Collins I-3 PIECE

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Brand and Model:Collins I-3 PIECE
Price ($USD):$2295.00
Type:Special
Focal Length:25 mm
Barrel Size:Dual
Apparent FOV:35.0 degrees
Field Stop Dia.:0.0 mm
Eye Relief:38 mm
Elements:0
Weight (lbs):2.0
Description:The battery operated I3 PIECE provides an amplified real time image of deep sky objects. It uses an ITT NIGHT VISION generation 3 image intensifier with optics from Tele Vue to amplify the image, giving you an effective 2.5x to 4x boost in aperature.

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Collins I-3 PIECE
Here is the low down on this product. In a word, it is fantastic. Yes, it does not react to all spectra in the same way, enhancing some objects and not enhancing other deep sky objects as much. In a small amateur telescope, say from 60mm to 150mm it will amplify the light gathering ability to the point where you can actually define detail. In larger amateur telescopes it will give photographic long exposure detail to many objects. The largest instrument I have used the instrument in is a 20" reflector and if you want a truly spectacular view that is the way to go. The bigger the better, just as without the aid of the I3Piece. What most people who use the instrument do not realize is thet the eyelens must be focused on the tube below by adjusting it AFTER the telescope is focused. Every eye is different and if this is not done there will be some distortion evident. Use of the instrument will also point out optical defects in your telescope's optical system such as lack of proper collimation. There is some blooming on very bright stars that are to be expected wherein there appears to be a second circle around the central spot. Scintellation effects and the green color notwithstanding are minimal and the user becomes accustomed to that quickly. All in all, it is a great experience and a great tool. As someone else noted, open star and globular clusters are absolutely out of this world with this product. Bottom line, this is a real user device rather than something sitting in a case, not used. Therefore, the rue value is very high.

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Value:10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
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Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=596467

Collins I-3 PIECE
The eyepiece preforms exactly as advertised. It is great on star clusters, good on compact galaxies and planetary nebula, and mixed on emission nebula and extended galaxies. It allows deep sky viewing from heavily light-polluted suburbs, and does amazing things under a dark sky. You get used to the green sceen and scintillation in about 5 minutes. It is very expensive, but it works.

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:9 Value:8
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=332866

Collins I-3 PIECE
Pros: Good on globular clusters, planetary nebula and galaxies. M13 was awesome and the Ring Nebula looked three dimensional. On these objects, it definitely increased the effective aperture of the telescope by a factor of 2-3. An effective way of increasing your aperture and retaining the portability of your telescope.

Cons: Little or no effect on emission nebulas and dark nebulas. Dumbell looked the same with and without the eyepiece and I wouldn't even try to use it on the Veil, etc. Off-axis distortions were noticeable.

Overall Rating: 8
Optics:7 Value:5
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=289156

Collins I-3 PIECE
Great to add TO a video camera!

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:9 Value:9
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=158890

Collins I-3 PIECE
Now I can view in light polluted areas! Awesome globular clusters. A great eyepiece.

Overall Rating: 9
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=43887

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