19 replies to this topic

[denis0007dl]

So far I never tried Pentax XW eyepieces in bino mode, so  ifinally did it.

 

I was always wondering how good they will be comfort wise due diameter, but they positively suprised me: they are super comfortable, and FOV is very immerssive.

 

When I placed eyeguards max down, I dont touch eyepieces at all with my skin, fantastic!

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[denis0007dl]

...another view at eyelenses...

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[denis0007dl]

...and comparation vs Panoptic 24mm...

 

XW 20 is way more comfortable and more immerssive.

[denis0007dl]

...and comparation vs Panoptic 24mm...

 

XW 20 is way more comfortable and more immerssive.

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[RAKing]

I have always considered the Pentax XW series to be the most comfortable eyepieces ever designed.  Ergonomically, they work great for anyone who wants to (or has to!) spend time actually studying the view, and I have a full set that will never be sold!

 

But my face and IPD are too narrow to use them in the binoviewers.  I envy you and those who can use them in pairs - enjoy!    

 

Ron

[Andrea Salati]

Ergonomically, they work great for anyone who wants to (or has to!) spend time actually studying the view

This.
I have a few eyepieces which, depending on the metrics used to evaluate them, could be described as "better", none as more comfortable.
I would be curious to try the 4.5mm Morpheus as it is supposed to be on par and with a wider AFOV.

[Paul C-I]

I Too bino with a pair of 20 & 10 xw's, also with a Denis apo Bino.

Eye relief is so good you no need to have face full up to ep's thus not an issue with IPD, for me.

Highly recommended! 

Fantastic on Luna!!

[Paul C-I]

Optically, superb!

[GGK]

...and comparation vs Panoptic 24mm...

 

XW 20 is way more comfortable and more immerssive.

Denis,

 

I had not considered using the XWs, thinking that they'd be too big.

 

What's your IPD?

 

Wondering if the long eye relief combined with the shape if the XW eye cup makes them feel like smaller eyepieces.  How do they feel to you compared to the Delites?

 

Gary

[denis0007dl]

Hi Gary,

XWs are MUCH more comfortable in bino mode than Delites.

My IPD is 63mm.

[Lookitup]

The Morpheus 17.5 and 12.5's are the most immersive EP's I have. But with the Binotron they do have some reflections viewing Jupiter .

My Vixen SSW 10's do not but are not as engaging. Instead of another Morpheus (9mm) I strongly consider the Pentax 10mm.

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[25585]

I have a pair of Pentax XL 21mm eyepieces, a bit thinner than XW 20s, that are very comfy to use, wearing glasses. Going a bit shorter, my Nikon NAV SW 17.5mm pair are a bit narrower than Morpheus 17.5mm. I am looking out for a Pentax XL 10.5mm.

[ryderc1]

The 20XW and shorter focal length XW's have an outer diameter of 61mm per Ricoh's published spec's. So presumably people with IPD's less than 61mm will be unable to align their eyes' pupils over the center of each eyepiece in a binoviewer.  And this ignores the possible additional issue of nose comfort depending on one's IPD.

[Lookitup]

Got the Pentax XW 10mm today. Might be able to try them out tomorrow. Eye relief seems perfect in indoor testing. For some reason the eye-cubs do not turn and have a brand-new smell to them. Hope they compliment my Morpheus(ses)

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[Lookitup]

Here is a closeup.

CS Pete

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[mich_al]

Datapoint  -- My IPD is just under 58mm & too little for using XW20's

[Lookitup]

Datapoint  -- My IPD is just under 58mm & too little for using XW20's

The 17.5mm Morpheus is a bit narrower and the most comfortable one I've ever used. Wish Baader had a 10.5 or 11mm. My only concern was reflections on Jupiter. 

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[Chen Sir]

Yeah, I have been viewing moon and planets with a pair of XWs for a few years.

Their comfortable feeling and large FOV is so great.

[vahe]

I have a pair of Pentax XL 21mm eyepieces, a bit thinner than XW 20s, that are very comfy to use, wearing glasses. 

 

I always wanted to get a pair of XL or XW's for my binoviewer in 20mm focal length which produces planetary magnification with my F20 Maksutov but the fat bellies of these eyepieces prevented me from risking it. how much thinner are the bellies of 21mm XL compared to 20mm XW? XW is a bit wider than XL but that is not a significant issue for me.

My IPD is somewhere in the neighborhood of 60mm.

.

Vahe

[Lookitup]

Finally had some clear skies to compare the Morpheus 12.5mm with my newly acquired Pentax XW 10mm pair in the Binotron.

The XW's have less eye relief but are just as comfortable and immersive. Unlike the Morpheus 12.5 and 17.5 the XW had no internal reflexions on Jupiter. They are very color neutral similar to the Vixen SSW 10mm they replaced. They also seem to be a bit sharper than the 12.5mm watching Orion Nebula. Thanks Denis for the Pentax XW tip. CS Pete