Hyperion zoom first use.

[Mr Moff]

Hiya guys, just thought I'd share my experience with my zoom for the first time tonight.

The first thing I tried it on was the moon, which was a nice view. Zooming in and out is great.

I'd say in terms of quality of view they seem to be as good as the celestron x-cel LX range, and in my 8 inch Dob it seemed to be pretty sharp right to the edge.

I spent some time with the double cluster and it framed each one nicely at the 8mm setting.

The zoom action is very smooth and it feels well made. I haven't tried the baader 2.25 Barlow yet but hopefully I'll try it tomorrow.

All in all it's worth the outlay I think, and if I was to score it out of 10 I would probably give it an 8.

Something I nearly forgot to mention is that although it is meant to be par focal I found I had to keep tweaking the focus.

[rwilkey]

Hi Danny, I often find that when eyepieces are claimed to be parfocal, they are often not, even when they are from the same series (not a zoom). This is the case with the BST Exlporers/StarGuiders. However, the only eyepiece set I have ever found to be truly parfocal are the much aligned SW LET eyepieces (often mistakingly called LER), but they are actually quite good. The BST Explorers are my main-used ep's.

[Bart]

Hi Danny, I often find that when eyepieces are claimed to be parfocal, they are often not, even when they are from the same series (not a zoom). This is the case with the BST Exlporers/StarGuiders. However, the only eyepiece set I have ever found to be truly parfocal are the much aligned SW LET eyepieces (often mistakingly called LER), but they are actually quite good. The BST Explorers are my main-used ep's.

Interesting that, Robin, I see you have Vixens and Axioms, which I would have thought would have spent more time in your focusser. I was really tempted recently to import some axioms from the Us but dusciovered that suppliers in the US can't export Celestron products. I have the BST 8 and 5mm which I do like, for the money, they are very good EPs. Have just gone bananas and ordered an Explore Scientific 20mm 100°, which I have assured my better half is my last Astronomy purchase for a long time. $400 + $40 delivery is a lot for me to spend on an eyepiece, prob never do it again.

However, I have always fancied the idea of a zoom, despite the fact I have EPs for practically every FL !!! I have told my wife there is a lot of gear going on sale soon, including my beloved 6" Newt, my first scope, but one I only use for solar viewing now.

Danny, enjoy the zoom, it must make for very convenient viewing I imagine.

Regards

Barry

[rwilkey]

I love the BST Explorers, they are my regular ep's, but my Vixen 13mm LVW is my second most used ep, after a 32mm PanaView. However, my Ax's, in 7, 10 & 23mm are my 'specialist' eps for chosen targets such as globulars and planetary nebs etc. I am very choosy when it comes to what ep's I use.

[LukeSkywatcher]

I was really tempted recently to import some axioms from the Us but dusciovered that suppliers in the US can't export Celestron products.

I came across this issue also in the past. The reason for it that Astronomy Ireland are the main Celestron dealers in Ireland and American companies who deal in Celestron goods are bound by whatever business laws not to sell to a country that has a Celestron dealer there.

I dont think the same rules apply if you want to buy Celestron products from the UK. I think thats fine. Makes it a bit ecpensive though but then again, Astronomy Ireland are a tad expensive. They can afford to be because they basically have the market here in Ireland sewn up.

[LukeSkywatcher]

Sorry i stand corrected by myself. I once tried to buy Celestron from a UK company David Hinds) and i was told by them that they could not sell to Ireland because we have a Celestron dealer already here.

My apologies.

[rwilkey]

Luminos ep's are the same as Ax's and quite a bit cheaper, don't like the new name but you could save yourself some money. I believe the new SW Panorama ep's are also from the same stable, which is the real reason why Celestron rebranded their Ax's.