Crystalvue 8x vs Eagleeye 5x

[dkoloski]

Does anyone have any comments on a comparison of these two lenses? I was about to buy a Kenko 5x and decided not to based on various feedback so I'd appreciate any comments. I'm using this for solar photgraphy and birding.
Thanks,
- Duncan

[shene]

Originally Posted by dkoloski

Does anyone have any comments on a comparison of these two lenses? I was about to buy a Kenko 5x and decided not to based on various feedback so I'd appreciate any comments.

Do you mean Kenko KUT-500 5X? Which camera will use this 5X? In my experience, this is not a good lenses, and vignetting is likely if your camera zoom is not high enough. I think 3X ot 4X is not enough to remove the vignetting problem. I have a page about this lens listed under Odd Stuff of my 950/990/995/4500 guide. I used Nikon Coolpix 990 and found out that vignetting is unacceptable.

If your have a 28mm threads (e.g., Coolpix), you could consider Kenko 6X which is a much better lens than the KUT500 5X. The EagleEye 5X is better but more expansive. If your have 37mm lens thread, you could consider CrystalVue 8X or Kenko 832 8X. The CrystalVue is a little sharper IMO; but, it has stronger chromatic aberration.

For solar photography, you perhaps needs a higher power scope. These 5X, 6X and 8X scope may not be powerful enough.

CK
http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam
Nikon Coolpix 950/990/995/2500/4500 user guide