Zoom eyepieces

[Astral Enigma]

Does anyone have any experience of using these? I've read plenty suggesting they're not that great, unless 'truly' parfocal and high end. I'm trying an Opticstar XL but so far haven't been too impressed and not found it great to use, but that could be (a) conditions and ( just me. As far as I know it's identical to the Skywatcher Hyperflex 8E - at least everything about it looks outwardly to be so, down to the positioning and font used for all the writing on it.

Has anyone used these, or any others, and if so what do you think?

[dweller25]

I used a Televue (re-badged Vixen) 8-24 and it was very good indeed.

The Baader 8-24 is supposed to be better but I have not tried one.

I currently use a Leica 8.9-17.8mm which is superb.

Zooms have come a long way and if you choose carefully are well worth the money - I would still avoid the cheapest though.

[brantuk]

I've not tried the Opticstar - I use the Baader 8-24mm zoom which is in the same price bracket (£150-£200). I usually recommend this one in preference to an eyepiece set for beginners with their first scope. It's way better than supplied eyepieces and gives a good range of magnifications for anyone building an eyepiece set and wants an instant range of focal lengths that work well in most any scope.

The Baader fov narrows a bit at the low mag end - but then it is a zoom and meant for increasing magnification. It's a very flexible piece with several different uses and, whilst not the best, gives a very good account of itself and transforms most starter scopes into a working instrument. I currently use mine in a solar scope which works very well - and it is tremendous value for money compared to the starter sets. Hth

[Hobbes]

Another vote for the Baader MkIII. I've had one for a couple of years. It was my first "proper" eyepiece and transformed my viewing experience.

[timetraveler3]

I have a Zhumell 8x -24x and I really like it. I don't have much to compare it with since I am new but it works great. Focusing at 8x depending on  seeing conditions is a bit tough. The images are not perfectly clear at the the edges. But for ease of use this thing is quite nice. It is way better than my Celestron stock eyepieces that came with my scope. It seems to be very well made, quite heavy and turns smoothly.  

Zhumell products I hear are not available in the UK I hear. For us in the States they are great. Their telescopes get incrdedible views, I plan to buy their 12 inch dob this summer!

[phallam]

And another vote for  the Baader 8-24mm zoom - excellent piece of kit.

[Astral Enigma]

OK - The Baader 8-24mm is looking good from the feedback so far. Has anyone tried the Celestron ones? It'll be decision time soon, but I may as well get all the views I can first! Thanks for the thoughts so far, much appreciated and I'm hoping in the future I'll be in a position to help others.

[mitchelln]

Wouldn't be without my Baader zoom

[Mem]

Baader zoom is an excellent eyepiece, well made and also great to use as a eye piece for a travel scope!