Baader Hyperion Universal Zoom Mark IV w/ 2.25x Barlow 8-24mm/3.6-10.7mm

The 8-24mm Zoom: Five Focal Lengths with Tactile Clickstops

The heart of this set is the Hyperion Universal Zoom Mark IV, which zooms steplessly from 8mm to 24mm. In the Mark IV, the zoom mechanism was modified for cold temperatures and the parfocality at each focal length was fine-tuned.

ClickStops mark 8mm, 12mm, 16mm, 20mm and 24mm, so any of these five magnifications can be set intuitively. Baader stresses that this matters for binoviewers: two Mark IV eyepieces can be set to the same magnification, even in the dark. The click sound has been smoothed so that hunters and birders do not disturb their targets.

Planetary Power: The Matched 2.25x Barlow for a 3.6-10.7mm Range

Included in the set is the Hyperion 2.25x Barlow, designed especially to complement the Hyperion Zoom. It attaches to the 1.25" nosepiece with Barlow adapter A and converts the 8 to 24mm range to 3.6 to 10.7mm; Sun, Moon, planets and double stars are the targets for high resolution. The Barlow works with every Hyperion 8-24mm Zoom ever produced.

It is a triplet lens with an anastigmatic flatfield design for high sharpness over the field and Phantom Coating Group. With the Barlow, the click-stops become 3.6, 5.3, 7.1, 8.9 and 10.7mm. The Barlow lens is only suitable for astronomical telescopes; the set will not come to focus with spotting scopes.

Designed for the Highest Magnification: 68° at 8mm

Many zoom eyepieces lose sharpness and field size at high magnification, but the Hyperion Zoom was designed the other way around: glass selection, optical design and lens polish were optimised for the highest magnification. The AFOV is largest at the shortest focal length, where you want it when closing in on an object. The field expands from 48° at 24mm to a wide 68° at 8mm.

This optical system consists of 7 lens elements in 4 groups, treated with Baader's Phantom Coating® Group multicoatings. It is a flatfield design, sharp right to the edge of the field.

Modular Mechanics: A 55mm Diameter with Dual 1.25"/2" Barrels

The Mark IV comes with both 1.25" and 2" nosepieces (one is used at a time), each threaded to accept 1.25" or 2" eyepiece filters. Instead of undercuts, Baader's Zero-Tilt Safety Kerfs reduce the tendency of the eyepiece to slip from an unlocked eyepiece clamp.

The modular design also includes two key adapters, "A" and "B," which adjust the seating depth of the eyepiece. Adapter "A" is designed for spotting scopes, allowing the eyepiece to sit deeper in the clamp to reach infinity focus, while adapter "B" keeps the bottom of the eyepiece flush with the upper end of most star diagonals, so the holding ring does not rest on the clamping screws. The main body also features a 2"/SCT thread for direct, rigid connection to Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes and accessories. At 55mm in outer diameter, a pair can be used from 55mm interpupillary distance.

Camera Connectivity: Eyepiece Projection via M43 and T-2 Threads

Removing the top eyecup reveals the M43 photo/video thread, to which most video cameras attach directly; with the M43/T-2 adapter (#2958080) DSLR and T-2 accessories attach, and the M43/SP54 transition ring (#2958086) opens the Hyperion DT ring system for camera lenses.

The included 2.25x Barlow comes with a T-2 (M42x0.75) thread adapter (Barlow adapter B), so the Barlow can be mounted in front of a camera or other T-2 accessory, for example a DSLR with a T-ring.

Field Ergonomics: Three Included Eyecups and 16-19mm Eye Relief

Eye relief runs from 19mm at 8mm to 16mm at 24mm (eyepiece without Barlow). Baader supplies three eyecups that fit the M43 thread.

• Adjustable Eyecup: The large height-adjustable eyecup comes mounted; rotating it counterclockwise raises it.
• Straight Eyecup: A non-folding rubber eyecup, which Baader prefers for observers without glasses at a binoviewer, giving room for the nose.
• Winged Eyecup: An even lower eyecup with a foldable winged shield, especially for wearers of glasses; its side shields block stray light.