Future EP plans!

[Titan1 (Cameron)]

Hi all,

I am loving my new telescope and me + brother are constantly looking at the sky during the day hoping for a clear night!

I am beginning the process of formulation my dream list for eps.

I COMPLETELY realise that i am still a beginner and shouldn't go out and blow money on equipment i don't fully understand.

I also realise that i should use my existing 10 and 25mm 1.25" eyepieces which came with the telescope for a while longer until i think about purchasing new eps.

However I want to put to together a plan which will mean eps compliment each other as i add new additions.

What i am thinking:

- 2x 2" TeleVue BIG Barlow or TeleVue 2" Barlow Powermate

- 31mm 2" TeleVue Panoptic or Nagler (hopefully 2nd hand)

- 10mm (1.25" or 2") TeleVue Panoptic or Nagler (hopefully 2nd hand)

- Astronomik UHC (2") Filter or something equivalent but cheaper????


So effectively with the barlow i have a 5mm, 10mm, 15.5mm and 31mm eps?

A few questions:

- 1.25" vs 2" eps?? What is the real difference? I was told 2" eps let in more light and in some situations give better TFOV?

- I don't think TeleVue make a 10mm 2" ep so how can i fit it with any 2" filter i purchase?


Thoughts on my plan would be appreciated!

I promise when i hopefully become an expert i will take the time to help new people on this forum out.

Thanks in advance

[Steffen]

I'm not sure I'd spring for TeleVue eyepieces for a first scope, especially not for a $700 Nagler! I'd probably start with a set like a 15mm, 20mm and 30mm (or 42mm) GSO SV, and their ED 2" Barlow. They perform well on an f/6 telescope (which yours presumably is) and are all comfortable to use.

The true field of view depends directly on the diameter of the field stop, hence the reason for 2" eyepieces. When using 1.25" eyepieces you can screw the 2" filter into the 2"->1.25" adapter. Check first that the eyepiece barrel doesn't protrude too far.

Cheers
Steffen.

[torana68 (Roger)]

There is a good article in the latest Astronomy now (march) , I havent read it all, but, they say 2" is mostly for larger aperature, longer focal length telescopes and quote " ...experinced observers will stress that observing comfort not an ultra wide field, is the top consideration and so a long 'eye relief' value is the most important factor..." as far as Im concerned you need to see how an eyepiece fits your eye, your telescope (or the one your saving for) and your purpose, have a read of the reviews on eyepieces on cloudy nights forum and search on here for "eyepiece" that shoud keep you busy..
Roger

[Suzy]

Hi Cameron,
The following link pretty much explains everything you need to know about eyepieces. http://www.actonastro.com/eyepieces.htm

[Titan1 (Cameron)]

Thanks all.

I think i will save my money for a bit longer and keep getting more info!