Hi Mark,
to IIS, mate!
Great first scope you've got there.
I see you've come across the archnemisis of us in the astro fraternaty- the atmosphere!
It is no accident that you can't get much more magnification than 200X. Typically this is the most you can get, and it doesn't matter how big or good quality your scope is. 300X is as good as things really get, and that is very rare. All this is because of thermal currents in the atmosphere becoming visible as power increases. This phenomenon has actually got nothing to do with the quality of your eyepieces.
Before lashing out on eyepieces, I'd suggest you go to a star party or an astro club meeting and borrow a few different eyepieces types. Big bucks on eyepieces doesnot mean best. Many folks only promote the "extraordinary" properties of extremely expensive eyepieces (one Nagler eyepiece will cost more than your scope). I don't agree with this philosophy. Clever eyepiece design selection and understanding human physiology will reveal better buys.
Barlow or no barlow? I'd say no barlow. Barlows put more glass between you and the object as far as I'm concerned. A good quality EP (eyepiece) will do a better job. There are a few really good choices out there, and cost less than $150.
Again, at a star party, good and poor eyepieces will all be there, and you'll be able to see for yourself how things work and go.
Astro clubs are listed in the "Our Community" heading in the top left margin. You can also see the "Star Parties" forum. I'll be heading to Katoomba Airfield this coming November 6. The Pony Club at Mangrove Mountain is another get-together near Sydney. Both of these are in the star party forum.
Mental.
