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Brandon 1.25" Eyepiece with Rubber Eyecup - 8mm # VB8EC

5.0 (1 Reviews) Read Reviews Write Review
Brand Brandon
Part Number VB8EC
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Product Info

Manufacturer Description

Brandon eyepieces, made by Vernonscope in the USA, are noted for their exceptional contrast and extremely dark background, two reasons why Questar Corporation has been including them with their telescopes since 1971. All Brandon eyepieces are parfocal.

The famous Brandon oculars incorporate the original optical designs of Chester Brandon and are acclaimed by leading astronomers as unquestionably the finest oculars in the world.  In a test of many eyepieces, noted deep-sky observer, Ron Morales, rated Brandon eyepieces #1 for contrast which is perhaps the single most important characteristic for any eyepiece.

Some question why Brandon lenses are not multi-coated. In the past, several sets of Brandons were made with 7-layer multi-coatings with no improvement. In fact, not using multi-coating eliminates or greatly reduces the phenomenon known as narrow angle light scatter. Multi-coatings have more narrow angle light scatter than standard eyepiece coatings. This effect readily can be seen when viewing bright objects like Venus, Mars, or Jupiter, where this scatter greatly interferes with low-contrast detail.

Using Vernonscope's Brandon eyepieces, you also will notice a significant difference in the background darkness immediately surrounding a bright object, especially important for planetary or double-star observing. In addition, lunar detail such as the bands of Aristarchus are much better defined.

All Brandon eyepieces are assembled and tested in Raleigh, NC, to assure consistent high quality.

Leave the world of ordinary eyepieces behind and step up to Brandons!

Please note: Brandon eyepieces are threaded for filters, but Brandon uses a proprietary filter thread and not the industry-standard M28.5x0.6 filter thread. Brandon sells 1.25" color and neutral density (ND) filters that can be directly threaded to Brandon eyepieces. However, the use of other non-Brandon filters on these eyepieces requires the purchase of an optional thread conversion adapter.

Manufacturer part: VB8EC

Reviews

5.0 (Based on 1 Reviews) 100% of reviewers recommended this product.
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    1. Guest

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      Review by James J.
      1492877219
      Apr 22, 2017

      5.0 8mm Brandon (flat top)

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I have been using Brandon eyepieces since the early 1970s in everything from 6 inch reflector telescopes to Questars, from SCTs to refractors. They are optically superb and consistent in quality. They don't have the 90 degree apparent field of newer, complex designs, but they offer great contrast and resolution of fine detail especially on the moon and planets--for which I use the 8mm. The flat top design is easier to use with the eye relief available than the ones with the eye cup. The lens coatings are easy to clean when needed. Agena Astro service and fast shipping is also superb.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Specifications

      Apparent Field of View 43°
      Barrel Size 1.25" (31.7mm)
      Bolt Case Included Yes - Free Agena Eyepiece Container
      Bolt Case Size Agena 42x60mm
      Coatings Fully Coated
      End Caps 2
      Eye Relief by Design 8mm
      Field Stop Diameter 6mm
      Filter Threads Brandon-proprietary filter thread
      Focal Length 8mm
      Lens Elements 4
      Lens Groups 2
      Parfocal Yes
      Rubber Eye Guard Yes
      Eyepiece Weight 1.20oz (34.02g)
      Manufacturer Brandon
      Eyepiece Focal Length 5.1mm - 10mm
      Eyepiece Field of View Up to 50 degrees
      Eyepiece Series Brandon Ocular
      Barrel Type Smooth sided