Go Back   IceInSpace > Equipment > Eyepieces, Barlows and Filters

Reply
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread
  #1  
Old 07-03-2009, 08:54 PM
h45e (Anthony)
Registered User

h45e is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Perth, WA
Posts: 128
added extras with my 10" skywatcher dob

As you guys know by now, I just bought a 10" dob. Now im looking for some filters etc.
What do you guys think of these?

http://www.yorkoptical.com.au/Produc...9/Default.aspx

http://www.yorkoptical.com.au/Produc...3/Default.aspx

http://www.yorkoptical.com.au/Produc...5/Default.aspx
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 08-03-2009, 03:46 AM
wavelandscott's Avatar
wavelandscott (Scott)
Plays well with others!

wavelandscott is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Ridgefield CT USA
Posts: 3,529
Since I don't know off hand your experience level (apologies if you are well experienced) I will offer my comments on the assumption that you are a bit less experienced in the hobby.

I'd hold off on the filters for a while and use the scope as is for now. A common mistake that is made in the excitment of a new scope purchase is the aquisition of stuff that sounds/looks great but is of actual small value in enjoying the hobby. I've got a box full of stuff that was only used once or twice that I purchased in the heat of the moment.

However, there are a number of things I would highly recommend (if you don't already have them) that will enhance your viewing experience with a Dobsonian reflector.

For a Dobsonian reflector of your size I'd highly recommend a sturdy adjustable seat. I have an 8 inch and a 12.5 inch and my adjustable height chair is my most valued accessory. A comfortable adjustable chair lets me look longer at objects, study and enjoy them. I see more detail and spend more time on them...especially as the night rolls on I am able to view longer into the night because I am comfortable. There is a great one (but I am biased...a story for another time) available at Bintel (Stellar Seat) or you can build your own adjustable height chair (plans on the web).

A good quality collimation tool (not laser based intially)...my favorite is the Orion Collimating Eyepiece (about AUD$90 at Bintel). Collimating your reflecting telescope is something that you should do (will need to do) each time you use it in order to get the best views. Understanding how to collimate is important. I believe that a non-laser tool teaches this better and has fewer potential for "errors" than the cheap laser collimators many people rush out and buy. I generally suggest that you hold off on getting a laser tool until you understand the mechanics of collimation...then, when you do by all means run out and get a "quality" laser collimating tool...but when your batteries fail and you are 3 hours from town (and replacement batteries), you will still have your dependable and accurate Orion Tool and your night under dark skies can still be enjoyed.

The last "core" recommendation from me (and this is another of my preferences) is that I really like to have a Telrad on my dobsonian mounted telescopes. It is a zero magnification finder the allows me to look through a window with a "bulls-eye" on it to find objects in the sky. Once aligned with your telescope, it makes finding stuff a breeze and for me it is much more enjoyable/comfortable to use than a conventional finderscope. There are many charts and support materials that show you how to "star hop" with the Telrad. There are other brands at different price points but of the ones I've seen, I like the Telrad the best (my opinion).

Other things include a planisphere or chart (with Telrad hints), red light torch, table or stand (for chart or snacks). These thigns and a good scope and you are off to the races.

As a general comment, I would recommend that you use your gear "as is" for a while and get familiar with it. Once you have mastered collimation and can find a few objects in the night sky you will have a much better "feel" for what you might need or want to enhance your enjoyment of the hobby.

I'd sure try to avoid buying any additional eyepieces for a few months at least. After you are certain that you are going to stick with the hobby and have had enough viewing time to understand the things that you want to view and how you want to view them...then and only then, jump in and a buy a high quality widefield eyepiece...but that is a different thread altogether.

After you are set with your eyepieces...then consider a few filters that can help you enhance your viewing experience.

Enjoy your new scope and again my apologies if you are an "old salt" as my comments while still valid were targeted more toward a "newer" scope owner.

Clear Dark Skies!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 09-03-2009, 03:25 PM
rmcpb's Avatar
rmcpb (Rob)
Compulsive Tinkerer

rmcpb is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Blue Mountains, NSW
Posts: 1,766
I was going to weigh in with my standard "advice" and find that Scott has beaten me to it.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 09-03-2009, 09:59 PM
barx1963's Avatar
barx1963 (Malcolm)
Bright the hawk's flight

barx1963 is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Mt Duneed Vic
Posts: 3,982
Everyting that Scott says is true, but I would put the table very high on my list. Having a spot to put charts, eyepieces etc where they can be found without fumbling on the ground in the dark is a great time and fustration saver. I have a little aluminium one I baought at the green warehouse and I use it every night I am out in the yard. When I go away to the odd star party it also doubles as a neat little camping table.
I have bought a couple of filters but I have found I get more enjoyment out of looking at DSO's I am really familiar with through them, as I can really see the differences. They are also useful for picking up little planetary nebs, but to get that you need to learn to find your way to the nebs first! For that I think good charts and practice are the best accessories.
How is the 10" going, I followed all your queries in the forum and would be interested to hear some first light and observing reports!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 09-03-2009, 10:54 PM
h45e (Anthony)
Registered User

h45e is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Perth, WA
Posts: 128
Im going to try do a full review and photo's of the product when it comes.. current going to take 7 to 10 days to get to me (from the supplier).
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12-03-2009, 11:33 PM
lacad01's Avatar
lacad01 (Adam)
The sky is Messier here!

lacad01 is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Darwin
Posts: 2,587
Hi, also 2nd what's been said regarding a table, very handy for all the bits and pieces, charts, etc. Telrad is great as well, has saved my neck from some weird angles
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12-03-2009, 11:41 PM
Astro78's Avatar
Astro78
Tripping in Space

Astro78 is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Sydney
Posts: 500
Wouldn't bother with those coloured filters IMO. Remember waiting patiently for a celstron 7 pack or so to arrive from the states a few years back, what a disappointment. No improvement whatsoever, and a deteriorated image was noticeable.

Baader make some that may be a different story however can't testify.

UHC or O111 filters are well worth it for nebula viewing.

A good Ortho will be your best bet for improved planetary views, although with narrower field of view.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +10. The time is now 09:35 PM.

Powered by vBulletin Version 3.8.7 | Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Advertisement
Bintel
Advertisement