Meade Series 4000 UWA 14mm, 1.25/2 inch
Baader Classic Ortho 18mm, 1.25 inch
Agena Starguider Flat Field 27mm, 1.25 inch
BST Flat Field 16mm, 1.25 inch
It seemed like forever since I had seen a clear sky, but there was a break in the clouds. It was about 7:40 pm and we had just ordered some pizzas and made a salad. What the heck, I had about 40 minutes before the pizza delivery person showed up! :pizza: I grabbed my 120mm
With the outside temperature at 93 degrees at 8 pm (cooler than normal) I am expecting less than optimal views because I didn't wait to bring the tube to temperature before viewing. Also, my next door neighbor had apparently recently installed motion sensor floodlights and my large palm trees were setting them off as it was still a little windy out. It wouldn't be a good night to look for faint fuzzies!
Meade Series 4000 UWA 14mm in 2 inch mode at 71x: I sighted the first quarter moon in the
After everyone ooh'd and aah'd, my daughter points and asks "What's that bright star over there?" I told her I was pretty sure it was Jupiter, but let's have a look. I swung the scope over there and yep, Jupiter and its 4 moons, and bigger than I thought it would be! The N. and S. Equatorial Belts, Equatorial Zone, N. and S. Tropical Zones, and the S. Polar Region could easily be seen, but the view got better with moments of clearer atmosphere and for scant moments I could see a few Temperate Belts. I have to admit this classic 14mm eyepiece has it's blackouts when standing and trying to look at something smaller than the moon, but I think it will be easier to position the eye when sitting and with more experience over time.
Baader Classic Ortho 18mm at 56x: This eyepiece is as clear and sharp as can be! Jupiter and the moon were just as good as in the Meade 14mm UWA. The Meade did have the advantage of more magnification and the wider
Agena Starguider
BST
I wanted to look at a few globular clusters before the pizza came, but not only did I run out of time but some high thin clouds moved in and I knew it was quitting time. I tried going back out after our late dinner, but the clouds had completely covered the sky!
Conclusion: To be fair, both the 16mm and the 27mm Flat Fields will need a good cleaning before I can properly assess how good they are, They were both clear and sharp except around the very edges. I am looking forward to looking through them again.
The 18mm Baader Classic Orthoscopic is a delight, and I am very glad I listened to a few good people on this forum regarding purchasing a good 18mm eyepiece. The best value for the money. This one is a keeper!
I am really impressed with the Meade Series 4000 14mm UWA. What an eyepiece! As it is the only 2 inch eyepiece tested, it has that advantage, but the disadvantage is the size and weight that I am not used to. When I secured it in the focuser of the scope I had to re-balance the scope because of the increase in weight! It cost as much as the other 3 eyepieces combined, but it is worth every penny in my opinion! I asked my family which eyepiece they liked the best and they all agreed this one was the best and I agree! I am hoping to buy other eyepieces that are similar to it (except for the weight) as my pocketbook allows.
One last thing. It looks like I am going to have to construct some light shields for observing from my backyard, dang it!