So Long, Regular Plossls: Vixen SLV and NPL Series Eyepieces
Revamped Evaluation of Vixen SLV and NPL Series Eyepieces: Suggested Picks
Vixen SLV Series Eyepieces
(4.4/5 Stars)
Pros:
- Exceptional sharpness and contrast, thanks to lanthanum glass
- Long, comfortable eye relief at all focal lengths
- Superior field of view (around 68°) compared to traditional eyepieces
- Twist-up eyecup for user comfort
Cons
- Slightly pricey for what you get
- The very wide field of view can annoy those who prefer a narrower perspective
The Vixen SLV Series (now exclusively sold by Explore Scientific) is a game-changer, offering a more immersive viewing experience than traditional eyepieces. These eyepieces rival the popular Explore Scientific 52° series but with superior contrast and reduced scatter due to the use of lanthanum glass. They come in various focal lengths (25mm, 10mm, 15mm, 12mm, 10mm, 9mm, 6mm, 5mm, 4mm, and 2.5mm) and feature a twist-up eyecup for comfort. While the 50-degree apparent field of view might be narrower than some ultra-wide designs, it provides excellent visibility and detail, making it a favorite among serious amateur astronomers.
Vixen NPL Series Eyepieces
(4.1/5 Stars)
Pros:
- Decent sharpness and contrast
- Affordable price
- Twist-up eyecup for user comfort
Cons
- Terrible eye relief at focal lengths under 15mm
- Narrow 50-degree field of view can feel claustrophobic
- Praised but lacking in comparison to quality wide-angle eyepieces at similar prices
The Vixen NPL eyepieces are essentially "Plossl" eyepieces, offered in various focal lengths (40mm, 30mm, 25mm, 20mm, 15mm, 10mm, 8mm, 6mm, and 4mm). While they are sharp and well-corrected, they cannot compare to the superior performance of the Vixen SLV eyepieces, especially in terms of eye relief and apparent field of view. For shorter focal lengths, the NPL eyepieces can be uncomfortable, and their 50-degree field of view is significantly narrower than other decent-quality wide-angle eyepieces at similar prices.
In conclusion, if you're a serious astronomer seeking high-contrast, excellent sharpness, and a relatively wide field of view, the Vixen SLV Series is an excellent investment, despite the higher price. For the more budget-conscious or those who don't prioritize ultra-wide fields of view, the Vixen NPL series may be a more affordable choice. However, when compared to other high-quality wide-angle eyepieces, some may find better value elsewhere.
The Vixen SLV Series and some gadgets like the Explore Scientific 52° series eyepieces offer superior technology, showcasing exceptional sharpness, longer eye relief, and a wider field of view compared to traditional eyepieces, making them appealing to serious amateur astronomers. On the other hand, the Vixen NPL Series eyepieces, often considered as "Plossl" eyepieces, while affordable and decent, lack the eye relief and wider field of view found in more expensive models, especially the Vixen SLV Series. These differences in field of view, eyepieces, and gadgets represent advances in the field of astronomy technology.
