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Building eyepieces ...


kev100

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Hi,


 


I originally posted a topic in the eyepiece discussions forum - http://goo.gl/dslsRV - but realised that it might be better developed here. Anyway, I've been thinking about perhaps building an eyepiece, something like a 2inch, 30mm plossl design. Ian at IR Poyser has very kindly recommended a couple of lenses (two 5293 lenses to make a 35mm plossl) and reckons that, based on feedback from several happy customers, that the finished EP competes well with Naglers ...


 


Anyway, as I don't have any machining equipment, I've been looking around for ready-made/available components for the barrel, etc. This 2 inch adapter looks promising: http://goo.gl/h8lavc , and something like these might serve as eyepiece cups : http://goo.gl/0C3yYO


 


I'm imagining retaining the lenses inside the barrel using tubular spacers (rubber, plastic, wood), and, not counting the spacers, I reckon the build using these parts would be in the region of 66 quid - which seems reasonable for a Nagler beating, 2 inch wide field EP.


 


I'm hoping someone here has the knowledge to let me know whether I'm wasting my time/money on this. It seems like quite a lot of money for a self build, when for a similar outlay I could pick up a Celestron Omni 32mm EP, or, for a few quid more, a TS Optics 32mm Erfle ( http://goo.gl/GeA8fL ).


 


I'd really appreciate any feedback.


 


Cheers,


 


Kev.


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Hi Kev

Building your own eyepiece can be a lot of fun but to be truthful, I think it's always going to be difficult to make something better and cheaper than one that's commercially available. If what you want isn't available then yes for sure. I made a 3" 65mm wide angle and an 85mm plossl  both of which worked our fairly well. My general feeling is that to build your own for fun or because you can't get what's out there is a great idea, but as a method of saving money possibly not so great :)

A long focus plossl is a very forgiving design. You can come pretty close with the two objectives from old binoculars which are available for next to nothing these days

all the best

Tim

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Hi Tim, and thanks for the advice. I've decided to have a go at the cheap option, just to see how it goes. I bought a pair of faulty bins from astroboot, and will see what I can make of them, just for the fun of it. Will post any results.

Cheers,

Kev.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

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