37 replies to this topic

[Steeder32]

Hello,

 

I am fairly new to the hobby and looking for advice on eyepieces.

 

I have scoured the forums watched a lot of YT vids on various eyepieces, etc. My problem as a beginner one year in is that there is too much information for me to process and (at least to my noob brain) what I find is sometimes contradictory. So, I thought I would lay it out here and see if the community has recommendations.

 

I have been in the hobby for about a year starting with a 4" tabletop dob. Several months ago I purchased an Apertura AD8 dob 1200 mm, f/5.9.

My location: just outside of Lawrence, KS bortle sky 6.

I prefer to view without my glasses, but I do have an astigmatism (2.5) so I'll pop on glasses as needed.

I enjoy viewing planets as well as DSOs.

 

I currently have the eyepieces that came with the AD8: a 9mm 52-deg. Plossl and a 30mm 68-deg. Super View - 2".

I also have a SVBony 6mm redline, a Celestron 8-24mm Zoom, a SVBony 2x Barlow and a Celestron Oiii filter.

 

I am at the point where I would like to begin upgrading these eyepieces to options with better field of view, better eye relief and better visual quality.

So, I am looking to make good value choices where each eyepiece is in the $200 or less range. The $300+ eyepieces are just not in my price range.

 

Based on my details does anyone have recommendations for upgrades that would fit my specific telescope, viewing limitations and budget?

 

Any feedback is greatly appreciated and I am happy to answer questions if it would help.

 

Thanks!

 

Steed

Edited by Steeder32, 17 May 2025 - 05:34 PM.

[RichA]

Not a fan of wearing glasses to observe but with a 30mm eyepiece, they would be needed, distortion would be too high without.  If the astigmatism is in one eye more than the other, use the other eye to observe with.  I'd add two more eyepiece.  Something in the 6mm range for planets and at least one in the range of 13-25mm.  20mm would be good.  For planets, field size doesn't matter, but the 20mm would benefit from a 60 deg or better field of view.

[ShaulaB]

If there is an astronomy club near you, it might be good to join it. Clubs often have viewing sessions, and members can look through different scopes with different eyepieces. Seasoned veteran observers can give a lot of good practical advice. YouTube videos are nice, but real-world experience can't be beat.

[Tony Cifani]

Invaluable advice from ShaulaB. If you can locate and attend a local astronomy club or public outreach event, you can learn a lot about astro equipment.

 

What's your budget for additional eyepieces?

 

https://skyandtelesc...-organizations/

[eblanken]

Hello & Welcome Steed (aka Steeder32),

 

. . . Thanks for your post & starting an interesting thread . . .

 

we can help and/or confuse or both (lol) here on the Cloudy Nights (CN) Eyepiece Forum. . . 

 

Feel free to Private Message (PM) me . . . I can help, if you want . . . 

 

You are in the right place & have a good start . . . brace yourself and interact with us

 

Best,

 

Ed

Edited by eblanken, 17 May 2025 - 07:13 PM.

[eblanken]

Not a fan of wearing glasses to observe but with a 30mm eyepiece, they would be needed, distortion would be too high without.  If the astigmatism is in one eye more than the other, use the other eye to observe with. {But there is an alternative: Dioptrx, but just for you in one eye}

 

 

I'd add two more eyepiece.  Something in the 6mm range for planets and at least one in the range of 13-25mm.  20mm would be good.  For planets, field size doesn't matter, but the 20mm would benefit from a 60 deg or better field of view.

 

 

If there is an astronomy club near you, it might be good to join it. Clubs often have viewing sessions, and members can look through different scopes with different eyepieces. Seasoned veteran observers can give a lot of good practical advice. YouTube videos are nice, but real-world experience can't be beat.

 

 

Celestron 30, 24, 15, 10- UFF.

 

 

Invaluable advice from ShaulaB. If you can locate and attend a local astronomy club or public outreach event, you can learn a lot about astro equipment.

 

What's your budget for additional eyepieces?

 

https://skyandtelesc...-organizations/

 

All good advice . . . 

 

I wear eyeglasses addressing astigmatism, so eyeglasses-friendly eyepiece selection is my speciality . . . 

 

What is the "speed" or "F-ratio" or "focal length" of your smaller scope ?

 

Do you want to buy eyepiece for both scopes or just the newer, larger one now/soon ?

 

Ed

 

P.S. Do you view alone or are there friends and/or family that would share the eyepiece ?

Edited by eblanken, 17 May 2025 - 06:43 PM.

[wkight]

I just went through a similar process of deciding which eyepiece to upgrade.  I think you will find that the 30mm Super view is a good all around eyepiece that should serve you well for some time.   I would suggest trying to decide which of the short focal length eyepieces you think you will use the most.  I have the 4-piece SvBony redline set (6, 9, 15, and 20mm) and ultimately decided I would go in between 9 and 15 and ended up purchasing a high quality12mm with ample eye relief.    Most people tend to favor one high power eyepiece anyways.  

To add some context, I found that I used the 30mm the most, so I figured I would upgrade it first.  I spent a respectable sum on an ES 72-degree 28mm only to find that I really couldn't tell the difference between that and the Apertura / GSO 30mm Super View.  They are both good eyepieces and both work well with my glasses. I now realize I could have just kept using the 30mm I had, and I would have been better off getting my upgraded 12mm sooner.  

    

[Tropobob]

For general viewing, a 12mm to 15mm EP will be ideal. 

 

I have both of these eyepieces in the StarGuider ED range.  They have a 60 degree field with 20mm of eye relief.  The top of the EP twists to allow for more convenient eye placement. 

 

They should be in your budget, as in Australia, they sell for approximately $120, so I imagine they are less expensive in the US. 

 

Ergonomically and subjectively, I have found these very nice eyepieces to use.   

[MrsM75]

Hi if you scope has 2 inches then try this, I think this is a great price eyepiece, Orion Q70 26 mm 2 Eyepiece, it is 2 inches, and 26mm, and 70 degrees, Orion brand. For $54

HighPoint also have this in 32mm too, 2 inches, 70 degres

 

https://www.highpoin...-eyepiece-08827

 

Edited by MrsM75, 17 May 2025 - 07:21 PM.

[Dobs O Fun]

I have a scope in another brand, same f5.9 and have had good use of the Celestron X-cel LX  series.

 

 

Pricing about $110 US.

 

I have the 25/18/9/5.

 

I too have the 6mm red line, very similar to 5mm Celestron X-cel. 

 

Something to think about.

 

[eblanken]

Hi Again,

 

Another thing to be aware of is the difference between Apparent Field of View (AFoV) vs. True Field of View (TFoV).

 

AFoV is set by the eyepiece design and trades off with cost and weight and Eye Relief (ER) . . . 

 

TFoV is a consequence of the eyepiece field stop regulating how much of the Optical Tube Assembly (OTA)'s Real Image is passed forward to the rest of the eyepiece and to the viewer's eye. TFoV is also set or limited by the format of the eyepiece (0.96 inch vs 1.25 inch vs 2 inch) barrel. The widest TFoV interacts with the eyepiece AFoV in this way: 

 

2 inch widest TFoV:

50 Deg AFoV and 55mm FL  Plossl or

68 Deg AFoV and 41mm FL Panoptic or

82 Deg AFoV and 31mm FL Nagler

100 Deg. and 21mm FL Ethos

 

 

1.25 inch widest TFoV:

40 Deg AFoV and 40mm FL Plossl or

50 Deg AFoV and 32mm FL Plossl or

68 Deg AFoV and 24mm FL Panoptic . . . 

 

So I just used TeleVue as examples, but likely not in your price range.

 

So what AFoV and FL are your preference ?

 

Ed

Edited by eblanken, 17 May 2025 - 08:31 PM.

[vtornado]

I don't believe in buying eyepieces for the sake of eyepieces.   What target do you enjoy now and what about your current eyepieces is lacking?  Once we know this we can make a better recommendation.  Some folks like planets and moon, others like open clusters.  Both require different eyepieces.  I see you have a zoom eyepiece.  What magnification do you use most often.  I would go slow buy one eyepiece at a time and live with it for awhile.

 

Shaula B makes an excellent point.  If you can find a club, you can try lots of different eyepieces.    Eyepieces are very personal because they interface with your eyes.  You said you have large astigmatism.  That can be a problem with large exit pupils.  Here is a chart by televue that shows how astigmatism is revealed with different exit pupils.   Others can't stand stand fuzzy edges, field curvature ... you get the picture.

 

https://www.televue....=54&Tab=_Choose

 

In general the paradigm dual ED 5,8, 12 are excellent performers and are only around $65.00 each.  These are 60 degree eyepieces.    Celestron Xcel-lx are also value leaders.  With 2.5 diopters of astigmatism, you may need to view with glasses at around 1-2mm of exit pupil.   That would knock these out as they have about 14mm of eye relief.  You probably need to use eyepieces with 20mm or more of eye relief.

 

You may be able to pick up some used televue radian or delites for sub $200.00  These are limited to 60 degrees but have generous eye relief.  Used Vixen LV are 50 degrees but offer 20mm of eye relief too.

 

A lot of folks here try to talk people into hyper wide field eyepieces.   There are some viewers like me who don't find them worth the price.  My favorites are 70 degrees because I can take in the whole field of view without any eye movement.  Maybe you will love hyperwides.  Like I said it's personal.

Edited by vtornado, 17 May 2025 - 08:42 PM.

[Steeder32]

If there is an astronomy club near you, it might be good to join it. Clubs often have viewing sessions, and members can look through different scopes with different eyepieces. Seasoned veteran observers can give a lot of good practical advice. YouTube videos are nice, but real-world experience can't be beat.

There is a local club and I am hoping to make it out for their next star party - thanks for the suggestion!

[MrsM75]

I agreed with Sir vtornado, it about personal preference. I can stand blurry outer edges, but I CANNOT stand blackout and kidney beans. 

 

So it just up to you. What you like, your budget, and how your eyes work.

[Steeder32]

Invaluable advice from ShaulaB. If you can locate and attend a local astronomy club or public outreach event, you can learn a lot about astro equipment.

 

What's your budget for additional eyepieces?

 

https://skyandtelesc...-organizations/

Agreed - I am planning to connect with the local club over the summer.

 

My budget for additional eyepieces is at or below $200 per eyepiece. I'll add them one at a time as I can.

 

Thanks!

[Bulldawg54]

I have the same telescope as you, and I use the AT UWA 13 & 7mm for med/ med high views of DSO, which should fit your budget. They are contrasty and sharp, and would be a good upgrade from your zoom and redline. Keep your Barlow for planets and the moon. For a good upgrade to the 30mm, it would be worth stretching your budget by just a little ($50) to get the AT UWA 28mm (I have not personally used this one, but it has gotten high praise in this forums) or a 30mm UFF type. I recently got my 30 UFF from Stellarvue and it is a major upgrade from the super view.

[eblanken]

+1 on what vtornado says about eyepieces being personal . . . 

 

All my eyepieces are AFoV of 68 Degrees or narrower, since I prefer the Long Eye Relief (LER) ones that have generous Eye Relief (ER) and most have 20mm of ER to accommodate my choice of lenses and frames that live on my face, except when I am sleeping.

 

The tradeoff is that people who own DOBs, usually want wider AFoV eyepieces to make the "drift time" longer. Here again there is an interaction with TFoV which ultimately sets the drift time in any given situation because TFoV interacts with the focal ratio of the OTA, in you newer larger scope of f/5.9.

 

Ed

[Steeder32]

All good advice . . . 

 

I wear eyeglasses addressing astigmatism, so eyeglasses-friendly eyepiece selection is my speciality . . . 

 

What is the "speed" or "F-ratio" or "focal length" of your smaller scope ?

 

Do you want to buy eyepiece for both scopes or just the newer, larger one now/soon ?

 

Ed

 

P.S. Do you view alone or are there friends and/or family that would share the eyepiece ?

Hi Ed,

 

I am interested in upgrading eyepieces just for the 8" f/5.9 dob. I mostly view out back on our patio and on occasion my wife will join me. She is interested in checking out what I am doing but is not interested (right now!) in regular viewing.

[SeattleScott]

Ok so you have 50-68 AFOV eyepieces, with various amounts of eye relief. You want wider AFOV, longer ER and better visual quality (contrast), but max $200 because $300 is out of your price range.

Wider AFOV, longer ER and better contrast would be $300 eyepieces. So you either need to up your budget or prioritize. For example, you are getting some recommendations for 60-65 AFOV eyepieces. That’s not necessarily better than what you have. Some of them are long eye relief, like the 18 and 24 UFF. Most of the recommendations would generally be an improvement in terms of the quality of the view. But if you want a wider, better view with long ER, that’s $300.

The Astrotech UWA series are $120 and 82 AFOV. Those would go wider than your current eyepieces. The eye relief isn’t anything to write home about. Most focal lengths would probably be sharper than what you currently have. So you can maybe get wider and sharper. But eye relief not any better, in fact probably in most cases a bit less than your current options.

So if $200 is the real limit, you need to prioritize. You can get better views with perhaps better eye relief. Or better views with wider AFOV. Maybe even better eye relief and AFOV, but not particularly sharp. Which is it going to be?

Wide AFOV
Long eye relief
Good correction/contrast
$200 max

Pick any three?

[Steeder32]

I just went through a similar process of deciding which eyepiece to upgrade.  I think you will find that the 30mm Super view is a good all around eyepiece that should serve you well for some time.   I would suggest trying to decide which of the short focal length eyepieces you think you will use the most.  I have the 4-piece SvBony redline set (6, 9, 15, and 20mm) and ultimately decided I would go in between 9 and 15 and ended up purchasing a high quality12mm with ample eye relief.    Most people tend to favor one high power eyepiece anyways.  

To add some context, I found that I used the 30mm the most, so I figured I would upgrade it first.  I spent a respectable sum on an ES 72-degree 28mm only to find that I really couldn't tell the difference between that and the Apertura / GSO 30mm Super View.  They are both good eyepieces and both work well with my glasses. I now realize I could have just kept using the 30mm I had, and I would have been better off getting my upgraded 12mm sooner.  

    

 

I just went through a similar process of deciding which eyepiece to upgrade.  I think you will find that the 30mm Super view is a good all around eyepiece that should serve you well for some time.   I would suggest trying to decide which of the short focal length eyepieces you think you will use the most.  I have the 4-piece SvBony redline set (6, 9, 15, and 20mm) and ultimately decided I would go in between 9 and 15 and ended up purchasing a high quality12mm with ample eye relief.    Most people tend to favor one high power eyepiece anyways.  

To add some context, I found that I used the 30mm the most, so I figured I would upgrade it first.  I spent a respectable sum on an ES 72-degree 28mm only to find that I really couldn't tell the difference between that and the Apertura / GSO 30mm Super View.  They are both good eyepieces and both work well with my glasses. I now realize I could have just kept using the 30mm I had, and I would have been better off getting my upgraded 12mm sooner.  

    

Thanks for that. The 30mm that came with the AD8 is not too bad viewing through glasses. The SVBony 6mm is not a lot of fun for me to view through glasses. It's definitely less a clearer view when the seeing is good but it's like looking through a straw.

[Steeder32]

Hi Again,

 

Another thing to be aware of is the difference between Apparent Field of View (AFoV) vs. True Field of View (TFoV).

 

AFoV is set by the eyepiece design and trades off with cost and weight and Eye Relief (ER) . . . 

 

TFoV is a consequence of the eyepiece field stop regulating how much of the Optical Tube Assembly (OTA)'s Real Image is passed forward to the rest of the eyepiece and to the viewer's eye. TFoV is also set or limited by the format of the eyepiece (0.96 inch vs 1.25 inch vs 2 inch) barrel. The widest TFoV interacts with the eyepiece AFoV in this way: 

 

2 inch widest TFoV:

50 Deg AFoV and 55mm FL  Plossl or

68 Deg AFoV and 41mm FL Panoptic or

82 Deg AFoV and 31mm FL Nagler

100 Deg. and 21mm FL Ethos

 

 

1.25 inch widest TFoV:

40 Deg AFoV and 40mm FL Plossl or

50 Deg AFoV and 32mm FL Plossl or

68 Deg AFoV and 24mm FL Panoptic . . . 

 

So I just used TeleVue as examples, but likely not in your price range.

 

So what AFoV and FL are your preference ?

 

Ed

Hi Ed,

 

I am not too concerned about weight but cost is definitely an issue when it comes to the TeleVues. I think the 68 or 82 is where I'm thinking I'd like to be. As you all mentioned before it's a great idea to see if I can try these out at a star party with the local club. But, in general I think the wider AFoV might be better with glasses assuming the eye relief is decent (18+mm?). From what I have seen trying to price eyepieces I think I am out of budget on anything above 82 degrees.

[Steeder32]

I have the same telescope as you, and I use the AT UWA 13 & 7mm for med/ med high views of DSO, which should fit your budget. They are contrasty and sharp, and would be a good upgrade from your zoom and redline. Keep your Barlow for planets and the moon. For a good upgrade to the 30mm, it would be worth stretching your budget by just a little ($50) to get the AT UWA 28mm (I have not personally used this one, but it has gotten high praise in this forums) or a 30mm UFF type. I recently got my 30 UFF from Stellarvue and it is a major upgrade from the super view.

That's great - I'll definitely check those out!

[Procyon]

Apertura AD8 dob 1200 mm, f/5.9.

I enjoy viewing planets as well as DSOs.

KS bortle sky 6.

 

better field of view, better eye relief and better visual quality.

each eyepiece is in the $200 or less range. 

For planets, sure 6-7mm, pretty good, 200x or 170x, or 6.5mm 185x might be even better for most nights.

 

This one is on sale for $220 Long Perng 1.25" 80º Wide Angle Lanthanum Eyepiece

Do you take a chance on it? Not sure. Read the review, see what it says. Maybe 25585 and can give you a good opinion on it.

See this 6.5mm ES 82 but it looks sold out, so look here 6.5mm ES 82, grab a 10% coupon while you're at it, than see it's cousin, the 6.7mm Maxvision

I don't know another in this range besides the fab 4, 6mm Delos, 6.7mm Morpheus, 7mm Pentax XW, 7mm TV Nagler T6, but they're all 300$ or more. Might find the Pentax at 280.

 

What kind of DSO's do you want to look at? Probably the showpieces for now, nothing over 10 mag, For Open Clusters a 10-13mm, for Globulars 13mm and 6-7mm for a closer look should be good. For Nebulae + a Filter, you're better off getting a 20-26mm, Galaxies and PN's a 10mm.

13mm This one looks perfect for 119.25 Astro-Tech 13mm UWA 82°

 

I think you'd be fine with a 6.5mm, 13mm and a 20-26mm for now, would add a 10mm later on.

 

Just my opinion, see what others suggest also.

 

PS> Just know that the 7mm UWA is actually an 8mm. Still a great choice, and planets/moon at 150x still look good, I'd take 185x over 150x for them though. You can add 200x another time if you get that 7 (8mm) now. Fantastic price for a nice 82º.

Edited by Procyon, 17 May 2025 - 09:38 PM.

[eblanken]

Hi Steed,

 

Hi Ed,

 

I am not too concerned about weight but cost is definitely an issue when it comes to the TeleVues. I think the 68 or 82 is where I'm thinking I'd like to be. As you all mentioned before it's a great idea to see if I can try these out at a star party with the local club. But, in general I think the wider AFoV might be better with glasses assuming the eye relief is decent (18+mm?). From what I have seen trying to price eyepieces I think I am out of budget on anything above 82 degrees.

In your first post (which was very good, for a new guy):

 

"I currently have the eyepieces that came with the AD8: a 9mm 52-deg. Plossl and a 30mm 68-deg. Super View - 2".

I also have a SVBony 6mm redline, a Celestron 8-24mm Zoom, a SVBony 2x Barlow and a Celestron Oiii filter."

 

Can we assume that your 2x Barlow and O-III filter are just 1.25 inch format ?

 

Do you like using the 24mm-8mm ZOOM ?

 

Ed

Edited by eblanken, 17 May 2025 - 09:09 PM.

[Steeder32]

I don't believe in buying eyepieces for the sake of eyepieces.   What target do you enjoy now and what about your current eyepieces is lacking?  Once we know this we can make a better recommendation.  Some folks like planets and moon, others like open clusters.  Both require different eyepieces.  I see you have a zoom eyepiece.  What magnification do you use most often.  I would go slow buy one eyepiece at a time and live with it for awhile.

 

Shaula B makes an excellent point.  If you can find a club, you can try lots of different eyepieces.    Eyepieces are very personal because they interface with your eyes.  You said you have large astigmatism.  That can be a problem with large exit pupils.  Here is a chart by televue that shows how astigmatism is revealed with different exit pupils.   Others can't stand stand fuzzy edges, field curvature ... you get the picture.

 

https://www.televue....=54&Tab=_Choose

 

In general the paradigm dual ED 5,8, 12 are excellent performers and are only around $65.00 each.  These are 60 degree eyepieces.    Celestron Xcel-lx are also value leaders.  With 2.5 diopters of astigmatism, you may need to view with glasses at around 1-2mm of exit pupil.   That would knock these out as they have about 14mm of eye relief.  You probably need to use eyepieces with 20mm or more of eye relief.

 

You may be able to pick up some used televue radian or delites for sub $200.00  These are limited to 60 degrees but have generous eye relief.  Used Vixen LV are 50 degrees but offer 20mm of eye relief too.

 

A lot of folks here try to talk people into hyper wide field eyepieces.   There are some viewers like me who don't find them worth the price.  My favorites are 70 degrees because I can take in the whole field of view without any eye movement.  Maybe you will love hyperwides.  Like I said it's personal.

Agreed - I definitely don't want to chase the perfect view or spend money just to spend it. 

 

I really enjoy viewing planets and DSOs. Jupiter is an easy target here but, my astigmatism results in a blurry view at anything from 15mm to 6mm. With the glasses it looks really good but I have to get right up against the lens to see and the field of view is tiny. I can get a good view of the Orion Nebula and other DSOs using the 30mm and glasses but, with distortion around the edges. Not a huge deal - I think I had reasonable expectations of what I would see in the 8 after having used the 4" tabletop so, I'm OK with a not-perfect view.