Celestron x-cel lx 7 mmvs William Optics 6mm

[Steve777]

Hi all,

I'm in need of a good high power eyepiece to go with my 150 dob, but pretty torn between the two above; I have the 25mm Celstron one which is great, but the WO would deliver x200 as opposed to x100 with my scope; course I could go for 5mm Celestron, but that might be too high a mag for normal conditions; any advice appreciated,

[Pig]

Hiya Steve,

There are lots of options and as you know everyone's preference is different. Your own experiences will eventually determine your route to astronomy excellence

200 x is about on the limit for observing from the UK so you should be fine with the WO and a 7mm XCEL would probably get more usage than the 5mm.

It also depends on what you want to view, planets, DSO's or both.

For example, Jupiter seems to be suited for 200 x and below, Saturn around about 230 x and for the moon up to 400 x can be achieved, for DSO's  I use between 80 x & 170 x magnification dependent on the target. All of which are dependent on the atmospheric conditions at the time.

Using a 2 x Barlow in line with an eyepiece is also an option as this effectively doubles the focal length of your scope or halves the focal length of the eyepiece, I am not sure which is correct but the outcome is the same   for example, using a 12mm eyepiece in line with a 2 x Barlow will give you the same magnification as a 6mm and so on.

Hope this helps

Shaun

[rory]

I had a 7mm x-cel lx used with a 200p dob ,I found it performed well and was sharp almost to the very edge.  I found anything below 6mm  didn't get used too much .

[Steve777]

thanks Guys, would mostly be planetary, obviously as you both point out I need usage, I like Celestron but the extra x30 is tempting me!!

[rory]

6mm would be ok I think. I've heard the w o are good .

I'd just avoid standard plossl designs at those focal lengths as they can be difficult to use . Especially if you wear glasses.

[bingevader]

I have the 6mm WO and the 5mm X-Cel LX!

They are both very fine  in my 'scope.

The 6mm gets more use, but the 5mm has been smashing on the moon lately.

Cheers

[Steve777]

thank you guys, veering toward that 6mm (though gonna need a moon filter too!)

[John]

thank you guys, veering toward that 6mm (though gonna need a moon filter too!)

I think both are very nice eyepieces so pick the focal length that best fills the gap in your set.

My largest scope is a 12" dob but I don't find I need a moon filter even with that, especially when viewing at higher magnifications. I know some folks do like to use a filter but don't feel it's a mandatory requirement - lots of us get on just fine with lunar observing without one   

[Steve777]

thanks John, prob gonna go for 6mm

[bingevader]

I think both are very nice eyepieces so pick the focal length that best fills the gap in your set.

My largest scope is a 12" dob but I don't find I need a moon filter even with that, especially when viewing at higher magnifications. I know some folks do like to use a filter but don't feel it's a mandatory requirement - lots of us get on just fine with lunar observing without one   

My daughter (12) and I were out on Friday (I think), the moon was fab, she commented on how bright it was, so we tried stopping down the 'scope, we won't bother again!

She much preferred the image as it was and quickly got used to the brightness. The moon was splendid and she particularly enjoyed exploring the terminator. She did laugh about being blinded afterwards (a bit like staring at a light bulb), but keeps asking when we'll be out again!

Cheers

[Steve777]

that's a lovely story, mate, I've decided to plum for 6mm eyepiece see how I go with the moon.