eyepiece choice help

[ColHut (Colin)]

Dear All,

I use a 4.5" f 6.1 reflector. I like planetary viewing, and want a good magnification eyepiece. As I understand it, a rule of thumb would say the maximum magnification on a really good day will not be more than x 225. I currently use a 25mm and a 9.7 mm plossel with a X2 Barlow. I hate the short eye relief plossels in the smaller sizes, and have a limited budget. I am thinking of the 3.5mm Orion Stratus/clone as they seem to have a good field of view, good power, and nice eye relief. The expected exit pupil is about 0.57mm which is still acceptable I think. Do you think I might be better of choosing something else? I am doubtful if my not so heavily built reflector could take a large long heavy eyepiece and barlow together anyway...
The ED-2 range seem to be a very mixed bag too.

Thoughts anyone?

[RAJAH235]

Hi ColHut......
Have you tried a 'search' in here, for some recommended E/Pcs yet? It may be advisable, if poss., to go along to your local Astro Society/Club's open night to 'try before you buy'.
Perhaps one of our resident E/Pc specialists will be along & give some assistance with your choices.
HTH. L.
ps. If you can manage to find some older Meade SP 4000 E/Pcs, they are pretty good. I have a 5 mm & 6.4 mm + the #140 barlow, which work well in my 10" f4.5 dob.. Others also recommend the newer Meade series 5000 as well.

[ColHut (Colin)]

Thanks for the thoughts. Yes I spent a lot of time now looking at reviews there and here and all over the web. It really is a mine field.

cheers

[RAJAH235]

ColHut. mickoking is in the Gosnells....why not PM him?
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/member.php?u=486
HTH... L.

[ColHut (Colin)]

Many thanks - done

[RAJAH235]

You're Welcome... L.

[mickoking]

I hope you got my reply

Mick