are Naglers still good buys?

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Canopus Lim
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Post by Canopus Lim »

Yes I know that you did not say it is bang for the buck. It was not addressed to you specifically and was addressed to AirConvent because he said that. Anyway, months back OPT was selling the Pentax XW at 330usd for the shorter focal length so to me it does not sound 'bang for the buck'. Looks like it dropped.

Yes I also agree that it seems Pentax is discontinuing their eyepieces. That is why I decided to buy the Pentax 3.8XP as it was low in stock and looks like going to be discontinued.
AstroDuck
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Canopus Lim
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Post by Canopus Lim »

Hi Stuart,

Actually you have not upset me and you are entitled to your opinion. I just want to say the pros and cons (being inaffordable by me....) of the Ethos; sorry that I may sound like that but I tend to put things more objectively. Also thank you for your tactfulness. :)
AstroDuck
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rlow
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Post by rlow »

Are we still talking about Naglers? :)

I own and use some Pentax & TV (nag/pan/plossls) eyepieces, so here are my thoughts on this topic.

Are Naglers still good buys? Yes if you primarily want 82 deg. sharp field in a compact eyepiece but you consider image contrast, orthoscopic field & eye relief as only secondary. If your priorities are otherwise then maybe you should consider the XW. I would buy an eyepiece based on its optical performance, not based on its price value (good buy).
7mm Type-4 for about $150 US (used)
Nagler 7mm comes in type 1 & 6, and there is a price difference, so do check carefully.

the pentax eyepieces offers best bang for buck.
I beg to differ on this. For the best bang for buck (say $50), try a UO ortho for planets.
But it is true that the XWs are cheaper if bought on sale in Japan than from the US.
They are discontinued but continue to be available on the second hand market.
The Pentax XOs (along with the XPs) are said to be discontinued. A pity.
Baader Hyperions only cost $120 US.. besides they are more Panoptic class
In a fast scope, the Hyperion are not on par to the XWs & Panoptics, based on what I have tested.
I find the super-duper wide field a bit gimmicky.
The Ethos 100 deg field is useful for observing globular clusters & large DSOs, and I would not consider it gimmicky. However my current eyepieces serve me well and I currently don't feel the need for Ethos even though I enjoyed the view.

Like some others, I also find that ultra wide fields & hyper wide field is not the only way to go for eyepieces. For the best planetary views, I will still go with ZAOs, XOs & Supermonos in spite of their narrow aFOV. I have tested the Ethos 6mm which is slightly inferior to the ZAO, Supermono & XW on planets. Off-axis, Nagler is inferior to XW. Something to consider if you are looking for high mag (6-9mm) ep for the best planetary view.
rlow
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