Leica Zoom

[galaxy (Vaidya)]

Originally Posted by MattT

Any one use this or tried it?

http://www.apm-telescopes.de/en/eyep...8-filterthread

A bit expensive but have read good reports on CN. A lot of cash to spend if it doesn't live up to the reports. The alternative is a 14 12 10 Delos trio to go with a 19 and 27Pan.



Matt

There is also the Swarovski zoom Ep which is used with their spotting scopes. There is on comparison in CN. APM has an adapter for that too.

http://www.cloudynights.com/page/art...178-89mm-r2317

this is one of the most comprehensive reviews on the Leica zoom .The reviewer Andreas was patient enough to answer my many other questions. He said that with the Leice zoom and a Baader VIP and a starlight adapter you get an absolute top end gear capable of producing an infinite number of combinations
Cheers
vaidya

[dannat (Daniel)]

the other zooms to consider include the kowa 25-50x, you would need someone t make up an adapter for you

[MattT]

That's a great review of the Leica zoom. I have a 2" 2x ESFE that is very nice.
Will look up Daniel's suggestion too. The scope I most want to use a zoom in is my 10" Orion Optics UK Newt which I have been enjoying using up a ladder on the old Gaunt pillow block mount of late. The up and down the ladder is a bit of a trial so enter a zoom, but it has to be a good one...

[MattT]

So have looked up the Kowa...looks like very similar to the Leica in many ways but the adaptor for it doesn't look straight forward, so the Leica is the front runner in my search.
The Pentax and Hyperion I have dismissed due to lack of AFOV at the long fl end.

It's all academic for now, but give me a few months of saving up and The Leica has it. EOFB reads to be at the long fl end and I have the rather nice, small and lightweight Pan 19mm to cover that, should it be needed, courtesy of Morton who graciously decided to part with his....thanks Morton.

Will update this later on...much later, specially knowing Melboune's track record with weather.



Matt

[castor]

Is the Leica zoom really THAT good in that it can effectively replace a series of Pentax XW's?

[Kunama]

Originally Posted by castor

Is the Leica zoom really THAT good in that it can effectively replace a series of Pentax XW's?

I think even this quality zoom involves compromises, probably most obvious will be the narrower apparent field of view of 60 degrees compared to the XW etc. I like zooms in the " grab& go " use but am not sold on them as my main eyepieces, even at this quality.

[MattT]

Originally Posted by castor

Is the Leica zoom really THAT good in that it can effectively replace a series of Pentax XW's?

Apparently yes. Too many experienced observers have said so. The long FL end is 60º AFOV rising to 80º AFOV at the short end. Plenty enough for my taste.
Gotta admit 3-4 Delos is also very appealing....