17 replies to this topic

[Steve Allison]

Hello everyone-

 

I am looking to complete my set of eyepieces for lunar, planetary and double star observation with my Tak FS-102NSV.

 

I have had fun obtaining eyepieces from different makers and currently have:

 

Tak 4mm Hi-Ortho (.975);

 

Nikon 5mm Ortho (.975);

 

Tak 7mm MC Abbe (.975); and

 

Brandon 8mm (1.25).

 

I am looking for a 6mm eyepiece to fill the gap. As you can see, I don't mind the smaller .975 models. I would appreciate your opinions concerning the following 6mm eyepieces:

 

TMB Monocentic;

 

Clave;

 

Pentax; and

 

Tak Abbe

 

Which 6mm eyepiece would you recommend for the type of observing I do? Should I be patient and try to find ZAO?

 

Thanks,

 

Steve

[havasman]

I enjoy the TAO and recommend it. The 6mm is as short as I go with them but for me it remains a comfortable and high resolution performer at 6mm.

For me, if the ZAO resolves better my gear is incapable of showing it and the much more comfortable TAO is preferred. I have observed briefly with others' ZAO-II 6mm so the comparison is not completely empty.

[Richard Whalen]

I like the Pentax smc ortho 6mm a lot. Just saw one for sale here on CN.

[AL W]

Hi, the BST 6mm would possibly be my first choice as it is a clone of the TMB PII. It is 1.25". The design has been eclipsed by the wide field ep's now but it was considered a good performer a few years ago. It is now listed at $60 I think. Hope this helps you some.

[Procyon]

Should I be patient and try to find ZAO?

 

Thanks,

 

Steve

6mm TMB Monocentric

Edited by Procyon, 19 June 2019 - 09:35 PM.

[izar187]

Hello everyone-

 

I am looking to complete my set of eyepieces for lunar, planetary and double star observation with my Tak FS-102NSV.

 

I have had fun obtaining eyepieces from different makers and currently have:

 

Tak 4mm Hi-Ortho (.975);

 

Nikon 5mm Ortho (.975);

 

Tak 7mm MC Abbe (.975); and

 

Brandon 8mm (1.25).

 

I am looking for a 6mm eyepiece to fill the gap. As you can see, I don't mind the smaller .975 models. I would appreciate your opinions concerning the following 6mm eyepieces:

 

TMB Monocentic;

 

Clave;

 

Pentax; and

 

Tak Abbe

 

Which 6mm eyepiece would you recommend for the type of observing I do? Should I be patient and try to find ZAO?

 

Thanks,

 

Steve

My present choice for short focal lengths that I use to barlow to.

https://www.sieberto...rtho page).html

 

For a mount that tracks, perhaps?

https://www.sieberto...lanesphere.html

Edited by izar187, 19 June 2019 - 09:49 PM.

[Procyon]

https://www.sieberto...rtho page).html

That 5.4mm Super Star Splitter New Look Ortho looks great, 16mm eye relief. Anyone tried one?

[izar187]

Have not used the SS4.

 

Just the SS3 5.4mm.

Where it is possible to follow the target across the whole field, glasses on. For me. 

The eye lens is right up top and generous size.

I can not take the whole field in at a glance with glasses on.

But I can glasses off, comfortably.

SS3's are a good match for me, and my bit fast hand track newts. 

[25585]

I have a Vixen SLV 6mm and Baader Morpheus 6.5mm. The Baader is superb.

[starcam]

6mm Brandon a sharp and contrasty eyepiece, er not so good

[BradFran]

There is a 6mm Radian for sale over in the classifieds.

[ww321q]

You know that's tough question. 6mm seems to be the best for Saturn and Jupiter for my eye and the 6" f8 reflector I use. I just picked up a Vixen NPL 6mm for that reason. I haven't got to use it in good conditions to really decide whether or not I like it.  The 6mm I do use the most isn't a 6mm , it's a Mead HD60 18mm on a TeleVue 3x barlow. I have had the best views of Saturn and Jupiter with that setup, several times. It usually edges out my ES 6.5 52°. Filling a 1mm  niche may be difficult. from what I've seen (I'm very new to this) is all eyepieces of a given mm size wont actual produce an image of equal size. You may end up with something that's more like your 5mm or 7mm. Just my opinion from observation. I'm also starting to think that certain telescopes like certain eyepieces and your eye's view through those may be different than someone else's.     

Edited by ww321q, 20 June 2019 - 09:59 AM.

[csrlice12]

Narrow fov...6.6 Orthostar

Mid fov....6mm Delos

Wide fov...if the 6mm Ethos is anything like the 8mm, then I'd go with that.

[N3p]

I love mu 6mm HD-OR Fujiyama for sure. I don't know if it's the same quality grade as  Nikon, takaashi or Brandon but it's my sharpest planetary eyepiece, very good.

 

I like the 7mm and the 5mm but the 6 is the one I prefer by far.

[Mark SW]

The best is the one that fits your budget and observing style

[dgordontx]

Been reading reviews for the past few days of every eyepiece I could find and after doing so, three 6mm EPs came up in the "Best" (5 star) category. The Olivon HD ($63, 58 AFOV), TV Delos ($352, 72 AFOV) and TV Ethos ($590, 100 AFOV). All of the reviews I've read were from those with a lot of experience and most of them actually compared the EP being reviewed to TVs and Pentax. If the low price scares you, then the Orion LHD ($280, 80 AFOV) and WO SPL ($108, 58 AFOV) were the next highest rated.

Edited by dgordontx, 20 June 2019 - 02:13 PM.

[GeneT]

I recommend the Delos or Ethos 6. For planetary, I prefer the Delos series. If you view while wearing glasses, the Delos has 20mm or eye relief, which easily accommodates glasses. The Ethos has 15mm of eye relief, not quite enough. If you do not have astigmatism, then you can view sans glasses, and the 15mm eye relief of the Ethos is plenty.

[Steve Allison]

Thanks, guys. Very helpful.