Still a newb, after a general viewing EP

[Chromed (Greg)]

So I'm posting here to try to get out of the newbie forum as I learn a bit more about astronomy, but I need help with something that I can't seem to answer myself.
I'm after a new EP for general viewing, nebula, star clusters etc etc, but I don't have the faintest as to which to get. I've been told to get a 2inch EP as it has a large view range but apart from that I'm a bit stumped.

Advice would be muchly appreciated

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

I'll give my short version advice (I'm trying to get ready for a meeting)...

Use what you have for a while so that you can get a feel for what you like/don't like about them. This experience will help you understand the things that will increase your enjoyment when you plunk down your own money for a new eyepiece.

Get to a viewing night or find an "astro-friend" that will let you look through their gear so that you can do some compare and contrast on your own.

With that all said, What is your budget?

[Chromed (Greg)]

No one I know is into astronomy and I haven't had time recently to sign up to any clubs.

I was thinking that since ep's aren't something that are replaced frequently, up to $200

[Kevnool (Kev)]

As Scott said have a look at a an observing session surely they would just let you tag along for experience.

In nebulas the barrel size dont really matter for me , my 30mm ep is 2" rarely use it, i say that because i prefer my 26 mm 1"1/4 ep for the wide angle on big nebulas and supernova remnants, Then the 14 mm meade is 1"1/4 which i use for planetary nebulas,galaxies etc, also orthoscopic ep on planetary nebs and planets.

Personally i only use the 26mm, 14mm ,7mm-orthoscopic, you can see the pattern there so now i have no need for a barlow.

Thats my opinion Greg.......Cheers Kev.

[GrahamL]

pentaxes 12 mm xf is within your budget .. I have the other in the line and it is quite a remarkable performer for its modest price.

[ausastronomer (John Bambury)]

The 12mm Pentax XF is not quite as good as the 8.5mm Pentax XF in a fast newtonian. It exhibits some field curvature, whereas the Pentax XF 8.5mm is perfectly flat. The 12mm Pentax XF is still a very good eyepiece, with excellent contrast and light throughput. It is probably still the best value for money at this price level. It's just not quite to the same high standard as the 8.5mm Pentax XF.

Cheers,
John B

[Chromed (Greg)]

Hmm, any idea where I can pick up either?
Can't find it on Bintel and my local shop doesn't have it (according to their website)

[Archy (George)]

Originally Posted by Chromed

Hmm, any idea where I can pick up either?
Can't find it on Bintel and my local shop doesn't have it (according to their website)

Bintel got me a Pentax eyepiece.

Also try the guy in Kincumber