Opinions on Zoom eyepieces for solar?

[wavelandscott]

The postponement of NEAF has left me in need of an Astro Buying Binge...

I am looking for a zoom eyepiece that I plan to use with my Lunt 60 mm solar scope. I am am leaning towards the Pentax XF (6.5-19.5) but am also considering the Pentax SMC (8-24)...

In reading reviews, both have fans and the XF is less expensive and lighter of the two.

Any opinions between the two and/or something else I should consider?

I am a big fan of the Pentax XW eyepieces I own so am familiar and happy with Pentax quality And views.

Thanks all!

[Merlin66]

Scott,
I was luck enough to purchase a Pentax SMC (XL?) zoom a few years ago.
As you say it's big, it's heavy but great!!!
Certainly works for me on all my solar set-ups.
I recommend it.
( I tried MANY others before settling on the Pentax.)

[wavelandscott]

Any experience comparing the XF (lighter one) to the XL (Bigger one)?

The XF (lighter) seems to weigh about half of the XL...and the XF seems to offer a smidge more magnification...

Merlin66 your earlier comments got me thinking Pentax and as noted, I am a fan already of the XW series. Thanks!

[Merlin66]

I can only compare my own experiences (based on solar observing)...
I tried:
Meade Zoom
Celestron zoom
A couple of TV zooms
Moonfish (remember them?) zoom
A couple of Baader (early) zooms


For me the Pentax was the outright winner.

[wavelandscott]

Thanks! I will sleep on it for a day or two before I choose

[Wilso]

Another one I can throw in the mix for you is the Nikon MC spotting scope zoom. Is reputedly to be very sharp. I was looking at this one or the Pentax xf for terrestrial use. Unfortunately the Nikon are discontinued now but do show up on eBay now and again. And it will also need a slight barrel modification also. Decisions....:thumbsup:

[Merlin66]

Darren
Interesting....a 7 -21mm Zoom

Still seems available $389
https://www.camerahouse.com.au/nikon-20-45x-25-56x-zoom-mc-fieldscope-eyepiece

[AstroJunk]

https://luntsolarsystems.com/shop/accessories/eyepieces/lunt-eyepieces/lunt-zoom-eyepiece/

The Lunt zoom is very comfortable to use with an adjustable eyecup. Well worth trying one.

[bojan]

I have one of those (attached..) branded as University Optics, since '80-ies last century..

It is very sharp, but FOV is narrow, especially at 24mm

[mura_gadi]

Hello,

The XF on one report I read didn't rate so well, that's one report from one user though.

I have the Vixen LV-Zoom 8-24 zoom ($199 new Oz) and its very good on planets in my 8" F6 dob. Not sure if you have Russian talks on your reading list, a reasonable list of EP's to help compare the numbers and stated for F4 and F10 scopes.


http://astro-talks.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=1483


Steve

[wavelandscott]

Thanks all for your thoughts and comments

[wavelandscott]

Quick update.

Purchased the Pentax XF zoom...

While the skies day and night have not been conducive for astronomy, I did get a chance to give the eyepiece a quick use today for solar and I am quite pleased with it. Light and comfortable to use.

[astroron]

I had a look at that Eyepiece Jonathan,unfortunately it is well above au$ 400:00 here in Aus,that is if you can find one in stock.
Buying from the states is just as bad.
One shipped from Lunt is au $435:00 or more depending on the conversion rate the company charges you.
I think I will go for the Pentax as well.
Camera House, au$339:00.
Cheers:thumbsup:

[astroron]

Can't see the Vixon Zoom at that price anywhere in Australia at the moment.
List price is au$249:00, none in stock anywhere:(
us$184:00.
Where did you get yours from,Steve?
Cheers:thumbsup:

[AstroJunk]

https://www.bintel.com.au/product/orion-zoom-eyepiece-7-2mm-21-5mm-1-25-inch/?v=322b26af01d5

This is the the same as the Lunt - although possibly with coatings optimised for full spectrum rather than Ha

[castor]

The Leica 9-18mm zoom is the ultimate eyepiece. Field ranges from about 58 degrees at lower power to about 78 at high. Reasonable eye relief and stars sharp to the edge.

[Merlin66]

https://www.ozscopes.com.au/leica-25-50x-asph-wideangle-zoomeyepiece.html
At almost $1100 (plus the price of a custom made 1.25" adaptor) I hope it's a good as say!!

[astroron]

Hi Scott,I purchased the XF Zoom,WOW what an eyepiece:eyepop:
Tried it out on the Humunculus last night.
Even with not the best seeing,the detail and the sharpness of the object in the eyepiece was stunning.
I bought it for the solar scope,but I am sure it will get plenty of use in the night time observing.
Thanks for he heads up :thumbsup:
Cheers:thumbsup:

[wavelandscott]

I am glad you like it.

I have not had a lot of time with it due to weather...this spring has been horrid (snow fell this last weekend). But my time with it has been positive.

I am particularly happy with it’s size and weight and Pentax quality is Pentax quality.

[astroron]

Re Pentax quality,that is so true.
I bought my first Pentax camera in 1966 and have had a few since then.
I have a XW 10 mm eyepiece which I love.
This will be a great addition to my stable. :)
Cheers:thumbsup: