Yet another EP thread.

[perkil8r]

I want to start upgrading my EP's. I currently have the standard Skywatcher supers 10 and 25mm, I also have the 2 x Barlow. In addition I have 9mm, 20mm and 25mm EP's of unknown manufacturer and quality, all 3 of which have zero eye relief and are metal. I would like to get a smaller EP maybe around 6mm? I'm thinking if I get sizes that I don't already have, I can then increase my range rather than double up on sizes, once I have a set of sizes I am happy with I can then start replacing the ones I currently have with EP's of the same range that I buy next if you follow? So, given my current sizes, would a 6mm be a sensible choice? Next is which to go for....

First Light Optics - Celestron X-Cel LX eyepiece

Or

First Light Optics - Vixen NPL eyepieces

The price difference is little really, but which would be the most highly reccomended of the two, or have I missed a gem at a similar price range? I must say I am swaying towards the Vixen purely on the way they look. I don't wear glasses so eye relief isn't important, but I do feel mor comfortable with the supers I have as they have a comfy rubber cup on the end.

[hemihaggis]

try a search for the BST explorers , they work great , i think skies the limit have em for 41 quid , they are just as good as the xcel lx ...

[damnut]

Hi Perkil8r,

Another vote for the BST explorers try here :- 1.25" Eyepieces

Also there is an astro soc nearby - East Midlands Stargazers - here :-

East Midlands Stargazers

We are a friendly bunch!, come along and I am sure that you would be able to have a peek through several differnt ep types to see what suits you best.

Cheers

[Catweazel]

My advice is to take up damnut's offer! If you can try before you buy then you will be sorted.

[perkil8r]

I'll give them a bell later on, thanks. I did a search but forund nothing other than from them, are they the only people to sell them?!

Damnut, Thanks, I keep meaning to create an account on there, but you know how it goes.... I'll get around to it lol

[damnut]

I think skies the limit are the only retailers, Alan is great to deal with too.

Look forward to meeting you at our dark sites, one near Ambergate.

[paul schofield]

The focal length is a personal choice really. Another vote for BST Explorers, they are excellent ep's. I only say its a personal choice as I bought a 5mm TMB Planetary which is a great ep, but wish I had gone for a 7mm baader genuine ortho. Just don't gel with the TMB. Eye relief taken into account. If you can try before you buy, go for it. P. s vixens are meant to be great ep's, clear to the edge I've heard. Good luck. G

[perkil8r]

Hmm, been trying to get hold of STL this afternoon with no joy, perhaps drop him an email later. Am I right or wrong in thinking that the most mag I should go to is 1 x per mm of apature? or is it 2 x? Thinking I might go for 7mm rather than 5 as I can in theory already get 5mm with the 10 + barlow.