Plossl type eyepiece comparison

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Lady Fraktor Slovakia
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Plossl type eyepiece comparison

#1

Post by Lady Fraktor »


An interesting article by Chris Lord of the Brandon, TeleVue and GSO Plossl types.
He also includes a bit of history of the design use and spot diagrams at the end.

https://www.brayebrookobservatory.org/B ... randon.pdf
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
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Re: Plossl type eyepiece comparison

#2

Post by notFritzArgelander »


Thank you for a delightful and informative read!
Scopes: Refs: Orion ST80, SV 80EDA f7, TS 102ED f11 Newts: AWB 130mm, f5, Z12 f5; Cats: VMC110L, Intes MK66,VMC200L f9.75 EPs: KK Fujiyama Orthoscopics, 2x Vixen NPLs (40-6mm) and BCOs, Baader Mark IV zooms, TV Panoptics, Delos, Plossl 32-8mm. Mixed brand Masuyama/Astroplans Binoculars: Nikon Aculon 10x50, Celestron 15x70, Baader Maxbright. Mounts: Star Seeker IV, Vixen Porta II, Celestron CG5
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Re: Plossl type eyepiece comparison

#3

Post by Lady Fraktor »


It did confirm observations I have had over the years and commented about at AF.net and here.
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
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Re: Plossl type eyepiece comparison

#4

Post by Bigzmey »


Nice read! The only thing I object as a scientist is making conclusions based on a single observer (randomized EPs or not).
Scopes: Stellarvue: SV102ED; Celestron: 9.25" EdgeHD, 8" SCT, 150ST, Onyx 80ED; iOptron: Hankmeister 6" Mak; SW: 7" Mak; Meade: 80ST.
Mounts: SW: SkyTee2, AzGTi; iOptron: AZMP; ES: Twilight I; Bresser: EXOS2; UA: MicroStar.
Binos: APM: 100-90 APO; Canon: IS 15x50; Orion: Binoviewer, LG II 15x70, WV 10x50, Nikon: AE 16x50, 10x50, 8x40.
EPs: Pentax: XWs & XFs; TeleVue: Delites, Panoptic & Plossls; ES: 68, 62; Vixen: SLVs; Baader: BCOs, Aspherics, Mark IV.
Diagonals: Baader: BBHS mirror, Zeiss Spec T2 prism, Clicklock dielectric; TeleVue: Evebrite dielectric; AltairAstro: 2" prism.
Filters: Lumicon: DeepSky, UHC, OIII, H-beta; Baader: Moon & SkyGlow, Contrast Booster, UHC-S, 6-color set; Astronomik: UHC.

Observing: DSOs: 3106 (Completed: Messier, Herschel 1, 2, 3. In progress: H2,500: 2180, S110: 77). Doubles: 2382, Comets: 34, Asteroids: 255
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Re: Plossl type eyepiece comparison

#5

Post by j.gardavsky »


This is a nice review, but from another perspective, something far far away.

During the times of the Clavé Plössls,
CZJ has put on the markets a series of the Abbe orthos for the Telementor/Telemator refractors, and refreshed the Huygens Okular, originally manufactured for the astronomy telescopes, and then for the CZJ Asiola spotting scopes. The first professional grade Huygens for the astronomy telescopes came from Jena already before the WWII.
Erfle and the Astroplan have been updated for the observatory grade telescopes after WWII, manufactured also by CZJ.
Finally, before the "last days" of CZJ, the predecessors for the later DOCTER UWA have been made in Jena under the name Aspectem binoculars and eyepieces.

For whatever reason unknown to me,
CZJ has returned to the symmetric Plössl design for the tactical optics, and a surplus of this Plössls is now available,
https://www.ebay.de/itm/1-Stuck-Symmetr ... Sw21Rb9UAh
A budget version of this eyepiece has been manufactured by TAL in Russia.

The CZJ Symmetric Plössl is beating within its 40°AFOV the other Plössls on the market, including the TV.
The CZJ Abbe orthos from the Telementor/Telemator series change today the hands for insane money, when they are the export version, and in pristine condition. One of these is in my collection of historical optics.

Best,
JG
6" F/5 Sky-Watcher achro, 2" BBHS Star Diagonal, 2" zenith prism, 1.25" Takahashi prism
Leica 82mm APO Televid
Eyepieces: Docter UWA; Leica B WW and WW Asph. Zoom; Leica HC Plan S and L, monocentric; Pentax SMC XW, O-, XO; Tak MC O, Carl Zeiss B WW, and Pl, E-Pl, S-Pl, W-Pl;
Swarovski SW; Baader Symmetric Diascope Edition; Nikon NAV SW, ; TMB supermonocentric; Rodenstock; Vixen HR; TV Delos
Filters: Astrodon, Astronomik, Baader, Balzers, Zeiss West and East, Lumicon
Binoculars (7x42 up to 15x85): Docter Nobilem, Leica Ultravid, Nikon Astroluxe, Swarovski EL Swarovision; BA8 (Kunming Optical)
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Re: Plossl type eyepiece comparison

#6

Post by Lady Fraktor »


Bigzmey wrote: Mon Apr 19, 2021 7:52 pm Nice read! The only thing I object as a scientist is making conclusions based on a single observer (randomized EPs or not).
I would agree that a better comparison such as this would likely be best with at least 3 observers of differing age groups and skill levels.
But I have found that some of my findings are the same or very closely match those stated in the review.
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
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Re: Plossl type eyepiece comparison

#7

Post by notFritzArgelander »


Lady Fraktor wrote: Mon Apr 19, 2021 9:47 pm
Bigzmey wrote: Mon Apr 19, 2021 7:52 pm Nice read! The only thing I object as a scientist is making conclusions based on a single observer (randomized EPs or not).
I would agree that a better comparison such as this would likely be best with at least 3 observers of differing age groups and skill levels.
But I have found that some of my findings are the same or very closely match those stated in the review.
Agreed, LF. I’m slightly surprised that the GSOs fared so well but only slightly. That’s because my own comparison of the TV Ploessl line and the Vixen NPLs showed the Vixens to be quite good and not just good for the money.
Scopes: Refs: Orion ST80, SV 80EDA f7, TS 102ED f11 Newts: AWB 130mm, f5, Z12 f5; Cats: VMC110L, Intes MK66,VMC200L f9.75 EPs: KK Fujiyama Orthoscopics, 2x Vixen NPLs (40-6mm) and BCOs, Baader Mark IV zooms, TV Panoptics, Delos, Plossl 32-8mm. Mixed brand Masuyama/Astroplans Binoculars: Nikon Aculon 10x50, Celestron 15x70, Baader Maxbright. Mounts: Star Seeker IV, Vixen Porta II, Celestron CG5
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Re: Plossl type eyepiece comparison

#8

Post by Bigzmey »


notFritzArgelander wrote: Mon Apr 19, 2021 11:00 pm
Lady Fraktor wrote: Mon Apr 19, 2021 9:47 pm
Bigzmey wrote: Mon Apr 19, 2021 7:52 pm Nice read! The only thing I object as a scientist is making conclusions based on a single observer (randomized EPs or not).
I would agree that a better comparison such as this would likely be best with at least 3 observers of differing age groups and skill levels.
But I have found that some of my findings are the same or very closely match those stated in the review.
Agreed, LF. I’m slightly surprised that the GSOs fared so well but only slightly. That’s because my own comparison of the TV Ploessl line and the Vixen NPLs showed the Vixens to be quite good and not just good for the money.
At one point I have tested side by side TV, Vixen and Meade Plossls. While they all performed good for the money, in my scopes and for my eyes TV were sharper at high powers followed by Vixen and then Meade.

On faint DSOs Meade had the best transmission, while TV (modern version) the best contrast. NPL were a good balance of two.
Scopes: Stellarvue: SV102ED; Celestron: 9.25" EdgeHD, 8" SCT, 150ST, Onyx 80ED; iOptron: Hankmeister 6" Mak; SW: 7" Mak; Meade: 80ST.
Mounts: SW: SkyTee2, AzGTi; iOptron: AZMP; ES: Twilight I; Bresser: EXOS2; UA: MicroStar.
Binos: APM: 100-90 APO; Canon: IS 15x50; Orion: Binoviewer, LG II 15x70, WV 10x50, Nikon: AE 16x50, 10x50, 8x40.
EPs: Pentax: XWs & XFs; TeleVue: Delites, Panoptic & Plossls; ES: 68, 62; Vixen: SLVs; Baader: BCOs, Aspherics, Mark IV.
Diagonals: Baader: BBHS mirror, Zeiss Spec T2 prism, Clicklock dielectric; TeleVue: Evebrite dielectric; AltairAstro: 2" prism.
Filters: Lumicon: DeepSky, UHC, OIII, H-beta; Baader: Moon & SkyGlow, Contrast Booster, UHC-S, 6-color set; Astronomik: UHC.

Observing: DSOs: 3106 (Completed: Messier, Herschel 1, 2, 3. In progress: H2,500: 2180, S110: 77). Doubles: 2382, Comets: 34, Asteroids: 255
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Re: Plossl type eyepiece comparison

#9

Post by notFritzArgelander »


Bigzmey wrote: Mon Apr 19, 2021 11:15 pm
notFritzArgelander wrote: Mon Apr 19, 2021 11:00 pm
Lady Fraktor wrote: Mon Apr 19, 2021 9:47 pm

I would agree that a better comparison such as this would likely be best with at least 3 observers of differing age groups and skill levels.
But I have found that some of my findings are the same or very closely match those stated in the review.
Agreed, LF. I’m slightly surprised that the GSOs fared so well but only slightly. That’s because my own comparison of the TV Ploessl line and the Vixen NPLs showed the Vixens to be quite good and not just good for the money.
At one point I have tested side by side TV, Vixen and Meade Plossls. While they all performed good for the money, in my scopes and for my eyes TV were sharper at high powers followed by Vixen and then Meade.

On faint DSOs Meade had the best transmission, while TV (modern version) the best contrast. NPL were a good balance of two.
Which goes to show that the best eyepiece advice is always "try before you buy". :)

I recall a night when I compares TV Ploessls and Panoptics and Vixen NPLs and BCOs on DSOs. Throughput was best on the TV Plossls so that it showed fainter nebulosity and decent internal contrast, the nebulosity extended further out from the core against foreground stars. The Vixen NPLs and Panoptics were about the same. The BCOs were somewhat darker but presented richer internal detail.
Scopes: Refs: Orion ST80, SV 80EDA f7, TS 102ED f11 Newts: AWB 130mm, f5, Z12 f5; Cats: VMC110L, Intes MK66,VMC200L f9.75 EPs: KK Fujiyama Orthoscopics, 2x Vixen NPLs (40-6mm) and BCOs, Baader Mark IV zooms, TV Panoptics, Delos, Plossl 32-8mm. Mixed brand Masuyama/Astroplans Binoculars: Nikon Aculon 10x50, Celestron 15x70, Baader Maxbright. Mounts: Star Seeker IV, Vixen Porta II, Celestron CG5
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Re: Plossl type eyepiece comparison

#10

Post by Lady Fraktor »


All good points and that is how we become eyepiece junkies over time ;)
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
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Re: Plossl type eyepiece comparison

#11

Post by Lady Fraktor »


Have you tried the older Vixen LV eyepieces? I still enjoy them quite a bit and I actually replaced most of my TeleVue Plossl with them.
Except the TV 11mm, that is a great eyepiece.
Vixen LV 2.5mm - 25mm are 5 element/ 3 group design (that seems familiar...)
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
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Re: Plossl type eyepiece comparison

#12

Post by Bigzmey »


Lady Fraktor wrote: Tue Apr 20, 2021 4:12 am Have you tried the older Vixen LV eyepieces? I still enjoy them quite a bit and I actually replaced most of my TeleVue Plossl with them.
Except the TV 11mm, that is a great eyepiece.
Vixen LV 2.5mm - 25mm are 5 element/ 3 group design (that seems familiar...)
Not surprised if they similar in performance to my SLVs. I am not a big fan of modern TV Plossls. Had complete set at one point but sold them one by one. Circle NJ smoothies is a different story. :)
Scopes: Stellarvue: SV102ED; Celestron: 9.25" EdgeHD, 8" SCT, 150ST, Onyx 80ED; iOptron: Hankmeister 6" Mak; SW: 7" Mak; Meade: 80ST.
Mounts: SW: SkyTee2, AzGTi; iOptron: AZMP; ES: Twilight I; Bresser: EXOS2; UA: MicroStar.
Binos: APM: 100-90 APO; Canon: IS 15x50; Orion: Binoviewer, LG II 15x70, WV 10x50, Nikon: AE 16x50, 10x50, 8x40.
EPs: Pentax: XWs & XFs; TeleVue: Delites, Panoptic & Plossls; ES: 68, 62; Vixen: SLVs; Baader: BCOs, Aspherics, Mark IV.
Diagonals: Baader: BBHS mirror, Zeiss Spec T2 prism, Clicklock dielectric; TeleVue: Evebrite dielectric; AltairAstro: 2" prism.
Filters: Lumicon: DeepSky, UHC, OIII, H-beta; Baader: Moon & SkyGlow, Contrast Booster, UHC-S, 6-color set; Astronomik: UHC.

Observing: DSOs: 3106 (Completed: Messier, Herschel 1, 2, 3. In progress: H2,500: 2180, S110: 77). Doubles: 2382, Comets: 34, Asteroids: 255
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