Print Page | Close Window

Opinions of Pentax XW eyepieces

Printed From: OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc.
Category: Other Optics
Forum Name: Spotting Scopes
Forum Description: Big Eye Optics
URL: http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=25551
Printed Date: March/29/2024 at 09:25
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Opinions of Pentax XW eyepieces
Posted By: onfinal
Subject: Opinions of Pentax XW eyepieces
Date Posted: October/06/2010 at 12:55
I bought a Pentax XW 10 eyepiece to use on my new Celestron Regal 80F-ED, but frankly don't see $325 worth of improvement over the 20-60 zoom that came on the Celestron.  I just received the Pentax eyepiece and haven't been able to do any testing in the field or range yet, but lens for lens aimed at the same several objects ~150-200 yards away from my patio doesn't show the significant improvement I was expecting.

With the Pentax eyepiece installed eye relief is almost non-existent and head/eye position is super critical. I am thinking seriously of exchanging this XW 10 for an XW 14, which would drop power to ~35x from 48x with the XW 10 but improve eye relief/position slightly, or even returning it for refund. 

I would appreciate any and all experiences with XW series eyepieces in 80mm spotters.  Worth it in your opinion?  Maybe its true value will come out when I get it aimed at a target 300 yards away?

Thanks,

onfinal



Replies:
Posted By: Bitterroot Bulls
Date Posted: October/06/2010 at 13:39
I used a XW14 with my Pentax 65 and really liked it.  Eye relief was really good if I remember correctly.  It was also super wide.  The difference in resolution between the XW14 and XF zoom was also easily noticeable.

-------------
-Matt


Posted By: onfinal
Date Posted: October/06/2010 at 21:58
Matt

Thanks for the input.  As I said just below, I'm wanting to keep this XW 10, but I'm fighting it right now. It works out to be 48x on my Celestron, which is a little on the high side under some viewing situations. But I shall persevere.

Seems I've managed to get two threads going on the same topic.  Mod(s), if you can combine them or do away with this one, fine with me.


Posted By: Bitterroot Bulls
Date Posted: October/07/2010 at 06:38
I really think you may find the XW14 to be a better match.  Many astronomy fans feel it is the best in the XW series as well. 

I noted in the other thread that flatcooky mentioned little resolution gains between the Pentax zoom and XW fixed.  To be clear, I was comparing the XW to the XF zoom, not the larger SMC zoom usually seen on the PF80ED scope.  The larger Pentax is a notably better zoom than the XF, although I would say the XW fixed eyepieces are better yet.  The XW eyepieces I have used had generous and non-critical eye relief, as well as nice twist-out eyecups.

-------------
-Matt


Posted By: onfinal
Date Posted: October/07/2010 at 12:59
Originally posted by Bitterroot Bulls Bitterroot Bulls wrote:

I really think you may find the XW14 to be a better match.  Many astronomy fans feel it is the best in the XW series as well. 

I noted in the other thread that flatcooky mentioned little resolution gains between the Pentax zoom and XW fixed.  To be clear, I was comparing the XW to the XF zoom, not the larger SMC zoom usually seen on the PF80ED scope.  The larger Pentax is a notably better zoom than the XF, although I would say the XW fixed eyepieces are better yet.  The XW eyepieces I have used had generous and non-critical eye relief, as well as nice twist-out eyecups.


Thanks.  All the feedback I've gotten plus having to put my head in a vise to get a non-winking picture with the XW 10 has convinced me.  It's on its way back for exchange for an XW 14.  I'm looking forward to it and am sure it will be an improvement.

Several others have said the XW 14 is the best all around eyepiece going.  I'm looking forward to posting a happy report in a few days.



Print Page | Close Window

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd. - https://www.webwiz.net