TeleVue Nagler Zoom 3mm-6mm

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TeleVue Nagler Zoom 3mm-6mm
Most important planetary tool due to optical excellence
and convenience (focus is not changed by zooming).
Tested in PortaBall 12.5" with fantastic Zambutto mirror
and Televue 102.
Even though the field is only 50 degrees I was able to track
Saturn in early morning steady air (even at 3mm) due to the
super-smooth motion of PortaBall design.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
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TeleVue Nagler Zoom 3mm-6mm
Really nice. I'm very happy with this one. The only quibble is the zoom ring is a bit narrow, making it a bit difficult to grasp in the dark. I suppose this is just a matter of getting used to the eyepiece. I've tried it in a helical focuser and it works, but what a chore. You have to refocus every time you zoom. Perfect for refractors. With this and two other eyepiece you have a complete set for 2/3 the price. Highly recommended.

Overall Rating: 9
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
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TeleVue Nagler Zoom 3mm-6mm
SMALL ep but very well made. Very sharp no matter what setting you put it on. Zooming also allows you to put the FL where conditions allow as you don't have to set it exactly to each click stop. In essence you can use it at 3 or 3.5 or 4, or 3.2 or 5.1mm, etc. Your options are only dictated by seeing conditions. Sharp to very edge. Don't have to refocus when you zoom. Great ep for refractors. Barlows well. Had a Tak FSQ 106 on Vega up to 708x with this ep and star image held up extremely well. I rated it a 9 for two reasons. Very expensive and the FOV is too small compared to the radians to be called a Nagler. Perhaps there are design contraints but if Al could have just managed a few more degrees the $400 (with shipping) price for such a tiny ep wouldn't be so hard to accept.

Overall Rating: 9
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
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TeleVue Nagler Zoom 3mm-6mm
I bought this eyepiece to replace a Pentax 5.2mm XL and a Nagler 3mm Radian. The idea was to consolidate. The zoom is a clever design - very tiny for something from Tele Vue. However, it did not meet my personal expectations (yours may be different.) First, I did not like the narrow field of view. I forgot how the Pentax and Radian spoiled me. Next, and most importantly, the zoom was not as sharp as the others. It was difficult to get the image to "snap" into focus as the Pentax or Radian do. I also found that although the focus did not change as I zoomed (a truly neat feature - kudos) I had to refocus at the higher magnification because I did not focus properly at the lower magnification. Nevertheless, once set I never had to refocus again zooming in and out. Finally, the proverbial straw was the 10mm eye relief. I don't use glasses, but the Pentax and Radian convinced me that I prefer 20mm. Sorry, gang. I really had high hopes on this one. Perhaps, others will find the zoom met their needs and expectations.

Overall Rating: 8
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
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TeleVue Nagler Zoom 3mm-6mm
The best thing about this eyepiece is that you never have to worry about losing your object while switching to a higher power...but even if you did, you only have to zoom back down and recenter it. This feature alone makes it worth the price, not to mention the fact that it replaces a set of 3, 4, 5, and 6mm eyepieces. It's a joy to use on my TV102. The 50 degree field does not bother me, because I use it to view the planets. Like the reviewer above, you sometimes have to adjust the focus a bit, but once set, it stays put. Using the zoom feature takes a little practice, because the first few times I used it I found that instead of zooming, I was actually unscrewing the upper assembly from the EP barrel! Yes, you can spend A LOT of money on a set of EP's that may be a bit sharper, or have wider field of views, so as a consequence I'm taking one point off because it doesn't do it all, but you can't beat the convenience and fun of this little gem! HIGHLY recommended!

Overall Rating: 9
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
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TeleVue Nagler Zoom 3mm-6mm
For the first time, there is a zoom eyepiece that really does perform every bit as well as a top-quality single focal length eyepiece.

For high power observing this eyepiece meets or exceeds the performance of virtually every other similar focal length eyepiece currently available. Its ability to "tune" for the exact optimum power, superb contrast and freedom from scatter and ghosting make it a standard by which others are now judged. Add to all of this the luxuary of not having to change eyepieces at high power and the ability to "zoom out" to pick up lost objects and you have a winning combo.

Certainly there are compromises. One could wish for the Nagler Zoom to have the Radian's wider 60* AFOV and more generous 20mm eye-relief, but then the eyepiece would undoubtedly have to be much larger, heavier, more expensive and might very well not be able to achieve the superb performance the new Nagler 3-6mm Zoom provides.

Given its tiny size, modest cost (far less than the cost of two Radians) and superb performance and features, I don't think anyone could expect much more of this fine eyepiece.

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Value:10
Weight: 10 (Trustworthy Vote)
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TeleVue Nagler Zoom 3mm-6mm
The parfocal ability of this zoom is extremely handy and makes planetary observing a delight. Great option for compacting 4 high-power EPs into one.

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:9 Value:10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
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TeleVue Nagler Zoom 3mm-6mm
The best eyepiece I have owned, and I have owned a few. It is every bit as sharp as anything else I have used, with the added benefit of having a 3-6zoom. This is at a cost less than 2 of the other planetary eyepieces. I urge you to buy one at once.

Clear Skies
Richard

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Value:10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
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TeleVue Nagler Zoom 3mm-6mm
For zoom eyepiece that remain parafocal, it'd easier to first zoom to max and focus, then view at any magnification you want, this way you can have the sharpest image without ever adjusting the focus again.

Overall Rating: No Vote
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TeleVue Nagler Zoom 3mm-6mm
When I first saw this new zoom I was amazed at the size. After seeing, and using, other focal length zooms I was anticipating it to be much large. It isn't all that much larger than a Celestron 20mm plossl I have. I have used this eyepiece in two refractors, an SV80 and a CR150. I can only say that Al Nagler has most assuredly done his homework with this one. In the 150 power levels can be adjusted from 200-400x. Comparing it to my 4mm Radian at 300x I find the only difference to be that the Radian does offer a nicer 20mm of eyerelief plus, of course, a wider f.o.v. Other than that both eyepieces produce almost exactly the same image. Jupiter appeared sharp and detailed and I can honestly say that I saw no greater detail using the Radian than I did with the 3-6. Refocusing over the entire power range is all but unecessary. A couple of time I did touch up the focus using a very fine 500-1 focusing adjustment on my focuser. But this was only to see if I could get the image just a wee bit better, not because it was really needed. Focusing is smooth and the click stops at the 4 and 5 mm ranges are barely detectable but they are there just to let you know that you have reached a given level. This eyepiece is lightweight and very user friendly. A very good addition to any eyepiece collection as it gives you the higher power ranges in most telescopes and allows you to adjust the power level accordingly to obtain the best image possible as conditions change. I wish it had not been quite so expensive but I suppose Al does need that "new pair of shoes" once in a while. He deserves a new pair this time by giving all of us a wonderful new eyepiece that does what the intial advertising said it would. Good job Al, what's next in your bag of tricks? How about a parfocal 8-24???? I'll be waiting.

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:10 Value:8
Weight: 3 (Unreliable Vote)
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TeleVue Nagler Zoom 3mm-6mm
it's worth every penny, this is no doubt thee best planetary eyepiece i have ever looked into,i use it on a AT1010,I have had many eyepieces ,it's 7 eyepieces in one,along with the 1/2 stops ,no other reason to buy several eyepieces,this gem is worth it's weight in gold.otherwise your wasting your time and money ,take it from my experience,this nagler zoom should be 500$ ,and futher more there is no other eyepiece that can match in it's zoom class ,but matches with any high quality zoom

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:9 Value:9
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
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TeleVue Nagler Zoom 3mm-6mm
It's only limit is the 50 degree field of view. The optics are outstanding. It has as much contrast as the Radians (which is quite a compliment).
I highly recommend it.

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Value:10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
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Link to this vote: https://www.excelsis.com:443/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=118127

TeleVue Nagler Zoom 3mm-6mm
I first bought this when it came out earlier this year. I sold it because I wanted more FOV and ER, but after chasing other short f.l. eyepieces I bought another zoom and don't regret getting it back.

This eyepiece is a marvel of engineering design. Just tonight, I zoomed on M13 and resolved individual stars at 3mm with my TV85 (200x). Excellent contrast and sharp across the field.

This zoom holds its focus at all magnifications which gives splendid views of the Moon and planets.

And it weighs zilch!

I highly recommend this eyepiece. It will replace all of your short f.l. eyepieces which makes it very economical.

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Value:10
Weight: 12 (Trustworthy Vote)
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TeleVue Nagler Zoom 3mm-6mm
This is a must have planetary eyepiece for short focal length telescope. I bought it for my Tak FS78 and never regret of spending $380.00 . It's constant focal length just make the observation so easy to zoom into the detail. Now, the great opposition of Mars is coming this year (08/28/2003), and this is probably the best eyepiece you should get for the event!

Gary, 01/15/2003

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Value:10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
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TeleVue Nagler Zoom 3mm-6mm
This tiny ep is ideal for the travel scope. I use it with my 4 inch Borg. It easly stores in the travel case. The views are superb, not the slightest color from edge to edge. This thing is like a precious gem. Absolutly replaces most short fl eyepice collections-- sell your set and grab one of these you will have money left over.

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Value:10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
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Link to this vote: https://www.excelsis.com:443/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=222582

TeleVue Nagler Zoom 3mm-6mm
This Nagler 3-6mm Zoom eyepiece ('Zoom' for short) is probably going to be the classic against which all future zoom competitors will be judged. The contrast is good, the view is razor sharp, and the field is nice and flat to the edges. Oh, and it zooms parfocally.

Yes, it's true that the 50 degree AFOV sounds more like a Plössl than a 'Nagler', which seems to be synonymous with an 80 degree AFOV. However, there's no Plössl of such a short focal length, and certainly not one that zooms from 3-6mm! Personally, I like Tele Vue's concept of marketing the Zoom as the ultimate planetary zoom eyepiece for the fairly ubiquitous short-focal length refractor. Planetary viewing doesn't require an 80 degree AFOV, either.

Yes, if you're a true planet freak, then you'll want your complete collection of Radians, or fancy Taks or whatnot. But if, like myself, you're a more eclectic astronomer, then you can consolidate three or four short focal length eyepieces, all for a 'mere' $380.

Ahem.

So, the case for the zoom: the optics are great; it consolidates your short-focal length eyepiece collection down to just one; it's light and rather cute; it's got all the Tele Vue quality and resale virtues; it can be used to quickly adjust the magnification to suit the evening's seeing conditions.

Against? Well, the 50 degree AFOV sounds a bit narrow for today's wide-angle obsessed market. Also, the $380 seems rather a lot to pay for such a small item.

So, there's clearly no good reason for you not to buy one. Off you go then.

Ric

Overall Rating: 8
Optics:9 Value:7
Weight: 5 (Veritable Vote)
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Link to this vote: https://www.excelsis.com:443/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=268271

TeleVue Nagler Zoom 3mm-6mm
This EP is more comfortable to look through than Orthos and Plossls at this focal length. It's also sharper than Ultrascopics and UO Orthos in a head to head at 5mm. In addition to the added comfort, the real value is being able to dial in the optimal magnification when viewing planets. This is the only planetary eyepiece I need, and I could not recommend it more highly

The only downside for me has been although the 10mm eye-relief is generous compared to some others, it has taken me a little practice not to get too close to it and get eyelash grease on the lens. When I first got this, I had to clean it after nearly every use. Now I hardly ever get eyelash grease on the lens.

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Value:10
Weight: 5 (Veritable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: https://www.excelsis.com:443/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=594903

TeleVue Nagler Zoom 3mm-6mm
Excellent planetary eyepiece even though I no longer own it. This eyepiece was a top performer with my Takahashi refractor. It provided views that were crisp and contarsty. I would still have it but being that I use and undriven alt-az mount with my refractor, the small FOV makes it a pain in the butt to keep having to move the scope. If you are going to use this eyepiece in a driven scope, go for it. if not, go for and Ethos or a non-zoom Nagler.

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Value:10
Weight: 5 (Veritable Vote)
Date:
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Link to this vote: https://www.excelsis.com:443/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=596102

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