Eyepiece for my 8" f6 Dob

[Konerator]

Thanks to all for the excellent advice on this forum.

Living in Perth, I got a my first telescope last year (a second hand 8 inch SkyWatcher Dobsonian) with the standard kit (1.25") 10mm and 26 mm and Plossl lenses ans 2x Barlow.

I've enjoyed watching the Moon, Planets (mainly Saturn, Jupiter & moons), Orion Nebula, Jewel Box, Omega Centauri (which I've found the most interesting to date).

I've been trying hard to find some deep space objects (mainly NGC253 & M33) and have failed to date (although I was convinced I had it perfectly lined up by referencing stars in the FOV, - I'm only a learning beginner but think I'll partially blame light pollution as I can't even see the Milky way, SMC & LMC with the naked eye, scopefinder & 24mm).

Looking at stars and the other planets has not yet taken my interest as I find it hard to distinguish features.

Although my Dob is a poor choice for Astrophotography I've enjoyed using the telescope as a prime lens for my EOS and got some nice shots of Saturn & the moon.

I guess I'm trying to find a way forward to progress my newfound hobby. I think the obvious response will be go to a spot where there is minimal light pollution (Tried this twice so far, once I ended up with clouds & once with bush fire smoke blocking my views :( )

Think that my main objective at this stage is still to try and see some galaxies, I'm sure they'll impress me even more than some Omega Centauri.

I've just ordered a Seben 8-24 zoom hoping it may help me somewhat (also so I can attach my camera using a T-mount and try and get a little magnification for some shots) but I think I'm starting to get a bug.

The objective is certainly not to build a big collection of eyepieces but I am somewhat mesmerized by the excellent reviews that the Ethos has received.

Was thinking of maybe getting a second hand 13mm (sound like the sweet spot for my telescope though there's only a second hand 8mm for sale at the moment). Figured if I don't like it, I can probably sell it again for not that much of a loss.

May be a bit hard to justify as it sounds like this eyepiece will cost more than all my other gear combined! I'd rather a couple of good pieces than a huge collection that hardly gets used. (Any thoughts?)


Cheers,

Dave.

[barx1963]

Hi Dave and welcome!!:welcome::welcome:

Galaxies are tricky little devils as they have very low surface brightness so are very easily washed out by light pollution. Despite this I would be surprised if you couldn't get NGC 253 it least partially. M33 is another matter. I live in a country town of 10000 and wouldn't even bother trying unless it was an exceptional night. It really is a dark sky object. One other to try which is getting better over the next couple of months is M104. About as bright as a galaxy can get.

As for eyepieces my usual advice to beginners is try using the ones you have as much as possible. It is very easy to spend a lot of $$$ and not really achieve much. Yes the Ethos line is wonderful, as you can see by my sig i have a few!:screwy: and one of my observing friends has recently purchased a couple of them after borrowing mine.
BUT it is a significant investment. Best idea is try to get along to some observing nights and see what others are using.

Malcolm

[simmo]

Hello Dave,

Plus one for M104. Myself and a few friends had a night out last night here in Perth where the viewing was just a little on the poor side but M104 was still quite viewable. It's common name is the sombrero galaxy.

As for the ethos while it is a nice eyepiece it is huge and it is easy to see why they nickname the large televues as hand grenades so you might just want to see one for real.

You're right about only having a couple of good eyepieces. I have a range of orthos 25, 18, 12.5, 9, and 6 to be precise and hardly use the 18 to tell you the truth. First place I would start at is replacing your 10mm as the ones with the scope are pretty poor. You will notice the difference.

Simmo;)

[nebulosity.]

My favourite EP for my 8 inch F6 newt is the Explore Scientific 14mm 82, it gives beautiful views :D and is super sharp right to the edge :thumbsup:

Nice small and light too, which is an added bonus, (you'll have to watch heavy EP's on your dob)

Cheers
Jo

[brian nordstrom]

:) Dave PM sent .
Brian.