2" UW 30mm from Andrews

[Nordo]

I feel I am ready to go to the next step beyond my Plossls I received with my GSO 250 dob (f5 x 1250mm).
After my First Light, I was really taken in by DSOs, so I am looking for a medium power wide angle EP.
Mark Hodson wrote a favourable review on the 2" UW 30mm from Andrews.

I'm interested what other people think who may have used this EP. Also, how would it team up with a 2x barlow - and who's barlow?

[Rigel003 (Graeme)]

I have this eyepiece and think it's great with my f10 SCT and f8 refractor and terrific value - but probably less effective with an f5 scope. I did once try it in a 10" GSO dob and the outer part of the field it noticeably less sharp - not sure if this is due to aberrations of the eyepiece or simply coma in the newtonian that isn't so evident in an eyepiece with a smaller field of view.

[Nordo]

Thanks.
Most reviews have similar comments when used with a fast newt, but still consider it excellent value for money.

[rmcpb (Rob)]

Great eyepoiece FOR THE MONEY but don't expect it to perform like a Nagler. For the investment its worth a trial I would say, I use on in my f6 and its really good value but not too sharp off axis.

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

in a good 2" barlow it does quite well and edge aberrations are reduced when barlowed. e.g., UO 2" 2x barlow now sold as Orion Deluxe. But if you are after mid power for similar price but much better edge correction, get a 21mm Stratus or Hyperion instead. For low power the Andrews UWA (=1rpd) is too expensive for an EP you will probably want to upgrade eventually anyway IMO. Better off with a 30mm GSO Superview for that purpose. if you want the uwa wait/ask for discount to $99.

[Lee]

I got a 30mm UW when I bought my 8" Dob from Andrews. Although I can agree it may be a bit pricey for an eyepiece you will want to upgrade, it is still quite good.
I've always been happy with mine, although I tend to use a 20mm Televue Plossl mostly now. I still use the UW 30mm though.


I haven't got a Barlow, so can't help there sorry....

[Gargoyle_Steve (Steve)]

John I have one of these, and like you I wanted a very affordable way to get wide field views (to help me find things up there!).
As you know my scope and yours are optically near identical, and if you'll be at Ron's this Saturday you are more than welcome to give the 30mm UWA a good try out in your scope.

Steve

[Nordo]

Thanks Steve
There seems like there will be quite a few at Rons this Sat. and I'm hoping people will let me try some of their EPs. So long as I don't fall in love with a TV or a Pentax

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

You can have a go of my GSO Barlows too if you like on Saturday. Then compare them to what the others have.

[Nordo]

Thanks Jeanette
See you there Saturday

[davidpretorius]

hi john, i have a uw 30 which i paid $150 for when i bought my scope 13 months ago. I loved it from day one. It is only now that i can pick seagulls in the outer 20%. This is thanks to looking thru 24mm panoptics etc.

if you can get it at $99, got for it

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

Originally Posted by janoskiss

in a good 2" barlow it does quite well and edge aberrations are reduced when barlowed. e.g., UO 2" 2x barlow now sold as Orion Deluxe. But if you are after mid power for similar price but much better edge correction, get a 21mm Stratus or Hyperion instead. For low power the Andrews UWA (=1rpd) is too expensive for an EP you will probably want to upgrade eventually anyway IMO. Better off with a 30mm GSO Superview for that purpose. if you want the uwa wait/ask for discount to $99.

The comment in bold about the 2" barlow above really caught my eye.
I was disapointed to miss out on the UO 2x barlow before it went out of production, is this orion really the same Barlow ?
If so, where can you get them in Aust ?

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

Originally Posted by gaa_ian

The comment in bold about the 2" barlow above really caught my eye.
I was disapointed to miss out on the UO 2x barlow before it went out of production, is this orion really the same Barlow ?
If so, where can you get them in Aust ?

Yes, they appear to be the same barlow. Bintel and Sirius Optics are a couple of dealers selling them. There is a 1.25" version also for under $100. (I could not resist and ordered one but it will be a few weeks before I get it.)

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

Steve
How did you go with this Barlow ?
I am considering the new Bintel 2" ED Barlow as a subsitute for the discontinued UO 2".
https://www.bintelshop.com.au/Product.aspx?ID=7206
Any thoughts on this one ?

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

I'm still waiting to hear from the dealer. He did not have any in stock at the time. Said it will be 2 weeks and will ring me when it's in - it's been nearly 4 weeks but I still haven't heard anything. I'm in no hurry though.

The Bintel/GSO 2" ED is said to be no different from the normal GSO 2" ito performance, which is not up to UO 2" standard, most notably wrt contrast.

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

Thanks Steve, I appreciate the feedback. I look forward to a report on its performance !