The Pentax XW was the first eyepiece that I deviated from 82° or larger FOV, and I'm glad I did! It has given me some very sharp views in my 10" SCT despite having a magnification of 357x. It's really incredible. However, it gives me even better views in my 130 f/7 refractor. Something about the 7mm focal length that makes it perfect for the f/7 focal ratio. It's very versatile and works very well on lunar, planetary, and deep sky. (Posted on 10/17/2019)
someone at stellifane let me use his scope next to mine they were the same scopes and the pentax looked so good it was the best at that show that's why im buying this now and as far as where astronomics price is 30 dollars less. you get the best for less from a company with a 5 star rating that only happens here . (Posted on 9/24/2019)
If you do any public outreach, this is an absolutely have-to-have addition to your eyepieces. It works great, with excellent views, but the best part is the palatial 20 mm eye relief!! Typically, the smaller the focal length, the smaller the eye relief (the distance from the surface of your eyepiece to your eye.) If you really want to jack up the magnification, you have to darn near set your cornea on the glass. NOT ANYMORE!! This eyepiece provides such excellent eye relief, you can comfortably wear glasses, while observing!! This is a GREAT benefit when doing public outreach. People come to the scope with lots of different eyewear, and this handles them all. What a treat!! (Posted on 9/9/2019)
I've used the Pentax XW 7mm eyepiece for the past 10 years with my f/7 APO and f/11.5 reflector with great enjoyment; it's great to put the Pentax to the test and see it perform admirably. (Posted on 7/22/2019)
The 7mm Pentax XW is just about perfect. I have used this eyepiece for lunar, planetary, and deep sky observations with a 120mm f/7.5 Apochromat. The 7mm XW is sharp to the field stop in my 120mm APO. Globular clusters are spectacular as are bright emission nebula. There is always something special about an XW for observations of the planets. I find Jupiter's belts reveal an extra level of detail with any XW.
The 7mm XW is extremely comfortable. I have no problems with blackouts and my eye comfortably settles into the field of view. This eyepiece is essentially perfect. (Posted on 1/13/2019)
The 7mm Pentax SMC XW is a superb wide-field eyepiece that offers a 70 degree apparent field of view and extended eye relief with excellent color neutrality and contrast. I employ it regularly with a number of my telescopes, which include a Tele Vue apochromatic refractor, a Celestron SCT, a Sky-Watcher Collapsible Dob, and a Teeter's Telescope Classic Dob, for lunar, planetary, and deep-sky observing. The adjustable eyeguard works very well. The 7mm Pentax SMC XW is a very comfortable eyepiece to use. (Posted on 12/18/2018)
My first Pentax XW eyepiece. Contrast is awesome and may add more Pentax to the collection. Used on the TOA150. (Posted on 12/2/2018)
I have the entire set of Pentax XW eye pieces (20mm to 5mm) and use these eyepieces on my William Optics 132FLT and 98FLT refractors. The 7mm is perfect for med-high power viewing, flat field, high contrast, nice FOV, and crisp images. I like these eye pieces better than my Naglers on refractors. Highly recommend. (Posted on 10/14/2018)
Review by: Scott Mitchell
One of my favorite eyepieces! I find the XW series of Pentax eyepieces to be very comfortable with ample eye relief for both glasses wearers and non glasses wearers. There is a nice adjustable guide that helps you get your eye placed in the perfect spot to use. The view is spectacular in my refractors and reflectors, highly recommended . (Posted on 10/6/2018)
Review by: Chris Ragaisis
Pentax XW 7mm is my main workhorse. I use a f/7 3.5" refractor. This eyepiece hits the sweet spot for me - the contrast is excellent, and edge to edge it provides better sharpness than any other I've used. If I were limited to only 2 eyepieces, this would be one (the other would be 13mm Ethos). Pentax did a quality job on every aspect of this eyepiece, and you won't be disappointed should you choose to invest in it. (Posted on 8/4/2017)
Perfectly free of astigmatism or field curvature right to the field stop. Great contrast and easy viewing with eyeglasses. The FOV is very immersive and hard to distinguish from that of a Televue Delos which is supposed to be 2 degrees wider. This eyepiece definitely feels wider than a 68 degree Panoptic. That could be due to the generous eye relief. Highly recommended for a nice step up in power from a 10mm XW or Delos. (Posted on 8/4/2017)
Great eyepiece. I have been working towards the AL Galaxy Clusters Award, and the EP has been a valuable assistant! Great contrast. Stars are pinpoint edge to edge. Well made. I don't wear eyeglasses except for reading, and I was uncomfortable with a "tunnel vision" effect, until I remembered the adjustable eyecup. Adjusting the eyecup made a good eyepiece a GREAT eyepiece. I would replace it with the same one if I ever lost it! (Posted on 8/4/2017)
This is just an impeccable higher power eyepiece, flat to the edges, crystal clear, works expecially well in refractors. I would never trade or sell this one. (Posted on 8/4/2017)