Extras/Accessories for New Scope

[doubled]

Hello all,

After many years of being a wannabe astronomer, reading countless Australian Sky&Space magazines, and looking at hundreds, if not thousands, of photographs of our solar system and DSO’s, I have finally made the decision to get a first hand perspective of the wonders that our Universe has to offer by purchasing my very first scope

After much research, I have decided on a 12” Dobsonian. The manufacturer? Well that still remains a mystery, as the specifications of all of the Dobs I have researched appear to be too similar for a complete novice like me to pick a clear winner. My only wish is to purchase a quality product.

The question I would like to pose to you all is,

“What extras, or accessories, do I need to purchase with my new scope?”

Things like additional eyepieces, collimating tools, filters etc! Apologies, but unfortunately my lack of knowledge in all things hardware prohibits me being any more specific than this.

Also, if this topic has already been dealt with in another thread, then please let me know, otherwise any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Regards….David

[reeaal]

I recently got a 10" SW Dob and, after trawling here for advice, found a few useful threads. Scott's post on here http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=42081 was particularly helpful. I got a colimation tool (non-laser), a Barlow (Orion) and a Telrad.
Next planned purchase is a decent eye piece to start building up a good collection.
Good luck

[rmcpb]

Extras you NEED:

Join an astro club and go to the observing sessions. The experienced members will be your best assets.
Red torch - just some cellophane over a normal torch will get you going.
Planisphere - the big Chandler one is great.
Collimating equipment - either a cheshire eyepiece or a laser collimator. Either one will get you going.
Stool - to allow comfy viewing.


Extras you may THINK you need:

Better eyepieces - the ones that come with the scope will keep you going for quite a while till you learn to observe.
A Telrad - now this is a toss up whether its an essential or nice to have.
Filters - most filters people buy spend most of their time in the box and not on the scope. The only one that may be useful would be a variable moon filter to make observing the moon more comfy.
Atlases - good sky maps can be found for free on the web for a while till you have time to look around.


I would say, so long as you can collimate it, find your way around the sky and are comfy then you will go a long way quickly. All the other accessories will come in time.

Cheers

[doubled]

Thanks guys,

Much appreciated. Now to decide which Dob!

Regards....David

[wavelandscott]

Rob (rmcpb) and I tend to "race" to post similar advice!

With respect to which Dobsonian mounted reflector to get, I'd suggest that you get out and see some at Astro Shops (there are some good ones around) and or at some viewing nights (clubs, socieiteis, IIS folks).

The specifications as you noted originally are very similar but there are some differences (maybe small) in the execution of those specifications...many of those differences like many things in astro gear will boil down to personal preference. Once you see a few up close and personal you will be in a better position to choose.

Good Luck!

[TJD]

i got my eye-peices from the australian geographic shop in brisbane
they sold a kit which i use alot the scope will come with eye-peices
a club is very important a good asset in knowlege and expirience
learn from others mistakes and good luck:thumbsup: