Astro-Physics SPL 5mm


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Brand and Model:Astro-Physics SPL 5mm
Price ($USD):245
Type:Super Planetary
Focal Length:5 mm
Barrel Size:1.25
Apparent FOV:42.0 degrees
Field Stop Dia.:0.0 mm
Eye Relief:6 mm
Elements:3
Weight (lbs):
Description:Features:

Field size - 3.9mm
Eye relief - varies from 125% (4mm) to 140% (8-12mm) of the focal length
Number of elements - 3
Top - conical non-metallic surface to resist fogging and prevent freezing to skin
Apparent field - 42 degrees
Operating range - from F4 upward
Broadband multi-coated on all surfaces
Barrel - 1.25" polished stainless steel

Vote Highlights Vote
Astro-Physics SPL 5mm
Had this one for a while and ended up selling it. Ergonomically, I always felt like I was going to drop it. The smooth top is very narrow so on cold nights I was sure I was just one slip away from an expensive mistake. Also having such a low profile made the eye relief seem worse than the stated amount. You had to accommodate the entire focuser in your eye socket instead of just the eyepiece.

Optically it was very good across it's 45deg FOV. In comparing it to the TMB SuperMono, the TMB is sharper on-axis and the SPL is sharper off-axis. To be honest, it was really close so it just comes down to a matter of taste. The TMB was more comfortable to use and also has killer optics so that's what I have now. Of course, YMMV.

It really lives up to it's "Super Planetary" label. Maybe it's just right for you. Clear skies.
Mike

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:9 Value:8
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
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Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=412218

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