Nikon EDG 65 Meets The Pentax XW14 And XW20 Eyepieces (1 Viewer)

I thought this would be something of interest to those who own the Nikon EDG Spotting Scope. Due to a completely unexpected offer for me to purchase another Nikon EDG 65 Spotting Scope in new condition, at a price that I could not refuse I am at it again. .... finishing a project I had actually started before I sold my original EDG spotting scope to Jerry. An adapter to see if it was possible for other 1.25” eyepieces to focus on the EDG 65 spotting scope. The Nikon EDG eyepieces are unique due to the eyepiece design and also because of the large/deep ocular port on the scope body. It’s because of this unique ocular port opening which is a few millimeters larger in diameter than the diameter of the 1.25” barrel of Pentax that allows the eyepiece to be inserted/tested. I chose these two eyepieces to test because of their high quality and their proven outstanding optical view. I wanted to see if the Pentax eyepieces could equal the EDG eyepiece view or even possibly improve the view of the EDG scope optically if that was possible ? The XW eyepieces did not disappoint. Not only did they both focus correctly, they proved to be optically equal in view to their corresponding EDG eyepieces with the XW14 I thought possibly improving the EDG optical view over the FEP-30 and FEP-38W eyepieces.
The pictures below show the on hand stuff I used, with the finished adapter with the XW14 mounted on the EDG spotter.

Another one! You’re unstoppable!

Very intriguing to see Astro eps on the EDG. There’s a great choice of eps from Nikon but Astros open up a huge range of possibilities.

And the EDGs are such great scopes.

Boogieshrew said:

Very intriguing to see Astro eps on the EDG. There’s a great choice of eps from Nikon but Astros open up a huge range of possibilities. And the EDGs are such great scopes.

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I totally agree, the Pentax XW 1.25” eyepieces are indeed some of the best you can own. Below are the pictures of the now finished modified adapter permanently attached to the Pentax XW14 eyepiece. I have not found any info on the Nikon EDG’s focal length, I estimate this eyepiece to be 27.4 x power when used on the Nikon EDG 65 based on the FEP-16/20W being a 24mm eyepiece = a 384 Fl scope body dived by 24mm. If I am wrong with the EDG 65 focal length, maybe someone here can correct me having the correct FL number. I am now done with this EDG compatible modified eyepiece, I will be moving this eyepiece to the For Sale Section if anyone is interested. PM me if you have any questions .

Well done!

If I was trying to achieve an adapter like you, I would look for existing adapters for Nikon F female bayonet. Your adapter shows that there is some "space" to reach focus, so probably would start with something like https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p9699_ZWO-Adapter-for-attaching-NIKON-lenses-to-Astro-Cameras.html
Than would be needed a short T to 1,25" adapter - I have one https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p209_Visual-Back-T2-to-1-25----with-additional-T2-male-thread---short.html -don't know if is "short" enough to reach focus...
The only item I saw from the EDG series is the FSA-L2 that I purchased and adapted for photography with my Optolyth 100 http://www.pt-ducks.com/cr-photography.htm#Photography_using_birding_telescopes and mainly to work as an image erector and zoom for astrotelescopes http://www.pt-ducks.com/cr-telescopes.htm#Nikon_FSA-L2
I hope that the next generation of the EDG series would be a reply to the Zeiss Harpia https://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=389570, will have a version with >95mm, with internal 3.5x zoom and will receive astro-eps - I already have a Nikon HW 12.5 with 102º AFOV!...o

DRodrigues said:

...
Than would be needed a short T to 1,25" adapter - I have one https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p209_Visual-Back-T2-to-1-25----with-additional-T2-male-thread---short.html -don't know if is "short" enough to reach focus...
...

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Just remembered of a shorter T to 1.25" https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/en/info/p9743_Baader-2458121-Ultrashort-1-25----T2-Klemme.html - I have a pair on my binoviewer...
By the way, I want to add a binoviewer version to the next EDG generation wish list! Please, using the 3.5x internal zoom...o I also like good challenges http://www.pt-ducks.com/cr-telescopes.htm#CR-binoviewing...3

DRodrigues said:

Just remembered of a shorter T to 1.25" https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/en/info/p9743_Baader-2458121-Ultrashort-1-25----T2-Klemme.html - I have a pair on my binoviewer...
By the way, I want to add a binoviewer version to the next EDG generation wish list! Please, using the 3.5x internal zoom...o I also like good challenges http://www.pt-ducks.com/cr-telescopes.htm#CR-binoviewing...3

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Thanks David for sharing your experience and info. Since I still have the Nikon EDG 65, I will order the Ultra Short 1.25 to T2 first just to get a idea of how much back focus will be needed. Then I will be able to judge if the Nikon F Female adapter to the T2 will even have a chance for any other eyepieces to focus correctly before I go any further. The Agenastro.com short 1.25 to T2 is only $35, the cheapest point to start. I now have a lot of time to spend indoors because of this health crisis and because no one seems to want my EDG 65 now anyway, so I might as well try to test more eyepieces to focus other than the Nikon FEP dedicated eyepieces for the EDG.

gcole said:

Thanks David for sharing your experience and info. Since I still have the Nikon EDG 65, I will order the Ultra Short 1.25 to T2 first just to get a idea of how much back focus will be needed. Then I will be able to judge if the Nikon F Female adapter to the T2 will even have a chance for any other eyepieces to focus correctly before I go any further. The Agenastro.com short 1.25 to T2 is only $35, the cheapest point to start. I now have a lot of time to spend indoors because of this health crisis and because no one seems to want my EDG 65 now anyway, so I might as well try to test more eyepieces to focus other than the Nikon FEP dedicated eyepieces for the EDG.

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David ... The Baader Ultra Short 1.25 to T2 finally arrived after 10 days. I have posted 4 pictures : 2 of how it sits perfectly over the EDG eyepiece ocular port. The other 2 showing how deep, the distance to the first glass element and how the ocular port ring extends a few millimeters above its opening. The distance from the top opening of this 1.25 adapter as it sits to the EDG’s inside first glass element is about 38mm. This adapter could easily be a fixed permanently with the right adhesive. As it sits, I think many Astro 1.25 eyepieces would work nicely with the EDG. I think adding a Nikon Female F bayonet with another T1/T2 adapter to this ultra short Baader 1.25 adapter would just extend the other eyepieces out to far. I am also sure if someone had access to the right machinery, this adapter could easily be made to snap in or out while using different focal length eyepieces. I no longer have access to a lathe, electric grinding or cutting equipment so this is as far as I can go.

Hello,

Was anything more ever investigated using Astro eyepieces with the EDG spotting scope?

I just recently bought a “new” old stock EDG Fieldscope and it’s build quality and optical performance has convinced me to sell my Swarovski ATX system. I know, the unthinkable!

Also, at the same time, I am just starting to investigate and learn about astronomy and the different types of telescopes, eyepieces, etc.

Any and all help regarding the use of the EDG with Astro eyepieces is welcome.

Thank you!