Anyone compared the BST Explorer 5mm to a TMB (or clone) 5mm?

[Dodge]

As the title says - looking for something a bit more powerful for planetary use, I know both of these eyepieces are generally liked and they're similarly priced.

Anyone tried both?

ta

[spaceboy]

Alan at sky's the limit allows you to try before you buy. As there is no better judge than yourself to if an EP is going to work for you then I would recommend you give it a go Sky's the Limit

HTH

SPACEBOY

[andrew63]

A few people have had the opportunity to compare, top bloke is Alan, and from memory there's usually not much in it - I think the BST gets the nod for superior build quality.

andrew

[great_bear]

I've compared the 8mm ones to each other, and I'd say the TMB was the winner, plus I also preferred the fit and finish of the TMB too.

[RikM]

I guess it would depend on what scope you have them in.

[andrew63]

Now if you are really into planetary eyepiece take a look at this detailed comparison on cloudy nights

6mm Lunar/Planetary Eyepiece Comparison - Review

There's a Zeiss Abbe Ortho on sale on ASB in vgc for £300

I'd snap it up it's a bargain!

andrew

[Dodge]

Thanks all - will order up both and post back with my thoughts.

[coffee_prince]

the TMB got a low score on here, so I am confused :s

[Stephen]

the TMB got a low score on here, so I am confused :s

Where? The TMB is universally loved I thought for its price point

[John]

the TMB got a low score on here, so I am confused :s

If you are referring to the review that andrew63 posted you need to bear in mind that the TMB Planetary (that was the MK I) was up against some of the finest planetary eyepieces ever made and which, if you can ever find them for sale, would cost $100's each. The TMB is compared favourably with a Redian in the review which I reckon is not a bad result for a budget eyepiece

Trouble is that I'm not sure that the latest versions and clones of the TMB Planetaries are quite as good as the original ones were

[andrew63]

I think from the article, for me it's not about the good value of the TMB but the quality of the BGO at £72 FLO - which i would think would out perform any lens two or three times it's cost.

andrew