focal length could be determined. Also before an even background lighting (scanner transmitted light essay) no difference in color was recognizable. Still the different camera adapters are to receive special mention. For the adaptation of digital cameras with firm objective adapter of the "SP54"-Gewinde is to that of hyperion on M28, M37, M46, M49, M52, M55, M58 and M62 at the disposal. These rings provide for as short an adaptation as possible. If this is too close for a camera model, which with my Casio QV 3500 ex the case was, then a 9mm extension ring can be screwed on the Hyperion. Unfortunately 9mm extension for my Casio is too much of the good one, so that a circle of the visual field is only illuminated. The M58-Adapter is too short actually only around 1mm. As soon as I pushed only one calling card between ring and eyepiece, the distance was sufficient and the objective of the camera could be driven out. The picture was so also fully illuminated. On the problem addressed Baader announced to attach in the future small metal rings which are to increase like a "wearing part" the distance around 0,5mm and 1mm. Hyperion in practice at the 8"f/4 Newton (R200SS, GSO 600) presented themselves hyperion nearly completely identically to the well-known Stratus. The view behavior is very pleasantly, particularly also by the eyecup made of silicone rubber, which puts still better to the eye socket, as the somewhat firmer version at the LVW. The viewing distance is fully eyeglass wearer suited. In the direct comparison with models of Vixen showed up the LVW with the 13mm, 17mm and 21mm Hyperion a worse edge illustration, which became clearer with increasing eyepiece focal length. With the short focal lengths the effect lost itself, so that with the 8mm Hyperion only weakly left the edge illustration, while this was not to be noticed no more with the LVW 8. With the 5mm the illustration approached strongly to the LVW on, and also with 3,5mm the picture remained the same. Like also the LVW Hyperion and Stratus show also a star illustration increased easily in the picture center with 5mm and 8mm. Mars and moon observations supplied very similar results with the direct comparison between Hyperion, Stratus and LVW. All three 3,5mm of eyepieces had to give themselves however (naturally substantially more expensive) the 3,5mm nagler type 6 struck, both at Mars and at M13. Nagler showed somewhat finer stars and more contrast for example during the Mars observation. The 8"f/6 Newton received its first employment with a careful comparison of the two 21mm Hyperion and Stratus, which had to place themselves thereby to the LVW 22 and the Pentax XL 21. The first view applied thereby for the edge illustration. Here cut the LVW 22 as the best eyepiece off. The illustration could be recognized up to the edge practically perfectly and an enlargement of the star illustration to briefly before the edge of visual field hardly. With the criterion then the two LVW clones, both followed edge illustration with clearly increased star illustrations, without recognizable difference among themselves. Short Nachfokussieren showed that the sharpness loss is caused mainly by bildfeldwoelbung, because the stars could be after-focused to short before the edge well. The unexpected tail light in this discipline was the Pentax XL. It showed visibly distorted stars at the edge. Nevertheless the edge illustration was well useful with the XL. The XL scored then however concerning the scattered light suppression. No unwanted clarification of the sky background was to be noticed, while Stratus and Hyperion showed a broad ring of lightened sky around the edge of the visual field. May have been concerned ten to fifteen per cent. Details look showed then very weakly a similar clarification with the LVW, which falls practically in the eye only if one knows and for it looks for the effect from the two clones. The most important test however should be the comparison of the transmission on the basis recognizable star size classes. For this that served quite close open star clusters NGC 7789 during its zenith passage. At the edge of this star cluster a weak star combination was according to kind of five cube eyes. The middle star was here easy to constitute, the four outside stars clearly more with difficulty, and one of it only very with difficulty indirectly. On the basis these stamping seeds star combination could be compared the achievement of the eyepieces quite well. That such a test was necessary shows however already that it concerns no large differences. When recognizing the star combination Pentax XL and LVW lay together closely, whereby the LVW did not have a disadvantage despite its weaker enlargement. Also the Hyperion was on a very similar level, perhaps around a breath more badly. In the disadvantage only the Stratus was, it showed indirectly only four stars of the combination, and these quite laborious. Here the manufacturer data of an improved remuneration seem to be confirmed with hyperion. In the case of a further observation at M38 eyepieces a similar picture showed up with the comparison of the 13mm. Here the something was to be recognized better achievement of the Hyperion opposite the Stratus by the fact that one of the weaker heap members was directly recognizable in the Stratus only indirectly, in the Hyperion however. The LVW 13 lay thereby with the Hyperion up, showed thus the star likewise directly. Were however no stars, which were indirectly recognizable only in the Hyperion or LVW. If a very weak star was visible in the Hyperion, then also in the Stratus. The illustration in the picture center was perfectly and identical with all three series practically at the f/6-Newton. The edge illustration was best with the LVW, whereby only closely in the edge an easily after-focusable Unschaerfe showed up. Hyperion and Stratus showed more Unschaerfe, which could be after-focused at the edge also not more completely. With 8mm the illustration of LVW and Hyperion is near identically, only closely at the edge shows the Hyperion still another little more Unschaerfe by bildfeldwoelbung. With 5mm and 3,5mm then no differences can be recognized more. To notice it participates that this applies also to the recognizability of stars, because Stratus and Hyperion showed always the same stars directly as indirect. The clarification of the edge of image field was noticeable again particularly with the Stratus and only little more weakly with the Hyperion. During the further observations thereby the recognizability of star size classes was particularly the center of attention. The eyepieces were used now again with f/4. Zenith near small Hantelnebel M 76 was observed with the focal lengths 5mm and 8mm, in order to compare weakest field stars in the picture center. Here practically no differences between LVW, Stratus and Hyperion could be determined. All eyepieces showed the same stars, also such, which were only indirectly recognizable. By a remuneration advantage that of hyperion was to be noticed here nothing, also not with the nebula details. After the clones cut off with f/4 and f/6 quite pleasantly, expectations were accordingly high with the employment at the C8. In addition, Stratus and Hyperion did not get along here with the bildfeldwoelbung well, so that with 21mm to 13mm again an indistinct edge illustration showed up. The illustration was better, than at the f/6-Newton, but the LVW originals worked on this equipment again better, just as a 14mm Pentax XW. Stratus and hyperion showed also again the lightened edge of visual field. In the picture center the illustration was however good with all eyepieces. Very similarly the achievement showed up also in the f/11 achromatic objectives (Meade Explorer 395, 90/1000). A further point, which it applied to check off, was the employment that of hyperion than 2"eyepiece. Without the Barlow element the characteristics of the eyepiece change drastically. The viewing distance of 20mm is lost, so that one must bring the eye really very closely to the eyepiece. The rubber shell must be turned down inevitably. How closely one must bring the eye to the eyepiece, is easily not to be determined, because the apparent visual field becomes enormous, practically unueberblickbar. Possibly more than 90° apparent visual field is present. Of it however hardly 40° is really cleanly shown and already outside of for instance 50° is more or less useless with f/6 the star illustration. With f/4 it becomes still worse. Without the Barlow element are those of hyperion thus if necessary for visiting larger objects, which can be differentiated also of an indistinct star to use. One receives then an eyepiece around 35mm to 40mm. relative to little observation time was dedicated the idea to shorten hyperion by verlaengerungshuelsen in the 2"filter thread in the focal length. This functioned so far completely well, whereby the edge illustration hardly changed. For more exact results probably in the near future a report of the "father thoughts" will provide.

[Kieken]

Last part

The last view applied for the moon. With f/4 those of hyperion should show whether unpleasant reflexes arise. The picture is naturally lightened around the moon easily, however in bearable measure, particularly since also the sky background is actually lightened. For instance in 1° distance from the moon (1° in the sky, not in the visual field) showed up a reflex, which arose with Hyperion, Stratus and LVW practically identically and could thus even from the telescope (R200SS) come. Hyperion show at the edge of the visual field an easily colored mondrand, greenish with 21mm to 8mm, in the 5mm and 3,5mm rather orange. Result: The Baader Hyperion presents itself optically very similarly to the Orion Stratus. The advantage of an improved remuneration does not show itself and/or use however by all devices. Particularly well those of hyperion fare by their cleveres housing. The various camera Adaptionen opens many possibilities for the photography with digital or video camera, as well as for the connection of a Webcam. Since the Hyperion is offered at present even clearly more favorably than the Stratus, one finds the better package in them. To the LVW originals they cannot do near-rich in some disciplines, however also the possibility for the direct camera connection is missing with these. Particularly to emphasize is that one found no eyepiece in this preisklasse so far, which the combination of wide angle, comfortable view, eyeglass wearer-friendly viewing distance and usefulness at short-focus telescopes could offer. That changed with appearance of the Hyperion and Stratus rows. They are therefore particularly interesting for owners of short-focus telescopes, not ready are for the relatively small advantages of an Top eyepiece the double to three-way price to be paid. Also for the use at demonstrations at observatories these eyepieces make sense, since itself many observatories shy to expose expensive eyepieces to the "visitor stress". Hyperion offer thereby the same observation comfort, which could be ordered so far only with the many more expensive Pentax XL/XW, Radians or LVW. Also the versatile camera connection can find e.g. for demonstrations at the monitor good use. In the sum of the characteristics the Hyperion at the threshold between middle class and point eyepieces can be sorted. The adaptation possibilities and focal length variability are even singular. At the f/6 Newton presented themselves hyperion, with small reductions with the 21mm, as quite to the top class in addition due.

[Argonavis (William)]

well now I know...............

I think you are saying that to the normal user, they are essentially the same, except for the Hyperion's threaded top.

Wonder how they compare to a Nagler or Panoptic?

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

I was happy to keep the 13mm Stratus and sell the 13mm T6 Nagler. But kept the 19mm Panoptic and sold the 21mm Stratus. Summary: the Stratus is about twice as far from ideal as the Panoptic, which for me is very close.