FLT 132 & Televue ?

[pluck]

I have a new FLT 132 that I'd like to outfit with a couple of premium Televue eyepieces. I'm currently using an old set of Meade Plossls, and FLT 132 is very capable of using the 6.4mm plus a 2x AP barlow on Saturn with razor sharp detail.

I've crunched the numbers using the TV calculator, but would certainly appreciate some advice from experienced TV owners, especially those with a a 130mm class refractor at F7.

I'm one of those guys that really likes to shove the eyepiece up into the corner of my eye socket, and have even been known to fold the eyecup back in order to reveal the solid field stop outline.

Other than that, my priorities are contrast (I'm under moderately light polluted skies) and sharp stars all the way to the edge (but isn't everybody?).

I'm interested in the new 6mm Delos, the venerable 13mm Nagler, and possibly a Panoptic around the 20mm mark.

I have very good memories of looking through a 22mm Nagler a few years ago, and preferred it over a 31mm Nagler though I'm not sure why.

Any thoughts or advice on eyepiece choice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Paul

[Fox]

Just initial quick thoughts, and keeping strictly to TV as per your brief, I would suggest either the 24 or 27 Panoptic, the 6mm or 10mm Delos, the TV 2.5 x Powermate, and then I would wait a little while to see what Delos focal lengths eventuate around the 13 to 18mm mark. It all depends what field you want, and if ~20mm ER is OK for you (considering your preference for short ER)... And keep in mind that range reflects my bias to what I would like...

Congrats on your FLT132, it was definitely a contender before I got the NP127.... Fox!

[pluck]

Originally Posted by Fox

Just initial quick thoughts, and keeping strictly to TV as per your brief, I would suggest either the 24 or 27 Panoptic, the 6mm or 10mm Delos, the TV 2.5 x Powermate, and then I would wait a little while to see what Delos focal lengths eventuate around the 13 to 18mm mark. It all depends what field you want, and if ~20mm ER is OK for you (considering your preference for short ER)... And keep in mind that range reflects my bias to what I would like...

Congrats on your FLT132, it was definitely a contender before I got the NP127.... Fox!

Thanks for your quick thoughts Fox. I have in fact 'circled' the Panoptic 27mm as a compliment to the Nagler 13 as it provides roughly half the magnification and double the FOV. (Likewise as I move from the Nagler 13 to the Delos 6.)

I've also loosely circled the 21mm Ethos as a contender to the 27mm Panoptic. It gives me 2 degrees, but slightly higher magnification so I'm presuming might be better contrast-wise, and slightly shorter eye relief. Though I might be pushing the limits on having to swim around in the eyepiece - I'm not sure I'm into that sensation.

Just to clarify - as one who normally favours seeing the sharp edge of the field stop, am I after short eye relief? Or doesn't it matter with these high end eyepieces (ie, does long eye relief in TV still give you access to a sharply defined image circle)?

Paul

[Fox]

Ahh... Yes the Ethoses, I agree that the 21 Ethos is certainly an alternative to the 27 Pan, and the higher contrast is worthy to consider. I didnt mention any 80 or 100 deg TV's cos I don't have experience with any of them, and also for those EP's that are dual 1.25/2.00 I don't like the overhanging outer skirt barrel of the TV designs (but that's a personal thing remember).

When the complete Delos range looks reasonably firm, I will definitely be in the market to reexamine my options in the 18 to 27mm lengths. I'm also keen to see a ~14mm Delos because there still relatively few high-end 20mm ER 70deg eyepieces around that mark.

Fox

PS: with the Pans and Delos, I suspect you won't have any problem with the field stop. But with the Naglers and Ethoses, someone else will have to provide advice about their experience...

[UniPol]

I have the FLT-132 and use the Nagler 12mm, 17mm & 22mm Type IV's plus the Nagler 26mm & 31mm Type V's which have great eye relief. They are often used with the the TV Dioptrx so I don't have to wear specs owing to my astigmatism. In all the above eyepieces the field stop is crisp and clear. I did have Ethos eyepieces (8mm & 13mm) but found the eye relief too tight even with the Dioptrx and replaced them with above Naglers. I did give in with the last TV EP sale and bought the Ethos 3.7mm SX EP which is an absolutely brilliant planetary eyepiece. I don't need to wear my specs or use the Dioptrx as the exit pupil is just right at the higher magnifications. Before using the 3.7mm Ethos, Radians from 4mm through to 10mm are still being used. These are just great EP's to my mind but can't wait to try out the Delos range.

Good luck with your choice. Definitely keep an eye out for second hand TV's, at least they're cheaper than new and the resale value is always excellent.