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Opticron 40862 HDF T Eyepiece - Ex-Display
- HR Scope 18-54x (when fitted to the 66 model) / 24-72x (when fitted to the 80 model)
- GS Scope 16-48x (when fitted to the 665 model) / 20-60x (when fitted to the 815 model)
- ES Scope 20-60x (when fitted to the 80 model) / 27-80x (when fitted to the 100 model)
- MM2 Scope 12-36x
- IS Scope 12-36x (when fitted to the 50 model) / 15-45x (when fitted to the 60 model) 16-48x (when fitted to the 70 model)
Please note this is an ex-display item. 12 months warranty included.
About eyepieces
Eyepieces are denoted according to their magnification, whether they are wide angle (WW or WA) or variable zoom eg. 20-60x. A 20x eyepiece allows the object being viewed to appear 1/20th of its actual distance away when compared to the naked eye. Using this rule an object 500m distant appears to be only 25m away. A 30x eyepiece makes the object appear 16.7m distant while a zoom eyepiece set at 60x means the same object appears to be just over 8m away.
What magnification?
Terrestrial telescopes are most commonly used for high magnification viewing over long distances in daylight. Image quality at different magnifications will depend on the optical system, the quality of glass used and the coatings applied to the surfaces of each lens. There are however a few general rules that can be applied in determining the right specification for your needs. Firstly, the relationship between magnification, objective lens dia. and the size of the eye pupil, and secondly the quality of the optics inside the scope.
In normal daylight, when the pupil is dilated to between 2 and 3mm, a 66 mm telescope will deliver optimum performance, (the balance between magnification and image brightness) between 22x and 35x magnification i.e. when the exit pupil diameter equals that of the iris. In low light when the pupil becomes larger, dilating to between 5 and 7mm depending on age, optimum performance can only be obtained by using a lower magnification eyepiece or using a larger objective lens telescope such as an 80mm or 100mm. The higher the magnification, the greater the image and colour distortion. These effects can be dramatically reduced by using ED or Fluorite combination objective lenses that minimise chromatic aberration but are expensive. At magnifications of 30x or lower, the benefits of these objective lenses are hardly noticeable when compared to conventional glass objectives.
Field of view
Usually expressed as the width in metres of the image when viewing at a distance of 1000m and is directly related to the magnification. Generally the greater the magnification, the smaller the field of view. There are exceptions, namely wide-angle eyepieces which are designed specifically to provide greater fields of view. It is important to note that the objective lens, irrespective of diameter has no influence over the field of view.
Light transmission
The best way to assess the actual brightness of any telescope and eyepiece combination when choosing for daytime terrestrial use, (assuming equal optical systems) is to calculate the exit pupil diameter in the same way as with a binocular and make a trade-off between image brightness and magnification desired. For general daytime terrestrial observations good compromise magnifications are between 20x and 30x for a 60mm, 25 to 35x for a 66mm and 25 to 40x for an 80mm.
Resolution
As a general rule a good telescope should be able to resolve two black dots 1.5mm distance apart on a white surface, in bright daylight from a distance of 50m.
Eye relief
This is the distance between the eye lens and the point where the pupil is positioned for full field of view and varies from eyepiece to eyepiece. In some cases, the eye relief is shorter than that required by spectacle wearers to obtain the full field of view, especially at higher magnifications. If it is important that you obtain the full field of view with spectacles please choose any of the following eyepieces: SDL, HDF (all models), HR; 40812, 40930, 40931, 40932 and 40933, IS; 40916, 40918, 40919, HR.MM2 4090. Remember, rubber eyecups although fitted to many eyepieces are no guarantee that the full field of view is obtainable when set in the down position and used with glasses.
Straight-through or 45 Degree angled
Common advantages of an angled telescope are that: i) the back, shoulders and neck are in a more relaxed position when looking through the scope, ii) the tripod can be set at a lower position making it easier for people of different heights to use and the equipment more stable in outdoor conditions. Straight-through telescopes are easier to use when following fast-moving objects, using the instrument from the confined spaces of a hide or vehicle, or when hand-held.
Our advice
Compare different models side-by-side at the same magnification if possible. Product reports are generally subjective and are no substitute for individual testing. If you are unable to test before you make a purchase, contact us for information and advice on the best model to suit your needs.
