about to dive in the dob pool....

[elusiver]

Looking for a little advise.

I'm about to dive in the dob pool, and get the andrews 8". Comes with the moon filter, binos, 9mm and 25mm eyepieces.

What else should i get with it. Budget of around $500, so the scope alone will leave me about $100 left over. I think i should get a cheshire.. which is about $30.. which leaves me with $70. What should I get.. tossing up between a 15mm ep or a barlow. I figure if i get other stuff there's a greater chance of me getting some sort of deal.

thanks,
el

[cahullian]

Try and talk them into giving you a crayford style focuser, I haven't heard too many favourable comments on their barlows.I also have the 8" Dob and for $149 (from bintel) a nice Orion shorty plus x2 Barlow that works a treat.

Gazz

[Starkler (Geoff)]

In your position i would get the cheshire, and a 15mm GS plossl.

I wouldnt buy a barlow until I had $150 to spend to get an Orion Shorty Plus model barlow.

[cahullian]

I agree with Geoff everyone seems to recommend the 15 mm I think thats what I'll go for next purchase. from what I have read don't go the 6mm or the 4mm as you wont get to use them very often. Don't forget the $25.00 trolly from Bunnings (really saves your back)

Irish

[ving (David)]

2x barlow and a cheshire EP... then you are set... for a while

[atalas]

el , a 15mm and 26mm will be your most used eyepieces and your 9mm will get used alot on planets . You will need a collimating eyepiece ,a well colllimated 8" will serve you well.
Learn to use your Cheshire ,you might need help with that in the begining ,we all did!

Louie

[rmcpb (Rob)]

I would say the cheshire eyepiece and a 15mm eyepiece. Agree that you need to get a good barlow so wait till you can afford a good one.

Those two items should just about take care of your spare cash.

There is always the old red LED torch and planisphere if you don't already have them.

Keep us updated on the decision

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

El,

How about taking your $70 down to the nearest Office supply store and getting a comfy Height adjustable chair to sit on whilst viewing. Or the nearest hardware store and get a small step ladder to sit on.

You won't regret it. Saves your back! You can have all the EP's in the world, but if your back aches from viewing you won't enjoy any of them.

[elusiver]

i think i'll be going the 15mm and the cheshire. i'm about to shoot off an email and see how i go.

already have a red led torch(jaycar keyring job, works well for $3), and i've illuminated my observation log as well As for a planisphere i use either a PDA with pocketstars and pocket sky, or i've got an old lappy i use with starry night pro, both i've made up red cellophane kinda slip on covers for. As for a height adjustable chair.. these work ones are quite comfy

el