2" wide field eyepiece for small F6 ED refractor

[RedDwarf]

Hi,

I have recently bought a William Optics ZenithStar 71 refractor as a grab and go scope and also for some wide field observing and imaging. I absolutely love the scope, but am keen to add a 2" eyepiece of around 30-35mm so I can enjoy the wider views this would give me.

I'm on a reasonably tight budget and have been looking at the SW Panaview and Aero eyepieces as they seem to get good reviews. Before I make my choice, I have a few questions which I hope someone may be able to answer -

1. At f5.9, will the the Aero show significant reduction in distortion towards the edge of the field of view - enough to make it worth the extra cost?

2. Are there any other eyepieces out there around this price point which would be worth considering?

Thanks

Steve

[stevepeverall]

Hi Steve

I can't comment on the performance of the Aero or Panaview but another EP to throw into the mix is the Maxvision 68^o 34mm.

http://www.optical-systems.com/maxvision-m-354.html?osCsid=kqt4mjov09mi6l6f3coafcmdg1

I use this in both my f/5.95 refractors and it has very good edge sharpness. It's well engineered but on the heavy side and the eyecup is slightly uncomfortable to use until you get used to it.

A lot of people on this forum have good things to say about the Maxvisions. They're very good value for money.

[RedDwarf]

Thanks for the reply. This one slipped through the net when I was doing my googling. Reviews look good, so I'll add this to the mix. Weight isn't too much of a problem, it's more the quality of view across the field which I care most about.

[YKSE]

If the weight isn't an issue for you, then MV 34mm should be your best pick of the three, if it's the same optical quality as the other MV eyepieces I have. AERO 40mm shows very limited amount of astigmatism in my 80ED, while MVs are clearly better in edge sharpness.