New eyepieces and a bit of observing

[Tweedledee]

This is part observing report and part eyepiece review so thought I put it in the Eyepieces section.

 

Last night I had a inspirational 2 hour backyard session with my ST120 mainly looking at lots of star clusters until it suddenly clouded over completely at about midnight without any warning. The sky was probably the best I'd seen from Mansfield for a long time, completely cloudless for those first 2 hours with the Milky Way easily visible and a very steady atmosphere. All the usual DSO's were just so easy to find last night with most showing in my new Explore Scientific 8x50 correct image illuminated straight through finder which I am so impressed with for use on the ST120. My ST120 is turning into a really ergonomic easy to use (for me) grab n' go scope with my recent mods and additions.

I had such wonderful rich field views last night just panning around Cygnus, Cepheus, Cassiopiea, Scutum and the Serpens/Ophiuchus region. The stars just stood out so well, and I also saw various more obscure clusters and asterisms that I had not seen before. The Little Orion asterism in Cygnus looked great, which is in the Gulf of Mexico region of the North American Nebula. Having studied the maps and remembering the precise orientation to NAN, I thought I might have a chance of seeing the nebula, but it did not appear. This region is such a rich vista and is really just one continuous cluster of dense Milky Way. I was thinking that the sooner I get a 2" correct image 90 degree prism the better for this type of star hopping as it is quite taxing on the brain visualising and relating to the scene as shown through the mirror diagonal. Last night I had the best view ever of M71 in Sagitta using the ES 9mm 120 degree. At just 67x it resolved into many minute stars shaped like a stubby comet with two tails. A similar dense cluster M11 in Scutum was also well resolved with an unusual intricate structure. Nearby M26 appeared fainter and more nebulous. I also examined all these clusters at 100x with my SW 6mm Ultrawide 66 degree eyepiece, but didn't get nearly as good a view as with the ES 9mm 120 and with less resolution. There are so many DSO's to see up there on a clear night like this, even with just a 120mm scope, and I had barely scraped the surface, yet I'd had a good look at probably 30 or more different objects.

Had a great time trying my new eyepieces just to get a feel for them. These new eyepieces include a Televue Delos 17.3mm, a Russell Optics Super-Wide Konig 19mm and Custom Konig XL 55mm.

Of course, the 17.3mm Delos is superb, just can't fault it in any way. It is a large eyepiece compared to other 1.25" ones, but a refreshing change to the heavy ES eyepieces, the biggest of which weighs 1.4kg! Swapping between the Delos and 17mm Ethos, I really can't see any difference apart from the field of view. The Delos view is identical to the central 72 percent of the Ethos. I do notice that the Delos view is a tad easier on the eye than the Ethos. This will have something to do with the Delos having 20mm eye relief and the Ethos having only 15mm. I was expecting (and hoping) that after comparing the two, I'd want to sell the Delos to fund other stuff, but after this session, I definitely want to keep it along with the Ethos.

I now have two Russell Optics 2" eyepieces which are very cheap and interesting. These are not Televue optical quality, but far better than the £42 new price tag would suggest. They feel lightweight but are surprisingly well made from Delrin, which is a dense hard plastic type material which can be machined very precisely and gives a pleasing appearance, very similar to anodised aluminium but with a very fine texture.

I found the 19mm Konig was OK, giving sharp stars over most of the field, but suffers from elongated star images on the outer 15% of its 72 degree field in my F5. I'm sure that at F10 it should be pretty sharp to the edge. To take in the full field of view it is necessary to press the eye close to the rather firm rubber eye cup, and after measuring I think the eye relief is nearer to 12 or 14mm than its specified 18mm.

The view through the 55mm Konig is a very different experience from any other eyepiece I have tried and was a pleasant surprise. I actually really like this eyepiece and it is definitely the best of the two Russell Optics even at F5. The eye lens is a massive 37mm diameter giving the impression that you could move your eye around, but to take in the the full field of view, the eye does need to be central. The eye relief is at least 55mm so you just don't see anything unless your eye is about 55mm away from the eyepiece. There is no rubber eyecup on this eyepiece so you have to work a little to get the correct eye position, which once found was actually quite easy to maintain. When you get your eye in, the image seems to float in mid air and the eyepiece body becomes almost invisible, which is a pleasant and unexpected experience. In the F5 scope the exit pupil is a massive 11mm, but this did not really seem to have any detrimental effect in the refractor with no central obstruction, even though my eye pupil had probably only opened up to half this size. The background did seem a little brighter than in my other eyepieces but the stars really stood out as very pleasing tiny bright pinpoints and remained that way almost to the very edge of the 42 degree apparent field. This narrow field of view did not seem very narrow possible due to the unusual floating effect of the image. With this eyepiece, I was actually using only 11 magnification on a 120mm objective! The experience of using this eyepiece is most unusual but very enjoyable and I am impressed with this eyepiece far more than the wider angle 19mm 72 degree Konig. I have read that this floating effect is apparently best seen in the Edmund RKE 28mm, first introduced in the 1970's. They are still available to buy new online at a cheap price, so I am definitely going to get the legendary RKE soon to experience more of this exciting floating image.

It was a most enjoyable stargazing session.

 

 

[Brantuk]

Good report/review and smashing knowing the differences between the Ethos and Delos at the same size - thanks Pete.

Edited August 16, 2015 by Brantuk

[Tweedledee]

Cheers Kim.

 

I suppose the other thing I forgot to mention regarding the differences between the Delos and Ethos, is that the Delos has a really neat adjustable and locking eye positioning system. Of course the Ethos does not have this. This unique system is very handy whether observers wear spectacles or not. With its greater eye relief, adjustable eye positioning system and smaller field of view, the Delos is probably a much better choice for observers using glasses.

[M.]

That explore scientific is huge! Just don't drop it on your foot

Interesting read, good to hear that the russlle optics eyepieces were worth their money.

Edited August 16, 2015 by M__

[Tweedledee]

That explore scientific is huge! Just don't drop it on your foot

Interesting read, good to hear that the russlle optics eyepieces were worth their money.

Thanks Martin.

 

Yep, the big ES could do some real damage weighing 1.4 kilos

 

The Russell Optics eyepieces are excellent value for money, but would be better suited to a longer focal ratio scope than mine.

Edited August 16, 2015 by Tweedledee

[BAZ]

A interesting read there Pete, thanks for sharing.

The wide field Russell looks a nice eyepiece and excellent for the wide and dispersed clusters. I reckon that with a UHC filter it would be your best bet for the NAN. I managed it with my 38mm Panaview and a UHC stuck in it. The problem with that was it was too great a magnification, all  I got were portions of the nebula, the Baja peninsular was the best bit. That's where the Russell might do the job nicely, it may get the majority of it in the view.

[Tweedledee]

Cheers Martyn.

I will have to try the UHC with the big Russell Optics and other eps on the ST120. The 55mm Russell 11x and my 25mm ES 100 24x provide about the same true field of 4 degrees on the ST120. That should frame it

[Orion]

I bought a aluminium case of Meade eyepieces and colour filters for £99 at Astrofest earlier this year. I don't know much about eyepieces but these were from Broadhurst Clarkson and Fuller or Telescope house. I was told they were Meade, Plossl etc. I've been used to basic Kellners 40, 18, 9mm añd some orthoscopics at 4 and 6 mm, all 1.25" dia push fit. Because i don't do much visual observing, ive not had a chance to use the new set. It contains 9, 12, 15 and 20 mm Plossls, a 2x Barlow, 5 coloured threaded filters and an interesting looking fat lens which is bigger (still 1.25" push fit, but widens out in the middle) than the other four - a 32mm Svupereiw 32mm Camera Project lens (the space was intentional - thats how it was stamped on the lens). This lens has a big eye relief - looks like it's almost as wide as the 1.25" diameter itself, maybe an inch of glass. It also has a part which can be extended in length, which a locking screw. I assume its some sort of extension tube built in. I dont know why it has camera stamped on it. The final part of the collection was a black prime focus adaptor which is male threaded. The diameter of the threaded part looks smaller than the normal threaded old Praktika type cameras, and might be an adaptor for something else. I have a suspicion it may be a part for an SCT?

Anyone recognise the set and have any views on quality of the eyepieces, Barlow and what the adaptor is for?

[+Bino-viewer]

Great read there Pete. You have a super collection of eyepieces.

I wished i'd set up now on Saturday night......i got home from work around 23:15 but felt tired out after a 10 hour stint.

It did look nice and clear though.

 

I'm a bit puzzled that you have both the Ethos & the Delos 17s and want to keep them both ?

 

I've just taken delivery of a 10mm Delos.

Bought it second hand of SGL from a chap based out in Bulgaria of all places.

Its mint and i've made a good saving.

 

BUT.....despite the fact its a lovely bit of glass, it looks ridiculously big in the Mk V.

Don't know whether to get hold of another 10D and try them out properly in the Mk V or just abandon the Delos idea altogether ? 

 

At the end of the day, it should hold its value ok, and i'm sure i could sell it on for minimal loss.

I really want to stay with Tv though. Just had my bi-annual eye test which has revealed an astigmatism issue in my 48yr old eyes 

Not a big problem yet, but with Tv i have the option to use their 'Dioptrix' thingys to correct for this.

 

Very impressive though, the Delos. It really is a luxury eyepiece.

I love the adjustment feature it has. 

Hopefully over the weekend i'll get a look through it mono style.

 

Untitled by

[Tweedledee]

I bought a aluminium case of Meade eyepieces and colour filters for £99 at Astrofest earlier this year. I don't know much about eyepieces but these were from Broadhurst Clarkson and Fuller or Telescope house. I was told they were Meade, Plossl etc. I've been used to basic Kellners 40, 18, 9mm añd some orthoscopics at 4 and 6 mm, all 1.25" dia push fit. Because i don't do much visual observing, ive not had a chance to use the new set. It contains 9, 12, 15 and 20 mm Plossls, a 2x Barlow, 5 coloured threaded filters and an interesting looking fat lens which is bigger (still 1.25" push fit, but widens out in the middle) than the other four - a 32mm Svupereiw 32mm Camera Project lens (the space was intentional - thats how it was stamped on the lens). This lens has a big eye relief - looks like it's almost as wide as the 1.25" diameter itself, maybe an inch of glass. It also has a part which can be extended in length, which a locking screw. I assume its some sort of extension tube built in. I dont know why it has camera stamped on it. The final part of the collection was a black prime focus adaptor which is male threaded. The diameter of the threaded part looks smaller than the normal threaded old Praktika type cameras, and might be an adaptor for something else. I have a suspicion it may be a part for an SCT?

Anyone recognise the set and have any views on quality of the eyepieces, Barlow and what the adaptor is for?

Your eyepiece set sounds like a reasonable buy. The Meade Plossls and barlow sound like fairly standard ones that should perform fine. Don't know about the adapter.

 

This may be your Camera Project Lens...

http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/en/info/p1429_SuperView-32mm-1-25--foto---visuell---T2-Anschluss.html

[Tweedledee]

Great read there Pete. You have a super collection of eyepieces.

I wished i'd set up now on Saturday night......i got home from work around 23:15 but felt tired out after a 10 hour stint.

It did look nice and clear though.

 

I'm a bit puzzled that you have both the Ethos & the Delos 17s and want to keep them both ?

 

I've just taken delivery of a 10mm Delos.

Bought it second hand of SGL from a chap based out in Bulgaria of all places.

Its mint and i've made a good saving.

 

BUT.....despite the fact its a lovely bit of glass, it looks ridiculously big in the Mk V.

Don't know whether to get hold of another 10D and try them out properly in the Mk V or just abandon the Delos idea altogether ? 

 

At the end of the day, it should hold its value ok, and i'm sure i could sell it on for minimal loss.

I really want to stay with Tv though. Just had my bi-annual eye test which has revealed an astigmatism issue in my 48yr old eyes 

Not a big problem yet, but with Tv i have the option to use their 'Dioptrix' thingys to correct for this.

 

Very impressive though, the Delos. It really is a luxury eyepiece.

I love the adjustment feature it has. 

Hopefully over the weekend i'll get a look through it mono style.

 

Untitled by

Thanks Rob,

 

My Delos was also from Alan in Bulgaria.

 

Yes, I suppose the 17.3mm Delos is a bit superfluous alongside the 17mm Ethos. But I like the feel and look of it, and as I said above, the Delos is very slighly more comfortable to use than the Ethos. For me, the Ethos has big advantages over the Delos since I love the wider field of view. The Delos is just so nice to use, and it will fit my Baader turret along with 3 other 1.25" eyepieces even though it is far bigger than my other 1.25" eps.

 

I suppose that when push comes to shove and I'm struggling to afford my next significant astro purchase (which probably won't be long ), then the Delos will have to go.

 

I reckon that once you've properly observed with your Delos, you will be even more interested in finding a second matching one

[Orion]

Your eyepiece set sounds like a reasonable buy. The Meade Plossls and barlow sound like fairly standard ones that should perform fine. Don't know about the adapter.

 

This may be your Camera Project Lens...

http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/en/info/p1429_SuperView-32mm-1-25--foto---visuell---T2-Anschluss.html

Thank you Pete

[Doc]

Sorry I missed this originally as I was away.

 

Fantastic report Pete, and I know what you mean about certain nights becoming fantastic nights.

 

I have also used both the 17E and have the 17.3D and I also found the Delos easier to use. I struggled with the Ethos, mainly because of the eye placement, that extra 5mm of eye relief really does make a difference to some people.

 

Would love to try this 55mm Konig out Pete, maybe borrow it at York in October. 

 

A very interesting report and hope you do another when your prism and the RKE arrives.

[Tweedledee]

Sorry I missed this originally as I was away.

 

Fantastic report Pete, and I know what you mean about certain nights becoming fantastic nights.

 

I have also used both the 17E and have the 17.3D and I also found the Delos easier to use. I struggled with the Ethos, mainly because of the eye placement, that extra 5mm of eye relief really does make a difference to some people.

 

Would love to try this 55mm Konig out Pete, maybe borrow it at York in October. 

 

A very interesting report and hope you do another when your prism and the RKE arrives.

Thanks Mick.

 

I will probably sell the Delos and keep the Ethos eventually, can't really afford to have two top class eps in the same focal length. But for now, I'm enjoying the Delos as well

 

Yes, you are welcome to any of my eps Mick, the 55mm is an unusual view.

 

The RKE might be in the scope tonight according to AstroPanel, but not if going by FLOs app. Will just have to look outside later .