TheSkySearchers

3/27/20

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thanks Gabby! I wish they had more FLs.

Thanks for the write up.

Congratulations Andrey on the new glass!

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

j.gardavsky wrote: ↑Wed Apr 01, 2020 9:05 am Congratulations Andrey on the new glass!

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

Thanks JG! I suspect they would perform nicely on galaxies.

A very nice addition to your kit Andrey - congrats!

helicon wrote: ↑Wed Apr 01, 2020 6:43 pm A very nice addition to your kit Andrey - congrats!

Thanks Michael!