Upgrading EP's need some advice.

Tosong (Daniel) · #1 11-06-2012, 02:15 PM

Hey everyone, new to the forum, and astronomy, and I think both are pretty awesome

I'm upgrading my EP's from the 9 & 25mm Kellners that came with my scope, and looking to get 2 eyepieces of a similar size, plus a decent barlow.

I've narrowed down the planetaries to an 8mm BST explorer, or a 9mm Ortho from KK.

I'm not sure where to start for a 32 or 25mm wide field. Any suggestions?

If anyone has had experience with the explorer vs the ortho, I'd really love to hear form you.

Cheers,

Darth Wader (Wade) · #2 23-06-2012, 05:19 PM

Hi Daniel & welcome to IIS. IMO this site is the greatest resource for amateurs in the southern hemisphere.

Firstly, which scope do you have? There are a few variables you will need to take into account when choosing eyepieces for a particular scope.

Second, what is your budget?

Cheers
Wade

Tosong (Daniel) · #3 23-06-2012, 05:56 PM

Hey mate cheers for the reply,

I ended up getting the TMB 8mm and 3 element Barlow from Skies unlimited in the UK. Bought the 27mm Smart astronomy EF from the classifieds, and now I just need these clouds to go away! Using a 130mm reflector branded Australian Geographic, I think it must be an old Celestron. Trying to hold off from buying a bigger one until I can get some more money in, otherwise I'll go broke from buying astro gear!

Cheers,

Darth Wader (Wade) · #4 23-06-2012, 08:01 PM

No worries mate, by all accounts the TMB's are very tidy. There are more than a few proponents here on the forums.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tosong

Trying to hold off from buying a bigger one until I can get some more money in, otherwise I'll go broke from buying astro gear!

LOL... good luck with that! Aperture fever is highly contagious

Cheers
Wade

Varangian (John) · #5 24-06-2012, 10:26 PM

Hi Daniel, have a look at some of my threads in beginners start here and beginners equipment (under Varangian), I was in the same situation regarding planetary eyepieces and wide fields and received a heap of useful advice.

Regarding the barlow, are you at the limit of your focuser by any chance?

Tosong (Daniel) · #6 24-06-2012, 11:13 PM

Not sure what you meant by focuser in my previous post, but no, not at the edge, just pushing the magnification max under lousy condition. Suzy gave me some great advice as to why the image wasn't what I imagined it to be. Just waiting for some better weather now. Cheers for the advice, I'll give those posts a read.