Planetary eyepieces for /60mm refractor.

[tico]

Hello, 

I Am looking for some planetary eyepieces for one 60mm/360mm ED refractor. 

You know some good model for this purpose? 

Thanks un advance. 

Tico. 

 

[Zermelo]

Hello, a couple of questions that might help potential advisors:

- do you have a budget in mind?

- will you be wearing glasses while you observe?

[tico]

No... 

[Zermelo]

... that's a "no" to both questions?

[Knighty2112]

BST ED Starguider 3.2, 5 & 8mm EP’s are good contenders.

Edited October 3, 2021 by Knighty2112

[Louis D]

Given the super short focal length of your scope, you're probably going to have to either use a Barlow or tele-extender to get the power up to a reasonable level for planetary observations.  Alternatively, if you are opposed to adding additional glass to the optical path, you could look for used Vixen HRs which were available in 3.4mm, 2.4mm, 2.0mm, and 1.6mm focal lengths.  Tak TOE eyepieces are still available new in 4mm, 3.3mm, and 2.5mm focal lengths.

[Andrew_B]

I've got an OVL Nirvana 4mm which gives nice views of the Moon and planets. It's sharp and contrasty and has a nice 82 degree FOV.

[JAC51]

For a lower price bracket than the Tak TOE you could also consider the Vixen SLV eyepieces 2.5mm  then 4mm , 5mm.

[JAC51]

4 minutes ago, JAC51 said:

For a lower price bracket than the Tak TOE you could also consider the Vixen SLV eyepieces 2.5mm  then 4mm , 5mm.

I should also mention available from our sponsor and showing as being in stock.

[Andrew_B]

Are the Vixen HR models no longer in production? I can't afford any at the moment, but I've often seen people singing their praises.

[Louis D]

21 minutes ago, Andrew_B said:

Are the Vixen HR models no longer in production? I can't afford any at the moment, but I've often seen people singing their praises.

Correct.  Discontinued very recently, so you might still find new old stock at some retailers.

[johninderby]

The 1.6mm can still be found with a bit of searching but the others are rare and snapped up instantly when one shows up in the sale section.

 

[John]

Another out of production eyepiece that might be worth looking out for would be the Tele Vue Nagler 2mm-4mm zoom. In your 60mm F/6 refractor that eyepiece would give you 90x - 180x. A very useful range and a high quality eyepiece.

 

 

 

Edited October 5, 2021 by John

[Mr Spock]

At that focal length I'd go for a decent quality x3 Barlow. Then maybe add an 8mm eyepiece to give x135 and possible a 6mm to give x180. Anything higher powered will be pushing the aperture too far - x180 would lead to floaters as it is.

[Louis D]

The OP could also try @John's trick of using a 7.2mm-21.5mm zoom in a Baader Q-Turret 2.25x barlow to get a higher power range (9.55mm to 3.2mm) on the (relatively) cheap:

 

Edited October 5, 2021 by Louis D