Smart Astronomy 20mm Sterling EP

[Rob]

Bought this through the Smart Astronomy ebay shop.

Its a 20mm 55 degree plossl. All in black metal (aluminium) and no rubber eyeguard required due its design. Dont be put off by there bland looks... this ep packs a punch on sharpness.

Used in 8" f6 / 6" f5 / 80ED f7. Edge sharpness was very good, only the final 10% started to tail, contrast was very good also. All in all for the money a steel.. On balance it beat a 4000 or NPL, with the NPLs again being very good eps for under £40. It came close to the series 5000.

Well I have to say the Cloudy nights review statements were right.. this is indeed a little gem of an EP and I have to agree equal to a Televue plossl in performance.

The view was wonderful through this EP.. I could not get over how little I paid. Now I've owned many EP's including Televue plossls and these are equal to them. I'm going to do something rare here and share how much I paid because I want others to invest a modest some of money for a quality piece of kit.

I paid £42 including USPS delivery from the states 3 days to my door.. no extras paid (never have with these guys) I have to say the people at Smart are fantastic. Very nice to approach and great comms & service.

Here for more info:

http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/2648659/page/8/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/all/fpart/1

http://yhst-1469288697390.stores.yahoo.net/stsepley12.html

Regards

Rob

[Doc]

They look bland but if the glass is good who cares.

I wonder what the 30mm would be like

[Rob]

I did look at that one when picking up the 20mm.... go for one I guess. Got to be better than the Adler or Revelation (GSO) jobbie

[GazOC]

They are good guys to buy from at Smart Astronomy.

[buddyarrows]

Hi Rob, I also got one of these from SA. They are an excellent EP for under £40. Pin sharp stars through my SW 120ED DS. Have ordered the 12mm and hope to get the 40mm when funds allow. The 20mm shows up my 15mm Meade 4000 as average! Will tell better when the 12mm arrives.

Clear skies please soon

Regards

David

[Rob]

Just ordered the 25mm... looking forward to that. I will add another review

[albedo0.39]

Looking forward to feedback Rob.

[Rob]

The 25mm is a very, very good EP!. Once again TV quality and the 55 degree field gives a nice space walk feel