TheSkySearchers

OzEclipse wrote: ↑Mon Mar 18, 2024 1:17 am The Baader has a pretty good reputation. I have not seen through one myself.

I have the Pentax XF zoom 6-19mm is nice and sharp but is only 40 degrees at 19mm up to 60 degrees at 6mm. It is much cheaper than the Baader, I got mine new late last year for about USD 70 (AUD111). Even so, at 6mm in my 6" f7 scope, when seeing cooperates, I get a nice sharp contrasty image of planets at 170X.

I bought it in main part for my 6" telescope and also to use in a smaller refractor for example during eclipses. The zoom mechanism is quite firm, so that it does not slip. Normally a good thing.

However, the focuser on the 6" is a friction twist and slide focuser. Beautiful smooth focusing motion, as good as any Feather Touch or Moonlight, but no locking mechanism, everything held by light friction.

IMG_1589 copy.jpg.


Hence I can't just twist the zoom to change mag in that scope. I have to pull the eyepiece out, hold the base and adjust it. But in any other standard compression ring lock focuser, (all my other scopes), it adjusts very easily with a simple twist of one hand.

Joe

Lady Fraktor wrote: ↑Mon Mar 18, 2024 4:41 am The Baader is a good choice as well as the APM zoom. Both are about the same price at David Astro and I would also recommend the APM/ TMB 1.8x add on lens for either.
The Leica is amazing but expect to pay half as much again of the APM/ Baader.

The TeleVue 2-4/ 3-6 mm variables are good as well as the Speers-Waler 5-8 mm Series 1 or 2.
Variable means the AFOV stays the same instead of changing like a standard zoom.
Other than the 3-6 mm you would have to check used equipment sites for the others.

Bigzmey wrote: ↑Mon Mar 18, 2024 2:09 am Baader Mark IV is the best zoom among those I have tried. Very comfortable to use, good image quality, wide angle as far as zoom EPs go and plenty of eye relief. With 2x barlow it covers full EP FL range for my 80mm ED scope.

Are there better zooms? TV 3-6mm has a good following. But I would say it is more specialized (planetary) zoom. A few people I trust swear by Leica zooms, but those are priced accordingly.

AstroBee wrote: ↑Mon Mar 18, 2024 5:08 am My Lunt 80mm came with a zoom eyepiece. It's pretty decent. Actually, since I do mostly imaging, it is the only eyepiece I have ever used in the Lunt.

Richard wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 4:44 pm Ok I dont observe the Sun much but as its bright why expensive Zooms ? will a cheap celestron 8-24 (other makes of same available) not work as well ?

messier 111 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 10:47 pm

Richard wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 4:44 pm Ok I dont observe the Sun much but as its bright why expensive Zooms ? will a cheap celestron 8-24 (other makes of same available) not work as well ?

I already have 2 Orion 8-24 for my binoviewer, but I was looking to see if there was something better.
To tell the truth, I think that the Orion zooms are not difficult to beat.

Bigzmey wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 11:21 pm

messier 111 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 10:47 pm

Richard wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 4:44 pm Ok I dont observe the Sun much but as its bright why expensive Zooms ? will a cheap celestron 8-24 (other makes of same available) not work as well ?

I already have 2 Orion 8-24 for my binoviewer, but I was looking to see if there was something better.
To tell the truth, I think that the Orion zooms are not difficult to beat.

Not sure about solar, but for nighttime observing Baader Mark IV would be a big difference from Orion 8-24.

Richard wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 4:44 pm Ok I dont observe the Sun much but as its bright why expensive Zooms ? will a cheap celestron 8-24 (other makes of same available) not work as well ?

Mike Q wrote: ↑Thu Mar 21, 2024 12:04 am I have run the Baader and Orion's 8 to 24 Lanth side by side. Is the Baader better? It is brighter to be sure, but not 100 bucks brighter. Neither were truly parfocal but they were both close. The Baader had positive stops at each power setting, the Orion is just a smooth turn, it's a personal choice as to which one you like. Also involved in the test was the Celestron model, we all agreed that it was the worst of the bunch. Three of us spent a couple hours with them and we all agreed the Baader was the best optically but the Orion was only a half step behind it.

messier 111 wrote: ↑Thu Mar 21, 2024 12:23 am

Mike Q wrote: ↑Thu Mar 21, 2024 12:04 am I have run the Baader and Orion's 8 to 24 Lanth side by side. Is the Baader better? It is brighter to be sure, but not 100 bucks brighter. Neither were truly parfocal but they were both close. The Baader had positive stops at each power setting, the Orion is just a smooth turn, it's a personal choice as to which one you like. Also involved in the test was the Celestron model, we all agreed that it was the worst of the bunch. Three of us spent a couple hours with them and we all agreed the Baader was the best optically but the Orion was only a half step behind it.

thx Mike,
The more I think about it, the less certain I want a zoom.
As I already said I already have 2 Zoom Orions, so if I have the chance to see what it can do with my lunt [the Baader], I will make my decision afterwards.

Lady Fraktor wrote: ↑Sat Mar 23, 2024 8:43 pm I am not sure how different the coatings are between the Lunt and Coronado offerings but using the Coronado I have found the Vixen LV series has always put up one of the best views.
If you check online reviews there are many others that agree.
I did use the Vixen 7-21mm zoom but normally preferred fixed focal lengths.