29 replies to this topic

[rdjamieson]

Based on member comments, I have picked up the Fujiyama HD-OR line.  I see that members also have a favorable view of the Masuyamas. There was a thread back in 2020 in which many members asserted that the two are essentially the same (glass wise), based upon available focal lengths, same manufacturer, and the expense of designing/manufacturing distinct EPs that fill the same niche.  However, a couple comments suggested they are indeed different with a different number of elements, while others disagreed and said they have the same number of glass elements.  Has this been resolved and, if so, what’s the scoop?  And yes, for the pedants out there, I appreciate that the non-glass features of the two brands are quite distinct, so they are not literally identical.

 

Thanks,

 

Ray

 

 

[CrazyPanda]

There is a generic line of Abbe Orthos made by Ohi optics that has been sold under numerous labels: Masuyama, KK Fujiyama, University Optics, and Baader Genuine Ortho. They are all the same. You’ll only find Fujiyama and Masuyama labeled orthos these days, with Fujiyama being the most common brand.

Masuyama also has other lines that are their own. These are different optical designs from the Abbe Orthos.

[rdjamieson]

Thanks.  So the Masuyama abbe orthos are the same as the Fujiyamas.  So, if I wanted to try something different from Masuyama, it would be, eg, the MOP line, yes?

[CrazyPanda]

Thanks. So the Masuyama abbe orthos are the same as the Fujiyamas. So, if I wanted to try something different from Masuyama, it would be, eg, the MOP line, yes?

Correct.

[25585]

The "Masuyama" Or. Eyepieces do not have the name on them. The Fujiyamas do have HD on them which the Masus do not.

[Highburymark]

There is a generic line of Abbe Orthos made by Ohi optics that has been sold under numerous labels: Masuyama, KK Fujiyama, University Optics, and Baader Genuine Ortho. They are all the same. You’ll only find Fujiyama and Masuyama labeled orthos these days, with Fujiyama being the most common brand.

Masuyama also has other lines that are their own. These are different optical designs from the Abbe Orthos.

I think Kasai orthos can be added to the list of Ohi ortho eyepieces. I have a set, and they are almost identical to the BGOs. Long since discontinued.

[Mike B]

Thanks.  So the Masuyama abbe orthos are the same as the Fujiyamas.  So, if I wanted to try something different from Masuyama, it would be, eg, the MOP line, yes?

Ray-

Masuyama MOP refers to their line of 5-element 53* modified Plossls

The other flavor of unique Masuyama EPs is their line of 85* 5-element modified Plossls, which are better suited to slower optical systems, like f/9 to f/15. In faster scopes the outfield view area of the 85* EPs is typically aberrated to varying degrees

The Japanese manuf. of the various Masuyama EPs, plus many of the 4-element Abbe Orthos is Ohi optical. Masuyama is the family name of the designer, much like Nagler is the family name behind TeleVue.

[rdjamieson]

Ray-

Masuyama MOP refers to their line of 5-element 53* modified Plossls

The other flavor of unique Masuyama EPs is their line of 85* 5-element modified Plossls, which are better suited to slower optical systems, like f/9 to f/15. In faster scopes the outfield view area of the 85* EPs is typically aberrated to varying degrees

The Japanese manuf. of the various Masuyama EPs, plus many of the 4-element Abbe Orthos is Ohi optical. Masuyama is the family name of the designer, much like Nagler is the family name behind TeleVue.

Mike, that’s very helpful.  If I grab any Masuyamas, I think it will be the Plossls, because I am going to be focused on the Stowaway for awhile, and it is F6.65. 

[Paul Skee]

I got the 7, 12.5, & 25mm Fujiyama HD's and really liked them for planetary and lunar viewing. By the time I wanted to get the 18mm to fill the gap, nobody had them. I had been doing some reading and found that they all come from the same manufacturer. I ordered the 18mm from the source in the link below. It appears to be identical to the others I already have, except for the printing on the body.

https://astrohutech....opic-eyepieces/

[rdjamieson]

I got the 7, 12.5, & 25mm Fujiyama HD's and really liked them for planetary and lunar viewing. By the time I wanted to get the 18mm to fill the gap, nobody had them. I had been doing some reading and found that they all come from the same manufacturer. I ordered the 18mm from the source in the link below. It appears to be identical to the others I already have, except for the printing on the body.

https://astrohutech....opic-eyepieces/

Same situation for me.  Teleskop-Express had the whole line available, except the 18mm, which I purchased on the CN classifieds section.  Looking for some clear skies to try them out.

[rdjamieson]

Telescope-Express was great.  I got the 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12.5, and 25mm for EU773, which works out to about $834 (including shipping).  It only took 5 days from ordering to receipt.  Still, it would be nice if even one vendor in the USA had these eyepieces, but it’s not the case.  Strange.

[Thomas_M44]

The 25mm and 18mm orthos are my favorites of the series. I use them with various amplifiers (Barlows or Powermates) of between 1.6X and 5X, and so seldom if ever use the 12.5mm and shorter ones anymore.

Edited by Thomas_M44, 13 February 2024 - 02:42 AM.

[rdjamieson]

Thomas, that’s a good idea, but might not work out for me.  I have the Powermate 2x and 4x, but I am trying not to use them in order to keep weight down on my grab ‘n go alt-az rig.  Of course, my strategy might change if the short focal length eyepieces have super tight eye relief.

[25585]

I have a pair of 25mm, one is Masuyama, the other Fujiyama. I still prefer Vixen LVs and Zeiss OPMIs though.

[Mike B]

Thomas, that’s a good idea, but might not work out for me.  I have the Powermate 2x and 4x, but I am trying not to use them in order to keep weight down on my grab ‘n go alt-az rig.  Of course, my strategy might change if the short focal length eyepieces have super tight eye relief.

Ray-

I’m turtley down with the weight/bulk concern, but don’t give up on Thomas’ idea- it’s a VERY valid approach! Being a big fan of Barlow’s, I recently picked up *used* a “Brandon” Dakin 2.4x 1-1/4” Barlow. Am very pleased with its quality build & optics… plus the doggone thing is so light, I’m afraid a pesky mosquito may fly off with it! And 2.4x amplification will do amazing things to your midrange EPs!

Edited by Mike B, 13 February 2024 - 02:42 PM.

[Scott99]

Mike, that’s very helpful.  If I grab any Masuyamas, I think it will be the Plossls, because I am going to be focused on the Stowaway for awhile, and it is F6.65. 

Ray - I just got the 40 Masuyama MOP for my Stow and I like it.  For low power/finder eyepiece.  My mount was being overwhelmed by the mass of the XW30, the Masuyama is vastly lighter, it doesn't unbalance the scope....and no annoying undercut. 

 

Interestingly, the edge-of-field breakdown in the XW30 and 40mm MOP is almost identical  - the FOV is about the same, and stars begin to bloat at about the same distance outward from center.  The MOP is lower power and thus does not dim the background sky as much.  But neither eyepiece does that very well w/ 612mm focal length, and the MOP makes a much better finder eyepiece for me.

 

also, FWIW, the current Masu/Fuji orthos incorporate the latest advanced coatings - I believe they are match for the Univ. HD orthos, and a slight improvemement over the older UO volcano tops and many of the other orthos from earlier days.

Edited by Scott99, 14 February 2024 - 02:30 PM.

[rdjamieson]

Good to know, and thanks.  Regarding weight, I was getting amped to have a shootout between a bunch of 2” wide fields on the Stowaway.  Now, I’m a little less enthusiastic, because the heft of these EPs are making the Stowaway act like a boat with an offensive lineman sitting in the back.

[Mike B]

Good to know, and thanks.  Regarding weight, I was getting amped to have a shootout between a bunch of 2” wide fields on the Stowaway.  Now, I’m a little less enthusiastic, because the heft of these EPs are making the Stowaway act like a boat with an offensive lineman sitting in the back.

No problem… just invite Ray Nitschke over to stargaze! Fixed 

[rdjamieson]

No problem… just invite Ray Nitschke over to stargaze! Fixed 

Packers rule!!

[25585]

The Masuyama orthos come in M'yama boxes, black with red stripe and the white writing. 

[Mike B]

Packers rule!!

Culled from Packer history:

 

Nitschke was known for his strength and toughness. Once, a metal tower on the Packers practice field fell over on top of Nitschke. Lombardi ran over to see what had happened, but when told it had fallen on Nitschke, said, "He'll be fine. Get back to work!" According to Nitschke's biography, the tower drove a spike into his helmet, but didn't injure him. The helmet (with the hole) is currently on display in the Packer Hall of Fame in Green Bay.

[25585]

25mm Masu orthos sold out now. 
 

Ali Express is selling Fujis as "Hercules", 365astronomy has some Fuji 25s.

 

 

Edited by 25585, 14 February 2024 - 08:05 PM.

[mountain monk]

Mike,

 

Oh dear, another Packer. My wife’s family owns Packer stock and I’ll never here the end about them!

 

Dark skies.

 

Jack

[rdjamieson]

“Dark skies.”  LOL!

 

What else is there to cheer for in a town that barely has 100,000 people?  Winters are six months long here, the mosquito is our state bird, and most residents have exactly the body shape you would expect in a state known for beer, brats, and cheese. 

[mountain monk]

Yes, one of my friends used to say the in Wisconsin eating was a competitive sport!

 

Dar skies.

 

Jack