Zoom EP's ?

[ZeroID (Brent)]

I'm missing a step in my EP's around the 15-17mm range. Our local TradeMe Auction site has listed a Celestron 1.25" 8-24mm Zoom for about $150.

I'm covered from 6,9,12 &25 Plossl and a 20 GSO wideview but this might give me a reasonable sweep EP without having to change EPs all the time and cover that midrange need as well. Once I find my target, move onto a more specific EP for better viewing.

Anyone had any experience with zoom EP's and Celestron in particular ?

[ZeroID (Brent)]

No Comments ??
OK, it's all experimental from here on in .....

[astropolak (Joe)]

Brent
I would suggest do not experiment as you will likely waste money..., this is what I did. I had a Vixen zoom 8-24mm, not bad, long eye relief but narrow view 40-60deg. If you use plossl eyepieces you will not miss much.

My attitude would be to buy one decent eyepiece and stay with it till you can afford more..., do not waste money on something you will not keep in the long run.

[GrampianStars (Rob)]

Originally Posted by astropolak

Brent
.......
My attitude would be to buy one decent eyepiece and stay with it till you can afford more..., do not waste money on something you will not keep in the long run.

Oh! and get a quality 2 x Barlow lens then for every eyepiece you will double the magnification of the eyepiece it is attached to.
ie https://www.bintelshop.com.au/Product.aspx?ID=5245
or the bigger brother
https://www.bintelshop.com.au/Product.aspx?ID=6473

[ZeroID (Brent)]

Thanks Astropolak, Rob, was looking for some comment that might direct me on this one. Locally I can pick up a GSO 15mm Wideview for about $59. I have the 20mm already and am quite happy with it so might go down that path. Need to fill that gap in my range where 50x is too low and 100x too high.
I have a good 2 x Barlow but it dims the view too much so I'd rather go with an EP directly where I can.

[mercedes_sl1970]

Brent

I think that there may be a review of that eyepiece on Cloudynights.

I'm probably in the minority and think that zooms can be useful, but recognizing that they have limitations - the smaller field of view at the longer focal lengths, and sometimes lower image sharpness. That said, they can be fun and if you only have a short observing session you don't need to fiddle around with different eyepieces.

On the other hand, you could also look to buy something of better quality (secondhand?) at a fixed focal length. Then starts the road to eyepiece oblivion...!

Andrew

[ZeroID (Brent)]

Hi Andrew,
Thanks for that. I'm of your mind too but trying to head down the cheap good path, always a compromise. I see value in having a range of cheaper EPs for general looking around and a couple of better ones at critical mags for getting serious up there. I cannot afford the multi-hundred dollar options others have, hard to find over here in the first place and I just don't have the disposable so I watch for bargains and best compromises.
I'll go with my 15mm GSO wideview for now for $59. Fills the gap and they are pretty good for the price IMHO.