This Astro-Tech 8mm Paradigm Dual ED eyepiece is a logical choice for high quality/high magnification observing with long focal length refractors, reflectors, or catadioptric scopes under good to somewhat better than average seeing conditions. Below average seeing conditions may limit its performance.
If so-so seeing is the norm where you observe, its 8mm focal length may represent the shortest focal length practical with a long focal length telescope for observing lunar and planetary detail, resolving globular clusters, picking up small planetary nebulas against a stellar background, etc.
Contrast is very good for planetary and lunar use, rivaling that of orthoscopics and Brandons, but with a substantially wider field of view and excellent eye relief. Its sharpness and lack of astigmatism across the field makes smaller globular clusters vivid and nearly three-dimensional.
The six lens/four group design and two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements of the 8mm Astro-Tech Paradigm provides all of the optical virtues described at the top of this catalog page – high contrast, a sharp and flat field from edge to edge, excellent color fidelity, and exceptionally low astigmatism and barrel distortion. It has a usable eye relief of 13mm, excellent for an eyepiece in this focal length range. Combined with the twist-up eyecup design, the long eye relief makes it a good choice for eyeglass wearers.
This new Astro-Tech 8mm Paradigm Dual ED eyepiece will make you rethink your expectations about just how good an 8mm eyepiece you can get for such a reasonable price – and make you wonder why other manufacturers can’t do as well.
