Hi ezy. Welcome to IIS.
There are no silly questions, just..........etc..
1. Coloured fiters are useless on nebula. Only for planets.
2. Your finder can easily be collimated to the t'scope using the 6 screws in/on the holder. Nip the 2 screws up that hold the finder bracket to the t'scope tube. Take it outside during the day, (DO NOT POINT ANYWHERE NEAR THE SUN), & as per starcrazzy's post, with the largest E/Pc you have, eg; the biggest number, 25 mm, find an stationary object, (TV antenna, pole etc ), at least 500 to 1000 mtrs away. With it centred in the E/Pc, adjust the finders 6 screws so that the SAME object is in the centre of the finderscope. Just 'nip' the screws. Do not overtighten. Now, put the 9 mm E/Pc in & check the collimation. Gives you a magnified view for more precise adjustments.
3. For the moment, don't worry about new E/Pcs. Get to know your t'scope first.
4. Movement whilst focusing is inevitable. Is there any 'side play' in the focuser tube? If yes, can be fixed, but later...
5. For your t'scope collimation I can only say, see Steve's links & try these also>
http://skyandtelescope.com/printable...rticle_790.asp
http://www.andysshotglass.com/Collimating.html
6. If you have any more q's, just ask. O.K.
Regards, L.
