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After a few years with Morpheus eyepieces

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#26 TayM57

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Posted 13 April 2024 - 01:26 PM

Right, but one typically doesn't look for 78-79° fields for looking at the planets.  At the same price range are the Tele Vue Delites in 3--4--5--7mm, which do great on planets and/or Moon.

I prefer 100° eyepieces on the Moon--I like to look around to see what's nearby.  The 7mm XWA does great on the Moon in my 4", and the 6mm Ethos is amazing.

Perhaps so. I'm one of those that appreciates the longer drift time afforded by WF EPs, since I have reflecting newtonians on alt/az mounts. Sometimes, because of the way my eye/head is positioned, details really pop as the planet gets closer to the edge (just before CA becomes present).

 

I would be using the 100° in the shorter focal lengths if I could, but with 3.75 diopter astig, glasses it is for me, at all focal lengths.


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#27 areyoukiddingme

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Posted 13 April 2024 - 02:09 PM

I only have the 9. My continued impression of this eyepiece is the contrast is absolutely superb and it has quickly replaced the 10mm focal length in my kit as the general deep sky focal length. Don't hold me to it, but I swear it has a darker background than the 8 Ethos and the contrast of M51's spiral arms is the best I've seen.

 

My only complaint is the 9 has the worst CAEP I've seen in an eyepiece when looking at the Moon. Super finicky eye positioning because of it.

 

If you're saying the 12.5 is even better in regards to sky darkness, I might just have to try it and compare it with the Docter and 12.5 Nikon (which is my benchmark for transmission) to see if it's truly better contrast or just less transmission.

 

 

Wow, big difference in contrast. What a quirky little CN life hack that is...

I think the docter does come out a tiny bit ahead of the 12.5 M on contrast and sharpness, but it's very close. The field of view difference in favor of the Docter is the most obvious difference, perhaps followed by the ease of take up on the exit pupil. The distortion of the M is not optimal, so I'd say the Morpheus wins there. The price difference is now quite big (yikes, APA wants Apollo money).



#28 Jon Isaacs

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Posted 13 April 2024 - 02:35 PM

It's really nice that Don can more freely share his insights and expert opinions on eyepieces with us now that he is no longer burdened by his vendor responsibilities. Thanks for this detailed review of the Morphei Don!

 

I have owned the complete set of Morphei for a few years now. I was influenced by 25585. Thank you 25585!

 

As far as I am concerned one could easily own the full set of Morphei, plus the 30mm UFF, and that's all you would ever need in premium eyepieces.

 

:waytogo:

 

If I were starting over, knowing what I know today, I can imagine a set of Morpheus eyepieces, a Paracorr 2, a 2x Barlow and maybe a 41mm Panoptic.. It sure would simplify things.  

 

Jon


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#29 areyoukiddingme

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Posted 13 April 2024 - 03:51 PM

Another good combo is the 17.2, 12.4, and 8.9 paired with 2.5 Powermate. . . which gives ~ 7, 5, and 3.6. Add a 30 ultra flat, you have a nice set.



#30 25585

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Posted 13 April 2024 - 06:00 PM

Perhaps so. I'm one of those that appreciates the longer drift time afforded by WF EPs, since I have reflecting newtonians on alt/az mounts. Sometimes, because of the way my eye/head is positioned, details really pop as the planet gets closer to the edge (just before CA becomes present).

 

I would be using the 100° in the shorter focal lengths if I could, but with 3.75 diopter astig, glasses it is for me, at all focal lengths.

The ES92s are like Super-Morpheus+++. They have top grade optics, big immersive views, and sufficient eye relief to view with glasses (12mm a bit tighter than 17mm). I prefer my '92 to Nikon HW 17.


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#31 f18dad

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Posted 13 April 2024 - 08:39 PM

 

Interesting perspective. It always appeared to me that Don was able to share his insights freely when he was a vendor of eyepiecesetc.com. I never, not once, felt that seller's bias crept in his insights. Don's insights today, are the same as the past decade or so. It appeared to me that he always stood by what he said, regardless of what he sold.

 

Don has always sung the praises of the Morpheus eyepieces, for several years now.

 

 

 

Interesting interpretation. I think you misunderstood me. I agree with all that you have said.

 

I cannot speak for Don, but my perspective has been that previously he was more reserved and sensitive in his commentary so as not to unduly influence anyone to buy this or that product from eyepiecesetc offerings over others. A kind of anti-bias in fact. Being a vendor himself, he appeared to me to be appropriately very diplomatic and was very supportive of the offerings of other vendors. He relied solely on his generous sharing of astute and objective knowledge, upon his sterling reputation, and upon his flawless customer service for parties to organically purchase products from him, or from others, or not.

 

IMO he no longer needs to feel constrained by the same level of commercial etiquette he may have previously practiced with his vendor colleagues and/or their products. These days I sense he is being more liberal in his commentary, and I certainly applaud this.

 

I am sure Don remains just as objective and frank as before. But I also do not believe he needs to be as sensitive or as diplomatic as perhaps he once was as a vendor, if he doesn't feel like it. That's of course up to him. This is why I intentionally used the language "more freely share". I for one encourage Don to indulge in his newfound freedom and let it rip whenever and as often as he likes!

 

Yay Don! Thanks in advance for all your continuing, objective, and frank comments which have guided me often! 


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#32 wxcloud

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Posted 13 April 2024 - 10:49 PM

I need to give my duo more sky time. Did attempt using the 17.5 in the 8" edge HD my last so called outing but didn't get too far with it. I did notice some kidney beaning but as you mentioned in a previous post I made this was likely due to my eye position and not knowing the ocular well.

Maybe next outing I can give them a go again (12.5 & 17.5) ...and try not to smudge the hunk of glass with my butterfingers d'oh!

#33 Starman1

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Posted 14 April 2024 - 12:14 AM

I need to give my duo more sky time. Did attempt using the 17.5 in the 8" edge HD my last so called outing but didn't get too far with it. I did notice some kidney beaning but as you mentioned in a previous post I made this was likely due to my eye position and not knowing the ocular well.

Maybe next outing I can give them a go again (12.5 & 17.5) ...and try not to smudge the hunk of glass with my butterfingers d'oh!

If you don't wear glasses, try using the eyeguard extender rings that come with the eyepieces.

#34 vrodriguez2324

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Posted 14 April 2024 - 12:58 AM

If you don't wear glasses, try using the eyeguard extender rings that come with the eyepieces.

I don't wear glasses but enjoy the presentation of LER eyepieces with relatively wide AFOVs. I really enjoy using the Type 4s and the Morpheus.

 

What I like about the Morpheus line is that once you use the extension ring to get in the ball park you can make small adjustments to the height of the eyecup by unthreading the rubber eyecup or extension ring a few turns to get it just right. After I find the optimum position I "lock" it in place using a rubber band. I found some colored ones that are about half a centimeter in width. 


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#35 Dave Mitsky

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Posted 14 April 2024 - 01:32 AM

I observed the total solar eclipse from Texas using my 12.5mm Morpheus and 101mm Tele Vue refractor.  The views at 43x were excellent!


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#36 RichD

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Posted 14 April 2024 - 04:23 AM

Seems a lot of folk here enjoy the morpheus. I can see why, they really do bring it all together well.

I forgot to mention contrast earlier, I think it really is excellent in the morpheus line.

Finally had a clear, dry, moon free night last night and spent some time reacquainting myself with M13 via the 14mm morph. Ideal EP and fl for my scope, lovely view
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#37 PJBilotta

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Posted 15 April 2024 - 01:50 AM

I, too, spent a couple of years with a superb set of Morphs - 17.5 through 6.5. They were fantastic, and exceptionally wide, sharp, high contrast, and easy to use. Yet, I just couldn't quite shake the feeling that something was a little off.

To my eyes, the Morphs always seemed a tiny bit dimmer and softer than my Pentaxes and Deloses. For me, it was especially apparent on globulars. In the Morphs, they had bright, glowing, high-contrast cores - really wow. But, in the Delos and Pentax XWs, those glowing cores resolved into ultra-fine pinprick stars - stunning. I found the same on bright nebulae, where they appeared brightly "glowing" and higher contrast in the Morphs, but I could clearly see greater nebulously and fine filimentary detail in the comparable XW and Delos.

The Morpheus line is truly exceptional, and I enjoyed them immensely. However, I have gravitated towards the Delos and XW lines (10 and under for the XWs) because of their high transmission and ultra-sharpness. Some of the Nikon SVs inhabit this realm as well - especially the 14mm.

Definitely demonstrates that eyepieces are highly personal. What appeals to one eye and mind may not appeal the same way to another. Regardless, cannot fault the Morpheus line one iota. If I had to pick a single line - not mixing and matching XWs, Deloses, and Nikons, I would probably just get a full set of Morphs. No other line is so uniformly excellent across the board.
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#38 MrMartin

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Posted 15 April 2024 - 02:23 PM

Thanks for a great analysis of the lineup, Don! I'm looking at possibly buying a 14mm eyepiece in the 70 degree range and am considering giving the Morpheus line a try next time it goes on sale after all the positive things I've read about it.


Edited by MrMartin, 15 April 2024 - 02:24 PM.

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#39 vrodriguez2324

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Posted 15 April 2024 - 04:37 PM

Mr. Martin. There is a listing in the classifieds at the moment at a price I consider a really good deal. 

 

https://www.cloudyni...morpheus-14mm/ (if you contact the seller be sure to ask if it includes the extension ring as it is not in the description, you will most likely need it if you observe without glasses)

 

I have been very impressed with the 14 Morpheus and have actually put the odd man "in" to my lineup. 

 

-Victor


Edited by vrodriguez2324, 15 April 2024 - 05:10 PM.

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#40 rgk901

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Posted 15 April 2024 - 04:58 PM

good eyepieces, I enjoy them myself. I view with cups down in dark skies and unscrew them up higher at home, haven't yet needed to use rings, but may set them up when the inclination comes.

the biggest 'problem' with these, the 'smaller' FOV is cured by simply not using them together with wider EP's like 100's or 92's or whatever ;)
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#41 HellsKitchen

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Posted 18 April 2024 - 06:04 AM

Don:

 

I am glad you posted your impressions of the full set of Morpheus eyepieces.  Late last year, as you may have read, I acquired a full set of Morpheus eyepieces as a surprise gift from an anonymous individual.  Needless to say, I was overwhelmed and taken aback but very much appreciative.   

 

Due to family issues and the weather, I have not had a lot of chances to use them but this last full moon, I was able to use them for an entire evening under reasonably dark skies.  

 

I really don't have much to add other than my some first experiences and thoughts.  

 

-  I do not wear eyeglasses at the eyepiece but the big eye lens and generous eye relief makes the AFoV seem larger than it is.  With 100 degree eyepieces, that outer field is not as useful as the rest of field whereas with the Morpheus eyepieces, it is all very usable. Big eye lenses = the Big Easy View.  

 

- They are quite sharp in my Dobs and refractors though I believe I did see some significant off-axis edge stuff in the 14mm in my NP-101.  

 

- The 17.5mm - 14mm - 12.5 mm spacing is less than ideal.  I think as a set, the 17.5-12.5-9-6.5-4.5 very workable, the 14mm is the odd man out.  Add a 2 inch like the 30mm UFF or the 28mm UWA and maybe a 2x Barlow for the high magnifications and you are set.. The 30mm UFF seems like a good fit, as many have suggested, with it's long eye relief, it fits nicely and deserves the title of as an honorary Morpheus. 

 

- One day, I left them out to dry out.. They had been caught by the dew gremlin.  The next night, the yellow numbers were glowing brightly.  If I were near sighted, I might have been able to read them but as it was, I found it somewhat distracting.. I won't be leaving them out again.  

 

Don:  Thanks again.

 

Jon

 

 

That's exactly what I intend to do. 17.5-12.5-9-6.5-4.5, and add a 3.5mm Delos. I've used my 17.5 and 12.5mm enough now to realise that the FOV and the immersion provided by the large eye lens really won me over. The view has a "sparkling" quality in the Morpheus. 


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#42 RichD

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Posted 20 April 2024 - 03:20 AM

Sparkling quality puts it nicely. And I also love the huge eye lens.

I just had a very rare high transparency night, with very good seeing. The moon was fairly high and I spent a slightly crazy amount of time teasing out detail from the floor of Gassendi with a barlowed 14mm Morph (c.265x)

The 14mm barlows beautifully with no artifacts I could see. The rilles on the floor of Gassendi were razor sharp and the details in the terraced wall were outstanding. Amazing what good seeing can do, it was such a calm, steady night after an awful, unsettled winter.

Clear skies
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#43 Estel11

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Posted 20 April 2024 - 01:26 PM

I, too, spent a couple of years with a superb set of Morphs - 17.5 through 6.5. They were fantastic, and exceptionally wide, sharp, high contrast, and easy to use. Yet, I just couldn't quite shake the feeling that something was a little off.

To my eyes, the Morphs always seemed a tiny bit dimmer and softer than my Pentaxes and Deloses. For me, it was especially apparent on globulars. In the Morphs, they had bright, glowing, high-contrast cores - really wow. But, in the Delos and Pentax XWs, those glowing cores resolved into ultra-fine pinprick stars - stunning. I found the same on bright nebulae, where they appeared brightly "glowing" and higher contrast in the Morphs, but I could clearly see greater nebulously and fine filimentary detail in the comparable XW and Delos.

The Morpheus line is truly exceptional, and I enjoyed them immensely. However, I have gravitated towards the Delos and XW lines (10 and under for the XWs) because of their high transmission and ultra-sharpness. Some of the Nikon SVs inhabit this realm as well - especially the 14mm.

Definitely demonstrates that eyepieces are highly personal. What appeals to one eye and mind may not appeal the same way to another. Regardless, cannot fault the Morpheus line one iota. If I had to pick a single line - not mixing and matching XWs, Deloses, and Nikons, I would probably just get a full set of Morphs. No other line is so uniformly excellent across the board.

I agree with the Delos comparison. They do deliver a more sharp and precise view of detail. This is noticeable with globulars like N22. The tiny star images are a bit more detailed. That being said, I'm going the Morpheus route. 17.5, 14 12.5 and 9. I'm selling my 17.3 and 12 Delos eyepieces. I just like that immersive view that comes with the Morpheus eyepieces enough to switch over. Very tough decision, though- both are top- notch.
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#44 zman2100

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Posted 23 April 2024 - 12:51 PM

It made me very happy to read through this thread knowing that the UFF 30mm and 17.5mm Baader Morpheus are the first two premium eyepieces I added to my collection after starting out early last year. By my inexperienced eye, both are phenomenal in my 10" dob and I find them much more pleasing to look through when compared to 90 degree+ EPs I've looked through at star parties. The field feels immersive and easy to look through, while I found wider eyepieces required jamming my eye right up to the lens to be able to see the whole field and even then would still require me to shift my head around a bit.

 

I started on the longer focal length end of the spectrum as I am covered by the Baader Hyperion Zoom at shorter focal lengths, and I'm thinking my next addition will be the 12.5mm Morpheus, skipping the 14mm.


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#45 Exnihilo

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Posted 23 April 2024 - 01:09 PM

I got turned onto Morphs when I read Bill Paolini’s analysis. It took a while until I got my set, but that analysis really impressed me. 


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#46 KTAZ

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Posted 23 April 2024 - 02:59 PM

My first was the 12.5. I sold the Pantax 14XW after I did a side by side.

 

Since then I've aquired the 17.5 and the 6.5. I plan to add the 9 next. I don't wear glases, but for me, the eye relief is a really nice fit for the way I observe. Truly wonderful eye pieces.


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#47 rdjamieson

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Posted 23 April 2024 - 03:23 PM

I also acquired a set of Morpheus eyepieces at the last winter sale and can underline Don's analysis without any hesitation. Let me add the following comment:

I comparison to the Delos eyepieces, the Morpheus have bigger AFOV and are lighter (and in addition I can save the weight of not needed 1.25" adapters). These are the two main advantages I see. The only things that bother me are reflection of bright stars and objects close to the field stop (inside and outside).

The Delos show wither images and have a more consistent eye relief throughout the series, but that's a minor thing.

How much was the set on sale?  Thanks!



#48 Starman1

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Posted 23 April 2024 - 04:43 PM

How much was the set on sale?  Thanks!

Currently the set of 6 with case is $1799

When they were on sale in the Spring of 2023, the set was $1249, but that sale was a once in 5 years thing.

In truth, the same % spread includes the 17.5>>12.5>>9>>6.5>>4.5mm, so a "set" now is really $1499.  You don't need the 14mm.

And you can get a much better case for only $40:

https://www.harborfr...lack-63927.html

 

And, of course, you can buy them a couple at a time as finances allow.


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#49 Neanderthal

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Posted 23 April 2024 - 05:10 PM

Currently the set of 6 with case is $1799

When they were on sale in the Spring of 2023, the set was $1249, but that sale was a once in 5 years thing.

In truth, the same % spread includes the 17.5>>12.5>>9>>6.5>>4.5mm, so a "set" now is really $1499.  You don't need the 14mm.

And you can get a much better case for only $40:

https://www.harborfr...lack-63927.html

 

And, of course, you can buy them a couple at a time as finances allow.

The 3800 case is indeed a good match for the Morpheus series. No 4.5mm or 14mm in the collection, but a VIP Barlow and 30mm UFF. This arrangement covers everything I need.

 

CN EP Case with DYI Trek Pak.jpg


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#50 25585

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Posted 23 April 2024 - 08:37 PM

I have all six FLs and another 9 & 17.5 for bino to make pairs, = 8. A 22/70 2", and a 30 UFF = 10.


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