I've owned this piece since 2000'. From the Pronto to the NP-101 an outstanding port to the sky. I recently acquired the AP130EDFGT and have spent hours scanning star fields that I "was familiar" with. This glass deserves all the kudos you read about it.

From: Peter Lardizabal | Created on: 10/30/2009 6:27:33 PM

This 2-inch “hand grenade” eyepiece is a superb low power performer. In a TeleVue-76 mm refractor, the 35 Panoptic delivers 14x and a 5-degree field. It is a lot of fun to sweep large star fields with this setup. You can see the entire Belt of Orion in the same eyepiece field. This is the perfect eyepiece for viewing the Trifid and Lagoon together in the same field, or the entire Andromeda Galaxy as a cigar-shaped glowing cloud.

When observing, I tend to rest my eye on the edge of the field and peer over. The eyepiece provides a bright, wide window on space. The 35 Panoptic is the most comfortable eyepiece that I have ever used. There are no eye relief issues with this eyepiece (I don’t wear glasses). Stars are sharp from edge-to-edge, and there are no false colors. The eyepiece does need occasional cleaning. Dust on the eye lens is visible when viewing a bright moon-lit field, but for dim deep sky viewing this is not an issue.

My only objection to the 35 Panoptic is its size and weight. I need to rebalance my scopes when using the eyepiece. For these reasons, I don’t use the 35 Panoptic as much as other eyepieces like the 1.25-inch 24 Panoptic. But if you like 2-inch eyepieces, and want a more affordable alternative to TeleVue’s other big eyepieces, then I recommend the 35 Panoptic.

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:56 PM

After getting used to the long eye relief with my glasses on I relized that this is probably my favorite EP.  In my ZS 80 it gave me a ~16x view which was just so amazing.  I would advise picking up the astigmatism if you dont like wearing glasses.  I keep mine on my 19mm Pan, and just wear glasses with this.  Great EP overall!

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:56 PM

For years the Televue 35mm Panoptic has been my favorite eyepiece.  As a matter of fact, I have kidded Al Nagler about his not having labled it as a Nagler II and 1/2. He, of course, responds that it has one too few elements to be classified as a Nagler.

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:51 PM

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:45 PM

just bought, just tried.. just loved.

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:45 PM

there is no comparison to this eyepiece to the 40mm super plossl i have. the field of view is incredible about 2.7 degrees in my tak fs102. I solely use this eyepiece for general viewing. The eyepiece does take a little while to accustom to. the only drawback to this is its size and weight...if you only have one eyepiecet this would be the one to have.

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:44 PM

After using both the TeleVue 27mm & 41mm Panoptics I decided to give this Mid Ranged eyepiece a go...One simple word to discribe the 35 Pan, its a Monster! In both my Takahashi TOA130 and Mewlon 250 I use this piece for deep sky for faint Nebula and Galaxies most being the Messier type and without fail the 35mm Pan increases the imagine quality on faint objects allowing for greater detail when moving down from the 41 or between a higher powered piece which doesnt have the eye relief...I also use a TV 31mm nagler when viewing these same objects but the 35mm Panoptic will give you a better chance to increase the visual detail making this eyepiece easier and better for you to use...This is a great piece to have in your collection, 10+!      

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:44 PM

I begin every observing session with this EP in my TOA 130. At 29X with a 2.4 degree FOV , it makes locating faint objects a breeze. Exceptionally sharp both on and off axis with outstanding color correction. Recommended highly.

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:43 PM

Day or night, the Pan 35 provides wonderful views - excellent sharpness on axis and very good sharpness at the edge in a TV85, C-8 and Telekit 12.5 f/6.  By very good I mean that if you follow a star across the field, you will see less sharpness at the edge of field - but for most purposes, youd call it sharp to the edge.  Eye relief is plenty for use with glasses.  There is some pincushion distortion thats most noticeable in daylight, particularly when straight lines are at the edge of field, but for birding or astronomy, I dont find it objectionable.  

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:42 PM

This is by far the best wide field EP I have ever used.

You can spend twice as much on a 31MM Nagler but are you going to get twice the view?

Hey it’s only money.  I will let you be the judge. Check it out and see for yourself.

Outstanding contrast and sharp to the edge. This lens is #1 in my book.

Doug

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:40 PM

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:40 PM

With my 11 aperture and this EP you achieve reach out & touch views! You get what you pay for IMHO! Mike.

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:39 PM

The 35 Pan is responsible for redirecting my interest in visual astronomy from lunar, planetary to clusters and star vistas. It has a perfect 68 degree AFOV, perfect eyerelief, and it can only be criticized for its weight which I personally have no problem with. I use it with my AP Star12ED.

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:38 PM

Breath-taking window to the universe.  I find myself just starring with amazement at the beauty and delicacy of a wide field view of the milky way.  This EP with an OIII filter brings the veil out in haunting eerie 3D.  M31 fully engulfs this EP in my 6 f/8. I am mesmerized with the double cluster and M42.  Although expensive, its a lifetime EP; worth saving for. It may not be perfect but its real close!  Much closer to a 10 than a 9.

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:38 PM

Coupled with a 10-LX200GPS and an Everbrite Diagonal this is an excellent purchase.

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:38 PM

Greatest widefield eyepiece Ive ever owned but it is also very big and heavy on my little 102 refractor. But excellent in my C11 SCT.

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:37 PM

I use this on a 6f8 refractor. It gives a flatter more in focus field than my Meade 40 swa that I also use for sweeping. Treat yourself to one of the best available to date.

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:37 PM

The 35mm PO is the sharpest, best corrected maximum field stop 2 superwide angle (60-70 degree) eyepiece I have looked through. Competitors include the Meade 40mm Superwide, and UO 40mm 7/70 Koenig.
Pincushion distortion is noticable, but doesnt detract.
Glasses wearers: Eye relief is considerably less than advertised - eye lens is set deep into housing, making glasses on viewing less than comfortable (I had a machinist modify the top of my eyepiece). Edge sharpenss without glasses suffers (for highly myopic or slightly astigmatic eyes).
If you use with the TV Big Barlow (why would you?), the PanOptic Barlow Interface can be used to correct some minor vignetting that most people wouldnt notice.

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:37 PM

A great wide-field lens. 68 degrees is about all us mortals can see and mentally process after a fashion at this focal length in most scopes. Does not have the orange ring problem of the 31mm nagler and is a much better buy.  The middle position between the 31mm nagler and the 32mm TV plossl.  The sensible course.

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:37 PM

This 35mm Panoptic has been my most used eyepiece for comfortable wide viewing with both my 12 LX200 and 12.5 Dob.  Very good correction and sharpness, plus easy to use with my eyeglasses.

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:36 PM