Baader Morpheus 76° Eyepiece 4.5mm - 1.25"/2"

Baader Morpheus 4.5mm: A 76° Eyepiece for High-Magnification Observing

The Morpheus 76° series, from 4.5mm to 17.5mm, is the complement to low-magnification eyepieces, for visual use, photography and video. The absence of distortion lets you oversee the full field at once and easily find the best viewing position, and the large, sharp field gives more viewing time on non-motorised (Dobsonian) telescopes.

The eye-lens group is also made very large so that viewing is stress-free: even at too large a viewing distance the object remains visible, which public observatories with many untrained visitors appreciate. Especially with both eyes, the edge of the field virtually disappears, giving a spacewalk feeling.

An 8-Lens Flat-Field Design with 17.5mm of Eye Relief

The Morpheus 4.5mm has 8 lenses in 5 groups, with one ED and two lanthanum elements, a 76° apparent field and a 6.1mm field stop. Morpheus eyepieces give a sharp image right to the edge of the field, and the flat field design makes them suited to photographic projection.

Eye relief for the 4.5mm is 17.5mm, and eyeglass wearers can take in the full field with the Morpheus series.

• Flat Field: The optical design delivers exceedingly low angular magnification distortion, so planets and lunar features retain their true shape as they transit the field.
• True 76° Field: The stated 76° field of view is the true, usable field, not an exaggerated figure achieved through edge distortion.
• Stress-free viewing: Eye relief, the large eye lens and ease of viewing are the factors behind the spacewalk feeling.

Phantom Coating® Group for Maximum Contrast

The Phantom Group multi-coatings, pioneered in the Hyperion line, were further optimised for the Morpheus and index-matched to each of the different glasses, and the internal mechanics have been ray-traced and baffled against stray light and reflections.

Integrated 1.25" and 2" Barrels with Safety-Kerfs

The 1.25" and 2" barrels are integrated into one eyepiece of 55mm maximum outer diameter, so it fits 1.25" and 2" focusers and diagonals. Baader's technical data gives a back focus gain of 21mm when the 2" barrel is used, compared with the 1.25" barrel; the 1.25" barrel is 24mm long and the 2" barrel 21mm.

Baader's Slip-Protect Safety-Kerfs on the 1.25" and 2" barrels are numerous shallow kerfs that give additional grip and security against inadvertent drops from smooth-sided barrels, without the problems sometimes caused by traditional wide undercuts. A wide waffle-patterned rubber grip ring adds handling security.

M43 Extension for Eye Relief Tuning

The folding rubber eyecup has an integral M43-threaded metal ring, which keeps the eyecup soft and compliant while it stays securely attached when folded up or down.

Baader includes the M43 extension (#2954250, 7.5mm) with all Morpheus eyepieces. It optimises the position of the eyecup for your personal viewing position, adapts cameras with an M43 thread, and serves as a clamping surface for smartphone holders.

M43 Thread for Direct Camera & Adapter Integration

Hidden beneath the eyecup is the M43 photo-video thread. Like the Hyperions, Morpheus eyepieces make imaging projection optics, and the distortion is even lower than in the Hyperion eyepieces.

Several connection pathways are possible for both afocal and direct projection imaging:

• Classical Eyepiece Projection: With the optional Baader M43/T-2 adapter (#2958080), virtually any DSLR or system camera can be used through T-2 camera rings, with the eyepiece at the correct projection distance in front of the camera.
• Afocal Projection: For cameras with non-removable lenses, the optional M43/SP54 adapter (#2954251) opens up the Baader Hyperion DT-ring system.
• C-Mount Cameras: The C-Mount adapter (#2958520) screws matching cameras onto the eyepiece, tilt- and light-proof.

A 55mm Body Optimized for Binoviewing

Baader designed the Morpheus series for binoviewing: a 55mm outer housing diameter throughout the series allows binoviewing from 55mm interpupillary distance, even for children, and the body has been made as small as possible for nose clearance.

The scope of supply includes a winged eyecup with a foldable side shield, which provides comfort and exclusion of stray light for binoviewing with eyeglasses.

A 370g Eyepiece with Luminescent 4.5mm Labeling

Constructed from hard aluminum alloy with an industrial-quality, UV-stabilized anodized finish, the Morpheus 4.5mm has a net weight of 0.44 kg; the technical data gives 370g for the eyepiece and 102mm for the body above the reference plane. The weight is essentially the lenses plus the protection and water resistance it can supply.

Baader's luminescent lettering glows in a soft green after the eyepiece has been in the light or briefly lit with a flashlight; the main letters shine for up to three minutes, so the focal length can be recognised in the dark.

Scope of Supply

Our box list names the eyepiece, the folding rubber eyecup and the eyepiece holster (belt pouch). Baader's scope of supply for the Morpheus series also lists a winged eyecup, a storage box, three dust caps, the M43 extension and a focal length indicator clip.

The cordura holster protects the eyepiece and can be used as a belt pouch or attached to a tripod.

From the Box to the Focuser in 3 Steps

Using the Morpheus 4.5mm is straightforward. First, choose the eyecup that best suits your observing style. The standard folding eyecup is versatile, while the winged eyecup is ideal for blocking stray light, especially when binoviewing. Second, light the luminescent lettering briefly with a flashlight so you can identify it in the dark. Third, insert the eyepiece into your focuser, using either the 1.25" or 2" barrel as needed, and secure it. The M43 extension can be added under the eyecup to set your viewing position.

The holster keeps the eyepiece at hand at the telescope. Baader's stainless steel focal length indicator clips attach to the holster; bending up one or more fingers lets you identify each eyepiece by touch, without a flashlight.