Hi
Originally wanted to PM John and Mike who did a great review on two of the eyepieces I am interested in but thought this may provoke a good talk on the forum.
I am looking at high quality eyepiece for my LX90 8" and considering three options:
1 12mm Pentax XF - $236 From Telescopes-Astonomy.com.au
2. 13mm TV Nagler T6 $465 From Bintelshop.com.au
3. 14 mm Pentax XW $410 From Telescopes-Astonomy.com.au
The 12mm XF got recently great review on Cloudynights.com but only 60deg AFV.
The 13mm TV won the shootout on Iceinspace review but only has 12mm eyerelief and b...y expensive.
The 14mm Pentax is favoured by John and I like my 10mm version but it has a field curvature problem (do not know how bad as I have not tested one in my scope).
Now, chances of all 3 being available to check out on any star party are small so I need some personal impressions form people who tested them.
I have a 13mm Baader hyperion, which is similar to the Orion stratus, 65 degree FOV and an excellent EP. Can be bought for under $200. I suggest that if you get the chance you should check that EP out as well.
Good to see there is some Pentax dealer competition in Oz after all.
I do own or have owned all those EPs, except the 8.5mm version in the XF (which has virtually nil field curvature, unlike the 12mm which has some acc to CN review).
The most comfortable of the three EPs is the XW-14. But the field curvature (FC) I cannot ignore on extended objects like globs and open clusters, and when searching for planetary nebs. Must admit that this is a bit disappointing because in every other respect this EP is tops. The T6 Nagler does have a flatter field and hence better sharpness across an even larger field. But the XW has less light scatter and better transmission, which is more important than FC IMO. The FC is not really an issue with most objects that only take up the central portion of the view: galaxies, DSOs and planets. But I am still learning this EP.
The 60 degree FOV of the XF is quite generous, not at all cramped, but 70 is nicer. Anything beyond that does not interest me all that much, especially when it comes at the expense of comfort as it does with the T6 (for me). The XF is more comfy than the T6 but less so than the XW. The adjustable eyecup of the XF does not extend far enough for me (but that is not unusual for me with this style EP).
The transmission and contrast of the 8.5mm XF compares very well with the 9mm HD ortho. The XF is a top EP price aside. And it's even better when you consider the price. They sell for 1/2 the price of the XW in the States and in Japan, so you might be able to negotiate on the price a bit.
Personally I would go with the 14mm Pentax XW or the 13mm Vixen LVW from MyAstroshop.
I have a pentax xl 14mm and yes there is FC but I dont find it intrusive in my f5 dob. In Daves f10 mak, I dont notice the FC at all.
Pretty much mirrors my experience with my 14mm XW: noticable FC, but not a problem in 10" F/5. Not noticable at all in 4.5" F/8.
Don't let the curvature through you off - the comfort and all the other things that make the XW's great more tha offsets it!
The cool thing is Joe - you don't have a BAD choice
Joe you didnt mention what scope you will using it in.
Yes he did!
Quote:
Originally Posted by astropolak
I am looking at high quality eyepiece for my LX90 8"
Joe, in your higher f/ratio scope the field curvature of the Pentax won't be as noticeable (if at all) as it was in my f/5 newt. Both the Nagler and Pentax are fantastic eyepieces and you won't be disappointed with either, but if eye-relief is a concern for you, go the Pentax. I recently got a Pentax 7mm XW and love it.
I feel for the married astronomers, especially those whos purchases end up costing double because the wife reasons she now has the right to spend an equal amount on herself
Good news, my wife has authorised the purchase of 14mm Pentax.
I am all set now, no more eyepieces for a long while....I think.
Joe
Great choice the 14 xw. I thought the 14 meade uwa was the best 14 I had used. The xw is better, not as big a field but images are to say clearer! in the xw.
My wife has hit me over the head more than once over astro equipment.
Trying to get her to say ok to a new Argo Navis!
In that case, its mostly a trade between viewing comfort, and an extra 12 degrees of peripheral vision. Comfort wins for me, but YMMV.
Plus it's contrasty nature and on axis sharpness edges it ahead for me too!
the 14mm XW's FC shows slight bloating of stars in the outer 20% in my 8"
f/6 which I have found is worst or less depending on eye placement.
However it has never interfered with my views. IMO it's the contrast and
on axis sharpness that edges out any Nagler of similar focal length I've
seen.
Got it - actually 2 of them, I should be happy now...
I have my 14mm eyepiece finally. Due to rather unusual turn of events 2 eyepieces were shipped to me.
I have actually ordered the eyepiece on the 10th of May from my then favourite supplier. The response from him always was bad but on this occasion he would not reply to any of my emails (emails sent after he acknowledged the order on the 15th), after waiting for the delivery till the 30th of May I have cancelled the order through email and followed it with (unanswered) phone calls.
New order was placed with Star Optics, they have promptly sent the eyepiece to me. I have received the eyepiece 2 days latter - no fuss securely delivered by courier to my door.
To my surprise the next day another eyepiece turns in my letterbox (despite specifically requesting delivery as Registered Post), !!@#!# $420.00 eyepiece in my letterbox !!!
I have nothing but praise for Star Optics - quick and reliable with actual shop front , with people to answer phone calls and who appreciate the need to securely deliverer expensive optical goods.
I am afraid I can not say the same for the other supplier who ignored my emails and my phone calls, (including the ones to cancel the order). Can you imagine the situation where you have given your credit card details to someone and he is ignoring your request to stop the order.
I would urge anyone to consider using only reputable suppliers when it comes to optical equipment - NONE of the suppliers in AU accepts returns. This I think must be in breach of some regulations.
But tell the wife they are cheaper by the dozen. 
