Nagler 31 versus Panoptic 35

Hello folks

I could be going to the States shortly and am going to take advantage of the exchange rate to pick up one of these beauties for 20% less than we would pay here.

I'm interested in peoples' observing experiences with them, especially
comparing one to the other.

James

Hi James,
Have a quick look at
members.leapmail.net/~ericj/equipment_reviews2.html
Hope this helps.

James - I had a lash at at the 31mm Nagler last xmas through a Meade 16" SCT. It totally blew me away - it is a stunning eyepiece.

But (isn't there always a but?) I was terrified of dropping the thing or of it slipping from eyepiece holder followed shortly after by the tinkling of very expensive lenses breaking In fact, when slewing the scope, I was very nervous and asked my host to check that the eyepiece was not going to fall out.

Its probably the king of eyepieces but its expensive and heavy - you will need to rebalance your scope when using it. But, like a Bentley, it reeks of quality and it will give you years of service - og, and it will most definately hold its value if you ever want to sell it.

If you have the money and want one eyepiece, then buy it. But for the same money, you could get a couple of panoptics - the 35 and a.n.other.

Its a tough choice but the review Dave posted below is a good one.

Cheers

Dave

I'm on the 14" LX200 yahoo group and here is a recent post regarding the 31mm nagler, it might point you in the way of the 41mm panoptic?!?



Hi all,

I just wanted to pass along a small value judgement that I've
arrived at. A while back I bought the 31mm Nagler for my M-14,
partly because of everyone's raving about them and partly because
they were on sale. It's a wonderful eyepiece and I'm really glad to
have it.

BUT:

I already had an old TV 40mm Wide Field, which is really close to a
41 Panoptic. If I were shopping for a wide field EP and didn't have
either one, I think I would have ended up happier with a 41 Pan. As
it is I have the best of both worlds, and no regrets at all.
But the 14" LX is SO powerful, to get a really wide field and enjoy
it, the 31mm is almost too much. I find that I prefer the 40mm WF
for a lot of views.

Both would be best, of course! But if anyone out there has neither
one and is contemplating buying one or the other, try both if
possible and don't just jump for the Nagler. You may end up liking
it better, but then again you may just prefer the Pan, and save a
couple hundred bucks into the bargain.

- Rick

Hi

Also you might further confuse youself with the debate on this link
www.mapug-astronomy.net/AstroDesigns/MAPUG/EyepieceRecm.htm

Seems to me having read so many reviews..if you have the cash, buy the
Nagler anyhow

Mark

Thanks for the input lads. I am leaning toward the Pan 35, which is quite big, as the nagler 31 is a monster. Sometimes more info makes it even harder to make a decision
James