8mm BST explorer

[Gonzo]

Ok, this is a follow up from my other post http://stargazerslounge.com/discussions-eyepieces/165118-opinion-my-eyepieces.html, I got myself a

8mm BST explorer

3.2mm TMB Planetary II

Let's start with the bad news, the TMB has a huge defect in the small glass (within the ring you can unscrew, that side you put in the diagonal).

That tiny little piece of glass as such a bad defect that I am unable to use this eyepiece. Impossible to get a good focus due to this defect, in fact you can't get focus on Jupiter or anything else.

With my £5 10mm unbranded Astroboot one I can see the bands on Jupiter

Now for the lesser bad news, the BST...

I tried it on "point the Megrez to something and look through the eyepiece", I was hoping to be WOWed by it but that did not happened.

After trying to get a good focus, I was enable to have a clear view.

Popped in a "cheap Astroboot" and got an amazing view, nice and clear.

Is there something special I need to do with the BST 8mm ???

[rory]

if its from a retailer, send it back for a replacement. or if unsure ,phone the place up.if its "skys the limit" i hear they are very good and would advise you no problem.

good luck.

[Bart]

Sounds faulty. I have a BST 8mm and I like it a lot. Get great clear views of Jupiter, and thats in a fast scope.

Bart

[John]

That does not sound right at all. Get replacements from the retailer - that's why he has the generous return policy - maybe quality is a bit variable with these things ?.

[paul mc c]

I used to own on 8mm BST when i had an 8'' sct and the views that i had of Saturn were excellent so maybe a bad one you got,i also got mine from Alan at Skies The Limit,excellent to deal with so wouldnt be a problem.

[Gonzo]

Alan sent me an email regarding the TMB, some had a known defect and I will get a replacement.

As for the BST, I will do another test tonight.

[andrew63]

I had a 8mm bst and gave good views of the planets and moon - i would return it for another.

andrew

[damnut]

I Have the 8mm BST also, its a keeper!...

[Rustysplit]

Another yes vote for the bst's I like mine alot.

[4lefts]

what those guys said. i liked my 8mm bst a lot in the 200p f6 newt, and it's good in the st80 as well. the moon in the 80mm f5 frac is great - 50x mag, 1 and a bit degrees fov.

[faulksy]

i have the 8mm as well i no its at f10 but very good ep

[Gonzo]

My TMB has now been exchanged for a BST 5mm, credits to Alan, such a friendly chap.

[Moonshane]

you have to always consider that better eyepieces (even the most expensive ones) will give only a marginally better view than the better quality cheapest and this even with the scope well cooled, collimated and with your eyes adapted to the dark for maybe 20 minutes. what do do get is slightly better contrast, sharpness, colour rendition, coatings and build quality as well as much more reliable quality control.

I agree with the general comments that the BSTs are very good value for money. with time you'll appreciate them more. I'd recommend using the BSTs for a few weeks, then try one of the basic free ones and I suspect you'll see a difference then.

[great_bear]

My TMB has now been exchanged for a BST 5mm, credits to Alan, such a friendly chap.

- but what of the 8mm BST which you were unable to get a clear view through?

[Gonzo]

- but what of the 8mm BST which you were unable to get a clear view through?

It's working fine, I think it was down to poor atmospheric conditions and the scope was not cooled.