Pentax XO - just another ortho?

[Brass n glass]

As a long-time lover of orthos, I've just been reading about Pentax XO eyepieces, one of the few items Pentax astro kit that you can buy in the UK. The descriptions I've seen suggest without actually saying it that they are some kind of up-market ortho with lanthanum elements. Or is there something special about them? With price tags of well over £200 there ought to be. Incidentally, it looks from the Italian distributor's website as if all the Pentax refractors still have 0.965in fittings as standard. Yet the prices are even higher than Televue's. Has anyone any experience of Pentax kit? It gets rave reviews all over the place?

[FLO]

Has anyone any experience of Pentax kit? It gets rave reviews all over the place?

Rightly so!

I have been selling Pentax cameras, binoculars and telescopes for two decades and have the highest regard for their optics. I actually own Pentax Binoculars and an 8x30 monocular that I plan to use as a finder scope.

Aunty FLO can supply Pentax astronomical eyepieces... 8)

[Brass n glass]

I believe the little 75mm Petzval is a top seller in some countries although it hardly ever seems to turn up here. But all the Pentax astro stuff seems to be fearfully expensive. The 127 mm refractor costs more in Italy than the Televue version.

[FLO]

I know what you mean ... Pentax are very highly regarded abroad but practically a secret over here. Pentax UK don't seem to realise what they have; preferring, it would seem, to concentrate on other markets.

[tom.yates]

I have the Pentax 7mm and 10mm Eyepieces, All i can say is that they seem to give a better view the contrast is outstanding the build quality first class, I am looking to buy the 14mm asap if i can get a good deal on one.

[Brass n glass]

Which series are they?