Vixen 30mm NLVW

[Refractordude]

The ugliest eyepiece I have ever seen. If it sold for a dollar I would not buy it. I just cant imagine reaching down in my eyepiece holder to pick it up. Left click the image.

[gregl]

The ugliest eyepiece I have ever seen. If it sold for a dollar I would not buy it. I just cant imagine reaching down in my eyepiece holder to pick it up. Left click the image.

Even in the dark, it would be hard to own that one!

[j.gardavsky]

The ugliest eyepiece I have ever seen. If it sold for a dollar I would not buy it. I just cant imagine reaching down in my eyepiece holder to pick it up. Left click the image.

This eyepiece is a keeper, it will keep sticking in the eyepiece holder,
JG

[Lady Fraktor]

The Vixen 30mm NLVW may not be the fanciest looking eyepiece available but is a good eyepiece.
It may not put up views such as a Pentax or TeleVue but is just as good as many other mid-range 2" 30mm.

[notFritzArgelander]

The Vixen 30mm NLVW may not be the fanciest looking eyepiece available but is a good eyepiece.
It may not put up views such as a Pentax or TeleVue but is just as good as many other mid-range 2" 30mm.

Yep. I care much more about looking through eyepieces than at them. Optical performance is much more important than chic design. If I didn't already have the equivalent Panoptic it would be an excellent lower price option.

[MistrBadgr]

I have to agree that the shape is a bit off-putting for me. I don't consider it ugly, just different in a way that is not appealing. It seems that it would slip out of one's hand easier than others. However, with the cramped space for eyepieces on my CG-4 and LX-70 mounts, that shape would be easier to get in and out of one of the two inch eyepiece holes. Judging by my experience with Vixen NPL and LV eyepieces, I have thought this one would be a good eyepiece to have optically....just be careful handling it.

Once it is placed in the telescope, I think the smaller observer's end would be easier to use than the monstrous one on my Meade 82 deg 30mm eyepiece.

[SKEtrip]

Well, if you want something to hold on to:

Just don't drop it on your toe.
I treated myself to the XW20 a while back. Didn't pay strict attention and got the XW30 too (Don't Ask). Needless to say, I was a bit surprised when the package arrived.
Thought to myself, "self, let's just look through it & send it back" I found that after you look through an XW it ain't going back. If you wait they do go on sale.

SKE

[MistrBadgr]

It is the price of the Pentax that is off-putting to me, rather than its looks. Move the decimal point one spot to the left and I would buy a whole set!

[Bigzmey]

EP appearance is the last thing I would consider. It is like buying computer based on it's color. Still, I have to admit some EPs are slicker than others. In the case of Vixen 30mm NLVW, it is likely the beige color. 85 deg Masuyamas have similar shape and they don't look too bad.
https://agenaastro.com/catalog/product/ ... ategory/6/

[UlteriorModem]

Never judge a book by it's cover

[Refractordude]

I started this thread in Off Topics Clean and Fun Jokes. It was moved over to this section. All kidding aside. Can this Vixen best the GSO 30mm Superview using a 150mm f/8 achromatic?

[Lady Fraktor]

I have not used a GSO eyepiece with mine but the Vixen works well with my 150mm f/8.
I have had it for a few years and do not plan on getting rid of it anytime soon.

[notFritzArgelander]

I started this thread in Off Topics Clean and Fun Jokes. It was moved over to this section. All kidding aside. Can this Vixen best the GSO 30mm Superview using a 150mm f/8 achromatic?

I have the GSO. I don’t have this Vixen but I have others. I’d bet that the Vixen would beat the GSO. For one thing my Vixens do better at scattered light control.

[Bigzmey]

I started this thread in Off Topics Clean and Fun Jokes. It was moved over to this section. All kidding aside. Can this Vixen best the GSO 30mm Superview using a 150mm f/8 achromatic?

I am sure Vixen will best GSO. It should be better corrected (even with F10 SCT I saw some field artefacts with GSO SV EPs). Definitely better light scatter control, and better quality coatings.

[notFritzArgelander]

I started this thread in Off Topics Clean and Fun Jokes. It was moved over to this section. All kidding aside. Can this Vixen best the GSO 30mm Superview using a 150mm f/8 achromatic?

I am sure Vixen will best GSO. It should be better corrected (even with F10 SCT I saw some field artefacts with GSO SV EPs). Definitely better light scatter control, and better quality coatings.

Your recommendation went further than mine but I agree. Vixen products are better designed and built than GSO in general.

[Bigzmey]

2" 30mm-42mm GSO SVs and similar offerings of simpler Erfles and Konigs provide great value. What I like the most is that they in the same weight range as my 1.25" wide field EP lineup. Most of better corrected EPs weigh a ton. You need a separate EP case for each of them. If you are just using 2' EP for scouting there is no reason to upgrade from GSO.

[notFritzArgelander]

2" 30mm-42mm GSO SVs and similar offerings of simpler Erfles and Konigs provide great value. What I like the most is that they in the same weight range as my 1.25" wide field EP lineup. Most of better corrected EPs weigh a ton. You need a separate EP case for each of them. If you are just using 2' EP for scouting there is no reason to upgrade from GSO.

Also agreed. The upgrade is only worth it for serious observation.

[25585]

The Vixen 30mm NLVW may not be the fanciest looking eyepiece available but is a good eyepiece.
It may not put up views such as a Pentax or TeleVue but is just as good as many other mid-range 2" 30mm.

I agree. It looks heavier than it is, and has comfortable eye relief comparable to an APM 30 UFF there, but not so good optically.