Better Views

[outbacknick]

Hello to everyone
I have only recently joined this group ad have found it very helpful. I have just purchased a LX-90 8" scope My main questions are what sort of lenses and filters would be good to start with. I am interested in planetary and deep space viewing and I hope this scope will help me with that. At the moment I have a 26mm Plossyl and also a 9mm eyepieces. Thank you in advance for your help...Nick

[torana68]

Id say read the various eyepiece threads, then make up your mind what your budget allows, and what suits you, you can spend an awefull lot on a eyepiece that might not be suitable to you. Buying a brand name isnt always a better choice over some of the cheaper ones. Filters? dont use them as yet, tried a pollution one couldnt see any diference where I am.
Roger

[Liz]

Hi Nick, congrats on the scope - wouldnt mind one of those myself. ;)
As Roger said, do searches to gather info on EPs and filters, and I like looking at peoples signatures to see what they have. :)
Depending on your budget as to what you get, but browse through the Eyepiece section etc. Some are enjoying the Andrews super wide EPs at the moment. http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=63967&page=2
I have only started using filters, but they certainly improve the look of nebulas. I use the 2 that are in my signature below.
You would have some magnificent dark skies over your way. :eyepop:

[Suzy]

Hi Nick,

Congratulations on your scope purchase, your in for a fabulous time.;)

Have a look at a thread of mine- it's very informative.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=59484&highlight=5mm+%24200

And....
Cloudy Nights review on a ton of EPs http://www.cloudynights.com/category.php?category_id=87&pr=1

Also, a must read - it explains basic facts about eye pieces in general (different designs, magnifying power etc).
http://www.actonastro.com/eyepieces.htm

Regarding filters, from my light polluted suburb I find the UHC filter (I have a Baader) really makes those nebulas pop out. I only have this one so far, so I can't comment on the other LP filters (tho I hear they are good). Different filters target different nebulas (planetary, emmission, reflection etc).
Here is some really great info that will help you on all things about filters.

http://www.lumicon.com/astronomy-accessories.php?cid=1&cn=Filters

http://sciastro.net/members/portia.php/2009/01/31/g-the-use-of-filters

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=27821

Lots of reading for there Nick! Enjoy. :)

Regards,
Suzy.

[outbacknick]

Hello to all

Thank you all for your advice I will have a look at the information so far one thing I can say is that its great to be able to ask these questions so thanks again:)

[Esseth]

Great post Suzy, i picked up a few things from those links, cheers