39 replies to this topic

[MrsM75]

Is Celestron Luminos was made in mind for SCT users? As it seem like SCT users said they good. BUT the Refractors and Dobs users has all kinds of problem with it from edge brightness, to seagulls, to coma, to partial blackout.

 

Anyone here who use it on their SCT and likes it?

 

I use it on my Maks and nope. complete blackout for me, my eyesballs can't handle 82 degrees FOV

 

 

[SeattleScott]

Again, you wear glasses, so that's why the eyepieces don't work for you. 

 

The Luminos are an affordable line of ultrawides. Like most affordable eyepiece lines, the series is inconsistent. There are good ones and not so good ones. The 7 and 10 are widely regarded as the best, with the 7 being perhaps slightly favored between the two. The 7 is an excellent replacement for the 7/8 UWA, as the 6.6mm focal length is a better fit (than 7.7mm) between 4mm and 10mm, and it bench tests a little better in edge correction as well. I have the 10, it is a very fine eyepiece, although falls a little short of my premium glass. 

 

On the other hand, the 15 seems just downright bad. It has the worst test scores in the series, and the very few reviews that can be found on it are mostly negative.

 

The 2" Luminos are known for having EOFB. Which some are more sensitive to than others. The edge correction of the 2" models (19,23,31) is respectable as I recall. Not super, but not bad. Would certainly be fine at F10. So yeah, perhaps Celestron had SCT's in mind, although they could work below F10 as well. As long as you aren't very sensitive to EOFB I guess. Personally I haven't used the 2" models, but it does seem like people pretty consistently complain about the EOFB. The scope type probably wouldn't matter regarding EOFB. 

 

Overall, I wouldn't say Luminos are made for SCTs. I would say Luminos are made to a price point, and some focal lengths consequently have issues, like most affordable series. 

[T1R2]

let me ask you this...Are you eyes fully dark adapted before you try to look through the telescope?, Its just not possible for you to be getting blackouts from short eye relief 82* eps with glasses on, I'm wondering if you are getting "blackouts" from just not being fully dark adapted, if your eyes are not fully adapted all you will see is blackness and this is much different than traditional blackouts from being inside the exit pupil,  and it's extremely difficult to find and hold the exit pupil when your eyes are in this state of not being fully dark adapted. I really think you should observe with an experienced observer so they can watch you and make sure you're not too close to the EP, or not fully dark adapted, or something else. 

[MrsM75]

I am sure I am dark adapt, because I can see the Helix, that is dark adapt to me. I am sure it the 82 degrees wide field of view, I have 2 sets of Vixen SLV Lathanium out at the time and the Vixen NPL Plssol, and none cause blackout, and I can see the Helix with it. yah. Vixen it 50 degrees.

[MrsM75]

No need, I can see the Helix, M74 and M101, I don't need an experience observer. I know what my eyesballs can take and cannot take. 82 degrees FOV is not one of it.

[PKDfan]

Is Celestron Luminos was made in mind for SCT users? As it seem like SCT users said they good. BUT the Refractors and Dobs users has all kinds of problem with it from edge brightness, to seagulls, to coma, to partial blackout.

Anyone here who use it on their SCT and likes it?

I use it on my Maks and nope. complete blackout for me, my eyesballs can't handle 82 degrees FOV

I don't think anyone knows for sure if Luminos was designed for SC's MrsM75 except for Celestron.

I believe that they are specifically upon SC user reviews extolling their virtues.

For sure some eyepieces work better with specific optical systems. An eyepiece sometimes has field curvature that if it matches the scope can build a flatter image plane and vice versa.

For your unique requirements i'd stick with XW 70° field size. Have you tried any of those MrsM75 ?


Clear Steady Skiea
Lance

Edited by PKDfan, 17 March 2025 - 05:41 AM.

[csrlice12]

Not with those big bulbous tops they're not....

[MrsM75]

Well I will be getting a 10mm from Amazon, when the sky allow I will test it. The 15mm I tried gives me black out, let me test it with the 10mm this time.

[SeattleScott]

Well I will be getting a 10mm from Amazon, when the sky allow I will test it. The 15mm I tried gives me black out, let me test it with the 10mm this time.

The 10mm Luminos? Very good eyepiece but not enough eye relief for glasses.

Edited by SeattleScott, 18 March 2025 - 04:01 PM.

[MrsM75]

The 10mm Luminos? Very good eyepiece but not enough eye relief for glasses.

 

Well Sir you said it a good eyepiece out of the series, so I decided to try it as it on sale $102 on Amazon and that is a darn great price for 82 deg fov.

 

I will give it a try tonight. Will report back. People seem to hate it though, Celestron website someone wrote they see Ghosting in Jupiter. But then that person might use it in a f/4 Refractor, while I use it in a f/15 Mak

 

Will report back after test it.

Edited by MrsM75, 18 March 2025 - 07:05 PM.

[MrsM75]

So I have a question, I have the 10mm in my hand. Let me upload the pic so you see what I'm talking about.

 

So you see where that black rubber piece and you turn the eyecup move up and down. When I turn it between that 2 orange colors line it leak out some sort of pinkish color Oil or Lube. So I am guessing it some sort of Lube that celestron put it in so it can be turn easier? 

I just wipe it off with a tissue, but I wonder what it is.

 

[SeattleScott]

Yeah just a little excess lube.

[MrsM75]

Yeah just a little excess lube.

 

Question for you Sir SeattleScott, are there any other 82 degres FOV eyepieces at out there that at this price range $100 to $120 of the Luminos, that 82 degrees? I don't think there is right, this Luminos probably the cheaptest 82 deg out there right?

 

So my review, I'm shock, No blackout. No ghosting on Jupiter or Mars neither. No seagulls, no coma. But then I use a f/15 Mak. However I do notice a subtle "brighter on the outer edge".

 

I think I will keep it, as it only $102, I do not know where to find another eyepiece that is 82 deg with this price tag.

 

I'm thinking of try the 7mm, Amazon has 30 days return. And if the 7mm work too, then I'm set for my Maks.

[MrsM75]

okay so I was out there at 10PM for an hour session, family stuff can't stargaze earlier, I usually stargaze around 10PM to 4AM (Summer time ofcouse, lol).

 

So you see 10PM in right now sky the Orion is basically Setting in the West at 25 degrees altitude. But I have the BEST view of the Orion in this Luminos 82 deg, like the best view I ever see the Orion in. Even at that low of +25 degrees Altitude. 

Orion get up to 50 deg altitude here, whoa it must look nicer when it higher up.

 

My Vixen eyepieces lost out on the Luminos on the Orion.

 

Now planets, Jupiter I saw Jupiter Moon transit. No ghosting (like other report) perhaps I use a f/15 scope. Jupiter was Setting too. But I still see the Moon transit. 

I would say the Vixen beat the Luminos on planets, by not much but beat it.

 

Globs, M3 and M53, the Luminos win. The globs look better in the Luminos. And searching for Globs in a 1900 focal Mak is daunting, so this 82 degrees help alot.

 

I do need a 7mm eyepiece, as the one I have is Vixen 50 deg 6mm, so let hope the 7mm Luminos work, and I be done with eyepieces.

 

No ghosting, no coma, no seagulls. I do notice a subtle brighten edge field of view, but it subtle in my f/15 Mak.

 

It heavy and big. I think my baby 70mm Mak it might break the Visual back? lol.

Edited by MrsM75, 19 March 2025 - 05:25 AM.

[MrsM75]

Is there any way I can find out the weight specifications of my telescope's focuser? I am genuenly worry these Luminos eyepiece is too heavy for my small Maks. 

[SeattleScott]

The 7mm Luminos is considered even better than the 10, a little better anyway. If you like the 10 you will like the 7.

There are no advertised specs for your focusers. You could always decloak the Luminos if you are concerned about weight. You would lose the adjustable height eyecup though.

The Astrotech 7 UWA is typically the other competitor, and might have less EOFB. The 7mm is really more like 7.7mm where the Luminos is really about 6.6mm so it might come down to what focal length you prefer.

[MrsM75]

The 7mm Luminos is considered even better than the 10, a little better anyway. If you like the 10 you will like the 7.

There are no advertised specs for your focusers. You could always decloak the Luminos if you are concerned about weight. You would lose the adjustable height eyecup though.

The Astrotech 7 UWA is typically the other competitor, and might have less EOFB. The 7mm is really more like 7.7mm where the Luminos is really about 6.6mm so it might come down to what focal length you prefer.

 

Sir, is the AT 7mm UWA the same weight as the Luminos 7mm? I know the Luminos is bulkier, but if they both same weight then the Luminos be better choice.

 

I need magnifications for Mars and Neptune,so I take the Luminos 

 

I worry about my visual back focuser with the Luminos. But then I see Refractors that has an astrophotography camera stick in the visual back. I think those camera probably weight more than the Luminos.

 

 

Edited by MrsM75, 19 March 2025 - 04:45 PM.

[SeattleScott]

I would assume the Luminos weighs a bit more. I don’t imagine it would be an issue until you start getting into the 2” models, but I don’t know your focuser.

[MrsM75]

Is strain the weight on the focuser they mean here is the visual back where you put your Diagonal in?

 

I thought focuser is the Knob where you turn. And the Visual back is the round thing that attach to the back so you put in your Diagonal and eyepiece.

[eblanken]

Hello MrsM75,

 

Is strain the weight on the focuser they mean here is the visual back where you put your Diagonal in?

 

I thought focuser is the Knob where you turn. And the Visual back is the round thing that attach to the back so you put in your Diagonal and eyepiece.

 

There should be no concern for strain in your 127mm Mak: The focus is achieved by the knob moving the primary mirror using a fine pitch screw, so there is no direct connection to the eyepiece or the visual back or diagonal what-so-ever. Rest your mind on this concern.

 

Your understanding is correct. If you had a refractor where the focus is achieved with a sliding tube, then maybe a strain concern, but on your Mak, not an issue.

 

Best,

 

Ed

Edited by eblanken, 19 March 2025 - 10:41 PM.

[MrsM75]

Hello MrsM75,

 

 

There should be no concern for strain in your 127mm Mak: The focus is achieved by the knob moving the primary mirror using a fine pitch screw, so there is no direct connection to the eyepiece or the visual back or diagonal what-so-ever. Rest your mind on this concern.

 

Best,

 

Ed

 

Right Sir.

 

But I have a 102mm Mak, and 90mm Mak, and 70mm Mak, that where I worry it will strain, especially the poor 70mm baby Mak. That Luminos eyepiece is bulky and heavy, but I like it, it so darn cute as it so fat, and I like fat chubby things, that why I buy Maks, lol.

[eblanken]

Hi Again MrsM75,

 

Is Celestron Luminos was made in mind for SCT users? As it seem like SCT users said they good. BUT the Refractors and Dobs users has all kinds of problem with it from edge brightness, to seagulls, to coma, to partial blackout.

 

Anyone here who use it on their SCT and likes it?

 

I use it on my Maks and nope. complete blackout for me, my eyesballs can't handle 82 degrees FOV

 

I want to try and help you understand several things about eyepieces and Optical Tube Assemblies (OTAs) on one hand, and eyepieces and eyeglasses and your eyes, on the opposite hand. The OTA forms a real image at the image plane (some call this a "focal point", but I will say this is a surface where the real image lives: if you put a camera there, it will see the image. If you put a piece of "magic mending tape" there, it will form as a screen to help you see the image. Often the image is located just inside the focus tube and is hard to access, but sometimes the focus tube can be moved and the image can be viewed with this "magic mending tape" stretched across a refractor's focus tube or a Reflector's focus tube. In a Mak, the focus surface can be moved to do this trick also. The full Moon is a good object for this experiment (as TOMDEY has shown us many times).

 

Now the eyepiece is used to transition from this real image surface to transform and magnify the real image into something our eye can see. The eyepiece is acting like a magnifying glass does, to make the real image into parallel rays of light that are acceptable to our eye's lens. This happens at the exit pupil of the eyepiece. Our eye sees the Apparent Field of View (AFoV) of the eyepiece when our eye is located at the exit pupil (EP) of the eyepiece. This is nearly independent of OTA type, so the question you asked about Celestron designing for SCT is not really worth much.

 

However, in your case and mine, there is additional complication: we wear corrective eyeglasses that also need to be fit into the situation. I choose eyepieces that have 20mm of Eye Relief (ER), because of my choice of eyeglasses. I wear big eyeglasses that set away from my face far enough that I need the 20mm of ER. Perhaps you do also ? The thing is that Blackouts are happening for you are related to AFoV and ER of the eyepieces you have tried. I use eyepieces no wider that 68 Deg. AFoV and have at least 18mm of ER, because I like to see the field stop when I view. Positioning the eye at the wrong place is why Blackouts occur. It has very little to do with OTA type at all !!! Trying to use an eyepiece that has too wide of AFoV can create problems with the viewer. Bigger AFoV requires large eye lenses in the eyepiece. That conflicts with the smaller OTAs like your Maks, which work better with smaller physical size eyepieces. I have Maks also and prefer the Vixen LV and TeleVue DeLites.

 

Other things like EFOB are related to the eyepiece itself. The AFoV is a characteristic of the eyepiece and have very little to do with the OTA. Coma has lots to do with the OTA type (mostly happens with reflectors). Your Maks have some small amount of Coma, but very little indeed. Coma happens to be worse in fast reflectors and needs Coma-Correctors to fix. Your Maks are very slow and have no need for CCs. 

 

There is a thing called Field Curvature (FC), but eyepieces have some FC and OTA has some FC, but they can agree or fight. There is a way to make them match by careful selection of eyepieces, but that should not be a problem for you.

 

I hope this helps,

 

Ed

Edited by eblanken, 19 March 2025 - 11:41 PM.

[MrsM75]

    Thank you Sir eblanken, very helpful, reading it multiples times to make sure I understand it all (English my 3rd language), appreciate your help Sir.

[eblanken]

Hi Again,

 

    Thank you Sir eblanken, very helpful, reading it multiples times to make sure I understand it all (English my 3rd language), appreciate your help Sir.

 

I appreciate your questions. I admire that you are interacting in English, which is your third language. I try to be helpful to you and all here on Cloudy Nights (CN). I enjoy CN and the wide variety of people represented here. I have made friends all over the world. I have English and some limited Spanish, but would not be very functional if CN was all in Spanish or another language.

 

Keep asking questions: We all are learning from the questions and the variety of answers. 

 

You are welcome,

 

Ed

 

P.S. "Sir eblanken" seems so formal. You are encouraged to call me simply "Ed" as my other friends do. What do your friends call you ?

Edited by eblanken, 20 March 2025 - 12:35 AM.

[MrsM75]

Thank you Sir eblanken, is that Mrs. eblanken (your wife) in the avatar Sir? She is beautiful, as so you, you and her look so good together. I hope Mrs. eblanken into astronomy telescopes like you too Sir, you can show her alot of stuff in the sky.

 

Sir how much does the Televue Delite 10mm or 7mm weight Sir? It is heavy like the Luminos 10mm? 

 

I live in a bright sky Sir, there no amount of Premium eyepeice can make my sky darker. Delite is expensive, $300, while the Luminos it only $102