Pentax SMC-XL 5.2mm

Ratings:Top:Astronomy:Equipment Reviews:Eyepiece Reviews:Pentax SMC-XL 5.2mm

 Info  Votes  Messages  More Stats  Up One Level
Brand and Model:Pentax SMC-XL 5.2mm
Price ($USD):$244.50
Type:Misc Wide Angle
Focal Length:5.2 mm
Barrel Size:1.25 in
Apparent FOV:65.0 degrees
Field Stop Dia.:0.0 mm
Eye Relief:20 mm
Elements:7
Weight (lbs):1.0
Description:

Vote Highlights Vote
Pentax SMC-XL 5.2mm
This eyepiece has everything. It is sharp, high contrast, delivers a wide field of view, and is very comfortable to look through. The Pentax proprietary coatings also deliver a very bright image for an occular with this number of elements. It is a bit heavy though so make sure your telescope can handle the weight. If you have the means do not hesitate to try one.

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Value:10
Weight: 10 (Trustworthy Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=577181

Pentax SMC-XL 5.2mm
The 5.2mm Pentax XL is such a joy to use compared to the peephole 5mm eyepieces with short eye relief and 50 deg and under AFOV. It works just as well in my Pentax PF-80ED scope as it does in my 10" DOB. I think the rumor of the 5.2mm being discontinued was started because it is not listed on the Pentax USA website .

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Value:10
Weight: 10 (Trustworthy Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=155426

Pentax SMC-XL 5.2mm
This is a superb eyepiece that can be attained for about $170 to $200 on the used market today. The optics are fantastic and provide a sharp contrasty image across the entire FOV. The eye relief is amazing and the eyecup is easy to use. I love the Pentax XL line and would recommend it without hesitation.

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Value:10
Weight: 5 (Veritable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=590934

Pentax SMC-XL 5.2mm
Pentax XL 5.2mm is the reference eyepiece against which other 5mm eyepieces will be judged, including high-end orthos (Zeiss Abbe, Pentax, Takahashi) and Monos (TMB, Zeiss). It has been superseded by the Pentax XW 5mm, which offers even better performance and a waterproof design. The use of SMC multi-coating and ED glass contributes to their high transmission, extremely low lateral color, true flat field and minimal astigmatism. Observing with these Pentax's (XL & XW) is a very rewarding and enjoyable experience. Besides, they are lovely to look at as well as to look through.

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:10 Value:8
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=343188

Pentax SMC-XL 5.2mm
We've used this in many scopes, and it is a favorite of ours for high powered viewing. Great eye relief, fantastic images, seems to work well in everything... a 16" dob, an 8" sct, a 5" mak, a 4" refractor. A bit big, but that's OK for us. Very comfortable to use, it's a sweet eyepiece with nice contrast and sharpness. If I were viewing planets with a group or casual viewing I'd use this one... if viewing alone and when I'm willing to plaster my eye to the glass, orthos still have the edge for contrast/sharpness.

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:9 Value:9
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=132964

Pentax SMC-XL 5.2mm
An excellent series of eyepieces, all parfocal, all with wide field of view, and very high optical throughput. Eye guards are easily adjustable to give a deep well for viewing through, or flat against the glass for specatcle wearers.

Highly recommended.

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:9 Value:8
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=68667

Pentax SMC-XL 5.2mm
Moderately wide, very sharp field. No distortion or lateral color. Seems high contrast to me. Very comfortable. I like the rubber eye guard. A little heavy, I guess. Currently my favorite high power eyepiece. Any loss of contrast compared to simpler designs is made up for in greater observing comfort and therefore greater ability to concentrate.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=64196

Pentax SMC-XL 5.2mm
One of the best eye pieces I have ever looked through.

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:10 Value:9
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=53274

Pentax SMC-XL 5.2mm
I use this on a TV-85 and it performs wonderfully. It is sharp to the edge, good contrast, flat field, no black-out kidney beans, and comfortable. The ER and FOV are just right for my tastes. I bought mine on Adorama's website. I considered replacing this with the Nagler 3-6mm zoom, but the zoom capability could not outperform the fixed 5.2 XL. This is a first class eyepiece. I prefer it to the Radians. Check it out and you will see that it is a bargain for the price. I just ordered the 10.5 XL and will report my findings.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=42918

Pentax SMC-XL 5.2mm
Excellent ocular, marginally wider field than a Radian, with similar sharpness, contrast, and eye relief. In optics, my Pentax XLs appear just a bit better than my Radians. One quibble: adjusting the eyecup (for instance when one observer wears eyeglasses and another does not) is slow enough to be an annoyance.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=42917

[Click Here to Login]
Don't have a login? Register!

Jay Freeman's Eyepiece Primer
Starting out in Amateur Astronomy
 
How to use This Site
Why Register?
Voting Guide