Better Views

[outbacknick (Nick)]

Hello to everyone
I have only recently joined this group ad have found it very helpful. I have just purchased a LX-90 8" scope My main questions are what sort of lenses and filters would be good to start with. I am interested in planetary and deep space viewing and I hope this scope will help me with that. At the moment I have a 26mm Plossyl and also a 9mm eyepieces. Thank you in advance for your help...Nick

[torana68 (Roger)]

Id say read the various eyepiece threads, then make up your mind what your budget allows, and what suits you, you can spend an awefull lot on a eyepiece that might not be suitable to you. Buying a brand name isnt always a better choice over some of the cheaper ones. Filters? dont use them as yet, tried a pollution one couldnt see any diference where I am.
Roger

[Liz]

Hi Nick, congrats on the scope - wouldnt mind one of those myself.
As Roger said, do searches to gather info on EPs and filters, and I like looking at peoples signatures to see what they have.
Depending on your budget as to what you get, but browse through the Eyepiece section etc. Some are enjoying the Andrews super wide EPs at the moment. http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...t=63967&page=2
I have only started using filters, but they certainly improve the look of nebulas. I use the 2 that are in my signature below.
You would have some magnificent dark skies over your way.

[Suzy]

Hi Nick,

Congratulations on your scope purchase, your in for a fabulous time.

Have a look at a thread of mine- it's very informative.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ght=5mm+%24200

And....
Cloudy Nights review on a ton of EPs http://www.cloudynights.com/category...ory_id=87&pr=1

Also, a must read - it explains basic facts about eye pieces in general (different designs, magnifying power etc).
http://www.actonastro.com/eyepieces.htm

Regarding filters, from my light polluted suburb I find the UHC filter (I have a Baader) really makes those nebulas pop out. I only have this one so far, so I can't comment on the other LP filters (tho I hear they are good). Different filters target different nebulas (planetary, emmission, reflection etc).
Here is some really great info that will help you on all things about filters.

http://www.lumicon.com/astronomy-acc...d=1&cn=Filters

http://sciastro.net/members/portia.p...use-of-filters

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=27821

Lots of reading for there Nick! Enjoy.

Regards,
Suzy.

[outbacknick (Nick)]

Hello to all

Thank you all for your advice I will have a look at the information so far one thing I can say is that its great to be able to ask these questions so thanks again

[Esseth (Alan)]

Great post Suzy, i picked up a few things from those links, cheers