What size eyepiece next?

[Rockinghorse]

Maybe some of you can relate to this problem. My eyepiece case is nearly full. There's space for one more eyepiece and it's calling to me "buy one more..."
Ever get that feeling?
Anyway I'm using a 12" Skyliner Dob and my eyepiece case currently has the following:
Baader Hyperion 24mm (62 and 125X)
Baader Hyperion 13mm (115 and 230X)
Baader Hyperion 24mm (187 and 375X)
Baader Ortho 6mm (250 and 500)
Televue 2x Barlow

So my questions are:
If I get an EP that gives me more than 500X am I ever likely to get conditions when it's usable? Double stars?

Are there any really useful magnifications I'm missing?

If I go lower power with say the Hyperion 31mm that would give me an AFOV around 1.49 degrees which I believe is above the limit of a 1.25" EP in my scope (1.21).

I'm no expert and max FOV's spin my head. Does that mean I'd get vignetting? I imagine the Carina Nebula would be pretty amazing in a widefield low power view.

(Please don't recommend an Ethos! I really like the Hyperions as a great balance of price and quality).

BTW, I like observing everything from Galaxies to planets, though I'm a relative newbie.

[casstony]

Hi Simon - welcome to IIS.

It looks like you're pretty well covered with the eyepieces you have. Given that you're happy with the quality of your current gear why not save the cash towards the next astro purchase (the gear you don't yet know you need :)) such as a solar scope, imaging gadgets, etc.

[Rockinghorse]

Thanks for the advice Casstony
Imaging, I can hear cash registers ringing at the sound of it :)
Imaging has always appealed but it has sounded like a millionaires sport to me...

But the "gear you don't yet know you need" sounds pretty tangible:)

[casstony]

I've not gone into imaging but my impression is that you can use relatively cheap gear and get decent results on solar system objects, providing you're interested in spending the time to learn how to get the most out of the software. The magnifications you list in your first post imply that you have very nice skies too - I don't get much over 100x most of the time.

[JethroB76]

Agree with Tony, if you're happy with the Hyperions, and they're a great EP, you seem fairly well set with that range. Can't see you getting much use at 500x.

You could always look at some other accessory that you now can't live without:lol: - maybe a UHC or OIII filter, perhaps an upgrade on your collimation gear, an *cough* Argo Navis *cough*..there's always going to be something else you'll think you will need

[Rockinghorse]

The skies in the South Island of New Zealand can be pretty good. If you ever get to Tekapo I think you'd be amazed.

Now if only they do something about those streetlights....