Suggestions for an Eyepiece to add to my range....

[knightrider]

Hi guys/girls,

I'm currently thinking of improving my selection slightly, although i'm a budget man and I'm not looking at spending more than $100 per eyepiece.

My current equipment is as follows:

SW 10" GOTO Dobsonian F4.7
Eyepieces 1.25":
SW 25mm & 10mm Super Plossl
SW 6mm Super Wide Angle 66*
SW 4mm Plossl Classic Design

As it stands, I'm happy with the 25mm 10mm and Wide 6mm.

I've done a little reading and as I'm unable to attend star party nights given my out of the way location I'm restricted to reading experiences.

I've allowed for a 2" GSO 30mm SuperView to add for a low power option. I currently quite like the SP 25mm that was packaged with the scope.

But the 4mm Plossl I have is bad for the short eye relief and small exit pupil. It's not comfortable to use.

I wanted to look at replacing this unit. I'm thinking another 4mm with a long eye relief and wider afov. But don't want to be pushing the $100.

I've taken a look at TMB 5mm Planetary II which are priced nicely, but am still looking for the 4mm to hit the x300 mag in my scope. The 6mm wide EP I have caters nicely for the nights when seeing isn't perfect.

I understand anything beyond 300 mag won't be of much use given the atmospheric conditions not allowing it. In saying that I also believe I'll only be able to use a 4mm on the best seeing of nights, but I want that extra oomph for those crisp nights for planetary.

I'm not sure which brands to look for to achieve this.

Any suggestions will be appreciated :)

[omegacrux]

Hi knightrider
I have the 2in 30mm gso
I use it in a 10in Dob and 6in acro they give nice wide views
Great for surfing around realy good value
You can always put a wanted ad in !
this is where I have gotten most of my ep's
You will save heaps

David

[Steffen]

If you're going by field stops the gaps in your current collection are around 5mm and somewhere in the 13-17mm range. The TMB 5mm would fit the first gap nicely, and for the latter you could get a GSO SuperView 15mm. Both are reasonably priced and have a reputation for good value.

Cheers
Steffen.

[knightrider]

Would I be better off with a 5mm TMB rather than a 4mm TMB? I was thinking of going more of a step from the 6mm I have already.

I scouted out the 4mm TMB on eBay, I didn't think they existed. I was hoping for an Australian seller though.

Also are the Bintel super views the same as the GSO's?

[Richard Gamble]

I do agree, the 5mm TMB will fit in nicely. Had the 6mm and they are great for planetary.It pays a bit more to get the genuine TMB and not the clones that are being flop around. Got mine from VTI in Melbourne.

[knightrider]

http:// http://www.ozscopes.com.au/skywatcher-6mm-1-25-super-wide-angle-eyepiece.html (http://www.ozscopes.com.au/skywatcher-6mm-1-25-super-wide-angle-eyepiece.html)

This is the 6mm I have ATM. I'm quite happy with the views its given me, although I haven't looked through any others.

[knightrider]

So I decided to get the 4mm TMB planetary II. I know the 5mm would be more useful but it would negate my 6mm since the powers aren't that far apart.

In saying that, I decided to also get a 2x Barlow to convert my 10mm into a 5 if I need to, and my 25mm into a 12.5mm to cater the other gap.

The 30mm super view will have to want for now, but it will be a definite in the future.

Does anyone have a 1.25" GSO 2x barlow to report on what you think of quality? I read good reviews on them, then others that haven't used them say buy cheap get cheap and just buy a televue.

Thanks guys :)