New Eyepiece - SDL4 (2 Viewers)

[Boogieshrew]

Not sure, optically, but the 'original' HDF has a folding eyecup and looks more primitive. The next iteration looks almost identical to the most recent 'T', but I've no idea what the 'T' added.
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New improved coatings I assume

 

[tringbirds]

I have just received new SDL4 and compared to SDL 1 which I have had since 2007, there is a world of a difference. Quick test made me realise how much I had been missing. I am using it with travelscope MM4 60.

 

[Gzoladz74]

I have just received new SDL4 and compared to SDL 1 which I have had since 2007, there is a world of a difference. Quick test made me realise how much I had been missing. I am using it with travelscope MM4 60.

I upgraded from the v2 to the v3 in the past and noticed a wider FOV but not perceivable difference in any aspect of image quality. V2 iq was good enough and I was after more FOV...v3 is still quite narrow but wider than v2.

Did you notice an significant improvement in iq as well (in addition to fov)?

 

[Peregrine Took]

... I was after more FOV...v3 is still quite narrow but wider than v2.

I'm surprise to hear the SDLv3 FOV described as narrow. It's about as wide as you can get with a zoom (notwithstanding that the 4 might be a touch wider). If you want significantly wider FOV buy a fixed magnification eyepiece, because (as I understand it) the physical construction of a zoom won't allow it.
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[Gzoladz74]

I'm surprise to hear the SDLv3 FOV described as narrow. It's about as wide as you can get with a zoom (notwithstanding that the 4 might be a touch wider). If you want significantly wider FOV buy a fixed magnification eyepiece, because (as I understand it) the physical construction of a zoom won't allow it.
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Caveat...buy a fixed magnification eyepiece if you want to stick with Opticron. Other manufacturers have significantly wider zoom eyepieces...but I agree, their fixed eyepieces would have a much wider FOV that their zoom eyepieces.

 

[Gzoladz74]

I'm surprise to hear the SDLv3 FOV described as narrow.

This is part of the problem...the lack of measurable specifications published by Opticron leave things like FOV open to users perception...if they published the actual FOV specs (as most other manufacturers do) for x eyepiece in y scope there would be no surprises or descriptions needed.

 

[Peregrine Took]

Other manufacturers have significantly wider zoom eyepieces...

Which manufacturers?

I'm specifically curious about those who produce a 60-65mm scope and a zoom of similar range to the Opticron... those who you consider to have optics of the same or better quality than Opticron.
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[Gzoladz74]

Which manufacturers?

I'm specifically curious about those who produce a 60-65mm scope and a zoom of similar range to the Opticron... those who you consider to have optics of the same or better quality than Opticron.
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If you read my previous posts in this thread you will note that I have always refered to the fov, not to the quality of their optics. I find their iq very good for their price range. Kowas (I own one) and Swaros (I can try as some friends own them) have a much better iq but they also cost c.4 times more so it is not a fair comparison.

But I also find their fov narrow...equivalent to looking at something through the middle of a toilet paper roll. Leaving the alphas to one side, when I look through Hawkes or RSPBs, the "toilet paper" effect is not so pronounced.

We would not have to even debate which fov is wider if Opticron made reliable specs available.

 

[Peregrine Took]

If you read my previous posts in this thread you will note that I have always refered to the fov, not to the quality of their optics.

You talked about quality in #23 (and on the previous page).

We would not have to even debate which fov is wider if Opticron made reliable specs available.

The specs can be found on this very forum for comparison. I agree, Opticron could do more.

But then we might still be having the debate because you suggest that a Hawke has a wider FOV than a Opticron of similar specifications, which from the specs isn't true. The nearest comparable Hawke to an MM4 60 is the Endurance 65, actually has a narrower FOV than the SDLv3 (and even the HDF T, at long range). This might be explained by the Hawke's 16-48x magnification compared to the Opticron's 15-45x. Apples and pears.

I suggest that what you're seeing in the Hawke and RSPB 65mm, compared to your MM3 60mm is a larger image, but not a wider FOV.
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[Gzoladz74]

You talked about quality in #23 (and on the previous page).



The specs can be found on this very forum for comparison. I agree, Opticron could do more.

But then we might still be having the debate because you suggest that a Hawke has a wider FOV than a Opticron of similar specifications, which from the specs isn't true. The nearest comparable Hawke to an MM4 60 is the Endurance 65, actually has a narrower FOV than the SDLv3 (and even the HDF T, at long range). This might be explained by the Hawke's 16-48x magnification compared to the Opticron's 15-45x. Apples and pears.

I suggest that what you're seeing in the Hawke and RSPB 65mm, compared to your MM3 60mm is a larger image, but not a wider FOV.
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If you read your own post #27 you are asking about difference in quality between Opticron and other manufacturers. My post #23, which you quoted, is between SDL versions, all of them made by Opticron, as you well know.

So I'll ask you again...where did I compare iq between Opticron and other manufacturers?

And what Opticron FOV specs are you referring to? They don't publish them...there are some attempts in the forum made by some users to figure out FOV of different Opticron eyepieces in different scopes but nothing from the manufacturer (other than a dated spreadsheet)...so my evaluation of their fov comes down to perception in the field which is not the righ way to measure it. Maybe you are right and and Opticron's FOV is actually wider...but there is no way to know.

Hawke and RSPB do publish them (see below)...and so does any other brand...where are Opticron's? Opticron telling me that their fov is wider than wide or their widest ever is just not good enough.

Hawke | Endurance

Endurance ED spotting scopes provide the performance to get close to the action and the durability you demand. All magnifications are constructed with ED glass reducing the potential for chromatic aberration. ED glass controls colour fringing and allows an improvement in clarity and crispness of...

us.hawkeoptics.com

Harrier 80mm ED telescope with 20-60x eyepiece & case - Spotting scopes

Harrier 80mm ED telescope with 20-60x eyepiece & case - <p>The RSPB Harrier spotting scope with 80mm objective lens, a 20-60x zoom eyepiece and padded stay-on-case.</p>

shopping.rspb.org.uk

 

[Peregrine Took]

If you read your own post #27 you are asking about difference in quality between Opticron and other manufacturers. My post #23, which you quoted, is between SDL versions, all of them made by Opticron, as you well know.

You need to re-read your own posts. In #27 I asked you to clarify which eyepieces had wider FOV than Opticron.

So I'll ask you again...where did I compare iq between Opticron and other manufacturers?

Again, that wasn't my question. In #27 I asked you to substantiate what you said in #25, quote: 'Other manufacturers have significantly wider zoom eyepieces..'

You said that Hawke and RSPB have wider FOV than Opticron, but as I explained, the latter has a 60mm objective and the former two 65mm. I suggest that what you believe is a wider field of view is just a larger image, due to the larger objective.

And what Opticron FOV specs are you referring to? They don't publish them...

I already answered this - the figures can be found on this forum, if you take the trouble to find them.

But if you can't find the specs then how can you make the comment: 'Other manufacturers have significantly wider zoom eyepieces..' ?

Clearly, you can't answer the original question (#27), so we're wasting each other's time. I'll leave it there.
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[Gzoladz74]

You keep arguing against points I never made. Not sure if it's due to fanboyism or some other condition but either way I agree with the only wise statement you made in this thread...will leave it there.

 

[ChicagoBirder]

As an owner of the MM4 77 with an SDLV3 eyepiece, I am curious to read more comparisons between the V3 and V4 in the near future. I don't see CA on my example, but would welcome better color rendition/detail if the new ED component provides that.

 

[ChicagoBirder]

Hi 4john,

I've not seen any with my V2. Last year I tried my V2 against a V3 (both on my scope so no variables that way). My V2 was sharper than the V3. I put it down to sample variation. I'd rather have my sharp V2 with a touch less fov that a poorer view V3 with more fov.

I didn't see any on the V3 or v4 but I'm not prone to it and I don't induce it. I don't go looking for to avoid "training" my eyes to see it, if you see what I mean.

All the best

So, you have tried both the SDLV3 and SDLV4? Do you notice much of a difference between them, to make it worth upgrading?

 

[Boogieshrew]

I saw no difference whatsoever in a brief test.
I did not buy v3 or v4 but continue to use the v2, my sample of which I think has better iq than both newer models that I tried.