Burgess Optical

Discuss telescope eyepieces.
User avatar
Lady Fraktor Slovakia
Co-Administrator
Co-Administrator
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 9860
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2019 9:14 pm
4
Location: Slovakia
Status:
Offline

Burgess Optical

#1

Post by Lady Fraktor »


I see Burgess Optical is still making monocentric 6mm, 8mm, 10mm and a 16mm (16mm is designed for BVs)
Burgess has made some high quality offerings in the past and the 10mm has been well reviewed.
Scroll down the page a bit: https://www.burgessoptical.com/

They also have a 91mm f/7.7 fluorite/ lanthanum doublet for $875USD.
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
The only culture I have is from yogurt
My day was going well until... people
Image
User avatar
LDW47 Canada
Jupiter Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 245
Joined: Sat Aug 17, 2019 5:57 pm
4
Location: north bay,ontario,canada
Status:
Offline

Re: Burgess Optical

#2

Post by LDW47 »


I know one thing the 2-2" diagonals ( $49 ea.)and the 2" CR-X Contrast filter ( $59 ) I bought from them are excellent performers.
User avatar
LDW47 Canada
Jupiter Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 245
Joined: Sat Aug 17, 2019 5:57 pm
4
Location: north bay,ontario,canada
Status:
Offline

Re: Burgess Optical

#3

Post by LDW47 »


And they are easy to deal with, even up here to Canada, top notch service.
User avatar
WilliamPaolini United States of America
Saturn Ambassador
Articles: 9
Offline
Posts: 303
Joined: Tue May 25, 2021 8:57 pm
2
Location: Virginia, USA
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Burgess Optical

#4

Post by WilliamPaolini »


The 16mm will be an interesting focal length to have in monocentric design. Would be well suited for fainter DSO to get maximum throughput. I will probably get one of these when they become available. The 10mm is also quite flexible, especially when Barlowed as the off-axis cleans up nicely and it retains its superb contrast, so makes an excellent planetary when Barlowed, which is how I use it with a TV 2x for 5mm effective and with a TV 2.5x Powermate for 4mm effective. I am adjusting my previous review of the 10mm and when finished will submit it here.
-Bill

U.S.A.F. Veteran - Visual Amateur Astronomer since 1966 - Fully Retired since 2019
8" f/5 Newt - Lunt 152 f/7.9 - TSA 102 f/8 - Vixen 81S f/7.7 - P.S.T. - Pentax 65ED II - Nikon 12x50 AE
Pentax XWs - Baader Morpheus - Takahashi LEs - Edmund RKEs - BST Starguiders - 6ZAO-II/5XO/4Abbe
PM and Email communications always welcomed
User avatar
LDW47 Canada
Jupiter Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 245
Joined: Sat Aug 17, 2019 5:57 pm
4
Location: north bay,ontario,canada
Status:
Offline

Re: Burgess Optical

#5

Post by LDW47 »


WilliamPaolini wrote: Wed Jun 23, 2021 2:05 pm The 16mm will be an interesting focal length to have in monocentric design. Would be well suited for fainter DSO to get maximum throughput. I will probably get one of these when they become available. The 10mm is also quite flexible, especially when Barlowed as the off-axis cleans up nicely and it retains its superb contrast, so makes an excellent planetary when Barlowed, which is how I use it with a TV 2x for 5mm effective and with a TV 2.5x Powermate for 4mm effective. I am adjusting my previous review of the 10mm and when finished will submit it here.
Any idea when the 16 will be available ? I should probably ask them direct.
User avatar
WilliamPaolini United States of America
Saturn Ambassador
Articles: 9
Offline
Posts: 303
Joined: Tue May 25, 2021 8:57 pm
2
Location: Virginia, USA
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Burgess Optical

#6

Post by WilliamPaolini »


I popped them a note asking.
-Bill

U.S.A.F. Veteran - Visual Amateur Astronomer since 1966 - Fully Retired since 2019
8" f/5 Newt - Lunt 152 f/7.9 - TSA 102 f/8 - Vixen 81S f/7.7 - P.S.T. - Pentax 65ED II - Nikon 12x50 AE
Pentax XWs - Baader Morpheus - Takahashi LEs - Edmund RKEs - BST Starguiders - 6ZAO-II/5XO/4Abbe
PM and Email communications always welcomed
User avatar
LDW47 Canada
Jupiter Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 245
Joined: Sat Aug 17, 2019 5:57 pm
4
Location: north bay,ontario,canada
Status:
Offline

Re: Burgess Optical

#7

Post by LDW47 »


WilliamPaolini wrote: Thu Jun 24, 2021 3:32 pm I popped them a note asking.
Thanx, could you let us know ? If you think about it.
User avatar
WilliamPaolini United States of America
Saturn Ambassador
Articles: 9
Offline
Posts: 303
Joined: Tue May 25, 2021 8:57 pm
2
Location: Virginia, USA
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Burgess Optical

#8

Post by WilliamPaolini »


LDW47 wrote: Fri Jun 25, 2021 4:56 pm
WilliamPaolini wrote: Thu Jun 24, 2021 3:32 pm I popped them a note asking.
Thanx, could you let us know ? If you think about it.

I certainly will.
-Bill

U.S.A.F. Veteran - Visual Amateur Astronomer since 1966 - Fully Retired since 2019
8" f/5 Newt - Lunt 152 f/7.9 - TSA 102 f/8 - Vixen 81S f/7.7 - P.S.T. - Pentax 65ED II - Nikon 12x50 AE
Pentax XWs - Baader Morpheus - Takahashi LEs - Edmund RKEs - BST Starguiders - 6ZAO-II/5XO/4Abbe
PM and Email communications always welcomed
User avatar
LDW47 Canada
Jupiter Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 245
Joined: Sat Aug 17, 2019 5:57 pm
4
Location: north bay,ontario,canada
Status:
Offline

Re: Burgess Optical

#9

Post by LDW47 »


I really don't need another ep but I like to try new gear and support these type of smaller businesses incl. Russell Optics etc. and some up here in Canada.
User avatar
WilliamPaolini United States of America
Saturn Ambassador
Articles: 9
Offline
Posts: 303
Joined: Tue May 25, 2021 8:57 pm
2
Location: Virginia, USA
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Burgess Optical

#10

Post by WilliamPaolini »


FYI, Spoke to Bill Burgess yesterday. He indicated that the 16mm Ultramono is expected to be in production and available this Fall, along with a series of Barlows to get that unit to multiple shorter focal lengths. More of the 8mm's should be coming too. Also working on a few new scopes as well. So looks to be an interesting Fall and Winter at Burgess Optical if plans stay on track. If I get my hands on any of them will post an assessment.
-Bill

U.S.A.F. Veteran - Visual Amateur Astronomer since 1966 - Fully Retired since 2019
8" f/5 Newt - Lunt 152 f/7.9 - TSA 102 f/8 - Vixen 81S f/7.7 - P.S.T. - Pentax 65ED II - Nikon 12x50 AE
Pentax XWs - Baader Morpheus - Takahashi LEs - Edmund RKEs - BST Starguiders - 6ZAO-II/5XO/4Abbe
PM and Email communications always welcomed
User avatar
Lady Fraktor Slovakia
Co-Administrator
Co-Administrator
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 9860
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2019 9:14 pm
4
Location: Slovakia
Status:
Offline

Re: Burgess Optical

#11

Post by Lady Fraktor »


Thank you for the information Bill.
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
The only culture I have is from yogurt
My day was going well until... people
Image
User avatar
WilliamPaolini United States of America
Saturn Ambassador
Articles: 9
Offline
Posts: 303
Joined: Tue May 25, 2021 8:57 pm
2
Location: Virginia, USA
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Burgess Optical

#12

Post by WilliamPaolini »


I just remembered, the eye relief on the 16mm Ultramono is expected to be 16mm! So this one will actually be long eye relief and eyeglass compatible, something quite unusual for a 3 element 1 group type eyepiece!
-Bill

U.S.A.F. Veteran - Visual Amateur Astronomer since 1966 - Fully Retired since 2019
8" f/5 Newt - Lunt 152 f/7.9 - TSA 102 f/8 - Vixen 81S f/7.7 - P.S.T. - Pentax 65ED II - Nikon 12x50 AE
Pentax XWs - Baader Morpheus - Takahashi LEs - Edmund RKEs - BST Starguiders - 6ZAO-II/5XO/4Abbe
PM and Email communications always welcomed
User avatar
Lady Fraktor Slovakia
Co-Administrator
Co-Administrator
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 9860
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2019 9:14 pm
4
Location: Slovakia
Status:
Offline

Re: Burgess Optical

#13

Post by Lady Fraktor »


Well that is sounding quite interesting. I may have to sacrifice the piggy bank.
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
The only culture I have is from yogurt
My day was going well until... people
Image
User avatar
Don Pensack United States of America
Mars Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 183
Joined: Tue May 25, 2021 8:07 pm
2
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Status:
Offline

Re: Burgess Optical

#14

Post by Don Pensack »


I note that Harry Siebert sells monocentric eyepieces in a bunch of longer focal lengths and sells Barlows of a variety of magnifications so you can turn those monocentrics into any focal length you want.
Astronomer since 1963
Currently using a 12.5" dob and a 4" apo refractor
User avatar
WilliamPaolini United States of America
Saturn Ambassador
Articles: 9
Offline
Posts: 303
Joined: Tue May 25, 2021 8:57 pm
2
Location: Virginia, USA
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Burgess Optical

#15

Post by WilliamPaolini »


Back in 2012 I reviewed a Siebert 10mm mono. Performed as expected relative to ER and AFOV. Planetary performance was certainly very good on planets but had a little more scatter than I thought it should have (comparing to AP-SPL). Execution of the build was rather crude though and a bit pricey at $199, no where near as refined of a build as the Ultramonos even with their more reasonable price ($99). However, I recall last year that Harry contacted me saying that he made a big improvement on the build of those and supposedly very nice. He was going to send me one to update my review but it never came through, so never got a chance to see the "better" build version.
-Bill

U.S.A.F. Veteran - Visual Amateur Astronomer since 1966 - Fully Retired since 2019
8" f/5 Newt - Lunt 152 f/7.9 - TSA 102 f/8 - Vixen 81S f/7.7 - P.S.T. - Pentax 65ED II - Nikon 12x50 AE
Pentax XWs - Baader Morpheus - Takahashi LEs - Edmund RKEs - BST Starguiders - 6ZAO-II/5XO/4Abbe
PM and Email communications always welcomed
OldPhysics
Earth Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun May 30, 2021 1:15 am
2
Location: USA
Status:
Offline

Re: Burgess Optical

#16

Post by OldPhysics »


WilliamPaolini wrote: Wed Jun 23, 2021 2:05 pm The 16mm will be an interesting focal length to have in monocentric design. Would be well suited for fainter DSO to get maximum throughput. I will probably get one of these when they become available. The 10mm is also quite flexible, especially when Barlowed as the off-axis cleans up nicely and it retains its superb contrast, so makes an excellent planetary when Barlowed, which is how I use it with a TV 2x for 5mm effective and with a TV 2.5x Powermate for 4mm effective. I am adjusting my previous review of the 10mm and when finished will submit it here.
I’ve enjoyed my 10 mm and will happily read his updated review.
User avatar
WilliamPaolini United States of America
Saturn Ambassador
Articles: 9
Offline
Posts: 303
Joined: Tue May 25, 2021 8:57 pm
2
Location: Virginia, USA
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Burgess Optical

#17

Post by WilliamPaolini »


FYI, I just asked them for another update on the 16mm mono.
-Bill

U.S.A.F. Veteran - Visual Amateur Astronomer since 1966 - Fully Retired since 2019
8" f/5 Newt - Lunt 152 f/7.9 - TSA 102 f/8 - Vixen 81S f/7.7 - P.S.T. - Pentax 65ED II - Nikon 12x50 AE
Pentax XWs - Baader Morpheus - Takahashi LEs - Edmund RKEs - BST Starguiders - 6ZAO-II/5XO/4Abbe
PM and Email communications always welcomed
User avatar
WilliamPaolini United States of America
Saturn Ambassador
Articles: 9
Offline
Posts: 303
Joined: Tue May 25, 2021 8:57 pm
2
Location: Virginia, USA
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Burgess Optical

#18

Post by WilliamPaolini »


I never got an update on the 16 Ultramono. However I understand that he is expecting a shipment of 500 10mm Ultramonos in the next 30 days.
-Bill

U.S.A.F. Veteran - Visual Amateur Astronomer since 1966 - Fully Retired since 2019
8" f/5 Newt - Lunt 152 f/7.9 - TSA 102 f/8 - Vixen 81S f/7.7 - P.S.T. - Pentax 65ED II - Nikon 12x50 AE
Pentax XWs - Baader Morpheus - Takahashi LEs - Edmund RKEs - BST Starguiders - 6ZAO-II/5XO/4Abbe
PM and Email communications always welcomed
User avatar
Lady Fraktor Slovakia
Co-Administrator
Co-Administrator
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 9860
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2019 9:14 pm
4
Location: Slovakia
Status:
Offline

Re: Burgess Optical

#19

Post by Lady Fraktor »


Thank you for the update Bill. :)
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
The only culture I have is from yogurt
My day was going well until... people
Image
User avatar
WilliamPaolini United States of America
Saturn Ambassador
Articles: 9
Offline
Posts: 303
Joined: Tue May 25, 2021 8:57 pm
2
Location: Virginia, USA
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Burgess Optical

#20

Post by WilliamPaolini »


WilliamPaolini wrote: Sat Jan 08, 2022 5:04 pm I never got an update on the 16 Ultramono. However I understand that he is expecting a shipment of 500 10mm Ultramonos in the next 30 days.
Looks like the 10mm Ultramono is in stock now according to their website With a quality 2x or 2.5x Barlow/PM makes an outstanding planetary eyepiece for Apos!

https://www.cloudynights.com/articles/c ... mono-r3174
"Overall, I felt the 10mm Ultra Mono with Tele Vue 2x Barlow showed some of the best performance I have seen on Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars with any eyepiece through my Apochromatic refractors! When I switched out the Barlow for the 2.5x Powermate instead so the 10mm Ultra Mono was operating at an effective 4mm focal length, its planetary performance maintained its excellent showing. The 4mm planetary position in my eyepiece stall has been vacant for many years trying to find a performer suitable to sit alongside my 6mm ZAO-II and 5mm XW. I used to have the 4mm TMB Supermonocentric and felt it outperformed all other contenders including the likes of the 4mm AP-SLP and 4mm ZAO-II. The 4mm TMB Supermonocentric though has the smallest eye lens I’ve ever seen and its eye relief is too tight for my tastes. Although the 4mm TMB Supermonocentric was an excellent performer I found it was just too uncomfortable in use. This 10mm Ultra Mono when combined with the 2.5x Powermate, with its large eye lens and fairly comfortable eye relief finally provides me with a 4mm equivalent I consider appropriate to sit alongside my other planetary eyepiece, the Pentax 5mm XO an the 6mm ZAO-II. Overall the field test revealed the Burgess 10mm Ultra Mono to be a top-of-class on-axis planetary performer when used with a Barlow or amplifier, and will remain in my collection."
-Bill

U.S.A.F. Veteran - Visual Amateur Astronomer since 1966 - Fully Retired since 2019
8" f/5 Newt - Lunt 152 f/7.9 - TSA 102 f/8 - Vixen 81S f/7.7 - P.S.T. - Pentax 65ED II - Nikon 12x50 AE
Pentax XWs - Baader Morpheus - Takahashi LEs - Edmund RKEs - BST Starguiders - 6ZAO-II/5XO/4Abbe
PM and Email communications always welcomed
Post Reply

Create an account or sign in to join the discussion

You need to be a member in order to post a reply

Create an account

Not a member? register to join our community
Members can start their own topics & subscribe to topics
It’s free and only takes a minute

Register

Sign in

Return to “Eyepieces”