29 replies to this topic

[AEP64]

Hi, got a question. Whether I'm using my Ehos 13mm, 6mm, or Nagler 31mm I seem to get clear centers with the best I can describe is foggy parameter. I'm viewing thru my AstroTech 115edt. I have dew strips on the scope and eyepiece so I'm at a lost. I feel like I'm giving up a lot of viewing area.

Thanks

[SeattleScott]

Is this at night, or daytime terrestrial viewing?

This is kind of a stumper. Unless there is something wrong with the scope, or your eyes, it isn’t coma, field curvature, or astigmatism. Not with that scope, and those eyepieces. So what the heck is left? Ring of fire? That’s only an issue for daytime (or lunar observing, especially with a full Moon).

Ok this is going to sound like a silly question, like when you call IT about your computer and they ask you if it is plugged in. But I am really grasping at straws here. These eyepieces have views so wide, the outer edges are off in your peripheral vision. So the edges will absolutely look fuzzy if you are looking straight ahead. However, if you redirect your vision and focus on the edge, the edge should look sharp.

Edited by SeattleScott, 14 February 2025 - 07:12 AM.

[AEP64]

Is this at night, or daytime terrestrial viewing?

At night

[Sebastian_Sajaroff]

Start by confirming there’s no dew or mist on the objective and eyepieces (check them with a flashlight during your observation sessions).
If there’s no condensation, I would take an appointment with the optometrist.

[SeattleScott]

Start by confirming there’s no dew or mist on the objective and eyepieces (check them with a flashlight during your observation sessions).
If there’s no condensation, I would take an appointment with the optometrist.

I would probably get a buddy to observe with me first, confirm that it is the eyes, not the scope.

[scotsman328i]

I would probably get a buddy to observe with me first, confirm that it is the eyes, not the scope.

Definitely! I always get another set of eyes on any issue I detect first to ensure it’s not a user problem first, before pursuing any other avenue of approach to issues.

[AEP64]

Good ideas on all the above..I will ask others to look and I am due an eye exam

[geovermont]

And maybe try a simple Plossl eyepiece as well?

[Inkie]

An E6 will have a pretty small exit pupil, even in an F7 scope, so you'd think that an eye problem will not likely be the issue here.  But, anything is possible...  I agree with trying simpler construction of lenses, such as an Ortho or Possl, and seeing if the periphery is still blurry.

[ChristianG]

Do not breath near the eyepiece in Winter! If at all possible... Top lens fogs easily!

--Christian

[triplemon]

If three high end eyeoices show the same issues, odds are its not the eyepieces.

I assue you're using a diagonal - so that is a common element, too.

If its also with the binoculars - there would be only one common element to suspect left ...

Edited by triplemon, 14 February 2025 - 01:31 PM.

[rgk901]

interesting... Scope lens is clean?

I concur having someone else look...all the eyepieces can't be bad in same manner at the same time...

[rgk901]

good point on diagonal! especially if you're grabbing it to move scope you could be warming the mirror thus inviting dew.

[spongebob@55]

When you look up at the moon, do you see what looks like high thin clouds around it?

I have cataracts and I always see a 'fog' in my EPs and around the moon and planets.  It started with what you describe and started asking my observing buddies, 'do you see this in my EP?'.   Check the cleanliness of your optical train as said above.

Good luck

SB

[dnrmilspec]

Take the diagonal out and put the eyepiece directly into the back of the scope and tell us how it looks.  My 130 EDT is sharp across the image with just about any eyepiece I have chosen.  Please post a shot of the rig set up  and ready to use.  We might spot something.

[AEP64]

I should mention I use the 3 EPs as 2" unless I'm using my Barlow. 

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[vtornado]

Are there high wispy clouds at night?  They are difficult to detect.  on planetary they reduce contrast.  Sometimes they show up as a halos around bright objects.

[daveb2022]

Is the dew so heavy you use a dew strip on the diagonal?

I would at least do as others have said, and take the diagonal out of the loop.

[AEP64]

i am hoping to get out tonight and see if it happens yet again. If it does i will try only small 1.25" eyepiece which i use for alignment. I will also try without the diagonal.  If i remember correctly it didn't happen when using my NV attached to the 55Plossl, but will be trying it too tonight.

[Keith Rivich]

If the haze has shape to it you can rotate the eyepiece and see of the shape rotates. If not the eyepiece is fine. 

As others suggest use a flashlight to check the other optics. Don't forget the diagonal! Seen more then one go bad...

[balcon3]

Are you waiting enough time for the scope to acclimate? Triplets will take longer than doublets, and you may not get well-corrected images until 30 minutes or so after setting up. Your dew heater may be set too hot and be creating a temperature gradient across the objective. Is this a new scope? It may be miscollimated. 

[SeattleScott]

Are you waiting enough time for the scope to acclimate? Triplets will take longer than doublets, and you may not get well-corrected images until 30 minutes or so after setting up. Your dew heater may be set too hot and be creating a temperature gradient across the objective. Is this a new scope? It may be miscollimated. 

Collimation should affect the whole view, not just the edges. 

 

It could have been a fluke thing that night, perhaps some fogging of objective or diagonal. Or it could be something defective about the diagonal or telescope. Or something specific to the OP's vision. Trying a different diagonal (or removing diagonal) would rule out the diagonal. Getting someone else to look through the scope, or trying a different scope, would rule out the scope and leave just the individual eyesight if the issue persists.

[AEP64]

Are you waiting enough time for the scope to acclimate? Triplets will take longer than doublets, and you may not get well-corrected images until 30 minutes or so after setting up. Your dew heater may be set too hot and be creating a temperature gradient across the objective. Is this a new scope? It may be miscollimated. 

i typically leave my scope out for 3+ hours. I don't recall it ever being less then that.  As far as the scope goes, yes new, got it in December. I let my Dewmaster2 control the dew strips...i just set it to auto.  

 

If i do experience it again tonight i will ask my wife to look as well, but her eyesight is worst than mine

[AEP64]

If the haze has shape to it you can rotate the eyepiece and see of the shape rotates. If not the eyepiece is fine. 

As others suggest use a flashlight to check the other optics. Don't forget the diagonal! Seen more then one go bad...

The shape is circular..it surrounds the whole outside of the eyepiece except the center.  I did clean the objective and eyepieces over the weekend. Just been waiting on weather that will allow me to try it.

[PalomarJack]

At night

High atmospheric haze/moisture will cause this. It looks just like fog on your optics. The way to see the difference is atmospheric haze will magnify with the object, a lot, optical fog will not. Obviously bad optics will cause this, but that will show itself in out-of-focus star images as deformed and/or unevenly illuminated expanded disks of light and will reveal itself more at increased mag. The difference will be the core image will deteriorate where with atmospheric haze it will only lose contrast.

 

If it was your eyes, you would have the same sized halos at any magnification, in any telescope with any atmospheric conditions.

 

Hope this helps.