Peering Through the Vixen SLV and NPL Series Eyepieces
Vixen SLV Series Eyepieces - A Closer Look
Assessing Vixen SLV and NPL Series Eyepieces: A Suggested Choice for Stargazers
Rating: 4.4/5 Stars
Pros:
- Remarkably sharp 50-degree apparent field
- Comfortable long eye relief at all focal lengths, unlike regular Plossls
- User-friendly twist-up eyecup
- Enhanced contrast and reduced scatter due to lanthanum glass
Cons
- The 50-degree apparent field might feel confining to some
- Expensive for the features provided
- A wide-angle eyepiece could offer equivalent sharpness in the central 50 degrees
The Vixen SLV line, distributed exclusively by Explore Scientific, is a close cousin to the Explore Scientific 52° series. These eyepieces boast a Plossl-like design yet utilize lanthanum glass for superior contrast and scatter reduction. They come in various focal lengths: 25mm, 10mm, 15mm, 12mm, 10mm, 9mm, 6mm, 5mm, 4mm, and 2.5mm (all 1.25"). The views through these eyepieces are exceptionally crisp, with a consistent 20mm of eye relief combined with the twist-up eyecup, making them extremely comfortable to use. However, the question is whether the narrow 50-degree apparent field of view or the steep price tag justifies the experience.
Vixen NPL Series Eyepieces - A Quick Review
Rating: 4.1/5 Star
Pros:
- Sharp 50-degree apparent field
- Ergonomic twist-up eyecup for comfort
- Affordable price point
Cons
- The 50-degree apparent field might feel confining to some
- Inadequate eye relief at focal lengths under 15mm
- Similar pricing to decent quality wide-angle eyepieces
The Vixen NPL eyepieces are, as the name suggests, Plossl eyepieces made available in 40mm, 30mm, 25mm, 20mm, 15mm, 10mm, 8mm, 6mm, and 4mm focal lengths, all in 1.25" barrels. As Plossls, they are known for their sharpness but aren't quite as good as the Vixen SLV eyepieces, and they suffer from short eye relief at the shorter focal lengths, making the 15mm somewhat uncomfortable, the 10mm difficult to use, and the 8mm and shorter oculars almost useless. The 25mm and 30mm are acceptable low-power eyepieces, but if you seek performance without regard for the apparent field, you should consider an SLV eyepiece instead. The price tag isn't especially appealing; the ES52 line and similarly priced eyepieces like the Agena Starguiders offer comparable performance while providing greater comfort.
Performance Comparison: Vixen NPL Series vs Agena Starguiders
Both the Vixen NPL Series and Agena Starguiders eyepieces provide decent optical quality, but several distinctions set them apart:
- Apparent Field of View: The Vixen NPL Series generally offers a broader apparent field of view, ranging from about 68°, providing a more immersive viewing experience, while Agena Starguiders' field of view is narrower, typically around 50°.
- Eye Relief: The Vixen NPL Series provides long eye relief that suits users who wear glasses or appreciate comfortable viewing, while Agena Starguiders offer shorter eye relief that might not be as comfortable for glasses wearers.
- Optical Quality: The Vixen NPL Series is known for its high optical quality, delivering sharp, high-contrast images with minimal distortion, whereas Agena Starguiders offer moderate optical performance, delivering adequate images for casual use.
- Comfort: Overall, the Vixen NPL Series is designed for prolonged use and provides superior comfort, whereas Agena Starguiders offer a response for those seeking more budget-friendly options.
In the realm of gadgets and technology, the Vixen SLV Series eyepieces are often compared to smart-home devices for their user-friendly twist-up eyecups and enhanced contrast, much like how a well-designed smart-home device can effortlessly enhance convenience. The Vixen NPL Series, on the other hand, is more like a traditional eyepiece in the field of view, reminiscent of some older eyepieces or regular Plossls, offering a 50-degree apparent field like budget-friendly smart-home devices that still manage to offer basic functionality at an affordable price point.
