95 replies to this topic

[SeattleScott]

Unfortunately on my es 30/82 coma is evident and somewhat distracting so a CC is for sure on my way, either for Morpheus or APM. Is that much of a pain to parafocalize non parafocal eyepieces?

Ultimately you will want to make sure all your eyepieces reach focus at the same point. So that usually means find the one focuses furthest in and use that as the base, and then add parfocal rings to the others so they don’t insert all the way, in order to focus at the same point. And if an eyepiece ends up sticking so far out that there isn’t much inserted, it becomes a risk of falling out of the focuser. So then you need screw on barrel extension to make the barrel longer so it will insert far enough.

[No mans land]

Ultimately you will want to make sure all your eyepieces reach focus at the same point. So that usually means find the one focuses furthest in and use that as the base, and then add parfocal rings to the others so they don’t insert all the way, in order to focus at the same point. And if an eyepiece ends up sticking so far out that there isn’t much inserted, it becomes a risk of falling out of the focuser. So then you need screw on barrel extension to make the barrel longer so it will insert far enough.

Do you know how much inward focus does the GSO CC need? With my furthest in eyepiece I have left 1cm of travel so it might not be enough once the CC is added.

[Neanderthal]

Do you know how much inward focus does the GSO CC need? With my furthest in eyepiece I have left 1cm of travel so it might not be enough once the CC is added.

It needs about 10mm of in-focus.

[TayM57]

The Morpheus are excellent eyepieces- I have them. But comparing them to the XWA's is like comparing the Ethos to Delites. It just doesn't make sense to compare EPs of different AFOVs and ER. 

 

I can imagine however that as one gets tired near the end of the observing session, that one might switch to the Morpheus. They're very easy compared to the shorter ER wider AFOV EPs like the A11/N22T4. 

[Neanderthal]

The Morpheus are excellent eyepieces- I have them. But comparing them to the XWA's is like comparing the Ethos to Delites. It just doesn't make sense to compare EPs of different AFOVs and ER. 

 

I can imagine however that as one gets tired near the end of the observing session, that one might switch to the Morpheus. They're very easy compared to the shorter ER wider AFOV EPs like the A11/N22T4. 

Also the Morpheus eyepieces could be considered future-proof. Most folks eyesight does not improve with age, the XWA's will be a tough look if eyeglasses are involved. Then there's also that nice catalogue of Baader T2 goodies that work with the Morphie's.

[TayM57]

It's for that reason that I'll always keep my Morphii's. I made a mistake selling them off back in '21 and I'll not repeat that.

I like the Morphii's when I'm bundled up in the cold temps, as the Morphii's are friendly to the hovering style of observation. I don't like contacting cold equipment.

With the Morphii, I don't really have to worry about what kind of frames I get for my astronomy glasses as the eye relief is so long. So it's nice to have the Morphii's as a crutch if I find that a new pair of astronomy glasses won't work with my other wider AFOV EPs.

The Delos are the same- lots of eye relief. Delites too.


TeleVue makes some fantastic eyepieces.

[No mans land]

It needs about 10mm of in-focus.

Thanks! It seems like I’ll need a lower profile focuser, perfect excuse to change the terrible focuser I have now.

[No mans land]

The Morpheus are excellent eyepieces- I have them. But comparing them to the XWA's is like comparing the Ethos to Delites. It just doesn't make sense to compare EPs of different AFOVs and ER.

I can imagine however that as one gets tired near the end of the observing session, that one might switch to the Morpheus. They're very easy compared to the shorter ER wider AFOV EPs like the A11/N22T4.

It’s true they are very different eyepieces, to me it makes sense to compare them since I don’t have enough budget for both , I’m trying to figure out which one will give me a better overall experience despite their differences.

[rgk901]

It’s true they are very different eyepieces, to me it makes sense to compare them since I don’t have enough budget for both , I’m trying to figure out which one will give me a better overall experience despite their differences.

there lies the problem.. they both offer a good overall experience just with different qualities/attributes... really best to buy one of each used and try yourself? OR call around and see is some astro club users have them and you can try out?

[Jon Isaacs]

It’s true they are very different eyepieces, to me it makes sense to compare them since I don’t have enough budget for both , I’m trying to figure out which one will give me a better overall experience despite their differences.

 

I agree... it's a real world question and it's worthy of an answer. I happen to own complete sets of both the Morpheus's and the XWA's. My 10 inch is F/5 rather than F/4.7 but I have two F/4.4 Dob's and an F/4.06 as well as a Paracorr 2..

 

If you live around here, I'd say, come on over and bring your scope. Otherwise, I been trying to answer your questions and share my experiences.

 

Jon

[AaronF]

It’s true they are very different eyepieces, to me it makes sense to compare them since I don’t have enough budget for both , I’m trying to figure out which one will give me a better overall experience despite their differences.

Where in Spain do you live?
If you're anywhere near me (Barcelona) then you're welcome to come and compare the one XWA I have with the two Morpheuses I have.

[No mans land]

I agree... it's a real world question and it's worthy of an answer. I happen to own complete sets of both the Morpheus's and the XWA's. My 10 inch is F/5 rather than F/4.7 but I have two F/4.4 Dob's and an F/4.06 as well as a Paracorr 2..

If you live around here, I'd say, come on over and bring your scope. Otherwise, I been trying to answer your questions and share my experiences.

Jon

And it’s been really helpful Jon, I feel like I have a clearer idea of what I want, I would absolutely acceso your invitation if it wasn’t because I live in Spain, thank you so much anyways.
I think I’ll start with the XWA 20mm since I want to replace my current 20/68 ES and then get the 9mm Morpheus as it is so highly praised. Would you recommend me trying any other focal lengths or those could be a good starting point?

[No mans land]

Where in Spain do you live?
If you're anywhere near me (Barcelona) then you're welcome to come and compare the one XWA I have with the two Morpheuses I have.

Buenas! No sabía que habían más españoles por CN, la verdad es que vivo lejos (Madrid) pero agradezco mucho la invitación. ¿Que sensación te han dado los oculares?¿te gusta alguno de ellos más en particular? Un saludo!

 

Hi! I didn't know there were more Spanish artists on CN. I actually live far away (Madrid), but I really appreciate the invitation. How did you like the eyepieces? Do you like any of them in particular? Best regards!

[AaronF]

Buenas! No sabía que habían más españoles por CN, la verdad es que vivo lejos (Madrid) pero agradezco mucho la invitación. ¿Que sensación te han dado los oculares?¿te gusta alguno de ellos más en particular? Un saludo!

Nice to meet you!
I've seen a few around here, but not many. The truth is, I'm not Spanish—I'm a foreigner (well, a foreigner who has lived and worked here for many years)

I'm going to switch back to English now because I think that non-English chat is frowned upon here.

The XWA is nice and wide and good for showing planets to people, because of the longer drift time across the FoV.
(For showing planets to myself I usually use a Takahashi TOE 4mm, because I'm a glutton for punishment and perversely enjoy hand tracking at high magnifications)
You have to get your eye very close to the lens, though, so you can't wear glasses, but it feels very immersive as it fills your entire view.
I like it enough that I'm going to try another one this year, but not sure which focal length to go for.

The Morpheus 6.5mm is also very nice and wide enough. It's very sharp. It wouldn't be fair to say it's sharper than the XWA, because they're different focal lengths, but it does feel a touch sharper.
The Morpheus is usable with glasses, which means it gets more use when I'm using the telescope with other people.

I wouldn't be able to decide on either one, really. They each have their pros and cons. They're both very good eyepieces and you can't go wrong with either.

If you want to get your eye right into the eyepiece and feel like you're looking out of a porthole into space then the XWA will give you that.
If you want to relax and hover above the eyepiece then the Morpheus will be good.

Buy whichever of those feelings you think you'll like the most, and then start saving up for the other one later

[Jon Isaacs]

And it’s been really helpful Jon, I feel like I have a clearer idea of what I want, I would absolutely acceso your invitation if it wasn’t because I live in Spain, thank you so much anyways.
I think I’ll start with the XWA 20mm since I want to replace my current 20/68 ES and then get the 9mm Morpheus as it is so highly praised. Would you recommend me trying any other focal lengths or those could be a good starting point?

 

I consider the 20 mm XWA to be a very special eyepiece, I just love looking through it.

 

As far as the 9 mm Morpheus, I consider them all very similar except for the 17.5 mm and the 14 mm.

 

You might just buy the 20 mm and see how you like it. It's the largest one. If you like it, you'll probably like the rest.

 

Jon

[Dobs O Fun]

MODERATION NOTE: Please use English on the forums.

 

Thank you.

[Bener]

And it’s been really helpful Jon, I feel like I have a clearer idea of what I want, I would absolutely acceso your invitation if it wasn’t because I live in Spain, thank you so much anyways.
I think I’ll start with the XWA 20mm since I want to replace my current 20/68 ES and then get the 9mm Morpheus as it is so highly praised. Would you recommend me trying any other focal lengths or those could be a good starting point?

The 7mm XWA is considered one of the best of the series.

[TayM57]

I consider the 20 mm XWA to be a very special eyepiece, I just love looking through it.

 

As far as the 9 mm Morpheus, I consider them all very similar except for the 17.5 mm and the 14 mm.

 

You might just buy the 20 mm and see how you like it. It's the largest one. If you like it, you'll probably like the rest.

 

Jon

What do you consider different about the M12/M17.5?

[rgk901]

What do you consider different about the M12/M17.5?

not answering for Jon..but seems no one likes the redcuced field of view from 78ish to 72ish

personally, the presentation is very similar and I actually really like the 17

[TayM57]

not answering for Jon..but seems no one likes the redcuced field of view from 78ish to 72ish

personally, the presentation is very similar and I actually really like the 17

Yeah it is odd how Baader markets them as 76°, specifically for the 14 and 17.5 which would be fine if the actual AFOV was larger and they were rounding down but in this case, it's not. Rounding all the way up to 76° from 72° strikes me as a little bit on the deceptive side.

 

Mike B says the 17.5 is 76° as he saw a difference between the Delos 17.3 and 17.5, which likely can be chalked up to magnification difference, in retrospect.

[rgk901]

Yeah it is odd how Baader markets them as 76°, specifically for the 14 and 17.5 which would be fine if the actual AFOV was larger and they were rounding down but in this case, it's not. Rounding all the way up to 76° from 72° strikes me as a little bit on the deceptive side.

Mike B says the 17.5 is 76° as he saw a difference between the Delos 17.3 and 17.5, which likely can be chalked up to magnification difference, in retrospect.

I never even noticed untill I read it here .. was happy as a clam..still am but of course, like you said, we sorta feel 'robbed'.

should have stuck to observing the sky vs observing the eyepieces

Edited by rgk901, 15 March 2025 - 09:51 AM.

[TayM57]

Qouting Don, only the 17.5mm has a narrower FOV than advertised specs:

 

 

Actual test bench measurements of the Morpheus show they are really:

    17.2mm (labeled 17.5mm)  72.2°

    13.9mm (labeled 14mm) 78.3°

    12.4mm (labeled 12.5mm)  78.3°

    8.9mm (labeled 9mm) 78.3°

    6.7mm (labeled 6.5mm) 79.0°

    4.8mm (labeled 4.5mm)  78.3°

    The company's name is Baader Planetarium, typically shortened to just Baader.

    One note: almost all eyepieces' focal lengths differ from the label on the eyepiece.

    Focal lengths are rounded off, and there are a lot of examples of private label eyepieces where one company labels the eyepiece 15mm and another labels it 16mm when it is really 15.5mm.

    A  0.1-0.2mm difference is really unimportant.  Likewise, apparent field claims are almost always +/- from one focal length to another.  One line of Plössls, labeled 52°, ranged from 47-53° when measured.

    Is that really important?  No.  But it does mean you should take the advertised figures with a grain of salt and assume there is a +/- variation.  Just like the fact that 5 of the 6 Morpheus were wider than claimed, while 1 was narrower.

    To most people, that doesn't matter at all in the telescope.

[Jon Isaacs]

What do you consider different about the M12/M17.5?

 

I had written the 17.5 mm and 14 mm. 

 

As others have said, the 17.5 mm has a narrower field. The others are around 78°, it's 72°. 

 

As far as the 14 mm, I recall it as showing some of off-axis issues in one of my faster scopes, probably the NP-101.

 

My point was that the 4.5 mm, 6.5 mm, 9 mm and 12.5 mm are all very similar so whichever one you buy will be indicative of the others.

 

Jon

[f18dad]

When I first started the hobby a few short years ago I had a bunch of lousy eyepieces and was disappointed in what I was seeing, even after purchasing the so-called 9mm “Expanse” by Orion. My very first good eyepiece purchase was the APM 20mm XWA. It blew my mind, providing me at last with the kind of views I had been perhaps naively expecting and longing for. I was very quick to own the whole line thereafter and have never had any regrets. I also own the Morpheus lineup. Also no regrets. The Morpheus are smaller, lighter and have more ER and comfort for me. I wouldn’t want to be without either line. 
 

PS I don’t own the 3.5mm XWA. 

Edited by f18dad, 15 March 2025 - 10:18 AM.

[TayM57]

I had written the 17.5 mm and 14 mm. 

 

As others have said, the 17.5 mm has a narrower field. The others are around 78°, it's 72°. 

 

As far as the 14 mm, I recall it as showing some of off-axis issues in one of my faster scopes, probably the NP-101.

 

My point was that the 4.5 mm, 6.5 mm, 9 mm and 12.5 mm are all very similar so whichever one you buy will be indicative of the others.

 

Jon

My mistake.

 

All of the Morphii feel similar across the focal lengths, owing to their thin barrels.

 

Performance is not the same across the focal lengths in my faster sub f/4 scopes though. You have noted the same for your NP-101.