Advice or suggestions about my eyepiece choice

[azrabella]

Although I have been a visual astronomer for some time, I find myself wondering if I can improve my choice of eyepieces. I have been a lone observer and have arrived at my choice of oculars "organically" through trial and error. I now only use a 6-inch Dobsonian with Hilux coated mirrors and my subject matter tends to be open clusters, variables and double stars. I live in a quite heavily light polluted area on the outskirts of a city, and find that most deep sky subjects are quite impossible to view from my location, hence my choice of subjects. The eyepieces I have currently quite suit the scope, and more importantly - my eyes. I have a quite limited budget so please don't suggest Ethos or Nagler or other high end oculars because I simply cannot afford these. Image supplied.

 

Edited February 16, 2021 by azrabella

[Pixies]

How do you find the 16mm Nirvana? I've just got one and using it in my F6 8" dob, the stars at the outer edge show some astigmatism. I'm not sure whether it's my eyes or the scope/EP.

 

[azrabella]

For an 82 degree field, some distortion in the outer 10% of the fov is to be expected unless you are willing to pay BIG BUCKS. I did find when I used the same scope that you are using it was probably more coma than astigmatism, depending on your choice of eyepiece. I doubt it's your eyes. It was also one of the reasons I chose the 6" f/8 Dobsonian.  I did find the eyepieces performed much better in a slightly slower scope. You could always cut out an aperture mask or alternatively use a barlow with the Nirvana to see if that clears up the edge of field issue. I have compared the Nirvana with a much more expensive Explore Scientific 82 degree equivalent. Nirvana was better on eye relief and no difference detected optically. I sent the ES back and kept the Nirvana.

[Pitch Black Skies]

Hi, nice collection. I know they are different focal lengths and AFOV but how would you compare the BST towards the Nirvana?

I picked up a 16mm Nirvana but now wondering if I should have got a 15mm BST. My scope is 200p f6 dob. Thanks.

Edited May 1, 2021 by Pitch Black Skies
Typo

[Pitch Black Skies]

On 16/02/2021 at 18:37, azrabella said:

Although I have been a visual astronomer for some time, I find myself wondering if I can improve my choice of eyepieces. I have been a lone observer and have arrived at my choice of oculars "organically" through trial and error. I now only use a 6-inch Dobsonian with Hilux coated mirrors and my subject matter tends to be open clusters, variables and double stars. I live in a quite heavily light polluted area on the outskirts of a city, and find that most deep sky subjects are quite impossible to view from my location, hence my choice of subjects. The eyepieces I have currently quite suit the scope, and more importantly - my eyes. I have a quite limited budget so please don't suggest Ethos or Nagler or other high end oculars because I simply cannot afford these. Image supplied.

 

It looks like you have everything thing you need there. All of the important exit pupil sizes are covered. You mentioned about the light pollution. I'd recommend a good quality UHC filter if you don't already have one. Oh yeah and a nice sturdy carry case for those babies 😁