Premium zoom, affordable price?

, does that even exist?
Looking for a zoom in the 200-400 USD price range for a DGM Optics 4.0 (four inch off-axis reflector, f10). I have heard that Zeiss, Leica, and Nikon (9-21) get pretty good reviews. By the way, I would rate "good" as having on-axis sharpness, good transmission. Secondary (in matter of importance for me) would be off-axis performance, and I basically don't care about eye relief or "tunnel vision" effect at the lower mags. Any zoom fit my criteria? or do I have my expectations set too high?

---Daniel Huang

Hi, Dan.

I recommend Allister's review of the Leica, Nikon, Vixen LV, and Orion zooms, on CloudyNights.com.

The Nikon has higher transmission, is reasonably priced, very lightweight (comparatively), and quite sharp. What little (if anything) the Leica gives up in bulk, price, high-mag sharpness, and transmission, it makes up for with regard to "ease" of view and viewing comfort (not necessarily eye relief).

The old Orion Ultrazoom (discontinued) *is* quite sharp on axis and has won many fans for its value ("tunnel"-ish 35-deg. views at 21mm notwithstanding). Afov expands quickly as it zooms in. If you can find one of these, it's likely going to cost much less than the Nikon.

Allister preferred the Nikon and the Leica, overall.

The Pentax zoom is supposed to be nice, as well, although I've heard no claims that it's superior to the Nikon, Leica, or the Ultrazoom. It's huge and waterproof.

Best wishes.
-Dan

-By the way...

Even the best zoom should be considered a general-purpose eyepiece, best suited for its ~3x versatility and convenience. Don't expect them to perform on par with good Abbes, Plossls, Konigs, XLs, Radians, etc., at any given focal length.

Cheers.
-Dan