University Optics Abbe Orthoscopic 12.5mm

4.0 University Abbe Orthoscopic 12.5mm

Bright contrasty views; High quality optics

Slightly-less than 40 degree field leaves you wanting more

Very sharp contrasty views. Eye relief is a bit tight, but that's a function of the Ortho design and not a comment on these particular eyepiece. When I want to be sure I'm getting the best image of a planet, this is the eyepiece I usually reach for. This line is still made in Japan, by a small company of quality conscious professionals, and it shows in th equality of the optics as well as the mechanical construction. The only drawback with this EP is the field - it is just under 40 degrees. It has been advertised as 45 degrees, and some in the line may be 45 degrees, but not this one (I have had plenty of 45 degree eyepieces, and this isn't close). After using widefields (or even Plossls), you feel like you're peering through a straw when using this. It bothers some people; the view is very clinical, and not very involving. But nothing remotely close to the price of this EP will get you a planetary image that is as bright and contrasty.