Product Description
The six lens/four group design and two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements of the 5mm 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 such a short focal length eyepiece. Combined with the twist-up eyecup design, the long eye relief makes it a good choice for eyeglass wearers.
This new Astro-Tech 3.2mm Paradigm Dual ED eyepiece will make you rethink your expectations about how much sheer short focal length eyepiece excellence you can get for such a reasonable price.
Tech Details
Reviews
I have used the 3.2mm several times on Jupiter, Saturn and Mars during the latest opposition, and have been thoroughly impressed with it. I have compared it to my much more expensive TeleVue 3.5mm Delos, and it's pretty close!
Pros:
Price
Optical quality
Very comfortable to use
A wide enough AFOV as to make planetary observing at higher magnifications at bit more relaxing, especially with a Dobsonian scope that lacks tracking!
Eye relief and eye placement was a LOT more comfortable than the TeleVue Delos, even when using the TV's adjustable eyecup. No Blackouts or kidney beaning with the Paradigm!
Cons:
Not quite as sharp as the vastly more expensive TeleVue option, but certainly, still very good, at any price point let alone USD $60 that Astronomics is asking for them.
Contrast is slightly inferior to the TeleVue 3.5mm Delos that I compared it to, but not by a lot!
At the price, they are a bargain and wholly recommended. Overall, a 5 star product at an entry level price. I have already recommended the AT paradigm range of eyepieces to several friends who are thinking about getting into Astronomy after observing with my scope. (Posted on 11/11/2018)