Hi Mark
to IIS. Hey that's a terrific scope for anyone - let alone a beginners first scope.
Well, assuming you've focused correctly so that on Jupiter you can see the cloud bands as clearly as possible, well, - that's just the size it is
It is after all, a very long way away
Don't be confused by the supersized pics of Jupe and other things that you'll see in magazines or in the images presented here in the image section. These are not what you'll see at the ep. But there are tricks to seeing more within the limitations of the scope. Like waiting while Jupe (for eg) is at zenith, thereby cutting down all the atmosphere you're looking thru at the same time. This can give a clearer view of the detail, and so I suppose makes it seem 'better' all round.
You could try a barlow, but you'll find that the view moves too quickly across the fov when combined with, say, a 6mm ep.
I also have a 12 incher (
lucky me) and I often view the moon and Jupiter etc through a pair of binoviews from SDM Telescopes. I can't recommend them highly enough, and on a good night, they provide the best possible way for me to view Jupe - absolutley stunning. And the moon
You'd swear you were about to fall into one of those craters. And, looking thru two eyes over a longer period is much more relaxing than sqinting thru one. Save up and get a pair - you won't regret it
Oh, by the way, has anyone mentioned - your spending money, and the wife's, and the kid's pocket money for the next 15 years is already accounted for
Cheers,