ORION EPIC ED-2 EYEPIECES ARE BACK

I see that Orion is selling their Epic ED-2 eyepieces again, only $70.00 each. Does anyone have any direct experience with them, good or bad? I’m contemplating the 7.5mm, for use in an 8-inch f/8 (218x). I need the eye relief (glasses) and I’m working with a shoestring budget.

Thanks,
Doug Scobel

I have not used the Epics, but I have tried Celestron's X-Cels, which are the same eyepieces in slightly different focal lengths. My impressions are that these are very nice - not great, but nice. Eye relief, contrast, light throughput and field of view at 55 degrees are very good. Coatings are adequate but the cheaper multicoatings discussed in this forum the past few days. Sharpness is average, but softer than a standard plossl. My impressions are based on an f/5 scope, so they may be a little sharper in your f/8.

IMHOP, if you are on a budget and need the eye relief, they are a good deal. However, I actually like Orion's 6mm and 9mm Expanses more. If you can spend $15-$20 more, your best option with longer eye relief might be trying to pick up a used Vixen or Orion lanthanum on Astromart.