1123 replies to this topic

[thecelloronin]

I noticed that too. Was curious as to how the DioptRx would fit. That M37 bit extends out 5mm… seems like it wouldn’t work, but I have to assume it was tested since SecondTimeAround sent his all the way to China for that purpose. I told myself I’d take another look later, and now it’s gone.

[Starman81]

Say it ain't so! The 18-20mm stated eye relief is amazing but we all know that number usually comes down when you consider actual usable eye relief. Having the DioptRx capability would mitigate any such concerns and is a huge selling point for me. 

 

The pictures that were posted previously are gone but the description still states: 

 

2 upper external threads for connection of Tele Vue Dioptrix or adapter M43 x 0.75 and M37 x 0.75

 

So the good news is that it still mentions DioptRx. The bad news is that the dimensions listed above (and the pictures shown previously) wouldn't actually accommodate the DioptRx, to the best of my knowledge. 

 

My wishful thinking is that there is included a machined adapter (not pictured anywhere so far) that screws onto the M37 thread providing a flange with the proper diameter for the DioptRx. 

[sixela]

If you want to know, you should probably post in the Vendor announcement thread rather than here...

[Starman81]

If you want to know, you should probably post in the Vendor announcement thread rather than here...

 

Where's the fun in that? I'm a fan of the long drawn-out drama

[maggi]

Could this be an alternative to buying the full Baader Morpheus range?

[Voyager 3]

Could this be an alternative to buying the full Baader Morpheus range?

Time will tell .

[25585]

Could this be an alternative to buying the full Baader Morpheus range?

No.

[maggi]

No.

And why is that?
I'm putting together my set, got the apm 30mm uff and the morpheus 9 and 6. If the zoom is anything like the 30mm, with similar angles to the morpheus, I'm wondering if I shout get that instead of getting the 12.5 and 17 morpheus to my collection. Cheaper, easier, and maybe just as comfortable and high quality?

[f18dad]

Could this be an alternative to buying the full Baader Morpheus range?

Not if you already have the 6.5mm and 9mm. Wasted redundancy IMO. 

Edited by f18dad, 06 August 2021 - 04:40 PM.

[areyoukiddingme]

Pretty impressive how people can make decisions about a zoom that hasn't been released yet.

 

All depends on application and how good the zoom turns out to be.

 

If you already have (say) a 12.5 or 14 Morpheus as an approx 2mm exit pupil, then that could be complemented with the zoom barlowed.

 

With 1.6x barlow, that gives 4.8 to 9.6, and the step to 12.5 or 14 is good, and you don't have to futz with the barlow, just leave it in place.

 

Or if it turns out that the zoom performs at a level commensurate with the Morpheus, then it makes sense to do a 2x barlow and sell off the Morpheus, perhaps keeping a mid-power to swap against a barlowed zoom.

 

Then you have 3.85mm to 15.4mm for the zoom, which is 81x to 325x in a 10" F5. All you need is the 30 APM, and you have a very good magnification range (a greater range than you get with a full set of Morpheus) with 75 degree apparent fields.

 

All you'd really need to consider would be a second barlow to get to very high powers if you are after tight doubles and planetary nebulae.

[f18dad]

“ If you already have (say) a 12.5 or 14 Morpheus as an approx 2mm exit pupil, then that could be complemented with the zoom barlowed.”

OP does not have these yet. Would have to buy them. But dump the 6.5mm and 9mm he already has and keep the 30mm UFF plus an optional Barlow could be an option? Personally I would wait for the reviews from experienced experts.

[areyoukiddingme]

I agree that it's a good idea to wait, at least until quality reviews show up. The Morpheus are very strong performers, and the zoom is an unknown quantity.

 

But selling off eypieces is easy, particuarly now with the shortages.

 

Better still would be to try the zoom and compare like-with-like focal lengths. As much as I like reading eyepiece reviews, in the end there are lots of subjectivities here that finding out for yourself is important.

[25585]

There are far too many unknowns about this so-called "super zoom". 

 

While the concept is appealing, reality may not be. 

 

What we do know is thats its designed for binoculars & spotters primarily, with modification for 1.25" telescope focusers. We are unsure how if will perform through all its focal length range at F5 or below.

 

Morpheus are a known and appraised product. Their AFOV is closer to 80° than 70°. No statement about replacing Pentax, Delos or Naglers. Why Morpheus? 

Edited by 25585, 06 August 2021 - 06:39 PM.

[f18dad]

I do like and sometimes use my Swiss Army Knife. But when I really want to get the job done I pull out my Buck knife. 

[25585]

I do like and sometimes use my Swiss Army Knife. But when I really want to get the job done I pull out my Buck knife. 

 

[bbyrd]

Has anyone preordered the new APM Super Zoom eyepiece ?

[sixela]

Yes.

[Kunama]

Could this be an alternative to buying the full Baader Morpheus range?

Perhaps not the full Morpheus range but coupled with an APM 30mmUFF and something like a 6mm Delos, this might well end up replacing my Delos 8, 10, 12, 14 and 17.3mm.  I expect that the quality will rival the Morpheus and the sheer convenience for my outreach work would make this the go-to eyepiece on my Dob.

 

This would give me the range from 121x to 242x and exit pupils 3.8mm to 1.9mm with true fields of 0.3 degrees to 0.6 degrees covering my most used settings.... food for thought....

Edited by Kunama, 12 August 2021 - 10:51 PM.

[bbyrd]

Yes.

I did too. Currently use Baader Hyperion 8-24 zoom and looking forward to using the new APM zoom. 

[maggi]

That's the answers I was looking for. Since I'm new to everything I was wondering if those expectations could be met or if it's just a fantasy. It looks like quite a few people believe this could actually be something to rival the existing mid price supremacy. This puts a stop to my purchasing spree and I'll be waiting for reviews to finalize (haha do you believe it) my eyepiece collection

Edited by maggi, 13 August 2021 - 12:58 PM.

[25585]

Very tempting I admit as a starting & not replacement eyepiece.

[Starman81]

That's the answers I was looking for. Since I'm new to everything I was wondering if those expectations could be met or if it's just a fantasy. It looks like quite a few people believe this could actually be something to rival the existing mid price supremacy. This puts a stop to my purchasing spree and I'll be waiting for reviews to finalize (haha do you believe it) my eyepiece collection

 

I have gone minimalist recently (only 4 main eyepieces plus barlows!), so this zoom is coming at exactly the right time for me. 

[f18dad]

Perhaps not the full Morpheus range but coupled with an APM 30mmUFF and something like a 6mm Delos, this might well end up replacing my Delos 8, 10, 12, 14 and 17.3mm.  I expect that the quality will rival the Morpheus and the sheer convenience for my outreach work would make this the go-to eyepiece on my Dob.

 

This would give me the range from 121x to 242x and exit pupils 3.8mm to 1.9mm with true fields of 0.3 degrees to 0.6 degrees covering my most used settings.... food for thought....

 Very good answer, IF it meets expectations.

 

Also answers the question from another link, "How Many Eyepieces are Needed?" Three (3)

 

https://www.cloudyni...ces-are-needed/

Edited by f18dad, 13 August 2021 - 08:54 PM.

[Sarkikos]

Last night I took out my AT92ED with three eyepieces:  30 APM UFF, Leica Zoom and 3.7 Ethos-SX.  Guess which eyepiece was in the focuser 90% of the time?  Yep.  The Leica Zoom. 

 

The 30 APM UFF saw use for panning the Milky Way.  Before I went in, I viewed Jupiter and Saturn with the Ethos-SX.  But otherwise and for everything else, the Leica Zoom was my work horse.

 

I have a large set of eyepieces but the Leica Zoom is my work horse.  The others are trick ponies.

 

For me, my first priority with any zoom is parfocality.  If I need to refocus from high to low or low to high, that zoom will sit in a box waiting to be resold. 

 

I've heard that the new APM Zoom will be parfocal.

 

Maybe then I'll take out four eyepieces? 

 

Mike

Edited by Sarkikos, 13 August 2021 - 08:57 PM.

[f18dad]

Last night I took out my AT92ED with three eyepieces:  30 APM UFF, Leica Zoom and 3.7 Ethos-SX.  Guess which eyepiece was in the focuser 90% of the time?  Yep.  The Leica Zoom. 

 

The 30 APM UFF saw use for panning the Milky Way.  Before I went in, I viewed Jupiter and Saturn with the Ethos-SX.  But otherwise and for everything else, the Leica Zoom was my work horse.

 

I have a large set of eyepieces but the Leica Zoom is my work horse.  The others are trick ponies.

 

For me, my first priority with any zoom is parfocality.  If I need to refocus from high to low or low to high, that zoom will sit in a box waiting to be resold. 

 

I've heard that the new APM Zoom will be parfocal.

 

Mike

Let's see if it really is parfocal. If so, then the answer to "How Many Eyepieces are Needed?" may be "just two (2)".