Orion Expanse Re-visited

[Zeta Reticulan]

1 hour ago, cajen2 said:

Mike's 2" EPs are the Orion branded version of what's sold here as StellaLyra  (Long Perng) 80° LER/UWA. I have the 20mm and it's superb.

The best Morpheus is said to be the 17.5mil. I can't confirm this as I'm already sorted for that f/l, but I can say my 12.5, 9 and 6.5 are excellent.

I'm tempted by the 17.5mm now ... counts pennies ...

[cajen2]

6 minutes ago, Zeta Reticulan said:

I'm tempted by the 17.5mm now ... counts pennies ...

I've never heard a word said against it....😉

Yes, there are EPs with larger fields of view but I've found the Morph one to be ideal.

Edited September 2, 2022 by cajen2

[Zeta Reticulan]

2 minutes ago, cajen2 said:

I've never heard a word said against it....😉

Yes, there are EPs with larger fields of view but I've found the Morph one to be ideal.

... counts more pennies ...

[cajen2]

Really don't think you'd be sorry....

YMMV.

[Zeta Reticulan]

27 minutes ago, cajen2 said:

Really don't think you'd be sorry....

YMMV.

I probably wouldn't be sorry. Although the 17.5 might end up sitting on a shelf for long periods of time along with my 10mm Delos and others.

[cajen2]

I wish I could say the same. Underused top-quality EPs? I should be so lucky! 😄

[Zeta Reticulan]

2 minutes ago, cajen2 said:

I wish I could say the same. Underused top-quality EPs? I should be so lucky! 😄

I even have underused telescopes. 

[cajen2]

I almost bankrupted myself buying two scopes and six good-quality EPs (plus a couple of average ones).. The difference is that they are used all the time.

[Zeta Reticulan]

12 minutes ago, cajen2 said:

I almost bankrupted myself buying two scopes and six good-quality EPs (plus a couple of average ones).. The difference is that they are used all the time.

I have mobility issues, so I get out with what I can. TBH I can spend hours outside with an ST80 and a couple of GSO EP's. 

[cajen2]

Mmm, I've often considered an 80mil refractor on a lightweight go-to mount for grab & go but it would set me back about £1k all up, so it's not happening. My SW Heritage Flextube 150p is very light and portable, so it'll do me.

[Zeta Reticulan]

3 hours ago, cajen2 said:

Mmm, I've often considered an 80mil refractor on a lightweight go-to mount for grab & go but it would set me back about £1k all up, so it's not happening. My SW Heritage Flextube 150p is very light and portable, so it'll do me.

It's amazing how the money adds up.

This is my 'cheap' 80mm short tube achromat set-up. Throw in a mount and a tripod and even this lot must be pushing a grand.

[cajen2]

Yes, that's what I calculated. I suppose the mount for something that small needn't be huge, but as you say, it all adds up.

[Zeta Reticulan]

8 minutes ago, cajen2 said:

Yes, that's what I calculated. I suppose the mount for something that small needn't be huge, but as you say, it all adds up.

I use an AZ5, present price £265. The Orion ST80 was about a hundred quid, £270 including the GSO focuser. The 2" SuperView around 60 quid (I'm sure I paid more). The diagonal about £100. The other eyepieces must total £150 at least. 

 

Edited September 2, 2022 by Zeta Reticulan

[cajen2]

Yes, I wasn't factoring in barlows, EPs, etc as I already have those.

Edited September 2, 2022 by cajen2

[Zeta Reticulan]

Just now, cajen2 said:

Yes, I wasn't factoring in EPs, as I already have those.

It's scary ... I haven't even calculated the filters ...

[cajen2]

So much for simple, cheap grab & go....🙄

[cajen2]

Your mount and OTA alone cost much more than my 8" dob....and I think I know what I prefer! 😉😄

[Zeta Reticulan]

6 minutes ago, cajen2 said:

Your mount and OTA alone cost much more than my 8" dob....and I think I know what I prefer! 😉😄

I can't really use a Dob' mount. Although I do admire the concept and ingenuity of making a mount out of a banana crate.

[Louis D]

I haven't tried the 17.5mm Morpheus, but my 9mm Morph is nearly the equal of my 10mm Delos, so I can highly recommend it.  I've been hard pressed to justify getting the 17.5mm Morph when I already have the 17mm ES-92 and NT4.  Yes, it would be 1.25", but almost all of my scopes handle 2" eyepieces just fine.

[cajen2]

The Morpheus range has a 2" barrel as well as the 1.25" so you wouldn't even need an adaptor.

[apaulo]

the morphs are great e/ps i just need the 12 to complete the set. unfortunately most but not all retailers keep putting the price up, because they know we will pay it. nothing to do with baader. just greed.

[Zeta Reticulan]

11 minutes ago, cajen2 said:

The Morpheus range has a 2" barrel as well as the 1.25" so you wouldn't even need an adaptor.

It depends if it's used in a 2" diagonal. It would potentially contact a prism/mirror surface.

[Zeta Reticulan]

5 minutes ago, apaulo said:

the morphs are great e/ps i just need the 12 to complete the set. unfortunately most but not all retailers keep putting the price up, because they know we will pay it. nothing to do with baader. just greed.

The Morpheus were a reasonable price when I bought my 14mm. Not now.

[cajen2]

.

Edited September 2, 2022 by cajen2

[cajen2]

2 minutes ago, Zeta Reticulan said:

It depends if it's used in a 2" diagonal. It would potentially contact a prism/mirror surface.

Don't have that problem! 😄