Orthoscopics - Need for "Planetary" Eyepieces?

[Macavity]

I have hitched my skateboard (a.k.a. standardised!) to Baader Hyperions for BOTH my modest refractor and MAK. I do indeed find they are GREAT general purpose eyepieces AND realistically, cannot afford to support, previously envisaged, "extended families" of other ones. (Lanthanums, Posh Possls etc.) BUT I still wonder about the potential of "planetary eyepieces". High light transmission, sharper close to an (albeit restricted) FOV axis etc. - Particularly with the "CAT"(adiopteric). I see Baader also make a "Genuine Orthoscopic" range, for about the price of a Hyperion and good claims are made for them... 8)

I do have a yen for a little planetary work but, given my modest (tho' reasonable) scopes, indifferent seeing etc. would ultimate investment in additional orthoscopics (at the same focal lengths as the shorter Hyperions) be a sensible course? I assume too that othoscopics have a fairly short (and diminishing!) eye-relief with focal length - Yet I can find no figures. That again offset by (again) the fact that you don't have to see "around the corner" to some wide-angle field edge etc. Clearly argument pro and con can be made. Anyone have any thoughts on the (venerable) Orthoscopic?

As ever there is the argument that "bedroom" guitarists don't merit vintage Stratocasters (guitars) etc. I certainly didn't!

[GazOC]

Do you mean 'Are orthos good, cheap planetary eyepieces'?

[FLO]

Yes, good orthoscopics make excellent planetary eyepieces. However, if you normally wear glasses, you might struggle with the eye-relief on those shorter than 12.5mm focal length.

[lunator]

Otho's are great eyepieces but they are not suitable for people who need longer eye-relief.

The eye relif on an orthoscopic is half the focal length.

I have 7 Orthos ranging from 25mm too 4mm and for the 4,5 & 6mm you have to get right upto the eyepiece.

Cheers

ian

[Macavity]

Thanks (ALL)! I suspect that, personally, eye-relief may be an issue, with "genuine" ortho types. I wear glasses most times, but can be flexible - As ever, such things might not lead to a total exclusion. As I play around the limiting magnification of a "bog-standard MAK", I still suspect there may be "planetary fun" pushing the boundaries on a clear night! RUSS, since you mention "Burgess/TMB" , I might indeed investigate the (5) - 7 - 9mm area. Thanks for the link.