BryanD
super member
Reged: 10/10/07
Posts: 154
Loc: Massachusetts
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I have not seen anything under $200 that can match my 8.5mm XF...it has a tack sharp 60 deg field, plenty of eye relief, and barlows well. I don't have the 12mm XF because I have and love my 11mm Nagler, but the question is, are the XF's the best sub $200 ep's on the market?
thanks.
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Mak2007
sage
Reged: 06/24/07
Posts: 239
Loc: MD
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I am not expert, but I can say that these are awesome. Fine detail, plenty of ER, and not field curvature at F/15. This are my favorite eps in my ETX.
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10x50 Nikon Action Ex
ETX-125PE
"Don't worry about what telescope you own, or its quality. Just get out under the night sky, and enjoy God's wondrous universe." Thomas M. Back
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Bob Griffiths
Post Laureate
Reged: 10/10/05
Posts: 4116
Loc: Frederick Maryland
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I have both the 8.5 and 12 mm Pentaz XF's...along with 10 20 & 30 mm XW's....
BUT I do not think you could say the XF's are the best sub 2 C note eyepieces on the market...I sold two Radians to buy the XF's but it really depends on what you are looking for in an eyepiece.... I think I paid $149 each for mine and have never looked back but in a short focal length scope like a rich field Refractor I think I would want an eye piece with a larger FOV then the XF's offer...
Match the eye piece to the scope to get the view you want...
Bob G
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CPC1100
Nexstar 8i + GPS & Rays Brackets
Denk S1 power switch
Orion 100 mm Refractor
Meade LXD 55 ...AR-5 127 mm Refractor
Exploradome Observatory S.I.E. (Smiling Irish Eyes)
39*21'03" N
77*28'12" W
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Paul_R
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/05/05
Posts: 1648
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8.5mm, si! 12mm, no! 
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Mr. Mike
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/08/05
Posts: 855
Loc: Churchville, NY
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Good question.... I have been shopping intensly for a 9mm-ish eyepiece for my SV 80ED F7 refractor. I want to stick to a wider-field if at all possible but 60 degrees isnt too bad.
I am looking at the Nagler 9mm T6 but I couldnt get any enjoyment out of my 5mm T6 Nagler(sold it) so Im a little apprehensive about the Naglers. The Meade UWA's seem to be decent.... but they have their share of build quality issues. Otherwise, the Pentax XF line caught my eye.
The 8.5mm has lots of eye relief, which I like, and 60 degrees is NOT too bad. Ive been waiting to hear more about these. Lets see who else responds, I want more feedback on these puppies! 
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Stellarvue NG 80mm ED
Meade 7x50 Binos
Pentax XW 5mm
Meade 5K UWA 8.8mm
Vixen LVW 13mm
Vixen LVW 22mm
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Mike Hosea
Post Laureate
Reged: 09/24/03
Posts: 3225
Loc: "Metrowest" Boston
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This thread reminds me of the question Stephen Colbert used to ask of Democratic members of Congress he was interviewing. "George W. Bush, good president or great president?" When they reacted predictably, he'd respond, in mock seriousness, "I'm going to put you down for 'great president'."
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Mike
- 7" f/6.7 home-built planetary Newt
- 35mm Panoptic
- 13mm Ethos
- 5mm Tak LE
- 2x TV Barlow
- Canon 10x30IS Binoculars
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BillP
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 11/26/06
Posts: 2187
Loc: Vienna, VA
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If one does not include an AFOV preferences into the mix, and bases their judgement on pure optical performance (i.e., sharpness/clarity/purity, distortion control, transmission, contrast) and basic ergonomics (size/weight, eye relief, eye guard functionality), then I'd say nothing out there beats them for their street price new.
They have some FC but not a lot in my estimation. Other than that, pretty incredible EPs. Although not sure, I believe they are also weather sealed as well - at least I had no success in taking them apart.
What would really make them shine though, is if Pentax extended the line in both directions a bit...or even if only in one direction -- some more shorter FL ones. Would love it if they offered a 4mm and 6mm as well. Next to my Pentax SMC Orthos, have yet to look thru any eyepiece that puts up as pure of a view.
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250mm f/4.7 Orion XT10i Dobsonian
102mm f/8.0 Tak TSA Super-APO
66mm f/5.9 WO ZenithStar SD APO
40mm f/10 Coronado P.S.T.
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CESDewar
GorillAstronomer
Reged: 01/16/05
Posts: 1802
Loc: Morganton, GA, USA
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The XF's are very fine EP's with extremely good on-axis sharpness and contrast. Yes, there is a little bit of FC, although that seems a lot more obvious in my shorter FL refractors than in other scopes.
I use the 8.5 and 12mm EP's in my binoviewers where they make a really superb showing. I have yet to find any cyclops EP at any price that even comes close to the XF's in a binoviewer. I don't do much mono-viewing with the XF's because I prefer the super-expansive field of the 13/8 mm Ethos which basically overlap these two EP's with a far wider field.
I even tried a pair of 8mm Ethos in a binoviewer one time, but they did not work for me - the 8.5mm XF's were noticeably better - easier to look through and significantly lighter.
Highly recommended though anyway you look at them!
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sleepwalker
member
Reged: 04/16/07
Posts: 27
Loc: Australia
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I have the 8.5 and find it great; quite superb optically and just a pleasure to use due to its size/weight and comfortable ER
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Lightbridge
Pentaxes, 13mm Ethos etc
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Mr. Mike
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/08/05
Posts: 855
Loc: Churchville, NY
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Quote:
If one does not include an AFOV preferences into the mix, and bases their judgement on pure optical performance (i.e., sharpness/clarity/purity, distortion control, transmission, contrast) and basic ergonomics (size/weight, eye relief, eye guard functionality), then I'd say nothing out there beats them for their street price new.
They have some FC but not a lot in my estimation. Other than that, pretty incredible EPs. Although not sure, I believe they are also weather sealed as well - at least I had no success in taking them apart.
What would really make them shine though, is if Pentax extended the line in both directions a bit...or even if only in one direction -- some more shorter FL ones. Would love it if they offered a 4mm and 6mm as well. Next to my Pentax SMC Orthos, have yet to look thru any eyepiece that puts up as pure of a view.
By FC, I assume you mean "False Color"? If so.... does this manifest itself only with brighter objects when off-axis?
Thanks!
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Stellarvue NG 80mm ED
Meade 7x50 Binos
Pentax XW 5mm
Meade 5K UWA 8.8mm
Vixen LVW 13mm
Vixen LVW 22mm
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Bob Griffiths
Post Laureate
Reged: 10/10/05
Posts: 4116
Loc: Frederick Maryland
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I though the poster was referring to field curvature when he used FC...
But since I honestly never noticed any FC (either False color)or Field Curvature) I just assumed he did ...
I find my XF's to be great Planatary EP in all my scopes...and I see no "False Color...and NO Field Curvature ..BUT gheeze my eyes are old and definitely not the greatest...
Bob G
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CPC1100
Nexstar 8i + GPS & Rays Brackets
Denk S1 power switch
Orion 100 mm Refractor
Meade LXD 55 ...AR-5 127 mm Refractor
Exploradome Observatory S.I.E. (Smiling Irish Eyes)
39*21'03" N
77*28'12" W
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BillP
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 11/26/06
Posts: 2187
Loc: Vienna, VA
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Hi Bob. That was probably me with the FC reference. Meant Field Curvature. Others noted it, then upon examination I noted it when using my fast Dob. I found it easy to see once you looked for it in the 12mm. Never really noticed it in the 8.5mm. But IMO was quite minor and occured quite far off-axis. Both are incredible eyepieces....as you know ...best view of Saturn I ever had was thru these over a 3x barlow...WoW!!
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250mm f/4.7 Orion XT10i Dobsonian
102mm f/8.0 Tak TSA Super-APO
66mm f/5.9 WO ZenithStar SD APO
40mm f/10 Coronado P.S.T.
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Alan Kent
member
Reged: 05/23/06
Posts: 36
Loc: Wisconsin, USA
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Has anyone compared the 8.5 XF with the Vixen 8 LVW? The Vixen is slightly over $200, but the AFOV of 65* is similar to the XF.
Alan
12.5" Discovery PDHQ
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jrbarnett
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 02/28/06
Posts: 2604
Loc: Petaluma, CA
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Decent eyepieces, but I wouldn't go so far as to say "best" in the sub $200 class. Sub-$200 eyepieces that I like more, for various reasons, include:
8mm and 11mm Televue Plossls
8mm Vixen LVW ($189 new recently)
7.5mm and 12.5mm Takahashi LEs
7mm and 12mm Takahashi MC Orthos
With a slightly larger budget (say up to $230) I would add:
8mm and 12mm Brandons
10mm Zeiss Jena Ortho
Regards,
Jim
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"The Cosmos is all that is or ever was or ever will be. Our feeblest contemplations of the Cosmos stir us — there is a tingling in the spine, a catch in the voice, a faint sensation, as if a distant memory, of falling from a height. We know we are approaching the greatest of mysteries." - Carl Sagan
Edited by jrbarnett (08/28/08 03:15 PM)
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Mike B
Starstruck
Reged: 04/06/05
Posts: 4430
Loc: shake, rattle, & roll, CA
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Quote:
Has anyone compared the 8.5 XF with the Vixen 8 LVW?
Alan-
I did just such a comparo, using Saturn & its satellites as the test, and included a few other EPs as well- some Barlowed to get into similar FL range.
Bottom line- i kept the LVW-8. But it was QUITE close! Shading on the planet's disc, its ring's- structure & texture, picking off faint satellites... these two ran neck-and-neck, and slightly above the other contenders. The only two points i found *slightly* in the LVW's favor were FoV (LVW was just noticeably wider, but barely) and reflections (XF had them slightly on brighter targets- but may've been the eyelens shape, and/or use with my eyeglasses?) But YMMV.
Most striking i found to be the rendition of the Saturn system overall, in *either* EP- once i was done picking around looking at nits, when i allowed my gaze to just relax & enjoy the BIG picture-- the view was stunningly sharp & contrasty!
Currently i have a 12-XF that i'm fooling around with- its primary competition is/are vintage (BVer pair of) 12.5mm UO Orthos... and i'm trying to decide if i want to double-down on the XFs, or else "pass". Interestingly, the target has now shifted to Jupiter, and a new rule-book seems to be in place!
The Orthos give a cooler tone, quite sharp, and capable of taking some magnification! The XF-12 is just as sharp, yet i'm noting a very pronounced coffee-tone to the view, by comparison. Not sure i like it. Saturn is already coffee-toned, naturally, so its possible that aspect was not (as) noticeable when doing the previous FL comparos?
That, and the fact that those were done mono-view with a 6" F8 Newt, and the current 12mm comparo has been with the 15" Dob & a BVer... which also doubles as my EP-comparator. 
Still deciding what to do with the XF-12... but if you have a shot at either 8.5mm XF or 8mm LVW for a good price, TAKE it! As far as these eyeballs can tell, these are BOTH first-class glass! 
mike b
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Just for giggles- Next time when the money comes out the ATM, scream "I Won!, I Won!"
* * 15" F4.55 Starsplitter Dob * *
 Pacheco State Park
 Fremont Peak
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Mr. Mike
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/08/05
Posts: 855
Loc: Churchville, NY
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Quote:
Quote:
Has anyone compared the 8.5 XF with the Vixen 8 LVW?
Alan-
I did just such a comparo, using Saturn & its satellites as the test, and included a few other EPs as well- some Barlowed to get into similar FL range.
Bottom line- i kept the LVW-8. But it was QUITE close! Shading on the planet's disc, its ring's- structure & texture, picking off faint satellites... these two ran neck-and-neck, and slightly above the other contenders. The only two points i found *slightly* in the LVW's favor were FoV (LVW was just noticeably wider, but barely) and reflections (XF had them slightly on brighter targets- but may've been the eyelens shape, and/or use with my eyeglasses?) But YMMV.
Most striking i found to be the rendition of the Saturn system overall, in *either* EP- once i was done picking around looking at nits, when i allowed my gaze to just relax & enjoy the BIG picture-- the view was stunningly sharp & contrasty!
Currently i have a 12-XF that i'm fooling around with- its primary competition is/are vintage (BVer pair of) 12.5mm UO Orthos... and i'm trying to decide if i want to double-down on the XFs, or else "pass". Interestingly, the target has now shifted to Jupiter, and a new rule-book seems to be in place!
The Orthos give a cooler tone, quite sharp, and capable of taking some magnification! The XF-12 is just as sharp, yet i'm noting a very pronounced coffee-tone to the view, by comparison. Not sure i like it. Saturn is already coffee-toned, naturally, so its possible that aspect was not (as) noticeable when doing the previous FL comparos?
That, and the fact that those were done mono-view with a 6" F8 Newt, and the current 12mm comparo has been with the 15" Dob & a BVer... which also doubles as my EP-comparator.
Still deciding what to do with the XF-12... but if you have a shot at either 8.5mm XF or 8mm LVW for a good price, TAKE it! As far as these eyeballs can tell, these are BOTH first-class glass!
mike b
Hmmm.... I was curious about the 8mm LVW. I absolutely LOVE my 22mm and 13mm LVW but I returned the 5mm LVW due to usability issues. It just didnt work for me. So, the 8mm now becomes a possibility.... cool!
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Stellarvue NG 80mm ED
Meade 7x50 Binos
Pentax XW 5mm
Meade 5K UWA 8.8mm
Vixen LVW 13mm
Vixen LVW 22mm
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Paul_R
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/05/05
Posts: 1648
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Big difference in field curvature between the two eyepieces. 12mm has lots, 8.5mm very little. This is in fast and moderate f ratio scopes, and under 1000mm focal length. Much preferred the 12mm Radian on most objects in both scopes. Hope that helps.
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Nick Lloyd
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/24/06
Posts: 1618
Loc: cincinnati
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There are many great eyepieces under $200. I've never seen a "best" eyepiece for everything. Or, a "best" telescope for that matter.
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"The best scope is the one you use." -rcg
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backwoody
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 01/08/07
Posts: 886
Loc: Idaho USA
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No doubt in my mind that the XF's are a great buy, and offer great performance for less than $200. I use both the 8.5 and 12mm: the 8.5 is probably my favorite planetary EP. It is extremely sharp to the edge and has 20mm of eye relief. I prefer it to many others, including the Tak LE 5mm, despite the difference in magnification. I have not compared it to the 8mm Vixen LVW, but one obvious difference is in weight. XFs are considerably lighter and more compact.
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woody
a parsec farther out...
12.5" f/4.8 custom truss dob, EQ platform
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Starkler
professor emeritus
Reged: 11/04/05
Posts: 682
Loc: Australia, Melbourne
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Quote:
I have not compared it to the 8mm Vixen LVW, but one obvious difference is in weight. XFs are considerably lighter and more compact.
There's not much to separate the two in terms of performance.
If you care about weight and dont mind loosing a few degrees fov, get the XF, otherwise go for the Vixen .
Both are very good eyepieces
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Geoff
15" SDM truss dob | Vixen r130sf | GSO 10" dob
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