[Steffen]

Originally Posted by NGC2264

1) What are peoples thoughts on mixing different brands across the spectrum to cherry pick the better performing products at those magnification points? Or is it better to stay within a range ie Naglers, Panoptics?

I'm using an eclectic mix of eyepieces from various manufactures and have never really been able to benefit from parfocality. I got used to that and prefer a best bang for my buck kit over a single manufacturer set. YMMV.

2) For a three eye piece set would would peoples recommendations be for focal lengths, and what would they be for a four eye piece set. I think I am tending to a four piece set but I would be interested on people's thoughts.

Hard to say, I can't remember when I last owned only three eyepieces (even GSO Dobs come with more I think). But I guess you mean three premium eyepieces, and I reckon the set you're looking at is pretty good in conjunction with a Barlow. The other thread had a number of experienced observers stating their 4-piece dream sets, have a look over there.

3) Bit hesitant to pick a low magnification eyepiece 30mm +. Would be interested to hear people's recommendations here as I think this may be my first purchase point.

With 28mm you're already hitting 6mm exit pupil in your f/4.7 scope, if that is of any importance to you. I found that sometimes a really wide eyepiece (like 40mm or 55mm) is worth having, even if the exit pupil is 8mm or larger.

4) One thing that confuses me a bit is the wider field of views being combined with higher magnification eyepieces. I wish to get an eyepiece that can give me a wide field of view, but does say thenew Ethos 21mm has a 110 degree AFOV make a 41mm eyepiece somewhat redundant ?

The same true field of view will look darker (and therefore potentially better/contrastier) at higher magnification. And yes, if you can swing a 21mm Ethos then what I said about having a 40mm or 55mm may or may not apply. Except… I'm not sure about their relative throughput. A Plössl or König has only two groups, surely a lot less than an Ethos. Also, the 21mm Ethos has a field stop of 36.2 mm which isn't all that much and limits the TFOV to about 1.7 degrees. The 55mm TV Plössl gives you 2.4 degrees...

As an aside does anyone own the Ethos 10mm or 21mm and do you think they are worth the money compared to other products? Or are they a complete luxury?

Can't say, never owned one.

5) I have read about the issue of coma with dobsonians. My focal ratio is 4.7. Is it wise to get a paracorr to use with the lower magnification eyepieces?

I reckon once you've got the scope and eyepieces it will become quite apparent whether or not a Paracorr is needed. If you're happy with the views you don't need one

Cheers
Steffen.