9 replies to this topic

[bgermano1738]

I’m looking to upgrade my existing eyepiece collection and was trying to decide between two mid-range 1.25” eyepieces for planetary viewing for my Celestron Nexstar 130 SLT f/5 telescope in Bortle 5/6 skies.  I have a Televue 2x Barlow lens already to see closer, so I was looking for something in the 8-10mm range. Does anyone have experience with either or both of these, and could recommend which one is better for me to invest in?

 

1) Explore Scientific 52 degree 10mm argon-purged waterproof 

 

2) Celestron X-Cel 9mm LX series

 

I already own a ES 52 degree 25mm from the same series and love it for deep sky observations, but was wondering if the X-cel XS would be better for planetary viewing.  Any thoughts would be appreciated. 

[SeattleScott]

I would go with the Xcel. Wider viewing angle, little more drift time, adjustable eyeguard. Also an excellent performer on Ernest’s bench tests.

Scott

[rhetfield]

I have the x-cel in 25, 7, and 5 for use with a scope similar to the OP's.  Also have the 2x barlow.  Still have the stock 10mm around, but almost never use it.  Rarely use the 25mm+ barlow combo.  Really don't miss the 10mm.  Note that it is generally thought that the 7mm xcel is really 6.5mm and the 5 mm xcel is really 4.5mm.  Also reviews say to stay away from the 18mm in xcel and paradigm.

[N3p]

I have the 9mm Xcel-LX and I find it very good for general viewing. I don't know if there is such a thing as a planetary eyepiece, I use mine on the planets, when the atmosphere is not very good, 111x.

 

The 9mm is my favorite of all the Xcel-LX I tried, 25mm, 18mm, 12mm, and 5mm.

 

Don't know anything about the ES 52d.

Edited by N3p, 23 June 2022 - 09:47 AM.

[rgk901]

the xcel 9mm is a nice eyepiece and works great in my 130 f/5.

for planets you'll definitely want a bit more power though... so you'll be barlowing that 9 most times. If your Barlow has a detachable 1.5x cell even better to dial in the right power.

BTW the 7mm (6.5) Xcel is also nice so is the 5mm paradigm... and I read the 8mm paradigm is also good although don't have that one myself.

make sure your scope is well collimated and cooled!

Edited by rgk901, 23 June 2022 - 10:49 AM.

[bgermano1738]

Thankyou all for your input and suggestions

[Whirlaway]

Don't leave out the Agena 8mm Dual ED (Astro-Tech 8mm Paradigm Dual ED). Its a great performer, as good as the XCel-LX, but less expensive.

[bgermano1738]

Thank you!

[spbadhamauthor]

I have the ES 52 at 3mm and it is very obviously worse than my X-cel 5mm with a cheap 2x barlow.

 

I also have the x-cel 9mm which not so obviously may show more colour than my 12mm morpheus, it is also 10x more comfortable than the morpheus but that is probably due to the smaller FOV. Morpheus still gets more use though.

[sportsmed]

The X-Cel LX 9mm was my first X-Cel I had bought to upgrade from a 9mm plossl I have. The X-Cel LX eyepieces over all is a great set even though I did not like the 18mm and sold it. But of the 2 you are asking about I would go with the X-Cel LX 9mm. I did recently buy a Meade 5000 UWA 8.8mm to upgrade from the 9mm and really like that EP. If you can find a used ES 8.8mm or Meade 5000 UWA 8.8mm I would personally go with them. But if not and you dont mind the 60^o FOV the X-Cel LX 9mm would be a great EP.

Edited by sportsmed, 26 June 2022 - 12:00 PM.