Recommended Eyepeices for 80mm Refractor

influx (Brad) · #1 13-12-2009, 07:08 PM

Hello,

I'm thinking about buying an Orion EON 80mm OTA for visual use, and astrophotography with a Canon 50D DSLR.

If I want to look at DSOs and Planets, what eyepieces would you recommend? The scope has a 500mm focal length.

Thanks.

dannat (Daniel) · #2 13-12-2009, 07:13 PM

for dso's i reckon about 40-75x depending on your preference, in this respect you could look at the pentax xf range, about $200, for a planetary, you would want double this..but i personally don't like 5mm or less ep's..i would suggest a good quality barlow like the Televue or orion shorty, then barlow the pentax to double the magnification. the 8xf would give 62 & 124 x mag, the 12 would give 42 & 84. on these numbes the 8mm xf might be better..i'm sure others will have other opinions, but
how much do you want to spend?? then re=post

influx (Brad) · #3 13-12-2009, 08:04 PM

The plan is to buy a larger scope later on, so I don't mind spending more upfront to get some really nice eyepieces.

Do you mind if I ask why you don't like 5mm or less?

dannat (Daniel) · #4 13-12-2009, 08:32 PM

i find them uncomfortable to look thru, often the eye relief is tight and i pesoanlly don't enjoy it. others will use a 5mm or 4mm for planetary no worries

Miaplacidus (Brian) · #5 13-12-2009, 11:45 PM

Since I am spending other people's money, I might as well enjoy telling you where I have come on this journey. Having really enjoyed splendid views with some pretty nice 2" EPs, and the fairly hefty 10 mm Pentax XW (excellent eyepiece, that), I am now honing a special collection of excellent, light 1.25" EPs just for use with my 80mm (FL 555) using a smaller diagonal, as an ultralight grab and go scope.
Namely, a 24 Panoptic, a 3-6 Televue Zoom, and either a 9 or 11 mm Nagler. (I have the first two, but I'm still tossing up about the third.)
Merry Christmas.
Brian.

influx (Brad) · #6 14-12-2009, 01:15 AM

I've spent a bit more time reading, and come up with a preliminary list.
Tele Vue Nagler Zoom 3-6mm, Ethos 10mm, Panoptic 35mm and a x2 Powermate.

Wow this stuff adds up.

areyouabus (Pauly) · #7 14-12-2009, 11:47 AM

Im a newbie too and have relied on these guys to guide my choice of eyepieces. Also check out the reviews on cloudynights.com for your shortlist.
I've got an 8" dob but have gone for lightweight eyepieces which should go well with an 80mm too. (which i may just invest in for taking on holidays)

Im waiting on a Pentax XF8.5 ($239) and a Denkmeier 21mm (on special at frontieroptics for $199 - normally $249 US)
Both lightweight, great FOV and some very glowing reviews/comparisons.

If you have the chance to try before you buy, then do it though