Explore Scientific 82D, 6.7mm from VTI

[Varangian (John)]

Hi all, I know there was a thread about VTI and ES EPs a year or two ago but I couldn't find it. I am interested in purchasing the 6.7mm 82deg ES from VTI and I have three questions I hope someone can help me with.

1/ Does anyone own the 6.7 ES and use it in an F5 Newt?
2/ If so how does it perform?
3/ Has anyone purchased from VTI and been satisfied with service / delivery?

One last question. I am also interested in the Pentax XF 8.5mm from the same vendor, it is approximately the same price. If you had an F5 and $200 to spend which one would you buy?

Many thanks

[MortonH]

I have the 6.7mm and like it a lot. Very comfortable to use and sharp. I have used it in my f/5 Newt and it was good, but I didn't pay close attention to edge performance if that's what you're wondering about.

As for VTI, I've bought a number of items from them and found the service to be very good.

[AG Hybrid (Adrian)]

Yes I have it. I use it sometimes in my 12" f5. Very good eyepiece. Light and compact. A bit short on eye relief but if you don't need glasses you will do well. Very flat field. A darn good moon/planetary/binary spliting eyepieces. Very good contrast.
Very well priced.

[PeterHA (Peter)]

Hi Johne,

I have purchased several items from VTI, 2" diagonal and ES 24mm 68 degr, EP, sharp price, quick service and a very friendly dealer, I cannot complain.

[JethroB76 (Jeff)]

The XF is an super eyepiece, but i havent used the other to make a comparison

[Varangian (John)]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

[David Niven (David Niven)]

I have purchased from VTI and they are good and reliable.

[GraemeT (Graeme)]

John, I have a range of the ES 82degree eps including the 6.7 and used them in my f5 and f6 newts, and love 'em!

[David Niven (David Niven)]

Originally Posted by GraemeT

John, I have a range of the ES 82degree eps including the 6.7 and used them in my f5 and f6 newts, and love 'em!

I concurred.

[Varangian (John)]

Thanks guys I'm going to pick up the 6.7 and the 11. The 6.7 should be a planet buster and the 11 should give me wide views at a strong mag for some DSOs.

[SkyWatch (Dean)]

Originally Posted by Varangian

Thanks guys I'm going to pick up the 6.7 and the 11. The 6.7 should be a planet buster and the 11 should give me wide views at a strong mag for some DSOs.

Just before you buy: I noticed that there are Pentax XFs: 8.5 and 12 for sale in the IceTrade Classies...

[Varangian (John)]

yes thanks I like the 8.5 but can pick up new for 189.00 so may also go down that path too. cheers.

[MortonH]

Eye relief is very tight on the ES 11mm.

[AG Hybrid (Adrian)]

ES 82 degree eyepieces have enough eye relief if you don't use glasses. But after spend lots of time with Delos, Pentax and my new RKE eyepiece, they feel really short now. Even though they are fine, really.