Quillon Saltire 30 mm wide-field eyepiece

Specifications

Description

The Saltire 30 mm is a six-element wide-field eyepiece with a 72-degree apparent field and a 2 in barrel. Its 36 mm field stop sets a true field that uses the full aperture of a 2 in focuser. At this focal length, the eyepiece gives low power in most telescopes: 28x in an 840 mm refractor, 40x in a 1,200 mm Dobsonian, and 68x in a 2,032 mm Schmidt-Cassegrain.

Low power and a wide apparent field combine to give a large true field. In a 1,200 mm telescope, the 72-degree apparent field spans a true field of 1.8 degrees, which holds the Double Cluster in Perseus within a single view with space around it. The same field frames the full Moon with room to spare at 40x. Because the image is bright at low power, you can use this eyepiece to locate extended objects before you switch to a higher magnification.

The eyepiece uses six elements with fully multi-coated surfaces and blackened edges to limit internal reflections. The 20 mm of eye relief lets you keep the full field in view while wearing glasses, and the rubber eyecup folds down for that purpose. The 2 in barrel requires a 2 in focuser or diagonal, so check your holder before purchase.

Sharpness across the field depends on the focal ratio of the telescope. At f/6 and slower, stars stay sharp to the field edge. In faster Newtonians near f/4.5, you will see some softening at the outer edge, which is typical for wide-field designs at that speed. At 420 g, the eyepiece is heavier than a typical 1.25 in design, so confirm that your focuser's load rating is adequate.

About this configuration

The Quillon Saltire 30 mm wide-field eyepiece is offered in several configurations, and the notes below describe what this particular one adds. This configuration comes without a case, which suits observers who keep their eyepieces in a shared foam box. No case is included, so the eyepiece ships in a simple box with its two dust caps fitted. A winged eyeguard helps you hold your eye at the right position, which makes the edge of the field easier to see.

The black anodized barrel and body resist scratches and do not reflect light into the eyepiece. The optics in the 2024 edition match the other years; the changes concern the housing only. The true field in your telescope is roughly the apparent field divided by the magnification you reach with this eyepiece.

What's in the box

• Eyepiece with fold-down rubber eyecup
• Top and bottom dust caps
• Padded storage case
• Winged rubber eyeguard

Compatibility notes

• Requires a 2 in focuser or diagonal; it does not fit 1.25 in holders.
• Sharp to the field edge at f/6 and slower; softer at the edge in faster Newtonians.
• The 2 in barrel accepts 2 in filters that use the standard 2 in thread.