Hyperion Zoom update

I've had several more observing sessions with the Hyperion 8-24mm zoon on the 8-inch, F10 LX90 and have the following observations:

1. I'm still infatuated with it - it is my eyepiece of first choice.

2. The numbers on the click stops seem to have little relationship to reality. Someone with more patience and more motivation could test this thoroughly, but I'm convinced there is far too large a change in magnification between the 24mm and 20mm stops, and far too small a change in magnification between the 12 and 8mm stops. What's more, a quick check on the Vixen zoom suggest that it's numbers (no click stops) are just approximation as well. So while I believe the 24 is really 24 and I believe the 8 is really 8, I don't trust the numbers or clickstops inbetween. There is a continuous progression from 24-to-8, but what pooint I am at in that progression at any given moment is just a guess.

Of course, as long as Baader is consistent int he manufacturing, the click stops will serve their major purpose which is to make it possible to use the zooms in a binoviewer.

3. The eyecups extend nicely with a light twist giving you a choice of finding the height that works best for you. This proovides more shielding frm extraneous light whichI like, since I view withboth eyes open.

4. There are two textured rings around the eyepiece - you grab the top one to change powers - and I just found it's quite handy to grab the bottom one at the same time to make sure the eyepiece doesn't simply twist in its holder while you're twisting it to change powers. Neither the Celestron nor the Vixen offer anything like this. (See images below.)

Given my favorable experience with the zoom, I ordered A Hyperion 3.5mm eyepiece from Bob Luffel of Alpine Astronomical, LLC, one of the few places you can find these eyepieces. That lead to a brief emai conversation with him. He pointed out the adjustable eyecup to me - a feature I totally missed the first few times I used the zoom. He wrote:

I think you are right. The focal lengths may not be accurately matched to the numerical settings. Another reviewer pointed that out. I've asked Baader to check it out and adjust if needed.

I'm hoping the 3.5 will live up to its billing. If it does, I'll get the 5mm to round out a favored group of eyepieces. I expect the zoom to be used 98% of the time. The other two will be for those rare occasions when seeing permits genuinely high power. The 5 is as high as I can reasonably go onnthe LX90 - the 3.5 can be used on faster scope sto advantage, including the 15-inch Obsession.

So what do I like here?

First, I like both the convenience of a zoom lens and the aesthetic of being able to rapidly choose an appropriate framing for an object. This has added significantly to my observing pleasure.

So having established that I really enjoy using a zoom eyepiece, then the question is which is best, and for me the Baader wins because:

• Good sharpness.
  
• Good contrast.
  
• Larger field of view than other zooms.
  
• Two grips for easy, two-hand zooming.
  
• Adjustable eye cup.

Bob points out some other features that don't interest me, but may appeal to some users.

The Hyperion has better coatings than the others. The Hyperion is also threaded for
attachment to cameras (look under the top rubber ring). Owners of Celestron
or Zeiss spotting scopes can directly attach the Hyperion to their spotters
(by removing the front barrel).

I really like the idea that I can have a single eyepiece that serves the great bulk of my needs nearly all the time. I enjoy playing with equipment and testing stuff, but I enjoy using it more. In the final analysis, I want the equipment to be invisible - that is, I don't want to think about it. It should work, work well, and drop into the background so you can focus on your observing.