Thread: 6" or 8" Dob
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Old 21-04-2010, 05:33 PM
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The3rdKind (John)
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posts: 31
Gidday Ben,

I am really happy you chose the 6". Get ready for some exciting views :ey epop::eyepo p:: eyepop:

By the sounds of things your EP's are 1.25". You may already know that the 2" adapter is there when you feel ready to move to larger size EP's. You can get a 2" Barlow but this is fairly redundant in a 6" scope. Here's why.

A 2" Barlow will give you the ability to get your 2" EP's up close and personal with planets, but also give you a wider field of view. This is especially good for DSO's. The redundancy comes from having a much wider FOV, in any case.

By this I mean that you can get really amazing EP's in this size that can do the work of the barlow for you any way (eg a 2" 30mm EP Barlowed down (2x) is the same as using a 15mm 2" ep. You're getting as close as you need to without forking out for a 2" Barlow. GOOD Barlows in this size range are very expensive. GOOD 2" EP's in this size are expensive too, but as a long term investment and when conditions are just right! (When the stars don't twinkle mate, just fine pinpoints of light). 2" EP's are good for say Andromeda, or Orion to name just two. You get the closeness but you also get the SPACE!!

However, with 1.25" EP's you can utilise a Barlow to it's full benefit as an Astonomical aid. Get into the moon when you get a clear night. It's the next best thing to actually walking around on it. Furthermore you ain't gonna max out the credit card

Start your serious collection with a GOOD 1.25" 2 x Barlow when finances permit . This will get you close to the planets and you wont suffer from atmospheric abberation too much. Mate, I think you can go right down to a 4mm EP and up to a 32, if you like, which will effectively give you 2mm and up to 16 WOW!!! Remember the tube is a 6" (refer my previous post).

I have evidence to back these comments up as in my previous post I said I gawked through Suzy's scope with said EP (4mm) and Barlow. Remember also that this scope is fine for DSO's too, just maybe not 14 magnitude or higher. It does not matter mate!! with your 30 and 32mm you get great viewing.

My Barlow and my EP's are all 1.25". The only time I have been satisfied with my 2x barlow and 7.5mm is looking at the moon. Sharp and crystal clear!! Mate I was walking on the Sea of Tranquility!! But in this size scope (10"), looking at Saturn say, I'm going to have to wait for that rare evening. You don't have this worry my friend.

Good Luck and Happy Viewing, Cheers,

John
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