Advice on first scope

[ross-boughen]

Hey everyone ive just aquired my first proper scope a 8" (200×1000) saxon f6. Unfortunately it came with no tripod or eyepieces i do have a h20 celestron eyepiece i am using but would like some suggestions on some eyepieces that would complement my scope so im here asking the experts on some advice. I do have a 1.25 and 2" adapter. Also i like the eq5 mount that came with the scope as it has dual axis motors installed so i can get a controller down the track for some long exposure shots when ive learnt more in the field however im finding it difficult to find a tripod within my budget atm and was wondering if it would be worthwhile/possible to get a dob mount for the saxon.
Ross

[AEAJR (Ed)]

Congratulations on your new telescope. I have a few questions.

* Budget, eyepieces can be $50 or $500, what is your budget?
* Sounds like you don't have any sort of mount right now, how are you using the telescope?

I will leave mount advice to others since you seem interested in getting something that would be appropriate for AP. Not my area.

As for eyepieces, some people will suggest getting the best, read higher priced, eyepieces one at a time. Others, like myself, tend to be more moderate in our purchasing habits going for value priced to middle of the pack.

Some will suggest you get only fixed length eyepieces. Others, like myself, like barlows and buy eyepieces in wider gaps, filling in with the barlow.

Do you have an approach you prefer?

BTW, my most used eyepiece is an 8-24 Zoom which I extend with a 2X barlow. In my 1200 mm FL newtonian that gives me 50x to 300X. You might consider getting one of these and a 2X barlow which will cover a wide range. Then you can fill in your single FL eyepieces as budget allows.

[ross-boughen]

Thankyou ARAJR i have an eq-5 mount its just the tripod im missing but i made an adapter block out of a piece of 2" thick press board that is secured to a tripod from my celestron 60 az (very crude but works quite well) just dont have polar alignment.
I dont really have a budget as of yet but about 100 an eyepiece would probably be my max at the moment nothing too fancy as im really only just starting to learn the ropes but i have been looking at a 2x barlow to give me a bit more mag but there are a few on the market and the last one i purchased ($50) was useless the images were very dull.
How well do the zoom eyepieces go? I was told once that they were no good but i also asume it depends on the brand/workmenship aswel.
So far im viewing planets and clusters but hope to move onto dso as soon as i get a good tripod/piller. Got to see M31 as a kid at a star party and that started my love for astronomy. Also as for AP i wont be starting that for quite some time yet as i dont have the motor controller and i want to learn the skys and scope more before trying that

[AEAJR (Ed)]

I have 3 barlows. the 1.25" 2X and 3X cost $10 US each on e-bay. Not top of the line but they work fine for me.

Zoom? I have a Celestron 8-24 and would recommend it to anyone. Not a top of the line eyepiece. Comparable to a Plossl in its optical performance which I consider quite satisfactory.

Others will offer their advice but if you want more on what I have just let me know.

This is a little out of date but still good information. This is what lead me to buy the Celestron.

zoom eyepiece review
http://www.chuckhawks.com/comparison_zoom_eyepieces.htm

[Boothie (Sean)]

Hey Ross,
Not sure where you are on Plant Earth but, I spied a set of Skywater EQ5 tripod legs on Ebay. Seller is in Melbourne, could be a great way to get the mount sorted.