Excelsis Ratings/Reviews - Votes:TMB Super Monocentric 5mm

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TMB Super Monocentric 5mm

Well made, well designed. Excellent off axis correction (no visible off axis astigmatism using a 80mm f/6.25 semi-apo), imperceptible field curvature. I give it a 9.9 ;) , but the first 5mm TMB I got had obviously skipped quality control and was worth 1 out of 10. I was told that TMB has improved matters in that area but it is my opinion that testing before purchase remains mandatory for used TMB EPs and stronlgy recommended for new EPs.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 3 (Unreliable Vote)
Date: 05/17/2004 05:22:12 am PST
By: Anonymous (xxx.xxx.7.62)
Link to this vote: http://excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=360167

Reply Replies: 0

TMB Super Monocentric 5mm

Pros:

The TMB Monocentric eyepieces (and the 5mm I am reporting on here) are simply the best planetary eyepieces I have ever used.

Please read my comments in my review of the 4mm eyepiece.

Cautions:

The Monocentrics have a relatively narrow field, and the 5mm has fairly short eye-relief. For their intended purpose, neither of these factors bothered me. When viewing the planets (these ARE planetary eyepieces) I don't use the edges of the field anyway, so I simply position my eye at a comfortable distance from the eyepiece. The background is so dark it is not troubling to me that the field is narrow; I can hardly notice WHERE the field boundary is.

Cons:

I seen NO downside to this eyepiece optically or mechanically when it is used for its intended purpose.

Cosmetically I found it difficult to read the focal length (on a band around the top of the barrel) at night.

Overall impression:

I know of no better planetary eyepieces than the TMB line. Period. Thus my optical rating of 10. When you look at the cost of other premium eyepieces (Televue, Pentax, Takahashi etc.) or the used price of a Zeiss Monocentric or Abbe Orthoscopic, I believe the TMB's are a true bargain. Thus my value rating of 10.

Please see my review of the 4mm eyepice for comments that are appropriate for the 5mm eyepiece as well.

Richard Chalfan

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Value:10
Weight: 3 (Unreliable Vote)
Date: 12/04/2004 12:06:24 am PST
By: Anonymous (xxx.xxx.44.3)
Link to this vote: http://excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=405814

Reply Replies: 0

TMB Super Monocentric 5mm

The TMB Monocentric 5mm is simply the best planetary eyepieces I have ever used. I own or have owned, Zeiss 0.965" ortho's, Nikon ortho's, circle T ortho's, etc, and the TMB is the best on-axis. It is sharp right to the edge of it's 30* AFOV in my 6" F/7.3 newtonian. Comparing to the Zeiss and Nikon, the TMB is a little sharper and contrast. A think it is a good value, considering the price of other high-end planetrary eyepices.
M. J. Lazo

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Value:10
Weight: 5 (Veritable Vote)
Date: 06/30/2007 07:53:59 am PST
By: mjlazo
Link to this vote: http://excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=560639

Reply Replies: 0

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