7 replies to this topic

[asaint]

Vixen NPL Series

[ALCHEMIST1]

Excellent review David. I'll seriously have to look at (and if Texas Nautical have them, then through) these Plossls.

[Starman1]

I'm glad, and not surprised, that these tested as good as they did.
I would point out that TeleVue Plossls are similarly priced, and have smaller sizes (if that matters) and there is an 8mm in that line.
I would also point out that there are some excellent 5-element Japanese designs with similar fields of view, but slightly better edge correction, from Baader, Antares, Parks, Orion and Takahashi--the so-called Masuyama/Astroplanokular design.
The market is filled with an embarrassment of riches.

[core]

I would point out that TeleVue Plossls are similarly priced

NPL 6,10,15 are $35 a pop, 20/25->$45, 30/40->$60

TV Plossl 8/11/15->$85, 20/25->$99, 32/40->$118

fwiw I had a bad batch of 6/20 NPL's (rust spots, cosmetic) that were replaced by US's Vixen Optics. I'll probably pick up the remaining 25/30 that I don't have just to round off the collection, which is going to compliment a pair of Vixen vintage refractors (80/910 and 102/1000 acros).

[Starman1]

Ah, Forgot these are Chinese. I was thinking NLV prices.
Don

[proud uncle]

Nice review, David. You've covered most/all aspects of astro observing (Lunar, Planetary, Nebulae, and clusters) and all ep focal lengths. I will look at them with my next low power ep purchase.

I observe with eyeglasses, and frequently use a 20mm GSO Plossl. I have no problem with eye relief and can take in the full fov with my glasses on. I would not expect these Vixen's to have less eye relief than a GSO Plossl of similar focal length. I think there is some variation between eyeglasses as to permissible eye relief.

[Preston Smith]

Hi David!

A most excellent, thorough review, as always!

Seems like the NPLs would be a great starter set for a beginner who is buying something like the Vixen 80mm entry package and doesn't want to spend too much money starting out of the gate!

[WadeVC]

Very nice review indeed David!

Although there is no disputing the performance of many higher (much higher) priced EP's, it is refreshing to see a review of EP's that won't bust ones wallet, and are most likely to be purchased by either the budget-minded or beginners.

Excellent!