PatientObserver

It is my favorite of the Nikon AEs. This may mostly be due to the decrease in mass compared to the other two (though I also prefer the magnification). Also note that I am in Bortle 6 or 7 skies. It is a great buy for the price; especially if you buy them on sale like I did.

I started experimenting with binoculars with the Nikon AE line. The first model I purchased was the 7x50. I later aquired the 10x50 and the 8x40. The 10x50 had a crack objective lens, so I returned it. These served me well, but I was interested in what I could get with more investment. At first, I considered higher end Nikons, but after reading multiple good reviews of Maven binoculars, I started considering buying a Maven B6 10x50. Then on Prime Day, there was a deal I could not refuse on the MB2 9x45. Shortly after I saw an MB6 12x50 for sale in the Classifieds on CN. Given Maven's lifetime transferable warranty, I was confident that I would be able to get them repaired if there was any issue, or sell them if I was not happy with them. The MB2 is my favorite handheld binocular. It fits me perfectly. The MB6 I use mounted and it has become my sunspot spotter. I like the Mavens enough that my next binocular purchase will be an MB5 15x56. Though that will not be anytime soon as I have other astronomy priorities to purchase first.

On really cold nights I wear my LA Sportiva ice climbing boots. As a kid, cold digits was what would make me come inside from playing in the snow. With LA Sportivas cold toes are a thing of the past.

Nice find. Every time I view this thread I want another Berlebach. Currently considering buying an UNI 19C with a Monkey Grip 2 and side tray.

Sorry for the delayed response. I have not checked the forum in several months. I have the Standard variant.

One of my favorite features of the Mewlon 180C is the finderscope. Not only is it a clear, sharp, view, it is perfectly aligned (despite traveling all the way from Japan). On top of that it is intended to be used as a carry handle. The only downside, is that it makes finding a soft case for the scope a little more difficult.

I am trying to limit myself to gear that I will use regularly. I found I used the FOA-60Q more than my AT102EDL, and now that I bought the Mewlon, I have not used it at all. The differences between the μ-180C and the FOA-60Q are complementary. The differences between the refractors are more subtle. Once the Agema arrives, I expect to choose that over the AT102EDL nearly every time. The exception is camping. It may be nice to have a scope of which I am less protective.

Thanks for sharing the article. I just started this journey this year, so there are many eyepieces through which I have never looked, but with my limited experience, I agree with Roger. If Takahashi adds a 7 mm to the TPL, or a 5mm to the TOE, I would buy them in a heartbeat. There are four slots in my turret and the jump from 12.5 to 4 mm is too much.

I bought mine direct from Japan.

I spent more than I like to admit this year on astronomy gear. Last night, I resisted the urge to buy a used Nikon EDG 7x42 I found for 50% off, but it was a close call. I am debating if I want to sell my AT102EDL to help fund the binoscope, or keep it to use as my camping scope.

I bought my eyepieces out of a need (I had a turret to populate), not as an upgrade. I compared them to the Pentax XW as I already owned them. I think I lack the experience (or maybe the seeing) needed to notice the subtleties of the differences between premium eyepieces. The views through my Pentax and TPLs are both excellent. So it comes down to other features for me. The TPLs are much smaller and have less mass. This makes them perfect for my turret. The Pentax XW have an adjustable eye guard, and are very easy for me to use. Others have noticed improvements between the Takahashi Abbes and the TPLs. I cannot says as I have never looked through them. I have not seen any reports mention the Masuyamas yet. I may try those once I build my binoscope, but I do not not how long that will take me to complete. My opinion is that the eyepiece forum on the other site often turns into fandom battles. People shout the praises of their preferred manufacturer, and look down on anyone who makes the slightest statement against an eyepiece from their favorite brand. Honestly, it is one of my least favorite forums. So yes, in my limited experience, I tend to agree that most premium eyepieces are good, and it is the subtle differences and/or brand loyalty that drive our preferences.

The FOV is narrow. That is one reason a refractor is such a good complement to it (that and I can use the FOA-60Q while I am waiting for the Mewlon to cool). I am looking forward to pointing it at the Orion Nebula. I have not tried yet as Luna is reflecting too much light. Only the brightest stars have been visible the last few nights.

Having used it for a few nights I can say I am very satisfied with my purchase. The views of the Moon have been amazing. Thanks for helping me decide to purchase a Mewlon 180C. Despite the horror stories I was told elsewhere, no collimation was needed.

The case even holds the mount! The lack of padding would concern me, but I wish more telescopes came with dedicated cases.

I now have something to add to my wish list.

I was surprised how light it felt. It was very easy to mount in the AZ75 V Saddle.

The plan is to use the FOA-60Q while the Mewlon 180C acclimates to the temperature (if it ever does here). Time will tell if this purchase triggers aperture fever (so far I have avoided it).

Thanks! I already had the first link bookmarked, but I had not seen the second thread yet. Next Takahashi purchase should be a second FOA-60Q so I can build a binoscope. Though I am not sure when I will be able to begin that project.

I admit it, I am a Takaholic. I found a Mewlon 180C for a price I could not refuse. Now to figure out how to collimate it ...

A new partner for my FOA-60Q:

I use these with my FOA-60Q:

I originally planned on buying just the 1.25" eyepieces in the series. However, the XW 20 was not wide enough for me to get by without a finderscope. Since my telescopes supported 2" eyepieces, I decided to try the 30 mm when it went on sale. It quickly became one of my favorite eyepieces. When I saw the 40 mm on sale the other day, I decided to place the order.

Now I am just missing the Pentax XW 14, 16.5, and 23 (All of which I do not know if I will purchase).

Alas, now I want a second Report 322/KA40, so I can use both setups at the same time. I do not think I could afford a floor made by Berlebach. Both of my tripods had the tray included as standard. I find that they are much more stable when installed.

Here it is with the Orion Paragon-Plus: