Orion Lanthanum Superwide 42mm

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Brand and Model:Orion Lanthanum Superwide 42mm
Price ($USD):$329.00
Type:Misc Wide Angle
Focal Length:42 mm
Barrel Size:2 in
Apparent FOV:65.0 degrees
Field Stop Dia.:0.0 mm
Eye Relief:20 mm
Elements:8
Weight (lbs):
Description:

Vote Highlights Vote
Orion Lanthanum Superwide 42mm
I got this eyepiece to maximize the field of view in my 6" f/6 Mak-Newt, but returned it because it did not perform as well as I had hoped. Although it has the widest true field of any eyepiece, the edge distortions were distracting. My particular experience may not apply to instruments with longer focal ratios, but in my scope I found the University Optics 40 mm MK 70 to be a much better performer for a lot less money. Stars are sharper across the field; it has a wider retaining screw slot; and cost $130 less. In addition, the 40 MK 70 has a unique removable eyeshield that can accept a filter without having to remove the eyepiece from the telescope! And its true field is only slightly less than the Orion Lanthanum Superwide eyepiece. In conclusion, I would not recommend the Orion 42mm Superwide for fast newtonian scopes. It might be worth a try for an f/10 SCT, but hold onto your receipt and packaging material. Orion has an excellent return policy within 30 days, and took mine back with no hassles.

Clear skies,
Hugh

Overall Rating: 5
Optics:5 Value:3
Weight: 10 (Trustworthy Vote)
Date:
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Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=67735

Orion Lanthanum Superwide 42mm
Excellent eyepiece, very sharp almost to the edge in an f5.4 reflector, no color at all (unlike 22mm and 13mm Lanthanum Superwides). FOV is 72 degrees (not 65), clearly wider than the Pentax XL series. After owning two others, in my view this is the best eyepiece in the Lanthanum Superwide series. Haven't seen any eyepiece better between 35mm and 55mm (including the 35mm Panoptic and 55mm TV plossl). Highest recommendation.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 2 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=44261

Orion Lanthanum Superwide 42mm
I have spent many months both during the night and during the days (sunspot viewing) comparing this Ep with the 35 Panoptic. I have used it on my WO Megrez 80SD F6, TV85 F7, and the C9.25 F10 and the images are crisp and sharp across the FOV. The 35mm has slightly better magnification but the contrasts and the sharpness are virtually identical. The lanthanum coating really a difference here. The images of the Pleaides and the orion nebula are exquisite.

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:9 Value:10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=421183

Orion Lanthanum Superwide 42mm
I use this with a megrez 80 f/6 and the views are outstanding. The wide views like the pleiades and the double clusters are simply as good as I have ever seen. I use the megrez as a finder scope to my c9.25. I would highly recommend this ep if you can find it.

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:10 Value:7
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=407022

Orion Lanthanum Superwide 42mm
I agree with voter #1. Very nice eyepiece with great contrast and sharp to the edge giving the widest view possible with my scopes which include an f/5 refractor up to an f/20 Mak Cass. Maybe voter #2 got a bad example because in my opinion this is a superb eyepiece.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=44263

Orion Lanthanum Superwide 42mm
I don't know why the previous comment raved about this eyepiece. It has a horrible edge. About 1/3rd of the outer edge is just not usable. This ranks with some of the worst eyepieces I have ever used. However, the rest of the Vixen/orion line of wide fields are great.

Vixen missed the boat on this one. Needs a re design badly.

Overall Rating: 0
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=44262

Orion Lanthanum Superwide 42mm
I haven't had a chance to use this oc, but I believe it provides the widest true FOV of any eye piece on the market, making it very tempting for that reason alone. Sorry for using this space for a non-review post.

Overall Rating: No Vote
Weight: <none>
Date:
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Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=44264

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