391 replies to this topic

[ibase]

Using the Hyperion zoom in its default 1-1/4" mode is fine, just as if it's in 2" mode with identical views; the good part is the zoom's versatility - modular and easily converted to a 2" EP. Zooms have indeed come a long way.

Best,

[Tank]

Baader Hyperion Zoom has arrived!
Had it out a couple of times now!
Here are my thoughts!
Using 8" dob F5.9

The Good:
- the twist up eyeguard is great, easy to use, comfortable.
- the AFOV is nice from 8-20mm,24mm is same AFOV as a plossl
- seems to focus easily
- TV 20mm plossl vs hyperion zoom 20mm i would say just about the same just the FOV was much larger.
- I love the fact i get such great optics and i lets see well 8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,18,20,21,22,23,24mm FL's!! use a barlow and well more FL's. (Keep in mind you have to assume the Different FL's between 8,12,16,20,24mm).
-8mm hyperion fixed vs 8mm zoom i have to give it to the zoom slightly but the FOV was slightly larger in the 8mm Fixed eyepiece.

The Bad:
- can't get to the set screw in adapter in the 1.25" mode use in 2" mode is fine.
- Ok i didnt get get a bottom cap for the 2" barrel mode. Was i the only one not to get one or they didnt provide one?
- not completely parafocal, have to adjust slightly every FL.
- overall apperance is just ok

The Ugly:
- well its going to take over i think
- I have a eyepiece case whats going to fill it!
- I have to sell some EP's.

I like this eyepiece alot, i think this is a keeper!
I was under the impresion that you cant get the same quality of viewing thru zoom eyepieces as thru fixed FL's!
I think differntly now!
I would recommend this eyepiece to everyone!
I think this is a perfect eyepiece for a beginner to a advanced user!

It rocks!

[nejedj71]

Baader Hyperion Zoom has arrived!
The Bad:
- can't get to the set screw in adapter in the 1.25" mode use in 2" mode is fine.
- Ok i didnt get get a bottom cap for the 2" barrel mode. Was i the only one not to get one or they didnt provide one?
- not completely parafocal, have to adjust slightly every FL.
- overall apperance is just ok

I think this is a perfect eyepiece for a beginner to a advanced user!

I rocks!

I also did not get a cap for the 2" sleeve. I will try to find out about this and let you know. I could understand if it did not come with one.

As far as it not fitting into the 1.25" telescope eyepiece holder, I also could not initially get it in. I took the 1.25" telescope eyepiece adapter off and examine it. I found I could place the eyepiece into the 1.25" adapter while it was off the telescope without a problem. Then it fit right back into the 2" telescope eyepiece holder.

I took it out numerous times through out the night while comparing the view with other eyepieces and did not have a problem again. Just the first time.

I do like the 2" eyepiece mode better because there was no slippage or turing of the eyepiece while changing the zoom. I probably just didn't tighten something enough while using it at the 1.25"

Gotta say... We loved it. It worked great with a Zhumell 10". After using a 9mm plossl, the view was extremely plessant. I am so glad I saw the thread. Great purchase for dob users.

We didn't spend to much time out last night, but had to try it. Today we are taking a nap so we can enjoy it tonight.

[Johndob]

I have a Z10 and an 8mm Hyp, will compare to my Z zoom at 8mm to get an idea of how the zooms compare (FOV/image) now that i have a criteria to work with. I like to do optical comparisons and EP Mods as much as general observing. John

[ibase]

Baader Hyperion Zoom has arrived!
Had it out a couple of times now!
Here are my thoughts!
Using 8" dob F5.9

The Good:
- the twist up eyeguard is great, easy to use, comfortable.
- the AFOV is nice from 8-20mm,24mm is same AFOV as a plossl
- seems to focus easily
- TV 20mm plossl vs hyperion zoom 20mm i would say just about the same just the FOV was much larger.
- I love the fact i get such great optics and i lets see well 8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,18,20,21,22,23,24mm FL's!! use a barlow and well more FL's. (Keep in mind you have to assume the Different FL's between 8,12,16,20,24mm).
-8mm hyperion fixed vs 8mm zoom i have to give it to the zoom slightly but the FOV was slightly larger in the 8mm Fixed eyepiece.

The Bad:
- can't get to the set screw in adapter in the 1.25" mode use in 2" mode is fine.
- Ok i didnt get get a bottom cap for the 2" barrel mode. Was i the only one not to get one or they didnt provide one?
- not completely parafocal, have to adjust slightly every FL.
- overall apperance is just ok

The Ugly:
- well its going to take over i think
- I have a eyepiece case whats going to fill it!
- I have to sell some EP's.

I like this eyepiece alot, i think this is a keeper!
I was under the impresion that you cant get the same quality of viewing thru zoom eyepieces as thru fixed FL's!
I think differntly now!
I would recommend this eyepiece to everyone!
I think this is a perfect eyepiece for a beginner to a advanced user!

It rocks!

Tank, congrats and thanks for the great 1st light report on the Hyperion zoom! Glad you think that it's a keeper and it most definitely rocks!

I was under the impresion that you cant get the same quality of viewing thru zoom eyepieces as thru fixed FL's!
I think differntly now!

This is exactly the disproved and perpetuated-for-the-longest-time misplaced impression that we want to rectify and want everybody else to know about, that the time of quality zoom vs. fixed FL EP's has arrived in the Hyperion zoom.

Enjoy!

Best,

[ibase]

I also did not get a cap for the 2" sleeve. I will try to find out about this and let you know. I could understand if it did not come with one.

As far as I know, there's no cap for the 2" sleeve, just one for the default 1-1/4" sleeve.

Gotta say... We loved it. It worked great with a Zhumell 10". After using a 9mm plossl, the view was extremely plessant. I am so glad I saw the thread. Great purchase for dob users.

Everybody loves the Hyperion zoom! Enjoy!

Best,

[ibase]

I have a Z10 and an 8mm Hyp, will compare to my Z zoom at 8mm to get an idea of how the zooms compare (FOV/image) now that i have a criteria to work with. I like to do optical comparisons and EP Mods as much as general observing. John

Do let us know how the comparison turns out, thanks.

Best,

[ibase]

After the accolades, back to Hyperion zoom 101: A question has been posed by one unfamiliar with the use of a zoom, whether the zoom feature and the scope focuser are used together or if the focuser is set in the middle after which it's purely zoom operation, and and the reply is:

The Hyperion 8-24mm zoom is almost parfocal, and just a teeny bit of refocusing (if at all) is needed when another zoom setting is selected which is done by twisting around the zoom's power selector (at rubber grip), a buttery smooth movement which gives an infinite no. of selections from 8 to 24mm with "clickstops" at 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24mm. The clickstop feature is very useful in allowing one to know at what power/mm setting the zoom is set to even in the dark. Pic below shows the white dot indicating the current setting:



In the image above, zoom is set to around 10mm.

Best,

[Tank]

hey Hernando,
You know what nice little upgrade would be is line markings between the click stop FL. to indicate say 9mm, 10mm, 11mm
just another little thing to make the eyepiece closer to perfect.

[ibase]

Tank, that's a great idea! Hope Baader is listening/reading this thread to somehow incorporate those graduated line markers you suggested into the future design of the Hyperion zoom.

Best,

[ibase]

hey Hernando,
You know what nice little upgrade would be is line markings between the click stop FL. to indicate say 9mm, 10mm, 11mm
just another little thing to make the eyepiece closer to perfect.

To see and read these fine line markings in-between zoom clickstops while in the heat of the night into the darks, there will be a need for those red lites, like this:



"No batteries needed" What??? Yup, just wind it up like here (bottom-side-up view, crank extended for charging - manual by circular hand motion cranks, and the charge lasts long - 1 min. crank = 1-hr continuous light):



If that's cool, here's the really cool part - it can charge your cell phone!!! (Nokia in pic, other adapters for Motorola, Sony, Siemens, Samsung included in box.)

There's more, the red LED's (5 bulbs) can be used in low intensity light requirement, like looking-for-the-fallen-EP-on-the-ground type of situations. (yikes! ), by turning on only 3 of the 5 bulbs; there's even a small compass at the back of the crank.

For gadgetheds and Hyperion zoom owners, the Orion RedBeam SP is a must have!

Best,

[Peter9]

The Bad:
- can't get to the set screw in adapter in the 1.25" mode use in 2" mode is fine.

I had that problem. Purchased some longer bolts, ran three nuts up each to act as finger grips, and covered them with thin rubber tubing. See Picture.
I think others on this thread have come up with more elegant solutions.

Hope it helps. Peter.

Attached Thumbnails

• 

[ibase]

Peter, nice touch on the rubber tubing, I like them! Thanks for posting/pic.

Best,

[ebusinesstutor]

...snip

The Ugly:
- well its going to take over i think
- I have a eyepiece case whats going to fill it!
- I have to sell some EP's.

I hear you Tank. I just purchased an aluminum case for my Celestron 80ED refractor when I travel. It has two big holes that will fit the Hyperion Zoom and the Barlow just fine. But what to put in the other three eyepiece holes?

I was thinking of a 36mm low power wide view eyepiece, but what else for the other two? With the Barlow, I can cover everything from 4mm to 24mm, so no needs in that range.

I do have two telescopes, so I am keeping the 10mm and 25mm Plossis that came with my Orion XT8i so I can view in both scopes at once. But now that I am spoiled with the Hyperion Zoom, I hate changing eyepieces and refocusing.

So maybe a second Hyperion Zoom is in the cards. And then a binoviewer?

Then, if both Hyperion Zooms are in the binoviewer, then a third Zoom for the second scope. Or a fourth Zoom and a second binoviewer...

Easy to get carried away!

[ibase]

But now that I am spoiled with the Hyperion Zoom, I hate changing eyepieces and refocusing.

So maybe a second Hyperion Zoom is in the cards. And then a binoviewer?

Then, if both Hyperion Zooms are in the binoviewer, then a third Zoom for the second scope. Or a fourth Zoom and a second binoviewer...

Easy to get carried away!

Garland, did I hear that right, 4 Hyperion zooms? I'm beginning to think that your attachment/fanaticism for the Hyperion zoom is worse than mine (never thought anyone would beat me to it ) and I might just have to give up the keys to this monster thread and turn it over to you! :rofl5:(with Jim's permission of course)

When you get the chance, do let us know how the Hyperion zooms perform with binoviewers, I'll be very interested in that one, thanks. Keep on zooming!

Best,

[ibase]

The Good:
- the twist up eyeguard is great, easy to use, comfortable.

The Hyperion zoom's inconspicuous eyecup shown here top view when fully extended is excellent for preventing extraneous light from interfering while viewing a celestial object, most useful for urban/city dwellers where all types of street lights/bulbs/neighbor's lamps and other unwelcome light sources abound.

Best,

[ibase]

- TV 20mm plossl vs hyperion zoom 20mm i would say just about the same just the FOV was much larger.

The published FOV for the Televue 20mm plossl is 50-deg. I've revisited the view from both the Hyperion zoom @20mm and the Televue 20mm and agree that they are about the same when it comes to sharpness and clarity; however, neither can said to be much larger than the other in terms of FOV - I tried counting panels from a building and both showed the same number with the Hyperion zoom showing a very slightly wider view, say 51-deg vs the TV's 50.

Best,

[Tank]

[quote name="ibase"][quote]- TV 20mm plossl vs hyperion zoom 20mm i would say just about the same just the FOV was much larger.
[/quote]
I will have to look at that again, i may have been too excited using the zoom!
I will report what i find!
dont want to give out false info.!

[ibase]

i may have been too excited using the zoom!

Tony thanks much, very understandable really, I too was very excited when I first used the Hyperion zoom and could not believe what I was seeing through this fabulous EP!

Best,

[Tank]

i was using it on the moon yesterday and i was comparing it to the rest i have and i like what i saw, seems to be a fantastic eyepiece!

[Tank]

Post deleted by Tank

[nejedj71]

Would it be improper for me to paste a post from a different forum that speaks about a recent test of 6 different zooms with our favorite one doing very well?

September '09 issue of the BBC's 'Sky at Night' magazine features a 'group test' of 6 popular zoom eyepieces.

SkyWatcher 8-24mm
Celestron 8-24mm
Meade series 4000 8-24mm
Televue clickstop 8-24mm
Baader Hyperion clickstop 8-24
Pentax XW 8-24mm

[ibase]

i was using it on the moon yesterday and i was comparing it to the rest i have and i like what i saw, seems to be a fantastic eyepiece!

Most definitely agree! The Hyperion zoom gives terrific views of the moon, very crisp. Outstanding!

Best,

[ibase]

Would it be improper for me to paste a post from a different forum that speaks about a recent test of 6 different zooms with our favorite one doing very well?

September '09 issue of the BBC's 'Sky at Night' magazine features a 'group test' of 6 popular zoom eyepieces.

SkyWatcher 8-24mm
Celestron 8-24mm
Meade series 4000 8-24mm
Televue clickstop 8-24mm
Baader Hyperion clickstop 8-24
Pentax XW 8-24mm

I for one would be very interested in this new zoom shootout, however the CN Terms of Service has this to say about the matter:

"Please do not copy e-mails, articles, pictures or posts from publications or from other online sites unless you are the owner of the material or have received explicit permission from the owner to do so. This permission must be included in your post. Using another person's work without permission is, at the very least, poor netiquette, and is not permitted on this forum. A summary or short quote is allowed without permission, but you must include the identity of the original source. The best way to direct fellow CN members to material you have found is to simply include a link, when possible, in your post."

Could you possibly give us a summary of the test (who won?) and a link to the forum comment, would very much like to know how the Hyperion zoom fared and the comment/post thereupon. Thanks!

Best,

[nejedj71]

Let's see if this works:

http://www.astronomy...comparison.html

This is (hopefully) the link to a different forum. The author of the post is Carlos and I've read a number of his posts. Great guy.

I would comment, but I have not read the article myself.