I've just recently upgraded from my ETX-70 to a 12" Lightbridge - needless to say the new scope is much better, an improvement on the 8" dob I had on loan from the ASV too. Now I've got a few questions about what accessories I should get to go along with it. I'll mostly be looking at deep space objects, but if the moon or planets are up I'll have a look too.
First off, I want a star chart that I can use in the field. Stallerium is great but I can't take my laptop everywhere.
I was thinking I could just print and bind
this at Officeworks. It seems pretty good, and the fact that it's A4 size is a big bonus. Can anyone tell me if this includes all of the southern hemisphere though? (I'm guessing it does as it goes down to -90dgs)
Will that be right for the southern hemishpere? Also should I print the version with constellation markings or without? Or should I just buy a commercial star chart?
Second is a shroud as the scope is a truss dob. Do I need one if there isn't much light around me? I was observing from the backyard last night and it was great, so I don't know if I even need one. If I do need one, can I just make one myself or should I buy one?
Next up are eyepieces and barlows. The scope came with a 2" 26mm Meade QX Wide Angle EP. I also have a 25mm and a 9mm EP that came with the ETX but the 9mm is broken(the lens is loose and rotates in its housing). I'm going to a dark sky site Saturday night so I figure I should wait and see what I want out of an eyepiece after that night. Would it be worth getting a 2" 2x Barlow now in case I want the extra magnification?
Cheers,
Tudor