JCAZ

1 hour ago, John said:

Great stuff - I'm sure you will enjoy it

I've put a 2 inch diameter barrel extender on my 13, 8 and 6mm Ethos so that I can use a 2 inch filter with them to tease out those nebulae. The Baader 28mm Fine Tuning Rings do a good job for this purpose.

 

Thanks for the tip.  I am sure I will be going there.

It's here.  Likely start a new thread as I get to use it.

john

Greetings all,

And thank you for your comments.  I put my order in for the 8mm Ethos.  Will be here on Friday.  Will be my first Ethos, so I will be interested to see how it performs and how we get along.  

As the monsoons clear here in southern AZ I will doing some comparisons that should prove fun and interesting.  Eyepiece comparisons will of course be on the agenda.  But I will also be comparing my Tak to a Celestron 6" f/5 Newtonian I bought.  I had Swayze refigure the primary, and I have a Antares secondary I will eventually put in.  I suspect this scope, while not optimized for planetary work (secondary is closer than ideal), will give the Tak a run for its money on the planets, and go a bit deeper on deep sky.  Should be fun.

Thanks again everyone, I appreciate the input, helps in sorting things out.

john

Thank you for the photo.  Another issue is size and weight.  The 8mm Delos looks like a nice ergonomic option.

Thanks again, john

Thanks for the feedback.

Back in the day I generally was one that would buy and try everything.  I bought Naglers, Radians, TMB Supermonos, Brandons, Tak LE's, Panoptics and pretty much everything new and improved.  I did own the 5mm Pentax XW and the 7mm.  I do the recall the 7mm being a bit different than the 5mm - it did surprise me but it was not a deal breaker.

Now I tend toward a more basic approach.  I try to buy quality, but keep things to a minimum. Currently my deep sky kit is:

30mm Paragon

13mm Nagler Type 6

Pentax XF 8.5

Nagler Zoom 3-6

For a while, while living back east, I really ramped down on pursuing astronomy as conditions right outside Washington D.C. were not very good.  More recently I moved to a very rural, very small, very dark Arizona community and my interest has been rekindled.

With the decision to purchase a Takahashi FC100DZ to use in my new found conditions, I felt I would like to try a new uber wide  - one of the 100mm fields.  I briefly tried a friends 13mm Erhos right around the time it came out, it was very nice but I really don't recall the total feel that well.

To complement my current kit I thought something in the uber wide category would be nice right around the 8mm XF eyepiece, because while comfortable and competent, it really is not a top shelf performer and was noticeably bested by the likes of Brandon and the TV Plossol.

In another thread I am seeking a top shelf performer as a high power complement in  the Nagler Zoom range for planetary. The 4mm TOE seems to be the front runner right now (I don't wear glasses, but probably should for reading).

SO - that's my story and what I am trying to accomplish.  I don't mind spending a bit now, I just don't want to get into the "eyepiece junky" phase where people show cases full of eyepieces based more on "having the whole set" then actual viewing needs.  I would like to try and avoid getting caught up in the commodity fetish side of the hobby and be a bit more precise and selective.

So right now I am feeling like I want something far enough from the 13mm that does not have too small of an exit pupil.  Reflecting on this like a well disciplined monk (who can not shake his attachment to worldly items), it seems 8mm would be good at 1mm XP.   And for the record, I am not tied to the 8mm Ethos, just seems to check a lot of boxes (including the fact that it does not weigh 6 pounds - 2.72 kilos - know they audience).  The Pentax 7mm XW, or the 8mm Delos seem like good candidates as well.  There may be others.

There does not seem to be much on the Nikon SW's or the Takahashi UWA's.  Anyone tried those?

Thank you to all who have commented and those who may yet share their perspective.

john

Of late I am really leaning toward an 8mm Ethos.  Using it with a 13mm NT6 would give me a good deeps sky bracket for small galaxies and nebulae, I believe. 8mm Ethos, because the scope is F/8 provides a 1mm exit pupil,  1 degree  actual field of view, at 100X.   Seems like that should have some kind of cosmic significance.  FLASH - 8mm ETHOS ACTUALLY MADE BY SAME ALIENS THAT BUILT THE PYRAMIDS!

Questions,

When you order from Japan, do you do it by phone or e-mail?

4 hours ago, JTEC said:

Is this it?   https://www.kyoei-osaka.jp/SHOP/docter-uwa125.html.  

It is.  Well done. Although that one is actually more expensive than in the states.  Still, nice find.

1 minute ago, jetstream said:

Not sure about the Docter, which is now called Noblex but they offer the Nikons and are excellent to deal with.

Than you sir, much appreciated!

2 minutes ago, jetstream said:

https://www.kyoei-osaka.jp/SHOP/165261/165262/list.html

OMG - too funny.  I am on their website right now.  I think I can send them an e-mail and try to place on order, right.  They have the Nikon, but not the Doctor?

THX again, 

john

1 hour ago, jetstream said:

Youre welcome John and yes it is logical to assume this. I base my opinion on comparisons with 2 very good zooms- the Zeiss 25.1-6.7mm and the Leica Asph- at the 14mm setting the Nikon "14"/EIC goes no deeper than these 2 excellent zooms to my eyes.

The Docter is deeper than both zooms.... and my 12.5mm Tak ortho. Yes eye placement is a bit awkward.

However, for some objects such as the Eagle and Swan nebs the Nikon 17/14 has no peer, at least in comparison to the EP's I own, mind you the Docter is pretty fri cken good here too lol!

Have you considered a direct from Japan purchase?

I thought about the direct from Japan approach but haven't had any luck.  Either I can't find it on some of the websites discussed or the pages are in Japanese and are finicky.  So for example, I tried Amazon Japan, but I think you need to create an account (my U.S. version doesn't work).  Also, the Japanese Amazon keeps reverting back to Japanese and will not translate as you go deeper into the purchasing process and get towards checking out.

I'm just curious, what the best travel scope over 4000 Euro?

4 minutes ago, Louis D said:

I have the 14mm XL, 10mm Delos, 7mm XW, 5.2mm XL, and 3.5mm XW.  The Delos is flat of field and sharp to the edge with or without a coma corrector at f/6.  I have never had blackout issues with it.  The 14mm XL has field curvature, as does the 14mm XW as I understand it, but is otherwise flawless to the edge with refocusing.  The 7mm XW has a finicky exit pupil and weird chromatic aberrations at the edge.  I rarely use it because of these two strikes against it.  The 5.2mm XL is flawless edge to edge like the Delos with an easy exit pupil.  The 3.5mm XW is very well behaved as well, but rarely used due to seeing conditions and floaters in my observing eye.

Sounds like you really like the Delos.  Certainly would be less expensive.  The reason I am going through all this is because I am rebuilding my collection.  Just got the new scope and need a few eyepieces to complement it.  I also want to avoid buying a ton of eyepieces because it really isn't necessary, maybe fun, but not necessary.  So I am looking for a high quality deep sky eyepiece to the heavy lifting on medium to high power deep sky observing.  Based on exit pupil, something between 8 to 12 or 13mm should fit the bill.  The Nikon intrigues because it's two eyepieces in one, but pricey.

In any case, thank you for the response, much appreciated.

john

5 minutes ago, jetstream said:

I have the Docter 12.5mm UWA which is my deepest widefield, it surpassed my Ethos and is an orthoscopic widefield IMHO. My 17 HW/14 Nikon does not go as deep as the Docter- some will say its because of the mag difference but no its just not as deep. Delos are VG and deep but the Docter was a bit sharper on lunar/planetary.

My deepest eyepiece believe it or not is the Baader 10mm BCO with and without the VIP barlow.

Thank you very much.  Ya, a well executed simple design is tough to beat for raw performance.  I was thinking I might try a TOE, they get good reviews.

But this Doctor eyepiece intrigues me.  Good focal length for my scope and seems to get universal praise. I have not tried a Delos, also an eyepiece that seems to get good reviews, although some complain about eye placement.

Compared to the Nikon the Doctor is a steal, but the Nikon is two eyepieces in one.  I think it is logical however, to assume the difference in focal length between the Doctor and the Nikon is having an impact.

Anyone tried the NAV 12.5/10.  Pricey, but two eyepieces in one.

11 minutes ago, JTEC said:

I have the 8 and 10mm Delos which I use with my 140mm f7 refractor and find them excellent: sharp, comfortable, contrasty, great tone and rendition of star colours, throughput reportedly a little bit better than comparable Ethos. I still might be tempted by the Ethos if money were no object but Alvin Huey reports that he replaced his Ethos eps with Deloses because they went deeper!  I can honestly think of nothing to criticise about the Deloses I own - even in those moments of restlessness we get that lead us to dream and speculate about eyepiece pastures new. And I always conclude that I can’t think of anything that would be  better.

I have never tried  Delos, seems like a good options, especially with comfy eye relief.  Anyone ever compared the Delos to the XW's?

56 minutes ago, Timebandit said:

 

Hey stop poaching our members by suggesting Cloudy Nights 😀😀😀😀😀😀

 

 

Turning to the OP , ever thought of the Pentax XW . If you like Ortho sharpness of views , but with great eye relief and a wider angle view . Then IMO the Pentax XW are up there with the best eyepiece's. I don't have a Tak , but I do have a 120ed frac ,and a range of Pentax XW 5mm, 7mm and 10mm , and I am more than happy with them. Had the Pentax XW for years and as an eyepiece are real 'Keepers'

Hope that is some help to you 🔭

 

 

 

 

57 minutes ago, Timebandit said:

 

Hey stop poaching our members by suggesting Cloudy Nights 😀😀😀😀😀😀

 

 

Turning to the OP , ever thought of the Pentax XW . If you like Ortho sharpness of views , but with great eye relief and a wider angle view . Then IMO the Pentax XW are up there with the best eyepiece's. I don't have a Tak , but I do have a 120ed frac ,and a range of Pentax XW 5mm, 7mm and 10mm , and I am more than happy with them. Had the Pentax XW for years and as an eyepiece are real 'Keepers'

Hope that is some help to you 🔭

 

 

 

 

I have tried the XW's, they are excellent.  Perhaps the 7 or the 10 would work.

I am seeking advice regarding the selection of an eyepiece for a Takahashi FC100DZ F/8.  The eyepiece will be used for deep sky viewing in Mag 6 skies.  I tend to push magnification, even for viewing deep sky, particular on small galaxies, so the focal length/ exit pupil may be shorter/smaller than is considered typical.

I have been looking at eyepieces from 4.7mm Ethos SX to 10mm (Ethos, Pentax etc.) as well as some more exotics such as the Doctor or even a Nikon HW.  I was thinking that a 1mm exit pupil or larger might be wise for this purpose, and my desires, which might mean an 8mm Ethos or Delos.  But I am certain I wish to stay between 1 to 1.5mm exit pupil.

Actual experiences with eyepieces preferred, but any input would be welcomed. I do not view with glasses and tend not to be challenged by short eye relief.  So for example I use a Nagler zoom or an ortho without to much difficulty.  That said, I don’t want to go there if I don’t have to.  Budget really not a concern.

Thank you for the feedback.  Yes, I see the Vixen's get great reviews as well.  I just wish these companies would put out a more complete lines, even if it was focused on the higher power end of the spectrum given the design of the eyepieces.

Thanks Roger.  Appreciate the feedback.  Was it comfortable to use?

Looking for a high quality 4mm eyepiece for planetary work.  Any one had a chance to compare these two?

Updated Grab and Go.  New Tripod attached and new dual speed focuser in place.  Provides more balllast in the bottom end and the focuser will reduce torque.

Of course, it's raining once again, so I have not yet had a chance to see the real world impact.  And of course in this configuration, red dot on top of clam shell won't work, end of scope red dot looking more likely.  Now just to figure which one, and how to mount it.

5 hours ago, A McEwan said:

That's what I was doing with my Telrad, and what I wanted to get away from. But yes, it certainly works!    

Well,

There's a couple things I like about this setup.  1) It sits up high, and is not as big as a Telrad  2) the device is not at the bottom of the telescope, which, when pointing skyward, can leave the finder in a very difficult spot to actually use.

I do have a 7X50, but these days optical finders seem a bit out of place with all the goto in use.  I mean, it's a finder that you don't need to use to, well, find anything.  And it adds extra weight and bulk.

Ideally I would like to find a place to put a nice red dot, but again, mounting at the back of the scope leaves it is a bit of a difficult position when it comes to ease of use.

I welcome suggestions regarding a good quality red dot, and a good place to mount it.

john

Installed.  Feels pretty good.  Of course, it's adjustable.  Will try first under the stars.

john

MEF3  has arrived.  Adding the Tak dual speed focuser.  Will help with the grab and go setup.