Illuminated Reticles

[ColinS]

I am thinking of getting an illuminated reticle, the one I am giving particular consideration to is the 'The Meade MA12mm Astrometric Eyepiece'. I have read that it is good for a number of calculations, including,
Four types of measuring scales are included, for measuring double star
angular separations, position angles, planetary diameters, and lunar crater diameters, as well as many other useful astronomical measurements. Included also is a doublecrossline scale for long-exposure photo-guiding.
Though I am new to astrophotography, and astronomy in general, would this be the best reticle to go for at this stage, or one of the other ones on the market. Cost does come into it? If you suggest another, which one and why?

[Paddy]

I haven't used one of these Colin, but I reckon it's exactly what I'm after as a visual observer. I find it very hard to estimate the sizes of DSOs, angles between things etc. I have no experience in imaging or drift aligning so I don't know whether it would be of use for that. Where are you thinking of getting it from and do you know what they cost? I found them at Astro-Optical, but they have no price listed.

[barx1963]

I had one. I found it quite hard to use. Possible more use in an EQ mount. In the Dob it with only 12mm focal length things drifted so quickly there was no time to estimate sizes etc. If you are tracking it is probably easier.

If I had perservered, may have had better results

Malcolm

[MikeyB]

Presently on special at Star Optics:

Illuminated Reticle Astrometric 12mm (http://118.127.11.230/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=33&products_id=143)

[Paddy]

Thanks Mike.

[ColinS]

Thank you all for your input. I shall probably get one in the very near future.

[Merlin66]

I have and use the Meade. It's very good.
The Celestron Micro Guide is another good reticle eyepiece; it has a built in x-y movement...