Some people have more than 6 and some have as few as 3. You are asking about a very specific eyepiece in a very specific scope combined sometimes with a Barlow. But I have one little niggle. You have a very wide choice of brands and styles to choose from. Outstanding job Jack. there are of course options to plossls which are about the same prices as GSOs such as the BST Discoveries and TMB type eyepieces (new from Skies the Limit on Ebay) which have a wider field and better eye relief than plossls and are probably as good as most things non-premium. As you learn more about astronomy and you gain more experience with time, you may want to move to Plossls or even higher-quality eyepieces. Can you give me any specific recommendations on what to buy and from where? It was grueling, because I couldnt even get the entire field of viewI had to keep my eye hovering above the exit pupil. This Super Plossl design was better than regular Plossl eyepieces, but not by much. The downside to this type of lens is that they can cause chromatic aberration which creates colored spots around bright objects such as planets or stars due to the different wavelengths not going through equally. Comparing to Plossl eyepieces, Super Plossl is somewhat better for astronomy. IF you like your Hyperions , you could get a 2 inch visual back and 2 inch diagonal / or 2 inch SCT diagonal and add the 31 or 36 Baader eyepieces in 2 inch . OHHH, now i get it! They are 82-degree AFOV eyepieces. Yes, eyepieces is a large and complex topic. So its best for use during duller times when there isnt much brightness visible. We also joined our local Astronomy Club and look forward to joining others under the night sky when the opportunity presents itself again. If one Super Plossl specifies it uses a 5 lens design, then you can definitely consider it a true Super Plossl that might offer better performance, but no brand has released any of those for decades. Most of Celestrons entry-level telescopes are sold with Kellners (and other cheap but reasonable-quality designs like RKEs or Konigs), whereas their more expensive SCTs tend to come with a single 25mm Plossl. I would expect it to be similar to the Celestron in image quality. These sport a 60-degree apparent field of view, about a 20% wider apparent field of view than Plossl eyepieces. As a kid, I loved looking at the moon (which can be seen any time of day, regardless of ones bedtime) so make sure that the field of view is wide enough to see the whole shebang. We are a reader-supported organization. Know what diameter eyepieces your scope takes. I had a newer - purchased in 2016 Meade 32mm (white lettering) that was no better than the older 32mm 4000. Celestron Omni Eyepieces: The Omni series is the most economical eyepiece offering from Celestron. You use the 8-24 zoom for the midrange. Over time, you will likely spend more on eyepieces than on the telescope. a breath of fresh air! This is why many telescopes come standard with at least one Plossl eyepiece. That said, I should also tell you that not all Plossls are created equal. These eyepiecesproduce a 'standard apparent feld of view' of between 50 and 56 with most set at around 52. All registered. Ideally, you want a minimum of three eyepieces for (1) low power (2) peak visual acuity and (3) high-power viewing. I also have an older smoothtop 20mm Meade 4000 that is also 5 element, and it is a fine eyepiece too, compared to another 20mm of the same vintage. They are also good for those who have astigmatism because they are designed to be more forgiving with eye placement. Within the budget-friendly realm are the 6mm and 9mm Goldlines/Redlines (66-degree Ultra-Wide-Angle) for telescopes with a focal ratio of f/8 or longer, and the excellent 58-degree Planetary eyepieces, sold by a variety of sellers on Amazon and by Agena Astro, which come in a wide variety of focal lengths and are optically superb for their price. The Plossl is a good all-around eyepiece design, is well suited for generic use and is relatively inexpensive to make. Over time, you may wish to add a specialty eyepiece here or there, but I would not make that a priority until you have filled out your magnification range. If youre still wondering between a Kellner vs Plossl, my advice to you would be invest a little extra cash and go for a good quality Plossl. https://www.amazon.com/Orion-8879-1-25-Inch-Enhanced-Telescope/dp/B000BMPBLK/ref=sr_1_8?crid=3KKUJRXYYN7DI&dchild=1&keywords=telescope+diagonal+1.25&qid=1610887695&sprefix=telescope+diagonal%2Caps%2C512&sr=8-8, Excellent article and very good recommendations. If that surface is wobbly the scope will be almost useless. In comparison, Aspherical lenses generally have no color distortion but might not work out well if the telescope user needs really high magnification. Eyepieces are a religion. Required fields are marked *. A rubber safety cap protects the lens when not in use while also providing additional grip on this 35 mm Plossl eyepiece. So if you need to go to Arcturus and then go 2 degrees to the right to find your target, you can use the FOV of the eyepiece to estimate 2 degrees. So, for your 30 mm, 82/60 = 1.36 degrees. Your email address will not be published. The more light that is gathered, the more magnification that can be applied to the image, up to the limits that are imposed by the atmosphere. https://telescopicwatch.com/orion-skyquest-xt8-intelliscope-review/. A common problem are eyepiece kits, which are big boxes that some telescope suppliers will sell you with half a dozen eyepieces, most of which include annoyingly short focal length Plossl eyepieces. I guess my curiosity is mostly about the diagonal. The computerized pad and motor work on AA batteries which can last you a few hours. With a refractor, SCT or MCT, it is usually better to get a correct image diagonal than a correcting eyepiece. I loved my Baader Mark-IV 8mm-24mm Zoom+Barlow combo in my 8" EdgeHD. . You can use the same eyepiece on planets and deep-sky objects (DSOs). . You might be able to find a Kellner, or perhaps a high-quality Orthoscopic. (often referred to as Pseudo Masuyama). They have a 60deg apparent field, long eye relief, adjustable eye shield and extremely well corrected. However, there can be a problem bringing the eyepiece into focus. The length of eye relief on a Plossl eyepiece ranges from 12 millimeters (less common) all the way up to 45 millimeters with added benefits being that you dont have any issues seeing into your view. Another way to look at it is that a 30 mm eyepiece in a 3X Barlow works like a 10 mm eyepiece. . The focal length range for 1.25 Plossls is about 6mm to 45mm. But dont fear that you will waste your investment as eyepieces are standard sizes. For the $66/$42 of these kits, you can get one or two decent eyepieces (depending on where you buy). I have not had an opportunity to test it yet but the general discussions have favorable. Higher priced eyepieces usually include more elements in the optical path that are there to help reduce or eliminate aberrations that can be seen around the edges of lower cost eyepieces. If you stumble the first few uses, dont be discouraged. Heres the short answer Plossl eyepieces are generally better than Kellner eyepieces, but they also tend to be more expensive. You can buy a range of these from Modern Astronomy. For shorter focal lengths, the StarGuider BST series eyepieces have greater eye-relief, so are better suited. Are there any good low-cost 2 EPS out there? Us big kids like zooms too. Aspheric eyepiece is a variation of Plossl design, it has an anti-reflection coating on the front glass surface to ensure maximum light transmission and will also provide your instrument with better quality images if you need higher magnification levels. I need your advice on it. If that is the case, it will give me another reasonably good, inexpensive zoom to recommend to beginners. short answer: yes. My friend has one and he really likes it, and it is his third telescope. Age is not part of the equation. I havent been into the hobby for long but my experience is in line with whats been said. https://www.widescreen-centre.co.uk/explore-scientific-70-eyepieces.html. I just ordered Hyperion 13mm and 21mm but I really like how sharp and crisp view is in plossl 40mm. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. To get the best performance, you have to be willing to pay the price. I purchased the Celestron Starsense 102mm refractor, focal length 660mm, stated highest useful magnification is 240x; it should arrive in about 2 weeks. Also work very well with my binoculars that have removable focal reducers built into. There is no guarantee that you will be able to get a good image of any given target at that level of magnification on any given night. To achieve a maximum of 200X (2X the aperture of 100 mm), we solve for the focal length. If there is a local club, I would suggest you visit and consider joining. If money is not a concern, you cant go wrong with Tele Vue eyepieces, any Tele Vue eyepieces. This number can range from 30 degrees to 120 degrees. Brilliant article and I thank you for it, I was literally really confused prior to reading it. However, i can read very well without my glasses with almost microscopic vision and can use my binoculars without glasses. The field of view of the eyepiece has a few effects when it comes to actually using it in the telescope. The 5-lens-element pseudo-Masuyamas that telesonic mentioned are/were fine eyepieces. No surprise there. Eye relief of less than 10mm gets really uncomfortableyou tend to rub your eyepieces against the eyepiece or lens, and you have to hold your eye at just the right distance to keep from touching the lens. I think I will go for the BHZ because, as you say, I will be able to use it now and into the future. They are usable, but your eye will be extremely close to the top lens glass. How do you focus - I would have expected helical focusers in the eyepiece holders but don't see any? Hayppy that now I have more facts to put in my decision. Not really. Kellner and Plossl- both are two different types of eyepieces for telescopes. Meade telescope maksutov eyepiece ETX-105EC Super Plossl 6.4mm 1.25" w capsule. Best suited for telescopes with f-ratios f6 or slower. Super Plossls offer a smaller field of view, which makes them good for close-up views and examining small objects. A Kellner eyepiece has 1 double lens and 1 single lens. I dont own nor have I used it, but Orion has a very good reputation. These sizes have become the industrys standard sizes. Soft rubber eye guard that's custom fitted . However, for your extra money you get the finest manufacture, the best polish and coatings available. If you are looking at eyepieces that are wider than 55 degrees AFOV, you will again need to consider looking at the better corrected, and typically more expensive, eyepieces. (Svbonys Plossls, for example, are optically identical to Orions Sirius Plossls). It also produces an erect image, meaning you see what youre viewing rather than seeing everything upside down or sideways as some types do. This is important to keep in mind because it means brands have to try really hard to one-up each other because the competition in a niche hobby such as astronomy can be fierce. Note that we also gained a 16 mm magnification at no additional cost. I agree. For that purpose it is probably easier to find one to borrow. Where a difference can show up is that a lower number focal ratio scope will make it harder for an eyepiece to provide a uniformly good, in-focus image all the way across the field of view due to the steeper angle that the light arrives at the edges of the eyepiece with a low focal ratio scope, as compared to a high focal ratio scope. Generally, to maximize the number of stars you see in an eyepiece with a given telescope, both the magnification and field of view should be maximized. The Wiki article(s) were very good if anyone else is confused. You really understood the material. But what are the differences between these two and how do you know which one to choose? The generic GSO Plssl from many manufacturers, including Astronomics (Astro Tech) and Agnena Astro, is as good as the Celestron and a few bucks cheaper. The biggest advantage is much better ER in a large ocular. Some accept 2 and have an adapter that allows you to also use 1.25. Its made up of four lenses in two groups. While eyepieces with relatively complex, proprietary, or bespoke designs are becoming more commonly available in the beginner price bracket, there is often good reason to choose a much simpler design. This will become more apparent the wider the AFOV is of the eyepiece, in my experience. NEW. Today, most beginner telescopes of any quality are sold with either Kellner or Plossl eyepieces. The Plossl was also called a Kellner Type III in some earlier references; in the 1950's, Edmund Scientific sold a "Kellner" eyepiece made from war surplus lenses, but it actually consisted of two achromats in the classic Plossl configuration. Unless you are a professional astronomer or extremely demanding, you can select your eyepieces based on magnification, the apparent field of view, eye relief, and price. Is there much of a difference between the celestron and haader? Eyepiece Field of View Simulator astronomy.tools Field of View Simulator Change Telescope Reset Change Target Add Equipment No results, please adjust your filters. In the beginning, you are not going to know what the atmospheric conditions might be in your area. These companies rebranded them under their own names. They are most useful in medium and longer focal lengths for terrestrial, planetary, and lunar viewing. But the one I am recommending here is the Tele Vue Nagler series. 1200 mm FL scope / 10 mm FL eyepiece = 120X, 40 degree AFOV / 120X = .33 degrees (less than 1 full moon wide), 60 degree AFOV / 120X = .5 degree FOV (about one full moon with no space around it), 82 degree AFOV / 120X = .68 degree FOV (about one full moon with a star field around it to frame it). Was $38.99 - $99.99 Now $31.19 - $84.99 Compare Orion Edge-On Planetary 1.25" Eyepieces https://www.amazon.com/Explore-Scientific-68%C2%B0-40mm-Eyepiece/dp/B007LMG3F6/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=explore+scientific+68&qid=1606584676&sr=8-1, Thanks for your reply, I think I will go for the Orion Q70 . They have a 50-56 degrees field of view, better eye relief, and cost more than Kellners. The 4000 SWA's were way overpriced for their performance IMHO. Oh the pain of uh having access to really cool eyepieces.). Apparent Field of View: This is a measure of how wide a view the eyepiece will provide as compared to alternate eyepieces. Understanding and using a Barlow Lens They have a narrow AFOV but have a reputation for being very sharp.. These are highly sought after ep's, and hold their value well. When you add eyepieces to your collection, you will want to consider what field of view you want and how much you are willing to pay for it. Type above and press Enter to search. The magnification range that is appropriate to your scope. So plan this into such a purchase. Omni 56mm Eyepiece - 2" Learn More. 2x Barlow Divide that by the magnification of that eyepiece in that scope. There is no problem using a Celestron eyepiece in a Meade telescope, for example. The only one not in the article is the Orion Q70 which is available in 38 mm, 32 mm and 26 mm. With the XT8i I usually used the zoom configured with a 1.5X Barlow giving me a 75X to 225X which I found to be nearly perfect for that scope. If you don't like the reflections, there really aren't many other budget options at its focal length beside a Plossl which will be super uncomfortable to use, or spending over $100 for something like a Meade UWA. For modern eyepieces, the differences between Plossl and Super Plossl is going to depend on the manufacturer. The difference isnt that severe, and I often track more often than is strictly necessary to keep the object centered anyway. The only reason it's in this list because of its price and a long focal point. A 32mm plossl eyepiece and a 2x barlow lens should be enough to give you a good range of eyepieces for every use case. That is up to you and your budget. They are all made by the same OEM manufacturer. At that price point, it couldnt compete with other 5-element devices like Erfle and Nagler eyepieces that had better performance. 5-Minute Read, How To Increase The Magnification Of A Telescope; 5-Minute Read. All are good eyepieces and diagonals, and would be excellent for star party use. A 2 barrel on the eyepiece will allow the manufacturer to create an eyepiece that provides a wider field of view. It allows each eyepiece to provide two magnifications. These and the essentially identical AT Paradigm are universally praised as good quality eyepieces with a wider 60-degree apparent field of view. I hope I can say that someday. Pentax 10.5mm Eye Piece Excellent Condition (#314374986239) r***d (1910 . I am a BIG fan of zoom eyepieces, especially if you dont have many. So, if your scope is F6 or lower, you may want to consider some of the higher priced, better corrected eyepieces if you want the best image to the edge of the field. Poorly chosen eyepiece might give you poor experience and sometimes even make stargazing difficult. Then you can judge for yourself if it is worth it. This may be enough for many eyeglass wearers. However, you may see them at higher prices for the short term. Also, as the apparent field of view gets wider, the image will require more correction. I consider the Plossl to be the minimum standard for a good eyepiece. These come in focal lengths from 2.3 mm to 25 mm. Super Plossl eyepieces are generally a little smaller than this at around 16-20 mm in size, which is why theyre sometimes referred to as wide-angle or low power plossls. Ive added comments on where you may find and use them. A Plossl eyepiece is one of the most decent general-purpose eyepieces that are available on the market. Also, children do not often have highly developed motor skillsso I would avoid the frustration of switching out eyepieces, and consider a zoom lens. However, because they have more glass elements than other designs, like Kellners, their manufacturing becomes extremely important to get high-quality optics. Many approach the quality of the premium brands. A Barlow lens is an optical device that goes between the eyepiece and the focuser. All the rest will likely be 1.25. I really enjoy usingPlssls. Required fields are marked *. A standard Plossl eyepiece is typically between 20mm to 25mm but can range anywhere from 15mm up to about 40mm in diameter. Even big telescopes are subject to limitations imposed by the atmosphere. Read the full Earning Disclosure here. Although Kellner eyepieces will help you learn a lot in the beginning but soon will realize that youre missing out on something, and eventually you will be tempted to spend money on another good quality eyepiece. Not all are Plossls, but excellent eps at f/10. In this article, we will only focus on the differences between Plossl and Kellner eyepieces. What apparent field of view and eye relief do I want? 1.25" Power mates with T ring adapter. Lets illustrate with an example using a 1200 mm FL telescope. Overall, I would highly recommend the goldline eyepieces. If the above guide has helped you understand the terms and workings of eyepieces, scroll up and make a selection from our recommendation list. Youd have to look into more complex designs which include a barlow lens, or simply use a longer focal length eyepiece with a quality barlow. Does this sound like something you would recommend based on the telescope I have? The eye relief is the distance between your eyes and the eyepiece where you are able to view the whole image comfortably. or a Baader Classic Ortho 18mm with both a 1.5/2x Barlow and 3x Barlow. And I am a visually observing focused person. Some reviews also suggest replacing the diagonal. My Baader Hyperion Zoom is my most used and favorite eyepiece. FOR SALE! . As we continue, what would you recommend adding first? did i pass? The longer FL Plossls (>15mm) have some distinct advantages over more complex designs without the major disadvantage of Plossls which is short ER. Note that as we get into the higher magnifications, the millimeter jumps between eyepiece focal lengths gets smaller. A Televue Plssl may be better than a generic one, but the difference is probably not worth the additional cost. They all work, but as you go up in price, you gain features or performance or both. Astrophotography with Nikon D3200: Can It Be Better? I found an ES 70 degree AFOV 35mm eyepiece and am wondering whether I should get this or the Orion 38 70. Free shipping for many products! If you do choose to go with a Plossl eyepiece, I highly recommend spending some extra cash to get yourself a decent good quality branded Plossl eyepiece rather than going for a cheap, generic eyepiece which is a Plossl only for the namesake. 32 mm = 18.75X 16 mm = 37.5X (32 mm eyepiece with a 2X barlow), 12 mm = 50X (If you have a 25 mm that came with your scope, use Barlow for 12.5 mm), 4 mm = 150X (8 mm eyepiece with a 2X Barlow), 3 mm = 200X (6 mm eyepiece with a 2X Barlow), 24 mm = 25X (the low power end of the zoom), 8 mm = 75X (24 mm zoom setting in a 3X Barlow), 2.66 mm = 225X (8 mm zoom setting in a 3X Barlow), True field of view or FOV = Apparent field of view (AFOV) eyepiece / magnification. What Is A Barlow Lens For A Telescope? The design of a Plossl eyepiece consists of an objective lens with one side that is convex (wider than its length) while the other side is plano-convex or flat in shape. Or, you can have three properly sized eyepieces and use a Barlow lens to achieve three more magnifications, which is usually a less expensive way to go. I still use my 30mm Celestron Ultima fairly often with some of my telescopes. Put the zoom on the Barlow for the high range. condition as described, a good transaction. The telescope comes with a 2x Barlow so I was thinking of getting one of the zooms you recommended. It was named after Peter Barlow who invented it in the 1800s, so it is usually capitalized. If we look at the range I provided above, we see that we could replace several eyepieces with one zoom. Again, does it create a more immersive viewing experience? But will the Baader CO with 1.5-2-3x Barlows deliver a visibly sharper and more contrast view of the Moon and planets than the zoom lens with a 2x Barlow, to compensate for the zooms convenience that is the question! But are they really? I would wait till you get the scope and use the included eyepieces. thanks for all your help. still, i somehow managed to avoid the eyepiece pitfalls when buying used off ebay. now it all makes sense, you did a great job explaining all this information it was a lot to take in but i have it now. The reason a plano-convex lens is good for using with a telescope is that it provides for both magnifying and erecting the images. So, basically a Plossl eyepiece is a type of eyepiece that enables the viewer to see a wider field of view than would normally be the case, but at the cost of him/her having to physically put his eye very close to the lens of the eyepiece. Again, for no other reason than to compare it to the 17mm Hyperion and draw your own conclusions about Plssls. Plossl eyepieces have a wide FOV and are known for their clarity and sharpness. I have to say that your questions are answered in the article. Thanks in advance I really appreciate it! This might contain more of what you need. This also makes them more resistant to any form of dust getting inside the eyepiece. No price limit? The atmosphere is typically the limiting factor as we get to higher magnifications. This can be very helpful for star hopping. What follows are specific eyepieces that I have tried, own, or have read so many good reports about that I feel very comfortable recommending them. Between $100 and $250, I will call it mid-range. In this case, I am going to define this by the focuser and eyepiece size. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Plossl design has become the mainstay of the modern ocular business and probably represents the best value in terms of performance and price, especially in medium and long focal lengths. They are a good brand with high-quality eyepieces, you just dont need to spend the extra money for almost no gain in performance. Well-made lenses are expensive though, so in general the more lenses, the higher the price of the eyepiece. The zoom can be used with any 1.25 focuser too. A zoom eyepiece works like the zoom lens on a camera. When I had a 6mm Kellner, I found the eye relief annoyingly short, sure, but when compared to the 6mm Plossl that often comes with eyepiece kits, it was luxurious. These lenses are connected together. This can be debated 100 ways, but that is my advice. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Stargazing Help came into existence when some young minds got mesmerized by outer space while camping. They also offer more eye relief than Plossls at the shorter focal lengths. However, your budget must guide your purchases. My love affair with space began in a field in India at the age of 7, when I looked up at the Milky Way for the first time. It should list what size eyepieces you can use. Eyepieces under $100 each are generally considered budget or low-cost eyepieces. They have a pop-up eye guard and they are threaded to accept filters. PayPal, cash, bank transfer are all acceptable. A 6mm Plossl has a tiny eye lens. The one exception I would keep in mind would be when working with Newtonian reflector telescopes below F5. Stargazinghelp.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. When selecting the best eyepiece for you, consider: Eyepieces are standardized so whatever investment you make today, the eyepieces will continue to serve you in any future scopes you may own. Kellner eyepieces were first designed by Carl Kellner in 1849. Have Any Astronauts Been Lost in Space Forever. Question: would an 18mm Baader Classic Ortho mostly used for Moon and planets loose sharpness and contrast if used with a short F5 telescope like the Celestron Astro-Fi 130? philhas Members 61 459 Location: North East England In essence the design differences between Kellner and Plossl comes down to the number of lenses within the eyepiece barrel. A 15mm Plssl might be worth it, if you dont wear glasses. I am looking for as much as best I can buy. But, if you have a plan, you can fill in those slots, working toward a well-balanced set of magnifications. Just start with 32 mm for your low-power eyepiece. You can do the calculation which will show that the 70 will have a significantly wider field of view as compared to the 52. Take the AFOV of the eyepiece (provided by the mfg) in your case 82 degrees Videos for related products. In the 1990s Meade instruments came up with a new design for the Meade 4000 line similar to Plossl that added a fifth glass element on top of the two pairs (4 total). Plssl's were top of the line at one time, and are still being sold today, so that says something too. High-quality Plssl eyepieces provide high contrast and sharpness across the entire field of view. Correct image diagonals are easier for beginners and they are great for using the scope during the day, but experience people dont use them for astronomy. I wants to install one in house(fixed place) another I need movable. In this article, were going to talk about what is a Plossl eyepiece, what are its components, how do they work, how many types are there and how youd buy a good Plossl eyepiece. My other eyepieces, ES and Meade 82 degree, stayed in the eyepiece case most of the time. If you just want eyepiece recommendations and dont care about the details, Im adding that section right below before we go into the specifications that answer the above questions and make use of the formulas. Come join the newest, most engaging and inclusive astronomy forum geared for beginners and advanced telescope users, astrophotography devotees, plus check out our "Astro" goods vendors. In the next section, we will talk about the AFOV of an eyepiece. By the 1980s, amateur astronomy equipment suppliers were still selling new telescopes with Huygens and Ramsden eyepieces, not merely because they were cheap but because they lacked internal reflections. Offered in both 2 and 1.25, these are excellent eyepieces. They are referring to how much or how little distortion is visible as you look from the center of the image out toward the edge.
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