I had dust within two of my Celestron XCel 25mm XL's, and returned them both back to Celestron, settling on a 32mm Omni Plossl from Celestron, ultimately, since they couldn't seem to provide me with a good one (without internal dust specs). I've heard these two lines, the Celestron XCel LX and Meade HD-60's, are from the same OEM. Ironically, later I purchased a new Meade 25mm HD-60 and have found that particular eyepiece dust-free, and literally, a "poor man's Pan 24". I also own the TV Pan 24, and, yes, for those who demand the absolute best, it is the better eyepiece, but I purchased the Pan 24 over 11 years ago, before the HD-60 series was even introduced. I have found the Meade HD-60 SO close in performance to the Pan 24 that knowing what I know now, I'd probably settle on the 25mm HD-60 if I hadn't already spent all that money on the Pan 24. It's the better eyepiece, but honestly, with the Meade 25mm HD-60 (assuming you get one without internal dust specs like mine), is 90% of the performance of the Pan 24 for 3.5x less cost. That's my honest assessment. Now the TV Nagler 16mm T5, that's a different story, and there is no Meade, ES, or any other eyepiece I've ever seen like it. That's one of Tele Vue's absolute best, without serious competition, but the Meade 25mm HD-60 is loaded with value. Get one if you want nice, expansive wide views. Besides, it and the ES 28mm 68* are both definitely better than just the Pan 24, and you can easily afford both, with about $50 to spare, for the cost of one Pan 24. The Meade 25mm HD-60 also weighs less than the Pan 24. Another important, added bonus.
Edited by CollinofAlabama, 04 September 2019 - 08:47 AM.