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My main DSOs set is populated primarily by Pentax XWs. They are spaced quite nicely by ~40%, which works well for most targets. However, on occasion I feel the need for finer increments. I was looking for high transmittance log eye relief quality EPs and realized that the only two Pentax XF focal lengths (by design or coincidence) fit perfectly between XWs and have the same SMC coatings. They were also on sale for $99 with free shipping.
Here they are!
I like the fit and finishes and small form factor. They are also very comfortable to observe, even with eyeglasses on. I had them for a couple of weeks before finally managed a brief first light last Friday. I have compared them to Vixen SLVs 12mm and 9mm on C/2019 Y4 (ATLAS) comet in Stelarvue 102ED. I have been observing with SLVs for a few years and have already established that they combine Orthos-like sharpness and high transmittance with log eye relief and 50 deg FOV.
The comet was roughly 10 mag and exhibited brighter nucleus and faint almost round coma resolved with averted vision. I have spent time switching in pairs between SLVs and XFs. They have shown nearly identical amount of comet details, equally sharp background stars, same neutral pallete and rich star colors. Also very flat field, at least in SV102ED. XFs have wider 60 deg FOV which I will put to a good use on DSOs. So far so good. The real test will be in the desert on faint galaxies with 9.25” Edge.
notFritzArgelander wrote: ↑Wed Apr 01, 2020 12:08 am
Nice. I envy. But I cast my lot in with TV Pans and Delos. I'd have to go back to work (WORK!) to consider a swap at this late date.
Can't go wrong with TV. Last year, when I was phasing out 82 deg EPs I had a tough choice to go with Pentax XWs or Delites. I got one of each to sample, and it made decision even harder. After a few months going back and forth I resolved the straggle by collecting both sets.
The XF are very nice eyepieces and actually better than the TeleVue Radian they competed against.
I hope you get a lot of use from them.
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
Lady Fraktor wrote: ↑Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:33 am
The XF are very nice eyepieces and actually better than the TeleVue Radian they competed against.
I hope you get a lot of use from them.
Yes, the XF fill the gaps in the XW series.
Back in the day, I used to have this pair, the have shown me the spiral arms in M33 for the first time.
Enjoy the XF pair,
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)
A very nice addition to your kit Andrey - congrats!
-Michael Refractors: ES AR152 f/6.5 Achromat on Twilight II, Celestron 102mm XLT f/9.8 on Celestron Heavy Duty Alt Az mount, KOWA 90mm spotting scope Binoculars: Celestron SkyMaster 15x70, Bushnell 10x50 Eyepieces: Various, GSO Superview, 9mm Plossl, Celestron 25mm Plossl Camera: ZWO ASI 120 Naked Eye: Two Eyeballs Latitude: 48.7229° N