Review: Budget 15mm Shootout! - Page 2

slice of heaven · #21 20-09-2005, 02:53 PM

I agree Geoff and was thinking that after I read the review but didn't want to post that comment.

I wasn't endorsing the S500 15mm, just stating the results as I've never used a gs ep. The 15mm S500 is good for the kids and tourists, but the shorter (6.5 and 4mm) f/lengths dont stand up too well for this as even the kids have made some comments and we use other better quality options for higher mags.
A comparison for the Budget eps should include the 25 and 30's as well as the shorter length 6 and 9mm eps. Someone starting from scratch would have a more informed choice in selecting their first eps

ving (David) · #22 20-09-2005, 02:54 PM

hi steve, my gos sv is probably a bit better than the s500 at f6... I am thinking you are right tho...
err.. i miss typed my previous post tho... changed from "are bad" to "aren't bad"
they were really quite usable for a newby like me.

I am really liking my gso sv at the moment tho. it gives me quite good views. and a wide fov.

ving (David) · #23 20-09-2005, 02:56 PM

i plan on comparing my s500 6.5mm to my new 7.5mm ultima when it arrives... but realy my 6.5 is capable of decant views of planets. i used it on jupiter and got enought detail to see festooning (is that the right term?)

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #24 20-09-2005, 03:01 PM

I suppose we should be grateful that our GS scopes came with EP's at all. (crummy or not). The suppliers could've said "do you want EP's with that?" and sold them as extras.

Up-market brands (Meade, Celestron etc) supply only one EP with their scopes usually.

janoskiss (Steve H) · #25 20-09-2005, 03:01 PM

Thanks David, that ISn't a big difference! Makes more sense now.

davidpretorius · #26 20-09-2005, 09:42 PM

great report mike, well done!

my series 500 6.5mm is as been used once or twice.

gaa_ian (Ian) · #27 20-09-2005, 10:32 PM

Good on you Mike

We need more of the same & for anyone looking for reviews of Budget widefields, there is a comprehensive review in the Nov/Dec 2004 Aust. Sky & Space, of eyepieces available in Australia.

mickoking · #28 28-09-2005, 02:18 PM

G,day Mike great review. I have a 250mm GSO Dob and a 20mm superview eyepiece and the performance is great, yeah I know the edge sharpness isn't great, but for me that is not a major issue because most of my attention is on the centre of the field and I tend not to notice the edge abberations. It is also interesting comparing the 20 sv with my 13mm 'hand grenade' Nagler and 27mm Panoptic. While the two televues are pinsharp all the way to the edge the light transmission thru the sv is slightly better. also the sv has no noticable 'Kidney beaning'. The sv at under $100 can hold its head up high amongst the giants, great value for money. I have a couple of series 500's too. I admit they dont work too well on fast optics f5> but on my Synta refractor they are fine.

mickoking · #29 05-02-2006, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mickoking

I have a couple of series 500's too. I admit they dont work too well on fast optics f5> but on my Synta refractor they are fine.

I don't use my series 500 Plossl's at all nowadays. They just sit in the draw waiting for??????? I am sure the dark matter of the universe comprises of supplied with 'scope eyepieces and hats with corpotate logo's.

janoskiss (Steve H) · #30 05-02-2006, 09:07 PM

I gave my 500s away. It's the only thing you can do with them once you've outgrown them. They are still useful if you are on a tight budget and have nothing close in focal length.

johnno · #31 06-02-2006, 02:18 AM

Hi All,

I have to agree the series 500 plossls,leave a LOT to be desired,as do most of the cheaper eyepieces,
BUT,as Steve said,they are at least affordable,for someone on a budget,AND,most importantly,a slower scope.

They are "not so bad",in my F 7.5 ED80,
But truly Shockers,in my F4.4 114mm Tasco,(which I never use now)

Regards.
John

janoskiss (Steve H) · #32 06-02-2006, 09:26 AM

I meant that they are okay if you get them for next to nothing. I wouldn't encourage anyone to go out and buy a new one. There should be plenty of unwanted 2nd hand ones around. (actually there are a couple on ebay atm, selling for over $30 ea with postage

)

ving (David) · #33 06-02-2006, 09:44 AM

what you are saying, and correct me if you are wrong Steve is that if they came with the scope then fine

my 6.5 s500 is still ok, fine on planets with enough contrast to satisfy me.

janoskiss (Steve H) · #34 06-02-2006, 10:22 AM

Yes vingo. Or get one off someone who's not using it any more, for <$10.