[Mountain_Wanderer]

G'day all,

It's been a while since I stalked this forum, but i've had some time away to reflect on what telescope I want to get as my FIRST telescope!

Finally I've made a decision, and I want to invest my hard-earned cash in...

A Skywatcher Black Diamond 10 inch collapsible dobsonian
(SW-FLEXDOB-10).

Here's some key specifications:

- Aperature: 254mm (10 inch)
- Focal length: 1200mm
- Focal ratio: F/4.7
- Highest practical power: 508x
- Resolving power: 0.45
- Faintest observed magnitude: 14.7

The scope comes with the following:

- 25mm and 10mm plossl eyepieces (1.25" Super 25 and 10*)
- 8x 50 finderscope
- Crayford focuser, diameter 2" with 1.25" adapter

I'm pretty sure that I'd need to make some immediate upgrades to the scope. I'm hoping to get some help on this. (Some of the specifications jargon I've written above I'm still trying to understand by the way).

First thing is, I understand that the finderscope is frustrating to use. I believe you see everything upside down and that the eyepiece to it is not facing you and you have to twist you head to look through it. Do I need some sort of right angle finder to fix this and one that also corrects the upside down effect? What should I be looking for?

Next thing, do the eyepieces that come with the telescope actually do a good job or do they really need replacing? In terms of magnification, I'd love to look at planets up close, but understand that you can't get too close because you'll loose them from the field of view too quickly. So what would be an ideal magnification for planets? Also, I'm keen to look at deep sky objects, especially galaxies. Is it better to have low magnifications for galaxies or something more closer? The whole eyepiece issue is pretty technical to understand, but hopefully someone can give me some suggestions based on the specifications I've written above.

I think I'd also need a light shroud to keep out the dew and light. Where on earth can I find one to buy for a 10 inch scope?

I know I'd also need a laser collimator for on the spot collimation. I've also read somewhere that it's good to replace the collimation screws on the scope with bobs knobs? Why is this and where can I get some?

What about also a moon filter. Do these come in useful for a beginner or can you look at the moon without a filter?

Ok that's enough questions. I'll leave it to you guys for some helpful adice. Hope to hear from youz.

Jowel