Orbinar

[PSALM19.1 (Shaun)]

Hi, I bought an oribinar plossl a couple of years ago and it was awful! Would it be the same with their Edge-on range, which are 6 times the price - they have 60º AFOV and the 16mm has quite generous eye relief...I guess the question is, can they be up to the grade of an Orion Edge On, which cost twice as much and are really quite a good ep?

[Wavytone]

I'm not surprised it was awful. What scope were you using ? A fast newtonian (dob) by any chance ?

Plossls are a rather old 4-element design, not suitable for 60 degree FoV. They'll be OK in a slow f/10 or f/15 telescope but not suitable in an f/5 newtonian.

If you want good wide-field views you really need to buy eyepieces with a more modern pedigree. Suggest you try a few at a star party, before buying.

[PSALM19.1 (Shaun)]

Yes, thanks for that...I do own a 6mm Orion Edge-On Planetary and it is an excellent eyepiece for $129 (or there-a-bouts); might be best to stick with their Edge On range until I can afford Televue's! The Orbinar I was using in a 60mm refractor, I got rid of that eyepiece before I bought my 8" Dob...it wouldn't even be worth trying it out! Might put my Orion to use on Jupiter tonight.....