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The Carl Zeiss Abbe continue to be regarded as the finest eyepieces ever produced for planetary observation.  For the past 10 years, no other modern eyepiece has been able to match the performance of the Zeiss Abbe eyepiece - until now.

Baader Planetarium has spent years working with Carl Zeiss to design and produce an eyepiece at the limits of modern optical design and fabrication technologies.  The result is the Abbe-II.

Every part of the Abbe-II has been fabricated and assembled by Zeiss in their Jena optical facility.  In no other way could the demanding specifications and tolerances be achieved, for each and every eyepiece.

Limited One-Time Production.  These will be the only run of Abbe-II eyepieces ever produced.  This was a one-time arrangement with Zeiss, and there are no plans (or hopes) for more to ever be produced by Zeiss.   These are destined to be an even greater collector's item than the prior generation.

Features:

• The Abbe-II performance has been improved beyond the original Zeiss Abbe through a new lens design and improved glasses.   The new glasses are of the highest purity and are the most transparent and colorless that can be produced.
• The optical design consists of 4 elements in 2 groups.
• Well corrected on-axis to f/4.
• All air-to-glass surfaces are coated with the ultimate Zeiss high-efficiency multicoatings.
• 43° apparent field of view, flat and free of distortion (orthoscopic).
• The Abbe-II have been produced entirely at Zeiss, in Jena.
• Additional knife-edge internal baffles block all stray light even from fast telescopes.
• Virtual-Crosshair.  The unique precision-etched field stops incorporate 4 opposing see-through triangles located outside the field of view edge.  A star can be used to transit the triangles, for accurately centering and field size drift measurements.
• Matching Carl Zeiss 2x Abbe Barlow is also available.  World's finest barlow, delivers double the magnifications without loss in sharpness and resolution.
• Beautiful solid walnut storage case is free with purchase*  Case holds two sets of eyepieces, plus one Barlow. 

* Please note:  There are only a limited number of cases available (much fewer than the eyepiece sets).  One case per customer - a case will be provided free with the first eyepiece set sold to each customer, while the quantities of cases last.  Since each case holds two full sets of eyepieces, only one case is needed for bino pairs, etc.

Pre-Ordering Details: 

Due to the limited quantity of these eyepieces and the matching wooden cases, we are now taking pre-orders and requiring a 50% deposit.  Balance of payment is due by October 1.   Eyepieces will be shipped to customers  in October.  Please contact us for further ordering details.

- Zeiss Abbe-II Eyepieces, 4 Eyepiece Set (4/6/10/16mm)  (#ZABBE-II)

- Zeiss Abbe-II Eyepieces, 4 Eyepiece Set w/Barlow  (#ZABBE-IIB)

(sold as sets only, no separate eyepiece sales)

Zeiss Abbe Brochure

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Please Note:  Quantities of the Zeiss Abbe Barlow are Limited and will only be offered to purchasers of the new Abbe-II Eyepieces.  If there are any Barlows left after the sales of Abbe-II Eyepieces are concluded, we will again offer them separately.

Carl Zeiss Abbe Eyepieces continue to be regarded as the finest astronomical eyepieces ever made.   Around 1995, Carl Zeiss produced a very limited number of a newly designed matching 1.25" 2X Abbe-Barlow*.  This doublet barlow incorporated a special high-quality ED glass, along with Zeiss' famous multicoatings, optical accuracy, smoothness, and surface quality.   Discriminating planetary observers have found this to be the finest barlow ever produced.   Unfortunately, due to their scarcity and unsurpassed performance, these barlows rarely surface on the secondary market, commanding extremely high prices - up to $1200 apiece!

Baader Planetarium and Alpine Astronomical are elated to now offer again the  legendary Carl Zeiss Abbe-Barlow, in a new redesigned housing.  Carl Zeiss has produced a new run of these barlows, specifically for Baader Planetarium.  The lenses have been mounted in an all-new housing, which incorporates Baader's own Clicklock eyepiece clamp that attaches to the barlow housing  via T-threads.  The marriage of these two parts makes an even finer barlow than the 1995 original style.  The non-marring Clicklock holder makes interchanging eyepieces a snap, firmly clamping the eyepiece with a gentle twist of the top ring.  The ID of the lens cell is fully sharp v-threaded to kill stray light.  The top of the Clicklock holder is height-adjustable, and removable to expose an external T-thread.  This enables use of the barlow as a superb projection barlow for imaging, or with an eyepiece for projection at higher magnifications (simply add any of our T-2 Extension tubes ).  The front barlow housing may also be attached to any T-threaded camera.  When attached to a DSLR, the resultant magnification is 2.3X.

Users of all 1¼" eyepieces will find the Baader Zeiss Abbe-Barlow to be the finest barlow they've ever used, increasing the magnification without introducing any detectable loss in sharpness or contrast.  A side benefit is the increased eye-relief that comes from using longer focal length eyepieces, enabling a more comfortable and relaxed view.  This compact barlow remains parfocal at 2X, minimizing the disruption to focusing when adding the barlow into the optical chain. 

Baader has found that the Zeiss Abbe-Barlow works extremely well at magnifications up to 4X.  Barlow users are no longer constrained to the typical 2X/3X single magnifications provided by standard barlows.  The new housing enables users to vary the magnification of the Abbe-Barlow simply by using T-2 Extension Tubes in-between the barlow housing and the Clicklock clamp.   For example, inserting one T2-25B 40mm extension tube gives a magnification of 2.6X, two tubes = 3.3X, three tubes = 3.9X.  Shorter tubes (7.5mm or 15mm) may also be used alone or together with the 40mm tubes to provide intermediate magnifications.

Barlow with 40mm Extension Tube, 2.6x Magnification

Owners of the prior Zeiss Abbe-I eyepieces now have an opportunity to finally complete their set, as Zeiss had intended.  With the 2X Abbe Barlow, their available set of focal lengths doubles and fills-in the gaps between focal lengths (2,3,4,5,6,8,10,12.5,16,17,25,34).

* Original-Style Zeiss Abbe 2X Barlow (1990s)

- Baader Zeiss Abbe 2X Barlow  (#ZBARLOW)

Please Note:  Quantities of the Zeiss Abbe Barlow are Limited and will only be offered to purchasers of the new Abbe-II Eyepieces.  If there are any Barlows left after the sales of Abbe-II Eyepieces are concluded, we will again offer them separately.

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The full Hyperion lineup, 21 - 3.5mm  NEW - 24mm !

Sky and Telescope's Hot Astronomy Product for 2008!  The Baader Planetarium Hyperion 68° Modular Eyepieces offer world-class performance and unique photo-visual features, at an unheard of price.    No longer do amateurs need to spend more on their eyepieces than their primary instrument, in order to get true high-end performance in a wide-field eyepiece.   Not just a different branded version of their highly regarded cousins, the Hyperions have been totally redesigned to deliver better transmission, contrast, and useful new features.  Baader Planetarium has worked hard to give the Hyperions the world's finest optical coatings, superb mechanics, and their unique multifunctional design. 

As a visual eyepiece, we have found the Hyperions deliver superb sharpness and color fidelity across their 68° wide, flat-field, even in fast telescopes.  In our own comparisons to our personal favorites, the Pentax XL, the Hyperions matched the Pentax in every regard,  and at just over  1/3 the price!  From their superb on-axis and off-axis sharpness, to their pitch-black high contrast field, the Hyperions really work.  Viewing through a Hyperion is notably comfortable and relaxing, due to their forgiving eye-position,  20mm of eye-relief, extra-large eyelens, and an optical design that is free of annoying 'kidney-beaning' and blackouts.

Some highlights of the Hyperion;

• Consisting of 8 elements in 5 groups (3.5mm - 21mm), the Hyperion optical design delivers outstanding sharpness and color correction over a 68° wide apparent field (65° for the 21mm).   The Hyperion optical design has been chosen to deliver a exceptionally comfortable view, thanks to its 20mm of eye-relief, large eyelens, and a pupil free of the kidney-beaning and blackouts common in many wide field eyepieces. 

• The new 24mm uses a different optical design and delivers the same outstanding performance over it's 68° wide apparent field.  It is totally free of blackouts and other annoying exit pupil behaviors, delivers long eye relief (17mm), virtually zero distortion, and is sharp to the edge even in fast telescopes.  Its flat focal plane is particularly suited to very fast newtonians that use coma correctors.   The 29mm field stop makes the 24mm Hyperion the widest 24mm eyepiece we know of.  The 24mm Hyperion is also the smallest and lightest of the Hyperions.

• High grade water-white glasses are used throughout, to deliver a crystal clear view with low scatter and excellent color fidelity, free of the  yellow or bluish coloration imparted by many other eyepieces.   Use of high-index glasses delivers low distortion and astigmatism, even on scopes as fast as f/4.

• Baader Planetarium has gone to great lengths to give the Hyperions the most advanced multicoatings ever used on amateur telescope eyepieces (please note: these are not the same coatings other manufacturers use on their similar clones of these eyepieces..).  The Hyperion Phantom Group™ multi-coatings and coating equipment are proprietary to Baader and have been designed by German coating engineers specifically for the Baader Hyperions, and optimized for each of the glasses used.  These coatings are applied with the latest thin-film German coating equipment, training, and process controls.  The result are coatings that truly rival the best in the world - including the famous Zeiss Abbe Orthoscopic!  The difference is clearly visible - users report that the Hyperions clearly show fainter stars and darker sky than the competitive clones.

• The proprietary Hyperion housings have been engineered by Baader to incorporate careful opto-mechanical design and execution of internal baffling to eliminate stray light and ghost reflections.   Uncapping the eyelens reveals a pitch black interior, with no distracting and contrast-robbing glints of light from unbaffled lens or metal surfaces.  We call these our 'black hole' eyepieces.

• Superb fit and finish.  Eyepiece barrels are accurate to size, nicely machined, and hard anodized.

• Works in both 1.25" and 2" focusers.  The 1.25" barrel is threaded for filters and kept short (0.94") to work well in binoviewers and spotting scopes.  Baader's new housing incorporates a full-length 2" barrel (0.94" long) and provides a specially designed tapered locking recess.  In addition, the Hyperion field stop locations have been re-designed and optimized to give the shortest focus position possible (important for binoviewer use).  

• Soft folding rubber eyecups work for both normal and eyeglass users.  Each Hyperion comes with protective lens caps and leatherette storage pouch.

• All Hyperions Accept popular Astigmatism Correcting Lenses (not available from Alpine Astronomical).  The Hyperion eyelens housing is compatible with the full range of correcting lenses from  ¼ to 3½ Diopters.  Observers with any astigmatism will really appreciate this feature, no longer needing to wear eyeglasses to see stars as true pinpoints.  The long 20mm eye relief of the Hyperions works particularly well with these corrector lenses, without forcing the observer to press their eye close to the lens in order to see the entire wide field.

• Removable Negative Lens Element permits variable focal lengths using Baader's New Finetuning Rings (see section below).  NOTE:  The 24mm Hyperion is a different optical design and does not permit the use of Finetuning Rings to decrease focal length. 

• Great for Binoviewing!  We've tried most of the wide field eyepieces on the market that are suitable for binoviewing, and the Hyperions are at the top with the very best.  When compared to some wide field eyepieces developed especially for binoviewing, we found the Hyperions were superior in every aspect:  more comfortable view with better eye relief, smaller housing diameter at the eyelens gives more nose-room, better coatings (=better contrast), wider field, and half the cost..  Our favorite wide field bino eyepieces are the 8/13/17/21/24mm Hyperion.  The new 24mm Hyperion works superbly in binoviewers, and delivers the widest true field of any 24mm wide field eyepiece.  Some users with narrow interocular separation (like us) may find it is necessary to remove the thin rubber M54 protective ring, in order to increase the 'nose clearance'.  

Baader Hyperions incorporate some unique and innovative aspects, which are designed to make them the ideal projection eyepiece;

• The optical design of the Hyperions enables them to work as an extremely sharp wide-field projection eyepiece for even large chip CCD and DSLRs.

• The eyelens barrel has been provided with two different external threads, M43 and M54 (these are covered by the removable rubber eyecups).  A complete system of adapter rings enables cameras to be directly (and rigidly) close-coupled for afocal projection, or variably extended for classical eyepiece projection imaging with our T-Adapter and Extension Tubes.  A series of 16 threaded rings provides compatibility with just about every digital (CCD/DSLR) and videocamera made, even large and heavy 3-chip videocameras.  For a complete listing of these adapters, please see  HYPERION Digital T-Rings and Adapters.

• The front negative lens element is designed to be removed (and exposes an M48 2" filter thread).  This converts each Hyperion into a longer focal length high-quality projection eyepiece, giving the imager two choices of focal length with each eyepiece.  NOTE:  The 24mm Hyperion is a different optical design and does not contain a removable front element.  However, the Front Barrel can still be removed in order to attach 2" Filters in- between the 1.25" and 2" barrels.  This is particularly convenient for users of 2" filters.

"Bob, I can pass on some very brief comments regarding the Hyperions.  I tested the 3.5 and the 21 on my 90m f/9 Vixen fluorite apo.  The 3.5 on lunar viewing absolutely smokes my TV 8mm Plossl/TV 2X barlow combination in resolution, brightness, and obviously field of view.  Eye position is simple, very enjoyable eyepiece.  I am surprised, and very pleased.  The 21 on deep sky cruising is good.  Got the best view if M31/32/110 the other night of any eyepiece I've tried.  The FOV was flat with stars to the edge, no gulls."   Reid Williams

"I have had only a few clear moments with them.  So far I'm blown away.  Once word gets out your not going to keep them in stock.  Thanks for the great eyepieces.  I don't understand why they don't sell for more."  Jim Turner 

Bob, I thought I would drop you a note with my comments on the Hyperions that I had recently purchased from you.  Last nite was the first time I had the opportunity to use them and I was very impressed.  Very clear, sharp and pinpoint.  Using the 17mm, for the first time I really saw the fifth star in the trapezium in M42!  It was very clear and prevalent.  Just for the fun of it, I put in the old eyepiece that I had been using (an Epic ED 18mm) and I couldn't even see it.  I like the Epic's but they don't compare to the Hyperion's.  The nice wide view is very pleasing, very sharp. ( I don't think I'll bother taking the Epic's out next time.)  Phil Chartier

I think the Hype's are fantastic ep's at any price! I use them in both my 14" SCT & 6" F6.5 refractor, and they are clear & sharp to the extreme edge in both! The coatings must be something very special as I get almost ZERO light scatter when looking at the planets. Also very contrasty, and comfortable to use. They are keepers for sure. What you get for the price is incredible!  Bob Lindsey

For more information on these novel eyepieces and their many uses, please click on the following links:

- Baader Hyperion Eyepiece,  3.5mm  (#HYP-3), wt 413g (14.6oz)

- Baader Hyperion Eyepiece,  5mm  (#HYP-5), wt 416g (14.7oz)

- Baader Hyperion Eyepiece,  8mm  (#HYP-8), wt 381g (13.5oz)

- Baader Hyperion Eyepiece,  13mm  (#HYP-13), wt 390g (13.8oz)

- Baader Hyperion Eyepiece,  17mm  (#HYP-17), wt 395g (13.9oz)

- Baader Hyperion Eyepiece,  21mm  (#HYP-21), wt 388g (13.7oz)

- Baader Hyperion Eyepiece,  24mm  (#HYP-24), wt 330g (11.6oz)  NEW

- Baader Hyperion Eyepiece,  Set of 7  3.5mm - 24mm (#HYP-SET)

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♦ Baader Hyperion Finetuning Rings ♦

NEW:  With the addition of Baader's new Finetuning Rings, each Hyperion eyepiece can now function as four eyepieces!  Available in 14mm and 28mm lengths.  The finetuning rings are 2" OD and threaded M48 (filter thread) on each end, so they can be installed in-between the Hyperion's removable front negative element and main body.  The added spacing decreases the focal lengths (increases magnification), according to the table below.  Finetuning rings are made to match the Hyperion finish, and are fully internally sharp v-threaded and blackened to eliminate stray light reflections from the internal surfaces.

Also, another novel way to change eyepiece focal length is to use a Baader 2" Filter in-between the Hyperion negative element and main body, just like a small finetuning ring.  The 8.5mm thickness of the filter cell will have a similar (milder) effect in reducing the Hyperion's focal length.  This also allows use of 2" filters with Hyperions, something that is not possible with any other 1¼" Eyepiece.

Please Note:  Removal and installation of the front negative element should be done in a clean environment to prevent dust or other contamination from depositing on the internal elements (which are very difficult to clean).  Also, please note that the 24mm Hyperion is not able to make use of the Finetuning Rings, due to its different optical design.

         14mm and 28mm                         Installation of Finetuning Ring                   14mm Ring Installed

        Finetuning Rings

Hyperion Focal Lengths with Finetuning Rings

- Hyperion Finetuning-Ring 14mm (#HDFT-14)

- Hyperion Finetuning-Ring 28mm (#HDFT-28)

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Baader Planetarium has evolved the wide-field astronomical eyepiece to a new level.    Introducing the world’s first production Astronomical Eyepieces to use aspheric surfaces, the 31mm and 36mm Baader Hyperion-Aspheric 72º Modular Eyepieces.  This new technology has allowed Baader to eliminate eyepiece aberrations without the usual penalty of extra lens elements, excessive size and weight, or high cost.

• The Hyperion-Aspheric’s freedom from blackouts, kidney beaning, and lack of distortion combines with their long eye relief to produce a view that is uncommonly comfortable and natural for all users (including eye-glass wearers and users of popular astigmatism correcting lenses).
• The ultra-wide 72° field is extremely flat and distortionless (virtually free of angular magnification distortion).  
• Baader’s renowned Phantom Group Multi-Coatings and thorough internal baffling produce an extremely bright and high contrast view that is free of scatter.
• Hyperion Modularity
  • Superb for projection imaging.  The Hyperion-Aspherics are threaded to accept the full line of Hyperion Digital T-Rings, for a robust direct attachment of almost any camera.  The clever use of 2"x24tpi SCT threads for attaching the 2" barrel permits the Hyperion-Aspherics to directly thread onto the rear cell of popular SCTs.  This results in the highest rigidity possible for imaging.
  • Dual Barrel Configuration – two barrel sizes are provided with each Hyperion Aspheric.  The standard 2” barrel provides the full 72º field size, and a special wide-field 1¼” barrel provides the maximum true field ever in a 1¼” format, with a field stop size of 1.265”(32mm)! - perfect for extracting every bit of field possible in 1¼” telescopes or binoviewers.
  • Accepts popular astigmatism correcting lenses.

   

- Baader Hyperion-Aspheric 72° Modular Eyepiece, 31mm  (#HYP-31), wt 390g (13.8oz)

- Baader Hyperion-Aspheric 72° Modular Eyepiece, 36mm  (#HYP-36), wt 415g (14.7oz)

SALE PRICING!!

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The new Baader Hyperion 8-24mm Clickstop Zoom continues the Hyperion tradition of delivering top-of-class performance and quality, at very reasonable prices.  Zoom eyepieces have earned a lackluster reputation over the years, due to their compromises in optical design and execution.   We think the Hyperion zoom will surprise many jaded zoom users with its combination of performance, quality, and novel features.

Some highlights of the Hyperion Clickstop Zoom;

• Consisting of 7 elements, the Hyperion optical design delivers outstanding sharpness and color correction over its field, even with fast telescopes.  Users are reporting that the Clickstop Zoom matches the performance of their best fixed focal length eyepieces!

• Continuously variable focal length, with click-stops at 8, 12, 16, 20, 24mm.  Remains approximately parfocal across zoom range.  Click-stops enable precise focal length matching for bino-viewer use (please note: barrel diameter of the zoom is 57mm, so it may not work in binoviewers for users with narrow interocular separations).

• Wide field.  The field of view is 68degrees at the 8mm setting, and 50 degrees at 24mm. 

• Excellent viewing comfort.  The eye relief of 12-15mm, large eyelens, and freedom from kidney beaning and blackouts result in a high level of comfort and ease-of-viewing, at all focal lengths.

• As with the fixed focal length Hyperions Baader Planetarium has gone to great lengths to give the Hyperion Zoom the most advanced multicoatings ever used on amateur telescope eyepieces.  The Hyperion Phantom Group™ multi-coatings truly rival the best in the world - including the famous Zeiss Abbe Orthoscopic!  The difference in contrast and transmission is clearly visible at the eyepiece.

• Now Includes both 1.25" and 2" Barrels!   The 2" barrel attaches through an included adapter ring that has standard 2"x24tpi SCT threads.  The 2" barrel also incorporates a reverse taper groove for better seating and retention.

• Superb fit and finish.  Zoom motion is smooth and precise.  Barrels are accurately machined, with excellent surface quality, and hard anodizing.  The 1¼" Barrel is threaded for standard 1¼" filters, and the 2" Barrel for standard 2" Filter.

• Adjustable rubber eyecup works for both normal and eyeglass users.  Rotating eyecup incorporates a variable-height helical adjustment for setting the optimal spacing.

• Designed to integrate perfectly with many popular spotting scopes from Celestron/Synta and Zeiss  (see below).

• Complete System of Accessories for Digital Imaging

  • Optically Superb for Digital Imaging

  • Direct Thread attach to Eyepiece (threads at eyelens)

  • Hyperion Digital T-Rings, for direct attachment of virtually every digital camera, camcorder, CCD Camera.

Hyperion Zoom as a spotting scope eyepiece

Owners of Celestron/Synta and Zeiss spotting scopes will appreciate the direct-attachment made possible by the Hyperion Zoom's innovative removable front barrel, which exposes spotting scope attachment threads.

"Optically I think the Baader is the best Zoom eyepiece I've tried so far."   Henry Link   www.birdforum.net

Hyperion Zoom makes a superb projection imaging eyepiece!

For more information on this outstanding Zoom and its many uses, please click on the following link:  

Hyperion&Zoom

Instructions

- Baader Hyperion 8-24 Zoom  (#HYP-ZOOM), wt 370g (13oz)

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Hyperion owners have continually asked us for longer focal length eyepieces that could deliver equivalent performance and value.  Baader Planetarium has finally responded with their new SCOPOS 30mm and 35mm 2" eyepieces.   Based on the similar (and now discontinued) eyepiece design available from a previous supplier, the Baader SCOPOS incorporate upgraded multi-coatings, blackened lens edges, and offer the same wide fields and long comfortable eye relief as their Hyperion cousins.

The SCOPOS Extremes deliver performance that rivals much more expensive eyepieces.  Their 70degree apparent field, low astigmatism, huge eye lenses, and comfortable exit pupil make these a real joy to use, and elicit that famous 'space walk' feeling - without an accompanying zero gravity wallet feeling...

Soft silicone rubber eyecups fold down for eyeglass users, and the rubber grip ring and safety barrel undercut provides an extra measure of safety.  Each SCOPOS eyepiece is supplied in a leatherette pouch and includes two protective end caps.

As reviewed on Cloudy Nights:  http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1451  (the 35mm Scopos is the un-named eyepiece in the shootout, though it's coatings have been improved since the review)

Please note:  these are impressively large eyepieces (particularly the 35mm).    Please check the listed weights below to make sure they will work in your system.

- Baader SCOPOS Extreme 2" Eyepiece, 30mm  (#SCOPOS-30), wt 730g (25.7oz)

- Baader SCOPOS Extreme 2" Eyepiece, 35mm  (#SCOPOS-30), wt 1084g (38.2oz)

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The true Abbe Orthoscopic has long been recognized for its ability to deliver the highest resolution, contrast and light throughput of any modern eyepiece design.  On-axis images are essentially perfect and the orthoscopic design ensures freedom from distortion. Contrast and throughput are maximized by it's minimum of lens elements and only 4 air-to-glass surfaces. 

The pinnacle of planetary eyepieces, the Zeiss Abbe Orthoscopic, are still regarded as the finest eyepieces ever produced, and are the standard against which all other premium eyepieces are compared to.  Unfortunately, these eyepieces are no longer produced, and command prices of up to $800 apiece! on the secondary market.  Through their many years of eyepiece design and production, combined with their close associations with Zeiss, Baader Planetarium has acquired a unique in-depth knowledge of eyepiece design and fabrication.  Baader set out to deliver an eyepiece that is worthy of comparison to the Zeiss Abbe, while still remaining affordable for the amateur.   The result is the Baader Genuine Orthoscopic.

• Phantom Multi-Coatings.  Absolutely the finest Broadband Multilayer Coatings available have been applied to all surfaces.   Reflectivity of  less than 0.2% at each air-to-glass surface results in maximum contrast, light throughput, and freedom from ghost images. 

• Superb Lens Polish.  Baader Genuine Orthoscopics are polished to a high standard, for maximum clarity and contrast.  A surprising number of premium commercial eyepieces suffer from roughness, excessive pits, or sleeks left in the lens surfaces.  These tiny defects can hamper short focal length planetary eyepieces, where even the smallest imperfections scatter light and reduce contrast. 

• High quality glasses for maximum transmission and purest colors with no yellowing or selective coloration.

• 40 degree apparent field of view.

• Parfocal  (slight refocusing may be needed).

• Superb Mechanical Quality.  Proper Internal Baffling and Blackened Lens Edges for elimination of stray light reflections.  Chrome Plated barrels are threaded for standard 1¼" filters.

Baader Genuine Orthoscopics are the ideal choice for any critical observing that demands the highest contrast, resolution and light throughput.  Naturally, observation of fine planetary detail benefits from the qualities of the Genuine Orthoscopic.  Lunar and Solar H-Alpha and White-Light observers will find the low scatter indispensable in preventing the intense brightness from from washing out subtle surface or limb details.  Deep Sky observers will appreciate the contrast and high light throughput for observing  faint nebula, double stars, galaxies, and stars at the limit of their equipment and skies. 

In  his detailed comparison between Zeiss "Abbe", Pentax SMC-Orthos, and Baader Genuine Orthoscopics, noted German amateur Dr. Michael Lalk (Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University) had the following to say; "My result: Baader -Planetarium has succeeded with the Genuine Orthos.  They represent a worthy execution of the orthoscopic eyepiece, in my opinion, and make it possible for those who do not possess the Zeiss Abbes to own an equal alternative at a fraction of the price.  No exotic glasses are used here, surely, as Zeiss.  But, my observations show that it is actually not possible to differentiate, in use, between a Zeiss "Abbe", a Pentax SMC-Ortho, or a Baader Genuine Ortho".

NEW  Winged Rubber Eyecup Now Included with Each Genuine Ortho

- Baader Genuine Ortho,  5mm  (#GO-5)

- Baader Genuine Ortho,  6mm  (#GO-6)

- Baader Genuine Ortho,  7mm  (#GO-7)

- Baader Genuine Ortho,  9mm  (#GO-9)

- Baader Genuine Ortho,  12.5mm  (#GO-12)

- Baader Genuine Ortho,  18mm  (#GO-18)

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The Baader Planetarium VIP Modular Barlow is a complete high quality 2X photo-visual barlow system.  The VIP (VIsual and Photographic) barlow is ingeniously designed for functionality and flexibility.  It  consists of several modular component parts, which enable you to configure the barlow for multiple visual and imaging uses. 

Designed to accept 1¼” eyepieces and fit 1¼” focusers, it also incorporates a 2" section for use in 2" focusers.  The eyepiece holder uses dual nickel plated clamp screws for maximum convenience and security, and incorporates a captive spring bronze lock ring to prevent any possibility of damage to your eyepieces.  As with all Baader Planetarium products, the quality of machining and detail of design is unsurpassed.  The internal surfaces are all fully sharp V-threaded and blackened to eliminate stray light reflections.  Surfaces are finely machined and satin anodized for function and appearance, and the pieces all fit closely and precisely.

The heart of the VIP modular barlow is its precision air-spaced negative lens assembly. The large 24mm clear diameter of the optics minimizes vignetting, and its apochromatic field-flattening design makes it well suited for high power planetary observing as well as for CCD cameras. Both lens elements are polished to a very high standard, and fully multi-coated, using the finest 7 layer multi-coatings available today (reflections per surface are less than 0.2% !).  The result is a sharp, high-contrast image that is virtually unaffected by its passage through the barlow.

For more information on this unique barlow and its potential uses, please click on the More Info link below.

- Baader VIP Modular Barlow  (#VIPB)

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The original eyepiece spectroscope.  Baader Planetarium's Blazed Grating Spectroscope/Spectrograph permits amateurs and educators to observe and image stellar spectra.

The unique high-quality glass transmission grating provides exceptionally bright spectra, up to 82% first order transmission!, 30% brighter than other available eyepiece spectrographs. 

Through the Baader Spectroscope, stars will produce a vivid spectrum with the colors spread out along its length like a rainbow.  Emission lines and absorption lines can be readily observed in many stars.  These lines can be used to identify specific elements in the star's atmosphere, or ascertain a star's temperature.  Visibility of features depends on the type and brightness of the star, telescope aperture, magnification, and atmospheric conditions.

The following components are supplied with each Spectroscope:

• Blazed Transmission Grating, mounted in a Baader precision 1¼" threaded filter cell.

• PhotoVisual 1¼" Eyepiece Holder.  Accepts the Transmission Grating, and 1¼" eyepiece.  Eyepieces (magnification) can therefore be changed at will without disturbing the orientation of the grating.  Also incorporates output T-threads for connection to any CCD or film camera. 

• Cylindrical Lens assembly w/Eye Shade, slips over eyepiece to further spread out the spectrum for better visibility of some objects.  Fits any eyepiece with an approximate 33mm OD barrel (works with many common 1¼" eyepieces, plossls, orthos, etc, including Baader Genuine Orthoscopics).

What is a Blazed Grating?  The Baader Spectroscope uses a special glass 207 Lines/mm diffraction grating for dispersing the incoming light.  Simple gratings produce several spectra (first and higher orders).  The laser holographic blazing process shapes the grooves of the grating to concentrate the light into the 1st order spectra.  The result is a much brighter spectra.  Even when compared to other blazed grating spectroscopes available to the amateur, the Baader grating is significantly brighter, permitting  improved visibility and a greater selection of suitable objects.

Each spectroscope comes in a padded storage box, with detailed instructions and a list of suitable objects and their spectral types.

NEW Please click on the following links for a pdf of the detailed instructions:

Spectroscope Getting Started  (98 kB) 

Spectroscope Instruction Manual  (146 kB) 

- Baader Blazed Grating Spectroscope  (#SPECTRO)  CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE

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# EYECP-2  Winged Rubber Eyecup 2, fits eyepieces with barrel sizes of  approximate diameter 33.5 - 34mm.   This is the most common size and fits most standard Plossls, as well as the Baader Genuine Orthos. 

* This size is also ideal for use with Nagler Type6 eyepieces, giving more usable eye relief, greater comfort, and much better cutoff of extraneous light than the stock eyecup, esp. for binoviewer use.  The stock lens cap still fits (with eyecup folded down).