Spotters Reticle eyepiece option for Pentax PF80-ED

CoryT

Gunsite Rangemaster
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  • Mar 5, 2004
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    Those of you that have a straight body PF80-ED can modify a Burris 30X WA eyepiece to fit, so you can have a Mil or MOA reticle in this fantastic spotter. It takes some machine work, so you'll need access to a lathe, but it's a simple mod, just turn the barrel down to 1.25 over the whole length. I'm working out final dimensions, but the test part is within .1 mil over 3 mils, and I still have a bit more to cut back. Should leave us at about 31X when complete. When I get it calibrated I'll do some photos.
     
    Sorry for the slow reply, I just ran across your post. I love my pentax/astro eyepiece setup. If you're looking for a zoom, it will be hard to beat a Baader Hyperion mark 4. If you want a fixed focal length wide FOV long eye relief, try the Tele Vue 17.3 Delos https://agenaastro.com/televue-1-25-delos-eyepiece-17-3mm.html. I've compared it side by side with a few much more expensive scopes, and it beats them in resolution and FoV. As far as the Burris eyepiece, if you know someone with a lathe and a delicate touch, you can trim the barrel down, but the focus distance will be slightly off unless you also set the shoulder back. It won't quite focus at infinity. Also, the reticle is off by about 5%.

    Edit to add: with the Tele Vue 17.3, the magnification will be about 29ish, if I'm remembering correctly