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MEOPTEX 1.25" 6mm 9mm 15mm 20mm 66-Degree Ultra Wide Angle Eyepiece for Telescope (6mm)?
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Yes, the 5mm and 6mm are redundant, and both are overpriced eyepieces. If you want the 6mm, don't get the Orion Expanse, get the more generic 6mm "gold line": https://www.amazon.com/MEOPTEX-66-Degree-Ultra-Eyepiece-Telescope/dp/B07H8YZHFT/. Same eyepiece, different branding, lower price. That said, 6mm is quite high magnification and may not be usable all the time. There are other eyepieces to prioritize.
The Moon filter and polarizing filter are redundant. And frankly, you don't need a moon filter. Just let your eyes adjust to the brightness of the Moon and you will see it in the best possible contrast.
The 40mm plossl is not appropriate for this scope since the exit pupil will be too big, and will actually not allow all the light leaving the telescope to enter your eye, effectively reducing the telescope's working aperture. For a low power eyepiece, don't go above 32mm. If you want wider field, get a 2" eyepiece instead of a 1.25" 32mm Plossl. Something like the 30mm GSO SuperView, or ideally, the 30mm APM Ultra Flat Field / 30mm Meade UHD / 30mm Celestron Ultima Edge (all the same eyepiece).
That SkyGlow broadband filter is basically useless. I own one. It won't help much. You want a good quality narrowband or O-III filter. The Orion Ultrablock is a decent narrowband, and so is their O-III. Not the best, but decent.
With the exception of the solar filters, the other accessories you've chosen are either not necessary or not optimal for that scope.
For what it's worth a 10" scope is a pretty serious investment and it's worth picking some nice quality accessories for it. Don't be afraid to upgrade or replace the two eyepieces that came with the scope, with something nicer. The 10mm Plossl that came with the scope can be upgraded to a better quality 9-10mm wide field eyepiece that will get a lot of use in the scope.
What budget do you have for eyepieces and filters and what not?
A lot of people talk about the SVBONY redline in a positive light, it sounds like maybe you received the wrong product.
I'll offer an alternative MEOPTEX 6mm 66 degree goldline. I purchased this one as my planteary eyepiece and it is fantastic. It has a long eye relief and the field of view is excellent.
Yes, the 6mm "gold line" for $30
I also recommend replacing the 9mm plossl that comes with the Z8 with the 9mm gold line as well since 9mm is a nearly ideal general purpose focal length for that scope.
Lunar and planetary viewing is good at between 120x and 300x in an 8" scope. You can push an 8" scope higher, but it will require a very steady atmosphere to get meaningful detail out of it. 350x would be the absolute limit I would recommend.
120x to 300x means eyepieces between 10mm and 4mm in focal length. I strongly recommend getting the 9mm "gold line" to start with. This is a good general purpose focal length for this scope, and can be used for lunar, planetary, and deep sky viewing of medium sized DSOs. If you look around for "9mm 66 degree eyepiece" on Ebay and AliExpress, you can get it for even less money, but you'll have to wait a month to get it. The one on Amazon for $30 will arrive in a few days and is a damn good deal.
9mm will produce 133x in that scope, which is good enough for planetary detail and will look decent most nights. For nights when the atmosphere is very steady, you can push magnification higher. For that, you can get the 6mm "gold line" for 200x magnification. 200x may be a bit much for most nights depending on how bad your local atmospheric seeing is, but on nights when the atmosphere is steady, 200x will be nice in that scope.
Note that those are good eyepieces, but still budget options. If you want to invest in some really good quality eyepieces, consider the Explore Scientific 82 degree line (8.8mm and 6.7mm focal lengths). Alternatively, the 8.8mm and 14mm for use with your 2x barlow would be acceptable as well). These are currently on sale, but are pricey ($150/each). However, they are lifetime eyepieces.
In the 9mm you can recognize the planets, but they will still be pretty small. The mentioned 6mm 66° or the 58° type eyepieces are pretty cheap and are decent starter eyepieces.
More magnification is possible, but often limited by atmospheric seeing conditions.
(https://www.amazon.com/MEOPTEX-66-Degree-Ultra-Eyepiece-Telescope/dp/B07H8YZHFT - it has some kidney-beaning/black-out when not looking through it straight, but I never had issues when using the eye-cup).
from the us, i have zero idea what the barlow is. i just know it’s 3x zoom, no other identification, same with the 4mm eye piece. i googled plössl and it’s probably one of those. i saw this 66 6mm eye piece on amazon. i couldn’t find much on ali express. this one says it has good eye relief. is the 58 degree tmb hr planetary clone good for looking at planets? (i assume it is since it has planetary in the name) anyways, thanks for your help!
Hello :-)
The 50az is limited. Other than what marketing may say, you should not push magnification to 100x or beyond.
You need 50x magnification to see detail.
> barrow
Do not get a barlow. Cheap ones reduce the contrast, good ones cost as much as 2-3 decent eyepieces.
The telescope has an aperture of 50mm. A focal length of 600mm.
600mm divided by 20mm eyepiece = 30x magnification
600/10 = 60x magnification
600/9= 67x Link to decent eyepiece
600/6= 100x magnification (Already too dark/dim really IMHO!)
600/7.5=80x (HR Planetary, or 15mm and decent barlow)
600 with 20mm kit eyepiecce and 3x barlow = 90x magnification
You could get a 3x barlow ($30 for a budget one, $15 for a bad one).
A 9mm 66° eyepiece for $30 from Amazon or $2X from Aliexpress. A bit less magnification but better quality.
The 6mm would really push things ($18-$22 from China, sold out for reasonable prices at Amazon. Avoid short cheap 6mm Plössl-type due to poor eye-relief)
Another option: Refurbished Skyscanner 100 for $79.99 if you are willing to upgrade. It will still need an additional eyepiece, but even though the telescope is far from perfect, it will show MUCH more than the 50az (it basically has four times the aperture surface area = higher resolution).
I have the 3.2m, and I know my mirror is one of the better ones. Even then, the image gets a bit dim. I would recommend the 4mm. You can even modify the 4mm later if you want to try (by changing the distance from eyepiece to it's barrel, where another lens sits in these models).
The eyepiece link in general, yeah those are the ones, they cost $26 at Aliexpress at the moment, more sellers are reducing the price right now.
Do not get the gold-line for $52. Either wait until they are back in stock at Amazon-> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 or get them at Aliexpress for ~$20-$22.
Hello :-)
The Astromaster is infamous for it's mount and spherical* mirror.
But a 5" (130mm) aperture can still show a lot! :-)
> what I might be able to see with it once the
(Link collection on what to expect in different apertures.)
The kit eyepieces are enough to get started, see a bunch of deep-sky objects (Examples). Planets Jupiter and Saturn will be tiny but just about recognizable. More on "planetary" eyepieces a bit further down. Just don't push the magnification. The image will get dim and dull.
> help understanding how to use it?
"Turn left at Orion" - the missing manual for any telescope :-)
https://stellarium.org - Free planetarium software, on-line planetarium.
> how
How to set up an equatorial mount, Youtube-> How to align / How to use an equatorial mount
(For later: )
- Collimation; Aligning the mirrors for best contrast.
- https://garyseronik.com/collimation-tools-what-you-need-what-you-dont/ (TL;DR: No cheap laser, $15 cheshire-sight-tube does the trick)
- https://garyseronik.com/a-beginners-guide-to-collimation/
- https://garyseronik.com/no-tools-telescope-collimation/ No tool method
- (If it's a used one, and it's not only dusty but cruddy-> How to clean a telescope mirror without damaging it: https://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-resources/caring-for-your-optics/ - else don't clean the mirrors, dust doesn't matter really much)
> pieces
For planets you could get another eyepiece (one is enough, really).
Field of view simulation: http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/130-650-high_3.png
The 10mm and 20mm eyepiece will get you 650/10=65x magnification, and ~33x.
A 6mm 66° or 68° ("gold-line"/Expanse-clone) eyepiece costs $20-$30 via Amazon and gets you 108x.
A 4mm 58° (HR Planetary clone) will give you ~163x but is pusing this telescope regarding it's capabilities. 5-6mm might be better even though the planets appear smaller.
6mm 66°, $29 US, $23 from China.
58° type (smaller apparent field of view, but better than the 66° overall), 6mm sale / 4.5mm / 4mm / 5mm
(4mm is already pushing this telescope's capabilities, below just makes an incredibly dull image. Even in a better 130/650mm telescope.)
Avoid eyepiece+filter sets (overpriced, mediocre, redundant!), short Plössl 52° type due to poor eye-relief, and the cheap bad 4mm 62°. They are just going to be a waste of money.
Clear skies :-)
* (Spherical aberration limits contrast. There is a bit of a discussion, but recent models seem to have a spherical mirror. Even Celestron still has it in their FAQ)
Hello :-)
Congratulations!
> Laser
Cheap lasers can make things worse. But a laser is the most ergonomic variant (as you can adjust the screws without having to go back up to the focuser).
A cheshire-sight tube or even a (DIY) collimation cap will work well otherwise.
What tools: https://garyseronik.com/collimation-tools-what-you-need-what-you-dont/
No tools: https://garyseronik.com/no-tools-telescope-collimation/
It's not stupid if it works? ;-) Paper collimation cap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ED7Ykcbp5I
> lens pieces
A 6mm for planets;
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
Budget 6mm 66° with decent eye-relief https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
A 4mm HR Planetary 58° (not the cheap 4mm62°) would work too, but more often than not the atmospheric seeing conditions are a limiting factor. So even though you could magnify higher, it just does not work most of the time.
Not a short Plössl due to short eye-relief https://imgur.com/FkEaOBG
A barlow can work, but the kit eyepiece + cheap barlow will reduce the contrast. Though for imaging planets (see below) a barlow makes sense anyway, so it might be the first investment for you.
> DSLR
A lot of telescopes for visual don't have enough back-focus for attaching a DSLR. But as the planets appear pretty small on the large camera sensor, you can kill two bird~~jone~~s with one stone.
A barlow (with T-Thread) will make things appear larger and moves to focal point out a little.
What DSLR do you have?
Rule of thumb: Total aperture ratio should be [camera's pixel size * 5], so with a pixel size of 4um*5=20. Telescope has F/6. 3X Barlow -> F/20
Example
https://images.app.goo.gl/gJXP44L8PJxomzU29 (Not a product recommendation)
> extra accessories
"Turn left at Orion" - the misisng manual :-)
Clear skies!
Hi :-)
Great!
> anything I should know?
Yes, it comes with free clouds ;-)
> know
> first telescope
Grab a copy of "Turn left at Orion" - the missing manual :-)
Ideally a long eye-relief 6mm for planets, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
And binoculars if you're new to finding deep-sky objects :-)
Clear skies, have fun!
Hi :-)
TL;DR: The 6" dobsonian.
Make sure they know what to expect compared to images :-)
Aperture is key - Links on what to expect.
Avoid ordering at Amazon if possible, they're known to ship only one part of the dobsonians for example.
Avoid all sets on a tripod despite overly enthusiastic reviews from beginners. The dobsonian type has a simple but sturdy rockerbox, leaving most money for the actual optics.
StarBlast 4.5 eq: Horribly weak mount. Telescope's F/4 aperture ratio has contrast issues.
9024 AstroView 90mm: A 90mm can be a nice instrument, but not on that mount. And a larger aperture will show more.
SpaceProble 130: Weak mount, overpriced for what it is.
Starblast 6: Only a good choice if the compact size is required. Else the regular 6" or 8" dobsonian will show more.
Orion 8944 SkyQuest XT6: Best choice of that list.The Orion sets have the most basic accessories. For $20 more there's a version with some stuff to get started
The Sky-watcher 6" has a better finder, focuser, 2 instead of one simple eyepiece. (Make sure it's in stock).
The DT8 shows more, depending on how fast you need it (not sure about stock/availability)
> recommendations
The above dobsonians
A good guide. "Turn left at Orion". The missing manual :-)
Binoculars! They make finding deep-sky objects easier (Celestron Cometron 7x50).
For the 6" dobsonian, ideally a decent 6mm planetary eyepiece. Lonk.
A height-adjustable chair or Lybar
> astrology
...better edit that before someone here get a tantrum - Here, it's about astronomy ;-)
Clear skies!
Hi :-)
The biggest advantage of this set (a long 130mm reflector) is also the set's biggest weakness (the equatorial mounts of these sets).
> collimator
You can do the star method (https://garyseronik.com/no-tools-telescope-collimation/) after eyeballing it or using a (diy) collimation cap. Budget lasers for example aren't recommended.
> cheap but decent
They get the job done :-)
> Shopping list for now
> collimator
Cheshire-sight tube over laser https://garyseronik.com/collimation-tools-what-you-need-what-you-dont/
> 6mm gold line
Good choice, for $29 or less. You could also check if you can get a 4.5-5mm 58° as they are sometimes on sale ($40 usually, half or less occasionally).
6mm 66°
Only one left in stock, usually more !
- ~$25 https://www.amazon.com/DAUERHAFT-Telescope-Eyepiece-1-25Inch-Objects/dp/B08PZC8Q2K/ (Prices go up if that vendor's out of stock, probably)
The 58° are a bit better in regards of viewing properties but have a slightly smaller apparent field of view.
The 66° suffer a bit of kidney-beaning (shadows when not looking through straight. I never had issues when using the eye-cup though).
Field of view simulation: http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Mangofication-On-114900-Didgeridoo.png
> 32mm plossl
There are some $8-$10 no-names that don't seem too bad (I bought a random one, YMMV).
Gosky and SVBony are "no name brands" that sell all sort of eyepieces. Usually you don't gain or loose much if choosing them or another cheap reseller. YMMV.
> add a barlow
No, that will be too much magnification for the shorter eyepiece, and the kit 10mm isn't great to start with :-)
There are no 4.5mm goldlines, only the cheap poor 4mm 62° which aren't good.
> 200x
Can work, but with 5-6mm you're on the safe side :-)
> mount
I hope it wasn't too expensive if the mount's not working right / missing parts :-(
Clear skies! :-)
Hello :-)
On a budget, the 66°/68° type ($29 on Amazon, sometimes $20 especially from China) - Basically identical to the Orion Expanse series but cheaper.
And the 58° HR Planetary clones ($39-$59, $20-$30 from China).
Planets
The 6mm 66° on a budget. Decent eye-relief. A bit of kidney-beaning (shadow when not looking straight through it) but I find it no issue if I use the eye-cup.
A 4mm 58° HR Planetary for when atmospheric seeing is excellent (usually isn't). I used up to 375x / 3.2mm but it's rare and pushing things anyway.
6mm 66°
4mm 58° would give you 300x magnification.
- Atmospheric seeing conditions usually prevent a clear image and focus (https://images.app.goo.gl/e9r1mcs4czubKwzB6).
- https://www.amazon.com/Mugast-Planetary-Eyepiece-Objects-Telescope/dp/B07VQK8K16
- Cheaper from China, e.g. via Marketplace, https://www.amazon.com/070-Telescope-Eyepiece-Planetary-Objects/dp/B08W9WTNBJ/
Overview
For $69-$140 or so you can get a 2-inch overview eyepiece, Erfle-type (65-72° apparent field of view typically).
In China, $30-$45.
SWAN 33mm for example is a good quality Erfle.
The 32mm 68° from China --- YMMV.
Depending on how dark your sky gets, a 30-36mm. More creates a too large exit pupil and gray-ish sky background.
Not the "Orion Deepview" (e.g. the 28mm doesn't show more than a cheap $20 32mm Plössl).
Example listing 2" Eyepieces: https://agenaastro.com/eyepieces/2-eyepieces/shopby/61_70_degrees-71_80_degrees-30_1mm_40mm-20_1mm_30mm.html?product_list_order=price
Cheap China eyepiece: https://www.amazon.com/kesoto-Eyepiece-Multi-Coated-Astronomical-Telescope/dp/B07S3RV2JR/ (Random link, YMMV!)
In-between
the 9mm and 15mm 66°/68° for example.
The whole set 6/9/15/20 is a bit redundant (The 20mm is close to the 15, and won't show more field than your existing 25mm kit eyepiece really).
These are cheap eyepieces but good for what they are. Relatively good performance at F/6, decent long eye-relief, afov. Random seller links, YMMV.
For a bit more there are other choices (Starguider, Hyperion, edge-on, Explore-Scientific wide-angle, etc. etc.).
Clear skies! :-)
Hello :-)
The higher you magnify, the dimmer things get (http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/700magnification70-76.png).
Sadly 4mm eyepieces are very common in sets like this. It's beyond me why they don't just include a 6mm. It drove me nuts in my 3" reflector which I started with, as things were so incredibly dim!
The 4mm will give you too much magnification in your telescope, and the barlow reduces the contrast even further.
Even in the 20mm you should see Jupiter's brightest moons as a line of dots. Else the finder's not aligned and you're observing a random star :-)
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/jupi-monde.jpg
> magnification level
It's a 60/700 telescope. Anything over 100-120x will give you a dull and dark image.
700/4mm is 174x magnification.
70/20mm -> 35x, with barlow ~75x.
75x would work well but the kit barlow is not good.
> better eyepieces
If you want to upgrade the eyepiece: A 6mm 66° eyepiece costs only $20-$29 via Amazon but already pushes the limits of this telescope.
The HR Planetary 58° type are available in other focal-lengths (e.g. 7mm, 8mm) but cost about twice as much unless on sale.
Stay away from eyepiece sets and short Plössl under 10mm (horrible eye-relief). As well as the bad 4mm 62° as cheap as they may be.
https://www.amazon.com/MEOPTEX-66-Degree-Ultra-Eyepiece-Telescope/dp/B07H8YZHFT
https://www.amazon.com/Astromania-58-Degree-Planetary-Eyepiece-Telescope/dp/B01B2OGQYQ/ (random examples, YMMV).
> have
Is your telescope new?
> new
If you want to upgrade the telescope: A different telescope with a larger aperture would have a higher resolution, and would be capable of magnifying higher- But stay away from Amazon best-sellers like the 127eq, 130eq, 114eq.
A great choice would be a 5" table-top (AWB OneSky, Heritage 130p, Zhumell z130). Plus an Ikea Kyrre as "mount" or similar (Much better than sets like the 130EQ)
Or a larger (not a table-top) 6" dobsonian (Sky-Watcher 6", Apertura DT6, Orion XT6, Heritage 150p table-top), even 8" dobsonian.
Links on what to expect in different telescope aperture sizes.
Clear skies! :-)
Definitely a 6mm for planets! Had a lot of fun with this one: Meoptex 6mm.
I also just picked up a 2" 32mm Orion Q70 for viewing Andromeda Galaxy.
Pick up a Moon filter as well. Moon can be extremely bright and you don't want to gaze at it w/o a filter.
I use a 6mm gold line
Hello :-)
The telescope itself is decent, the mount is not very stable though :-( That's what actually makes it difficult to keep things in the view.
And the kit accessories... You should add a 6mm 66° or such for planets:
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Mangofication-On-114900-Didgeridoo.png
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 (Make sure the telescope has a 1.25" focuser and doesn't just accept 0.965" eyepieces).
In a wide-angle eyepiece, tracking will be much easier too. (1, 2)
> equilateral mount?
Equatorial Mount. Check out the manual and here are some videos:
Random link to some site with manuals (YMMV, don't click any shady ads): https://usermanual.wiki/Bushnell/Bushnell789675UsersManual353369.1532279994/view
Hello :-)
What eyepieces do you have? The kit 25mm (36x) and 10mm (91x) will get you started, but are neither great nor will they be sufficient to get the most out of your telescope. A 6mm 66° 1, 2, will give you 151x, which might not be the absolute maximum, but the eyepiece is affordable and doesn't push your optics to the limit. Do not get short Plössl-type eyepieces (poor eye-relief) or kits (never worth it). More magnification will make things dimmer and chromatic aberration of the refractor becomes more apparent. For many deep-sky objects lower magnification is the way to go (and thus either use the kit eyepieces or replace them with something nice along the way).
> capable
Most money of your kit went into the mount.
The 90mm aperture is the bottle-neck here.
For deep-sky, you need a very dark location and won't be able to see details in many objects, but there are definitely a lot to observe even in 90mm!
Links on what to expect in different telescope aperture sizes.
Consider getting "Turn left at Orion" - the missing manual for every telescope.
Try things like double star Albireo, the coat hanger cluster (CR399), M44/Beehive, Ring nebula, Dumbbell nebula, globular clusters M13, M3, Galaxies M81/M82, M31, M51 and M101 under dark skies.
Got an observing location from where you can see the miky-way?
Clear skies :-)
Hi :-)
Yes, the 6mm 66° and 15mm would be good additions. (66° type, But not short Plössl under 10mm due to poor eye-relief).
(EDIT: 6mm 66 in the UK, sold out at Amazon.co.uk)
Also:
"Turn left at Orion" - the missing manual
- dimable red light
- Possibly binoculars for easier finding deep-sky objects
Adjustable chair / Observing chair, or DIY Lybar
Possibly a 2" 40mm 70° eyepiece in the future if you like deep-sky. Field simulation.
Clear skies, have fun :-)
Hello :-)
Don't bother, going by those (small) setting circles isn't really the way to do it, it's just frustrating. Star-hopping, a decent finder and overview eyepiece are usually the way to go.
> clearly
What were you able to see?
Your telescope has a focal-length of 1000mm. With the 10mm eyepiece you'll get 100x magnification. That should be enough to recognize Jupiter and Saturn, albeit small.
With a decent 6mm, such as the 66° "gold-line" (Aliexpress, sold out at Amazon atm), you'll get ~167x magnification. I would not recommend pushing the telescope higher, as things will get dim and dull. The bottle-neck is the 90mm aperture (but don't "upgrade" to a 127eq/130eq/114eq from Celestron, those have flawed optics).
Have you tried observing some deep-sky objects?
Clear skies :-)
Hi :-)
I'd also recommend the 6mm 66° or 6mm 58° type when starting out.
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
At $29 or so they are very inexpensive (https://www.amazon.com/MEOPTEX-66-Degree-Ultra-Eyepiece-Telescope/dp/B07H8YZHFT, sometimes even cheaper).
The 4mm 58° can be nice if atmospheric seeing is excellent (which it usually is not).
Clear skies!
Hello :-)
Don't get a Plössl, and don't get a barlow :-)
The shorter Plössl get, the shorter the eye-relief is (https://imgur.com/FkEaOBG).
You can just get the 6mm 66°/68° type eyepiece for planets, and the 9mm if you want to replace the kit eyepiece.
$29/$35 via Amazon, sometimes on sale, regularly ~$20 via Aliexpress/China.
The 66° suffer a bit of kidney-beaning (shaddow when not looking through straight) but I have never had issues when using the eye-cup.
The 58° are a bit better, but have a slightly smaller apparent field of view (http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/AFOV_.png).
Field simulation http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
Barlow N stuff http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/barlowandstuff.png
6mm 66° example link https://www.amazon.com/MEOPTEX-66-Degree-Ultra-Eyepiece-Telescope/dp/B07H8YZHFT
Clear skies!
Hi :-)
I second u/starmandan's suggestion, the 66° gold-lines (and 68° red-lines) are the best bang for the buck. As other cheap eyepieces have too short eye-relief.
$29 US https://www.amazon.com/MEOPTEX-66-Degree-Ultra-Eyepiece-Telescope/dp/B07H8YZHFT
$20 China (shipping, import) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32727027422.html
There are also the 4mm 58° HR Planetary clones. BUT please be aware of the limitations of the Astro Master 130: It has a spherical mirror ( https://i.imgur.com/XcE8pUf.png), severely limiting contrast at high magnifications. The 6mm 66° will show the planets albeit small.
Field of view simulation:
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/130-650-high_3.png
With the 4mm you might just get the middle, not the left view. http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/sim-saturn2.png
Avoid cheaper eyepieces such as the 4mm 58° Plössl (Plössl under 10mm in general) and the cheap but poor 4mm 62° copper top.
What other eyepieces do you have? Which one did you destroy?
Clear skies!
I ordered the 6mm 66° there several times, some Plössl eyepieces, and every dispute I had in the last 1-2 years got resolved (so far non astronomy related) :-) Just make sure the seller has decent ratings.
Eyepieces;
6mm 66° via Amazon/USA https://www.amazon.com/MEOPTEX-66-Degree-Ultra-Eyepiece-Telescope/dp/B07H8YZHFT
Overview
Overview eyepiece field of view simulation
For $69-$140 or so you can get a 2-inch overview eyepiece, Erfle-type (65-72° apparent field of view typically).
In China, $30-$45.
SWAN 33mm for example is a good quality Erfle.
The 32mm 68° from China --- YMMV.
Depending on how dark your sky gets, a 30-36mm. More creates a too large exit pupil (Simulation for F/5 not F/6 telescope) and gray-ish sky background.
Example listing 2" Eyepieces: https://agenaastro.com/eyepieces/2-eyepieces/shopby/61_70_degrees-71_80_degrees-30_1mm_40mm-20_1mm_30mm.html?product_list_order=price
Cheap China eyepiece: https://www.amazon.com/kesoto-Eyepiece-Multi-Coated-Astronomical-Telescope/dp/B07S3RV2JR/ (Random link, YMMV!)
Not the "Orion Deepview" (e.g. the 28mm doesn't show more than a cheap $20 32mm Plössl).
Hello :-)
Don't push too far. 250x is really going to give you a dim, dull image, and Mars will not even be that much larger. And as others said, it has to be closer to really be observable well.
A barlow introduces chromatic aberration. Usually it's best to get a decent eyepiece. Especially avoid short Plössl (poor eye-relief) and kits.
If you want to try it, the 6mm 66° or 6mm 68° type costs $17-$35 (Aliexpress, eBay, Amazon, Agenaastro- sold under various names, the thin golden or red line is what gave it the nickname "gold-line").
https://www.amazon.com/-/de/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ - but 250x isn't ideal.
https://www.amazon.com/Astromania-58-Degree-Planetary-Eyepiece-Telescope/dp/B01B2OGQYQ/ ~200x.
(You can get them about $10 cheaper via Aliexpress, eBay from China).
Clear skies :-)
Hi :-)
Any budget range? Do they need long eye-relief (e.g. when wearing glasses)?
Avoid those big eyepiece & filter sets, mediocre at best, overpriced, redundant.
> 2 lenses
I assume the kit eyepieces?
Aperture 203mm
Focal-length 1000mm
Eyepieces: Sirius-Plössl (52°), 25mm=40x,10mm=100x (1,25")
More than 200x often won't work due to atmospheric seeing conditions. If seeing is great, more can be stunning though :-)
A 5mm eyepiece would get you 200x, but short Plössl-type (52)° have very, very poor eye-relief.
Great budget eyepieces are the 6mm gold-line / red-line (brand name: Orion Expanse).
https://www.amazon.com/MEOPTEX-66-Degree-Ultra-Eyepiece-Telescope/dp/B07H8YZHFT/
~167x magnification will work on (most) nights unless atmospheric seeing is awful or the planets are very close to the horizon. The wide-angle and eye-relief properties are much better than 6mm Plössl. There are better options of course, though these are amazing budget eyepieces.
The HR Planetary clones (58°), BST Explorer, Starguider are also relatively affordable, available in other focal-lengths :-) They have a more narrow view than more modern eyepieces, e.g. the ES 82°. But as your mount tracks more easily, that's probably not as much of an issue.
https://www.amazon.com/Oumij1-Monocular-Planetary-Astronomical-Telescope/dp/B08CY2ZZ8K (The clones currently seem to be on sale everywhere, out of stock on other sites)
- (5mm would get you 200x. 4mm gets you 250x. I would not push the telescope beyond as you don't gain much and just get less use of it due to seeing.)
https://agenaastro.com/eyepieces/shopby/51_60_degrees-agena_astroproducts-5mm_and_under.html
Clear skies :-)
Hello :-)
The 9mm 66° / 68° are decent and don't break the bank ("gold-line" / "red-line" sold under various names, $18 via Aliexpress, $29 via Amazon. Brand name is Orion Expanse for $50 or more).
They suffer a bit of kidney-beaning (partial black-out when not looking through it straight) but I never noticed it using the eye-cup. They are considered good budget eyepieces. The 58° HR Planetary clones are better in that regard.
For planets, do consider the 6mm though.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
Clear skies :-)
Unless you've spent some time looking through various quality barlows and eyepieces, it's hard to get a frame of reference for when a barlow is working well vs when it's degrading the quality of the view. Based on my experience, that cheap plastic housing + melted plastic means that barlow is most definitely degrading the view.
If you're open to buying an eyepiece for the scope, then I recommend getting either the 6mm or 9mm "gold lines". They are a good value. Reasonable performance and comfort for a low price.
Either one is $30, which is the best value you're going to get for eyepieces at this focal length that are still comfortable to look through.
The 9mm will give you 128x magnification
The 6mm will give you 192x magnification
The 9mm is the safer bet. ~130x is still enough to see detail on the planets, and if the atmosphere is turbulent or the telescope's optics aren't that great, the view will be more presentable. The 9mm is also a better performer than the 6mm.
The 6mm is a riskier bet. The 192x magnification will be better for viewing the planets, IF the atmosphere and telescope optics can handle that kind of magnification. The 6mm is almost as good as the 9mm, but it is a tiny bit "softer". IF the atmosphere is steady and the optics are in good condition (good figure, well collimated, thermally acclimated), the 6mm will pay off more simply due to higher magnification that can better take advantage of the telescope's aperture.
If you only buy one, I would strongly suggest the 9mm over the 6mm.
> fan
The fan helps to get the telescope to ambient temperature (tension in the glass will limit how high and well you can magnify, so for observing planets you need to wait a bit after taking the telescope outside).
> laser
Laser collimation tools make adjusting the mirrors (and getting the best contrast) more ergonomic, but they aren't the most reliable/useful tools. Nice to have though once you've followed a guide.
> barstow lens
A barlow lens doubles (or tripples...) magnification of any eyepiece, but also reduces the contrast (especially the budget ones... http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/barlowandstuff.png).
You can get a decent planetary eyepiece for less. E.g. the 6mm 66° type ($20 from Aliexpress, a bit more on eBay, $30-$40 via Amazon or Agena Astro---- Do not get a short Plössl/52° type due to poor eye-relief).
(Amazon, Aliexpress/China - Random links, ymmv, check seller/item ratings)
Some real benefits of the AD series: The dual speed focuser for easier fine-adjustment, the ergonomic large right-angle finder-scope, the 2" eyepiece showing a larger field of view
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/1200-overview-eyepieces.png,
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
Otherwise: "Turn left at Orion" - the missing manual :-)
> flextube
They are a great concept. I only have the small 5" collapsible table-top.
You don't save any weight though. For 8" it's really debatable if it's beneficial. It does have down-sides (stray light, contrast, dew, possibly more collimation woes, though they seem to keep it quite well despite the mechanism)
The 8" collapsible is really only beneficial if you have a small car or storage space. (IMHO).
Well, truth be told, I loathe newts on EQ mounts. I loathe EQ mounts in general, but Newts on EQ mounts are a special kind of hell IMO.
I will spare you the rant unless you're interested, but suffice it to say if you are set on the scope, I think you should get the dual axis motor setup, because the ease of motorizing an EQ mount is literally the only advantage to having one, so you might as well take advantage of its one and only strength. Having a scope that can track targets feels like having 2 extra inches of aperture sometimes. It will also let you get into planetary and lunar imaging with a high speed camera if you ever want to go that route. It just won't be accurate enough for deep space imaging (the scope nor the mount are designed for deep sky imaging)
The accessory kit is trash though. Skip it.
For eyepieces, I recommend the following:
6-7mm eyepiece for starting planetary magnification. Options:
- 6mm "gold line"
- 7mm Celestron X-Cel LX - might have to shop around due to limited stock in most places
- BST 6mm
- BST 7mm
- Explore Scientific 6.5mm 52 degree
- 7mm Meade Series 5000 PWA - new, no reviews on it yet.
- 6.7mm Explore Scientific 82 degree
- 7mm Fujiyama HD Ortho. I don't normally recommend orthos because they have a narrow field of view and short eye relief, but if you get the tracking motors, the narrow field of view is irrelevant, and these are superb quality. I owned the 7mm for a while, and it put up tack sharp, high contrast planetary views. Don't get this if you don't plan on getting the tracking motors. Get the wider angle options instead.
Generally speaking I would favor the 6.5-7mm eyepieces over the 6mm eyepieces. The lower magnification is still in planetary range, but it's more conservative and will be usable on more nights when the atmosphere is not cooperative.
30mm-ish 2" eyepiece for low power wide angle viewing. Options:
- 30mm GSO SuperView
- 32mm Orion Q70
- 32mm Agena SWA (same eyepiece as the Q70, different brand)
There are quite a few more expensive options than these. These are more budget-friendly eyepieces. The main downside is stars near the edges of the field of view will be distorted. If you want better looking stars, you have to spend 2-4x as much. Up to you what kind of money you want to sink into the scope.
I would then use the 10mm and 25mm eyepieces that come with the scope for a while. The 10mm will be useful for medium/smaller DSOs. The 25mm will a bit redundant if you get a quality 30mm-ish 2" wide-angle. Eventually you might want to consider replacing the 10mm with a wider angle eyepiece with better eye relief. 10mm is a good focal length for many DSOs in that scope, but that particular eyepiece is just hard to look through and has a narrow apparent field of view.
Hello :-)
Ideally get a dedicated eyepiece instead of a barlow. A cheap barlow will reduce the contrast, a better one costs more than one (or more) decent budget eyepieces.
Avoid sets, and short Plössl/52° type in general. They suffer of poor eye-relief (https://imgur.com/FkEaOBG). A 10mm work for some, but you get better eyepieces for the same price.
More than 200x is rarely possible due to atmospheric seeing conditions being the bottle-neck, preventing you from really focusing and spotting detail (https://images.app.goo.gl/BRLiMs6ek48nbMpe8). On the rare occasion seeing's good, yo ucan magnify a bit higher.
400x or even more is often specified as the maximum of a 8" aperture, but magnifications this high will already create a dim and dull image. More isn't better (http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/5MagnificationSaturn-crop.png).
What is your budget?
In the lower budget-range, the 66° type and 58° type are great eyepieces. The 6mm and 9mm 66° suffer a bit of kidney-beaning (partially black-out when not looking through it straight, with the eye-cup I never had issues using the 6mm).
The 9mm is widely available. But it would give you 225x, which might not work under mediocre seeing conditions. 10-15mm would work more regularly.
Random links;
66°
- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 (6/9/15/20mm, $29 when in stock)
- Sometimes $18-$22 at Aliexpress, $23-$26 via eBay.
-
- https://www.amazon.com/Alstar-58-Degree-Planetary-Eyepiece-Telescope/dp/B0746BSQP4/
- https://aliexpress.com/item/32790319139.html (Sometimes cheaper ones, random link).
Avoid short Plössl, and the cheap copper-ring 62° type. Random links, check seller ratings, ymmv.
Else check out the Explore-Scientific 82° on a higher budget. Mid-range price, high-end quality (for most focal-lengths) :-)
Clear skies! :-)
Hi :-)
The difference between 10mm and 25mm should be significant, but more is possible.
Consider a 6mm 66°.
More than 200x can work, but sadly atmospheric seeing often limits what's possible.
Decent budget 6mm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V (avoid short plössl)
Ifseeing is great, a 4mm can be nice to have. 3.2mm possibly, but things already get quite dim.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32823985645.html (avoid the cheap 4mm 62°).
> collimation
Collimation will ensure the best contrast, but has nothing to do with magnification.
Clear skies :-)
Hello :-)
Don't get a set :-) They are never worth it.
What eyepieces were included? What is your budget?
On a budget, similar to
Also the 15mm. But at an F/5 telescope you could consider some better performing ones.
For a higher budget: Explore-Scientific 82° :-)
Clear skies!
The center of gravity is very low on a dobsonian. And it's big. It does not tip over easily :-) A telescope on a tripod would have a much higher risk.
Also, as shown in the link in my previous reply, a telescope mirror is a big chunk of glass. But the coating is first-surface instead of behind the glass, so it's delicate (no touch, no wipe, no drop stuff fown the tube).
A truss tube on the other hand... You can stick your hand inside. How little are they? Where is it stored?
The best strategy is to explain everything, let them use it, and make them aware of how it gets damaged if you're not careful. Works better than forbidding things ;-)
> if you owned AD10, can you go into it's accesories and how they work?
I don't have an AD10, but I am familiar with all the accessories. Anything specific you want to know?
30mm Erfle (~60-70°) wide-angle eyepiece.
- $80 locally, $40+ via Aliexpress (China).
- Makes finding things, observing larger targets easier; http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/1200-overview-eyepieces.png
- Not ideal for F/5 (cheap wide-angle eyepieces aren't sharp across the entire field in F/5, but the alternative is a ES30mm82° for $350+...)
Dual speed focuser
- Easier to find the perfect focus, especially nice when observing the planets
- There are upgrades, but upgrading the entire focuser can be a bit of a hassle. Quick hack for the Skywatcher 8": https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/607401-35-alternative-to-a-2-speed-focuser/
Right-angle, Correct Image (RACI) finder
- Much more ergonomic than the usual straight finders.
- Alternative for DSO under dark skies: Telrad - very nice to have
Laser collimatior
- Very ergonomic, easy to use. IF it's "shooting straight". Else it can make collimation worse. And it won't work to collimate other parts of the system. Also see https://garyseronik.com/collimation-tools-what-you-need-what-you-dont/
- Else: Cheap $15-$20 Cheshire-Sight-tube, or a DIY collimation cap, and/or the no-tools method (https://garyseronik.com/no-tools-telescope-collimation/)
Fan/Base
- Nice to have!
> other accessories
A 6mm 66° (on a budget) for planets. (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1, $20 via Aliexpress/China)
Older post about accessories (some links might be outdated or prices changed) https://old.reddit.com/r/telescopes/comments/h7qi49/looking_for_a_telescope_parts_first_time/fumpqn7/
> e links where I can learn about collimation or explain it?
Collimation sounds scarry when you've never seen and looked through a telescope :-)
The TL;DR: Turn three screws until everything appears centered. That's it 99% of the time. Many guides go really deep into adjusting the secondary, focuser, etc. etc.
What tools: https://garyseronik.com/collimation-tools-what-you-need-what-you-dont/
No tools collimation: https://garyseronik.com/no-tools-telescope-collimation/
Guide 1: https://garyseronik.com/a-beginners-guide-to-collimation/
Guide 2: http://www.astro-baby.com/astrobaby/help/collimation-guide-newtonian-reflector/
> other accessories
"Turn left at Orion" :-)
Hello :-)
Great! A 114/900 can already show a lot!
> Barlow
Don't bother with a barlow; Budget ones reduce the contrast, and you can get a bunch decent eyepieces for the price of a better one.
> eyepieces
Make sure it takes 1.25" eyepieces and not only 0.965", else you'll need something like this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-25-Metal-Focuser-top-for-Meade-4-1-2-Newtonian-Focuser-with-a-metal-drawtube/233386103208
Eyepiece, planets, decent budget 6mm; https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V
> device
You can get handsets on eBay often, relatively cheap, but make sure it's compatible (Meade's website, manual, or customer service). https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=meade+%28controller%2Chandset%29&_sacat=0&_sop=15
For many mounts/computer sets there exist some Arduino/Pic/X project to control it directly or via PC as well, if tinkering is your thing :-)
If all fails: Build a rockerbox. 1, 2.
EQ mount info:
How to use an equatorial mount
> older
While dust doesn't matter, check the state of the mirror. If it's more than dust, carefully clean it.
Usually these telescopes will hold collimation (alignment of the mirror system) well, but do check to ensure best contrast at higher magnifications (once you've gotten another eyepiece or two); https://garyseronik.com/collimation-tools-what-you-need-what-you-dont/ /and https://garyseronik.com/no-tools-telescope-collimation/
> make the most of the telescope?
"Turn left at Orion" - the missing manual ;-)
Clear skies!
One 6mm 66° in stock again, GOGOGOGO :-)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Hello :-)
Great choice!
> Isn’t the 6” much less detailed?
Yes, links on what difference aperture makes.
The AD8 would already include better accessories, if your budget is flexible. Sometimes it's on sale for a bit less than what it's currently though.
For either, consider a decent, long eye-relief 6mm for planets:
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
- (China) https://www.amazon.com/Vbestlife-66%C2%B0Astronomical-Telescope-Wide-Angle-Astronomy/dp/B083LQTTX9/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=6mm+66+eyepiece&qid=1594046396&sr=8-3
- Avoid short Plössl, cheap barlows.
Clear skies, have fun! :-)
Does not look like a custom build, just a rebrand GSO :-)
The eyepiece selection isn't that great.
2" eyepieces: Either cheap Erfle or "wide angle Kellner" you find at Aliexpress for $30-$40 each, and the focal-lengths are way too close to be very useful. The 40mm even produces a too large exit pupil. The barlow is probably nothing to write home about either.
Others:
A lot of simpler Plössl eyepieces, the short ones are nearly useless. Another barlow. Seems like the remnants of some kits the owner once bought and doesn't use (for a reason).
You often find such sets with a lot of mediocre or rubbish eyepeices. You only really need 3-4 good eyepieces to cover all bases.
Field simulation for a similar focal-length
Filters: You don't need a bunch of them. A simple moon filter possibly. Or a blue filter to enhance a bit of contrast on planets, but color filters don't do miracles.
Honestly, the Apertura DT10 would be a better deal,
. It's cheaper new, you have warranty, and even with a few accessories it won't cost much more than the used one.
-Planets: the 6mm gold-line 66° type for $29 ($13 from China),
Optionally a 2-inch $35-$80 eyepiece for a larger overview than the 25mm kit eyepiece. This is probably one of those included in the used set (you can sometimes get them even cheaper).
- possibly the 15mm in-between, and/or 9mm 66°.
> , so there's a lot of unknowns for me. T
Yeah, a lot of info at once, and the subject of eyepieces can fill books :-)
Consider getting "Turn left at Orion", a great guide to get you started. If you like to read and want more technical info, free ebook.
Also, regarding size,
8" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiW7rRSApBA
10" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldmh-v7Kk30
TL;DR:
A lot of stuff, not that great of a deal as it's mediocre, and with a new dobsonian you'll end up being on the safe side. :-)
I mean you could make a counter offer, but given the original price of the Celestron box Plössl set and the 28-32-40 set the seller already thinks he's making a good offer.
Hello :-)
1000mm focal length divided by 20mm eyepiece = 50x.
The barlow will tripple that = 150x. But the kit barlow is of poor quality.
The 127eq has a flawed bird-jones style optical system. It's not recommended to go beyond really.
A 6mm 66° is a cheap budget eyepiece though that's worth a try.
Without the intend of being mean, if exchanging it is an option, that's the recommended procedure for the 127eq. (Refurbished XT6 for $239, else Z130 or OneSky for $199)
Else, 6mm 66° eyepiece; US / China/Marketplace.
> What should I be using to look at the planets in the milky way?
The planets are not in the milky-way in that sense, they are part of our solar system and our sun is just one of the dots that make up the milky-way. :-)
> Thank you all so much and great pictures I'm seeing on here.
Pictures will look larger. People take hundreds, thousand of frames and stack them via software, resulting in more detail than what's most often visible to the eye.
Clear skies!
Hi :-) While the Astromaster can show a few things, I would suggest returning it if it's an option. It's a frustrating set. Even if you/he figures out how to use it and get the quirks ironed out, it still has a flawed spherical mirror with limited contrast and flimsy mount and accessories.
A 6" dobsonian costs $239 refurbished (https://www.telescope.com/Fall-Red-Tag-Sale/Clearance-Telescopes/pc/468/81.uts?&refinementValueIds=4566) and the better Sky-watcher 6-inch is on sale for $280 at the moment (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1141699-REG/sky_watcher_s11600_6_traditional_dobsonian.html). 8" starts at $359.
And ideally a decent planetary eyepiece, no set or barlow (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1).
But there are more portable sets, like the AWB OneSky / Heritage 130p if portability is an issue. I use my 130p on an inexpensive ikea step stool.#
The 6" (or 8") would show much more and perform better regarding planets for multiple reasons.
Links on what to expect in different telescope aperture sizes.
Pick up "Turn left at Orion" - the missing manual for any telescope.
And some binoculars, like the $30 Celestron Cometron 7x50. That makes finding things much easier. (http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/fov.png)
Clear skies :-)
Hi :-)
"Turn left at Orion" (the missing manual),
a 6mm 66 (1 / 2) and perhaps the 15mm (Field simulation),
a dimable red light,
adjustable observing chair,
possibly binoculars when starting out.
More, optional accessories, info on accessories -> old post. :-)
Clear skies, have fun with your telescope! :-)
Hi :-)
They occasionally appear on eBay and Amazon, but a lot of stuff is sold out at the moment.
Check https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V - it has been in and out of stock in the past months rather randomly.
Otherwise, the red line are supposedly the same; https://www.ebay.com/itm/SVBONY-Relief-Eyepiece-1-25-68-Ultra-Wide-Angle-6mm-FMC-For-Astro-Telescope/303352485310?hash=item46a13795be:g:x7EAAOSw8~5elnDh - but I do not have experience with them.
There's also a set of two gold-lines: https://www.ebay.com/itm/SVBONY-1-25-66-6mm-9mm-Ultra-Wide-Eyepiece-Set-Multi-Coated-for-Telescope/123800922578?hash=item1cd31c29d2:g:QboAAOSwpeFemPqy
And another place to check (out of stock atm): https://agenaastro.com/agena-6mm-enhanced-wide-angle-ewa-eyepiece.html
Else -> China -> https://aliexpress.com/item/32727027422.html
Aren't you looking to buy a z130? Then you should consider the 4mm 58° instead for planets. The 6mm doesn't quite cut it. I Have the 130p, and the 6mm 66° is nice for the moon. But for planets, you really need a bit more magnification. Avoid the 4mm 62° and short Plössl.
Astromania 4mm 58° cost $49 from Amazon, but only other ones in stock right now. Same for https://agenaastro.com/bst-1-25-uwa-planetary-eyepiece-4mm.html. The other listings at Amazon seem to be Marketplace listings from China, and they are much cheaper at https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32823985645.html.
Clear skies!
Hello :-)
You only need a 2-inch eyepiece for a larger overview.
More than a 30mm can't be used in the f/5 telescopes as you will get an too large exit pupil.
Planets;
A barlow will reduce the contrast. A better one costs more than some quality eyepieces.
Eyepiece field of view simulation
For planets, a decent 4mm. Not a short Plössl due to poor eye-relief (https://imgur.com/FkEaOBG), not a set, not the bad 4mm 62°.
A 3.2mm might work, but the 130mm telescopes are limited. For planets a 6" or 8" dobsonian is a better choice than these short 5" telescopes, and you don't need Starsense to find them really.
For deep-sky, a 15mm 66°, 6mm 66° eyepiece can be great additions as well. They cost around $20 via Aliexpress, on Amazon they are out of stock (Only the 9mm atm, else AgenaAstro).
Clear skies!
Haha, I hope it works out and arrives fast :-)
Please do!
Also:
Consider getting a decent 6mm if you don't have one already,
Field of view simulation, http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
6mm 66°, $18-$22 from China via eBay/Aliexpress/Amazon Marketplace, $29-$35 via Amazon or Agenaastro (when in stock).
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 (listing changes a lot, just the 9mm in stock ATM, not the 6mm!)
https://agenaastro.com/agena-6mm-enhanced-wide-angle-ewa-eyepiece.html
Do not get a Plössl under 10mm due to poor eye-relief.
Clear skies!
Yeah the 66° are out of stock again, but they come and go :-) (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 - Just don't get a 6mm 52°)
Only the one from China via Marketplace, https://www.amazon.com/Vbestlife-66%C2%B0Astronomical-Telescope-Wide-Angle-Astronomy/dp/B083LQTTX9/
At Amazon itself only the 6mm Expanse is in stock, but that point the 6mm planetary from Agenaastro is a better investment (or an even better one).
Hello :-)
Great :-)
Yes, it's the best telescope in this price-range! :-) ...Unless you can spend $359 on a 8" ;-)
Where are you from? Offers differ slightly.
> download and print
That can work :-) There's also cartes du ceil for custom maps, and these easy maps (from avila.star-shine.ch). Especially if you have a Telrad.
For planets, an app will do.
For getting started, I strongly recommend "Turn left at Orion" - the missing manual on HOW to observe.
And some binoculars for easier finding DSO when starting out.
> lenses
A 6mm for planets would be great. But not a short Plössl or bad barlow.
-
- Decent starter eyepiece, 6mm 66°
- Amazon $29 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
- China/Amazon Marketplace $13 https://www.amazon.com/Vbestlife-66%C2%B0Astronomical-Telescope-Wide-Angle-Astronomy/dp/B083LQTTX9
Possibly also the 15mm.
The 6" from skywatcher is the only one with 2-inch focuser, so you could get a larger overview eyepiece if you're interested in deep-sky.
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/1200-overview-eyepieces.png
> able to use on both
The 6mm will work in either :-) 12" only when atmospheric seeing is great, but then it'll work.
> moon filter
At higher magnification you can live without. :-)
> solar filter
You won't see flares like on the images you've seen.
From an older post:
Only get good filter, specially for visual use; E.g. Astro / Baader solar, Thousandoaks.
It's pretty easy to make one (https://astrosolar.com/en/information/how-to/how-to-make-your-own-objective-solar-filter-for-your-camera-or-telescope), saves a lot of money (and leaves more film if you have to replace it).
Solar filters in white light can be a bit underwhelming, just in case you expect to see what has been captured with dedicated solar scopes;
Protuberances for example won't be visible like on such images. Here's a comparison of visual light and dedicated solar scopes, the left is the visual filter: image (source).
And we have a sun spot low atm. :-)
Clear skies :-)
Hi :-)
Another vote for the DT8, but it has very basic accessories. A 6mm 66° for planets, and something in the 9-15mm range perhaps.
Field of view simulation: http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
If seeing is great, you could try a 4mm 58° eyepiece, but most days it will just gather dust. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32823985645.html
Avoid cheap barlows, and short simple eyepieces.
Collimation: Even slightly off it will show more than smaller telescopes. There's a no-tool method, but a collimation cap or Cheshire-sight tube will work the most reliable, as cheap collimation-lasers suck. https://garyseronik.com/collimation-tools-what-you-need-what-you-dont/
Computerized: Nothing worthwhile in this price-range. There are $100-$200 "push to" encoder kits to add if you like to tinker, but not motor kits.
> 6
> 8
Links on what to expect in different telescope aperture sizes
Clear skies ;-)
2032mm focal-length
2032 / 10mm eyepiece would give you 203x magnification.
A 9mm 66° is pretty cheap, 225x, but only works if seeing is decent. Something in the 10-13mm range would be more versatile.
A 6mm 66° would give you the same magnification as your current 6mm (~339x) but longer eye-relief and larger apparent field of view.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
(9mm out of stock :-/ Other listings perhaps)
EDIT 9mm red line https://www.amazon.com/SVBONY-Telescopes-Eyepieces-Eyepiece-Degree/dp/B07C6HDR58/
($13-$20 via China / Aliexpress / Amazon Marketplace)
Better eyepieces would be HR Planetary, for around $30
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32740870752.html
(But don't push magnification further, even 400x will be dim, dull, no detail is gained really)
What's your budget?
Hello :-)
The Astromaster has a spherical mirror of short focal-length, meaning it will have severe contrast issues.
The other issue: The kit eyepieces. 20mm and 10mm (65x) just don't quite cut it (and the 10mm is not good).
You need 100x magnification or so to spot a bit of detail.
More than 100x will be an issue with the spherical mirror optics though.
https://i.imgur.com/XcE8pUf.png
A 6mm 66° would give you 108x, ($29-$35 via Amazon, $14-$23 from China*), and if you like to tinker, you can modify these eyepieces for a bit more magnification.
Do not get a barlow (reduces the contrast).
Do not a short Plössl-type due to poor eye-relief. Or the bad cheap 62° type.
* (Check seller reviews, ymmv)
Hello :-)
For $280 you can currently get the Sky-Watcher 6-inch dobsonian.
A dobsonian is a reflector on a simple but sturdy rockerbox instead of a tripod, leaving most money for the actual optics.
Also pick up "Turn left at Orion" (the missing manual!) and binoculars (make it easier to find things when starting out).
As well as a 6mm 66° eyepiece for planets (not a short cheaper Plössl-type).
-
- (Amazon, the cheaper $29 sold out atm) 6mm 66° eyepiece
- (China, ymmv) 6mm 66° at Marketplace
6" already shows a lot, unless you spend $359 for an Apertura DT8, this telescope will show you the most.
Links on what to expect in different telescope aperture sizes
Forget all telescopes on a tripod in this price-range, especially the overrated 127eq, 114eq and 130eq "best sellers" are weak and have flawed optics(!).
Clear skies :-)
Just don't trust any of those fake review sites/videos, e.g. Celestron eyepiece kits are not worth it. Overpriced, mediocre at best.
All you really need for the 8" is the 6mm and perhaps a 15mm. That will cover ALL bases.
A 4mm (300x) or even 3.2mm (375x) can be nice for the rare occasion seeing is excellent (it usually isn't).
Currently on sale! https://aliexpress.com/item/32740870752.html (these usually cost $30-$35, or $50 via Amazon)
Hi :-)
Another vote for the 6" dobsonian.
The 127eq is a flawed bird-jones like design with a weak mount.
The F/4 aperture ratio of the Starblast has several contrast issues due to obstruction 1/2 and coma and you just don't get a good mount with sets in this price-range.
The more stable CG4/NEQ3 costs $250+ alone, thus the manufacturers bundle these entry level telescope with the weakest they can get away with. At the magnifications telescopes operate at, stability is key. Else focusing, finding, observing will be TEDIOUS.
> Are the mounts as bad as people say? Will we have a bad user experience because of the mount?
Examples on poor stability
- Here's how shaky a 114/900 on a EQ-1 is: 1 2 3
- A Video of the amount of shake of a 130/650 on EQ2 [1]
- Shorter scope on evil AZ fork mount
- Again: This might not seem like a big issue just from looking at those, but at high magnifications tracking and focusing will be tedious. Stability is a key aspect for a good telescope. If you are attaching a camera, things get even worse!
- You will compromise stability and optics. It will just end poorly :-(
Dobsonians may not seem like a typical telescope, but their simple rockerbox type mount is sturdy, leaving most money for the actual optics.
> deeper space things like galaxies etc.
The larger aperture will also show more :-) Links on what to expect in different telescope aperture sizes
> EQ mount telescope seemed like the route from what I researched
While the tracking functionality is nice, that benefit only comes into play when the mount is stable. Also, with reflectors, the focuser can wander to odd angles.
> alternatives
the Sky-Watcher 6" is the only 6" with 2" focuser for optional wide-field eyepieces.
The XT6 used to be cheaper (and while I do not endorse the plus-sets, the kit with accessories is a nice touch. The finder and focuser are very simple though and it only includes one eyepiece.).
(Edit: Random image for size. Make sure it fits in the car if you go camping, e.g. in smaller cars the tube will only fit across the back seat).
> I'm also willing to supplement some budget for a better lens, eyepiece, etc. Would love to get a phone mount for amateur phone pics.
Eyepiece field of view simulation
- http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
- A decent 6mm 66°(apparent field of view) would be a good planetary eyepiece on a budget. More is often limited by atmospheric seeing. Avoid cheaper short eyepieces (poor eye-relief), kits, and cheap barlows (reduce the contrast).
- 6mm 66° China 1, 2, 3 *
- 6mm 66° gold-line currently not available at Amazon for the usual $29, but the red-line is currently on eBay (I have no experience with those. Should be the same)
If portability and/or the price is a concern, the ~$199 Zhumell z130, AWB OneSky are nice 5" table-tops. Other than the Starblast it's aperture ratio isn't quite as drastic, and it's more stable. The optics are parabolic, outperforming the 127eq as well. MUCH better than something like a 130eq (I've tried ;-) ).
(Edit2: There will be a Heritage 150 (6") soon, and there's the Starblast 6, those will show more of course.)
> I think I'd prefer that over tabletop models as well so my mom won't have to strain herself to look into it.
I use mine on an inexpensive Ikea step-stool. :-)
Also, telescopes on weak mount -> You can't extend the tripod fully anyway as it's the only way to increase stability a bit.
An (adjustable) chair is the way to go. For any telescope. :-)
Clear skies :-)
//EDIT³: Forgot about the imaging; Imaging is an entire different cans of worms. But it's quite possible to take images of planets with dobsonians... With practice, patience. For deep-sky imaging, none of the telescopes mentioned will work.
* (Random links, check seller reviews and store reputation, especially of the cheaper one)
The DT*8* over the XT*6*?
Very much so! :-)
The larger aperture will show more (My usual link dump on what to expect in different aperture sizes).
The 8" is a bit heavier though (~5KG/11lbs or so?).
The DT8 are more basic than the AD8 (2" Eyepiece, RACI finder, dual-speed focuser, fan, base...), but all dobsonians perform about the same optically.
The DT*6* over the XT*6*? They will perform pretty much the same, with the only main difference is the 6x30 finder instead of a red-dot finder. Whichever you can get faster / for a good price.
All lack a planetary eyepiece. Especially the XT6/XT8 and the DT6/DT8 only come with a single eyepiece.
Fix:
6mm with decent eye-relief, 6mm 66° China (around $20 via eBay), Amazon
Hi :-)
If you can wait, the focuser and finder will also be nice to have. (Z8, AD8, more expensive Orion Skyline).
> Amazon
As /u/Gusto88 wrote, Amazon often doesn't ship all parts of the telescope (base only, or tube only). Happened frequently, people reported it here as well as on other forums.
> do-it-all quality eyepiece.
Do it all?
> planets
6mm 66° for planets, Aliexpress $17
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
> Amazon just due to the ease of returns.
2" eyepieces are only important for larger overview. Depending on how dark your sky gets, you could also get a 36mm or larger eyepiece. Erfle-type including the q70 perform well enough at F/6 aperture ratio of the telescope.
Glasses do matter if you have (strong) astigmatism or prefer in general to keep them on when observing. Else you can take them off and adjust for it with the telescope's focus.
Moon filter: Variable polarizing filters are nice. At higher magnification the moon's also dimmer. Or if you have/want a color filter for planets, that can double as moon filter too (but of course tints the moon).
> laser
> laser
Reason: Lasers make it easy but cheap lasers suck. Also see https://garyseronik.com/collimation-tools-what-you-need-what-you-dont/ - I use a Cheshire (from $10-$20) and the no tool method (https://garyseronik.com/no-tools-telescope-collimation/).
> chair?
Ideally, yes! :-) Height adjustable chairs; Astronomy chairs are pretty expensive. The cheap ~$30 "ironing chairs" not as common in the US for some reason. Some people make some wood board observing chairs,
> Finder scope L eyepiece
Usually you can't upgrade these finders with a Diagonal
> I'm suprised it doesn't come this way.
Yeah. For deep-sky a Telrad can be nice, if you observe from dark skies.
Clear skies :-)
I have this one, it's good for the price.
Yes, 1.25" and 2" are standard sizes in the industry. You won't find any 6mm eyepieces in a 2" format since it's not necessary for a focal length that short to be in a 2" barrel.
There are a few options in and around 6mm depending on budget:
6mm "Gold Line". Budget eyepiece. Wide field, comfortable eye relief, great price. Downside is that it's got some major contrast issues on the Moon, as well as an eye placement problem known as "kidney beaning", and is not as sharp on-axis as it could be.
6mm TMB Planetary clone. Budget eyepiece. Fairly generic, like the Gold Line above, it's sold by many brands. Decent eye relief, slightly wider apparent field than a Plossl. Reports of this line of eyepieces indicate they are reasonably sharp but some focal lengths suffer from contrast problems as well.
6.5mm Explore Scientific 52. Narrow field of view (same as a Plossl), but much better eye relief than a Plossl. Generally a good quality eyepiece, though a little pricey given its narrow field.
6mm Long Perng LER. Mid-grade eyepiece. Narrow field (55 degrees), but long eye relief, and good overall correction. Not very popular compared to other lines, but seems to get good reviews. Also sold under numerous other brands (Long Perng makes white label eyepieces). For instance, the Orion Edge-On Planetary is the same eyepiece, just more expensive.
6mm Vixen SLV. Another Plossl-like eyepiece but with long eye relief. These are not very popular eyepieces due to their high cost relative to their specifications, but reports indicate they are very high quality. Note that the previous generation of these had a shiny spacer ring that created glare/contrast issues. Evidently it's been resolved in newer batches.
6mm Long Perng Wide Angle. Same thing as the Orion LHD, just the generic form (and less expensive). Long eye relief, very wide 80 degree apparent field. Not many reviews on these eyepieces due to heavy competition from other known players in the market, but the reviews of the Orion LHD on Orion's site seem positive. This review says it keeps up with the 6.5mm Baader Morpheus, which I would hope so since it's about the same price!
6.7mm Explore Scientific 82. Very good optical quality, very wide apparent field. A little tight on eye relief. While not quite up to the same standard as a Tele Vue Nagler, it can be considered a lifetime eyepiece that gives you 90% of the performance at 68% of the price.
6.5mm Baader Morpheus. A premium, "lifetime" eyepiece. Wide field, very comfortable to look through, excellent optical quality. But also very pricey.
6mm Tele Vue Delos. A gold standard "lifetime" eyepiece. Basically optically flawless even in telescopes with short focal ratios. Wide field and long eye relief with quick adjustable eye guard to make it easy to set an eye guard height that works for your comfort level (or lets you wear glasses). Very, very pricey.
6mm Tele Vue Ethos. The gold standard of 100 degree class eyepieces. Hyperwide apparent field that pushes the field stop out to your peripheral vision. The equal to the Delos, but wider apparent field (100 degrees vs 72). Unbelievably sharp on-axis with superb contrast. Extremely expensive. Another "lifetime" eyepiece.
There are a scattering of other 6mm options - namely some orthoscopic or actual Plossl eyepieces, but those will have impossibly short eye relief, and poor edge correction, and aren't a good fit for a manually tracked scope.
If your budget is around the same price as the barlow ($70), then stick to #1 through #4. If you don't mind investing in a premium eyepiece that you can have for a lifetime, then consider #7 through #10.
These are a very nice budget friendly choice…
MEOPTEX 1.25" 6mm 9mm 15mm 20mm 66-Degree Ultra Wide Angle Eyepiece for Telescope (6mm) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_56X70R2FXDY6GBBP2QDD
For that particular telescope I might go with the 9 mm, and the 20 mm if you were just going with two.
If you are going to get three, then you might as well buy a complete set that would include five or six and possibly a Barlow for the same money. Like this:
SVBONY Telescope Eyepiece Fully Multi Coated 1.25 inches Telescope Lens 66 Degree Ultra Wide Angle HD Telescope Accessory (6mm 9mm 15mm 20mm) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MR78I42/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_T2X5N6PPN3E27RMY69NS
Or, another nice option if you just want to get started quickly and inexpensively, a lot of people really like this eyepiece… Covers a whole range of focal lengths.
SVBONY SV135 Telescope Eyepiece Zoom 7 to 21mm 1.25 Inch Zoom Eyepiece Fully multi Coated 6 Element 4 Group Zoom Lens Telescope Accessory for Astronomic Telescopes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XZ6DY18/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_H64JZWEBWATKMJAMWPXZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Skywatcher and orion make good dobsonians, you can get those on amazon.
Keep in mind you need eyepieces too.
Stuff like these work:
MEOPTEX 1.25" 6mm 9mm 15mm 20mm 66-Degree Ultra Wide Angle Eyepiece for Telescope (6mm) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_Y1KHE6JX3M4FB4A2R3AS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
SVBONY Telescope Eyepiece 1.25 inches Telescope Accessory 68 Degree Ultra Wide Angle Astronomy Gifts (20mm) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C6MDT1B/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_A87S6EX3417QK3KQ610C
I'll give a quick run down on specs of a telescope.
The aperture is how wide the telescope is, the wider usually better if it's the same quality of scope. Ie an 8 in would be 8 in wide.
The focal length is how long the telescope takes for all the light to reach a certain point. 1000mm focal length and above are good for planets or whatever you may need, although for wide field a little less is fine.
The mm on the eyepieces are the focal lengths of the eyepieces. Also they usually come in two sizes, 1.25 in wide and 2 in wide. 1.25 is more standard, and depending on the telescope it might take only 1.25 or both, since telescopes that take 2in usually have an adapter for 1.25in.
To determine how much magnification you get with an eyepiece you divide the focal length of the telescope by the focal length of the eyepiece.
If I had a 1000mm telescope and a 20mm eyepiece, 1000 ÷ 20 = 50 x magnification.
Barlow lenses are multipliers of the magnification, usually they double it but it depends. They go in the eyepiece holder and then you put the eyepieces in that, those are optional and are limited in what they can do.
Usually you want a mix of eyepieces, for instance a 20mm would be good for the moon or in your case for seeing the Andromeda galaxy if your in dark skies if you have about 1000mm of focal length. 9mm or so would be good for saturn and jupiter.
The ones I linked have wide viewing lenses which are good, cheap ones are too narrow and very difficult to look through.
I have a YouTube playlist I made that has some helpful videos, you don't need to watch the astrophotography related videos but they are helpful as well:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjb696PtLMYoOeut-zSJ1lgYbQstTA8fS
Hi :-)
> I have
> F1100 x 102 mm
> whatever that means
Your telescope has a 102mm aperture (mirror diameter). The aperture of a telescope determines it's resolution, how high you can magnify. Rule of thumb: aperture X 2 = (204x magnification, but things start to get dim around that)
F1100 is the focal-length. Together with an eyepiece, it determines magnification. E.g. 1100 divided by 10mm eyepiece =110x magnification. The higher you magnify, the dimmer things get though. For deep-sky, it's often better to stay under half of that. But that's over-simplified it strongly depends on the target's size and brightness.
> lens I should use to view something like Jupiter in quality condition?
Consider a decent 6mm eyepiece, such as the 66° type ($29, sometimesl ess), identical 68° type, or the better 58° type (sharper, $4X, sometimes cheaper, smaller apparent field of view). Short cheap Plössl have poor eye-relief.
1100 divided by 6mm ~= 183x
Things to avoid: Eyepiece sets are usually overpriced, mediocre, redundant. Avoid the cheap bad 4mm 62° and similar. Budget barlows double the magnification but reduce the contrast.
Clear skies :-)
Yes :-)
Svbony resells many of the no-name eyepeices.
There is no real brand, and prices/availability of the cheap ones change. (Only "brand names" are Orion Expanse, being the most known, and Skywatcher sold them at one point. At least in the US, they are also sold as Meoptex https://www.amazon.com/MEOPTEX-66-Degree-Ultra-Eyepiece-Telescope/dp/B07H8YZHFT/).
The 58° type is better, but costs more (usd$40-$50 regularly, sometimes on sale though) has a bit smaller apparent field of view (http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/AFOV_.png).
No real deals on that one right now, just for the 5mm.
More than 200x can work in a 6", 8" and larger telescope, but only if atmospheric seeing is good. For a 8" dobsonian, it's nice to have a 4mm 58° around. (But not a Plössl due to poor eye-relief, and not the cheap bad 4mm 62°).
As you were looking for the "best eyepiece", especially in a F/5 telescope, the HR Planetary or BST Starguider/Dual-ED/Similar might be a better choice overall.
Hi :-)
> Orion Dob
Do you have The Orion XT6 or the Orion Starblast 6 table-top?
> must have eye pieces
Do you have any but the kit 25mm eyepiece?
> We love looking at galaxies but they all look like a faint blur.
Galaxies will look differently than on pictures. Our eyes have cone and rod receptors. The cone cells are in the center of our vision and can perceive colors. But they are not sensitive enough. The rod cells are more sensitive and can pick up faint nebulae, galaxies, but can only detect brightness.
For galaxies and most nebula, it's all about a dark sky, practice, and often low to medium magnification (with the exception of small planetary nebulae and such). More magnification also makes things dimmer.
> ll make the blur more distinct or see more of it?
Finding the ideal magnification, size, brightness is key here. So a 15mm eyepiece can be nice to have. E.g. the 15mm 66° is fairly inexpensive and works alright in a 6" F/8 focal ratio telescope.
If you don't have a 9-10mm eyepiece, the 9mm 66° is another budget eyepiece.
> Same goes for viewing Jupiter and Saturn.
For planets, the 6mm 66° (or the identical 68°). These cost $29, and sometimes cheaper. There's also a set of all of these, but the 20mm is kind of redundant to the kit 25mm eyepiece. So the whole set (6/9/15/20) is only worth if it's under $90 IMHO.
https://www.amazon.com/MEOPTEX-66-Degree-Ultra-Eyepiece-Telescope/dp/B07H8YZHFT/
https://www.amazon.com/MEOPTEX-66-Degree-Ultra-Eyepiece-Telescope/dp/B07HHSZB18/
Field of view simulation: http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
> eye pieces
What price-range are you looking in? These were budget recommendations and there are of course better ones. The 15mm and 20mm 66° don't work too great in "faster" focal ratios (e.g. F/5). The 9mm and especially 6mm suffer of some kidney-beaning (shadow in the view when not looking through straight. Personally I have no issue when using the eye-cup).
For a higher budget, there's the 58° type (HR Planetary clone) and the 60° BST Starguider (and identical other brands).
Clear skies :-)
Great! There is a lot that telescope can show :-)
> accessories
"Turn left at Orion" - the missing manual :-)
> filters
Filters have very limited effect.
Light pollution filters were more useful when the main concern were sodium vapor street lights where you could filter out their spectrum. Nowaydays it makes more sense to go to a darker location :-) Narrow band filters can help with certain emission nebulae. https://www.prairieastronomyclub.org/useful-filters-for-viewing-deep-sky-objects/
For planets you don't really need filters. Color filters can enhance the contrast, but it's not going to do miracles. https://agenaastro.com/articles/guides/visual-and-imaging-filters/choosing-a-color-planetary-filter.html TL;DR: Blue :-)
Also don't get eyepiece and filter sets. If you want to try eyepiece color filters, you can get sets for $8-$12 on Amazon. But avoid using any eyepiece solar filter that's in these sets.
> haven't gotten any
A dedicated planetary eyepiece will be more useful (6mm 66° on a budget, <=$29. Some kidney-beaning/shadow when not looking straight through, but I never had issues when using it's eye-cup. The 6mm 58° are better but have a smaller apparent field of view. No sales of those ATM, and the even better BST Starguider 60° are similar to the regular priced ones. 4mm can be nice for the rare occasion atmospheric seeing is excellent... Which it usually is not. Avoid short Plössl/52° eyepiece due to poor eye-relief.)
Awesome, have fun :-)
Do consider getting a 6mm 66° or 58° eyepiece, and ideally 1-2 in-between.
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
https://www.amazon.com/MEOPTEX-66-Degree-Ultra-Eyepiece-Telescope/dp/B07H8YZHFT
(No eyepiece set though, especially short Plössl/52° type have poor eye-relief).
Also, got a guide such as "Turn left at Orion"?
Do you have astigmatism?
Hi! :-)
Awesome, have fun!
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
https://www.amazon.com/MEOPTEX-66-Degree-Ultra-Eyepiece-Telescope/dp/B07H8YZHFT
Clear skies! :-)
Hi! :-)
Awesome!
I hope it's not too large.
> accessories
Does it already include a planetary eyepiece or something? Some of the XT6 sets do include a barlow.
If not, (or if there's just something basic included), pick up a 6mm 66° or 58° from Amazon for ~$27-$29. :-)
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
https://www.amazon.com/MEOPTEX-66-Degree-Ultra-Eyepiece-Telescope/dp/B07H8YZHFT
Clear skies, have fun! :-)
> f5.6
Oh, neat :-)
> rebranded
There are versions from all sorts of vendors (e.g. TS, BST, Agena). Same with the HR when they were a more recent development (marketed by Skywatcher, BST, TS...).
> 5mm
1350/5mm=270x- That would only work if seeing is excellent. The next step up would be the 8mm, https://www.firstlightoptics.com/bst-starguider-eyepieces/bst-starguider-60-8mm-ed-eyepiece.html (random UK link just for reference)
Sadly only the HR Planetary 58° is available in more focal-lengths (e.g. 7mm).
Or for a higher budget, the Explore-Scientific eyepieces. But I think the 82° are discontinued now or just out of stock? There's a 6.5mm 82° now but it's close to $300 :-(
1350/6.7mm= ~201x / 1350/6.5= ~208x
> Celestron plossls for $20
Given that you get the mentioned 66° / gold-line eyepieces for $26-29 currently, the Plössl for $20 are a bad deal IMHO. The 32mm maybe if it's in good condition. 9mm also has relatively short eye-relief.
$27-$29 unless prices change in the mean-time:
https://www.amazon.com/MEOPTEX-66-Degree-Ultra-Eyepiece-Telescope/dp/B07H8YZHFT
https://www.amazon.com/Eyepiece-Length-66-Deg-Multi-Coated-Telescope/dp/B01L1HBIME/
https://www.amazon.com/MEOPTEX-66-Degree-Ultra-Eyepiece-Telescope/dp/B07HHSZB18
https://www.amazon.com/66-Degree-Eyepiece-Telescope-Coated-Accessories/dp/B08HM5MHZM/
No deals on the shorter 58° HR Planetary atm, but there's a 9mm 58° for $33
The longer ones, e.g. 15mm 66° and especially 20mm 66° do not perform well at F/5 (like any cheaper/simpler wide-angle design), at F/6 it's okay. Still an alternative to Plössl IMHO!
Great :-)
> enough
"Turn left at Orion" - the missing manual for any telescope :-)
> I don’t plan on observing DSO’s for now.
You've got a great telescope for planets, the 6mm 66° will provide you with a fair bit of magnification... All set :-)
Color filters can slightly enhance contrast, but don't do miracles. Some sets cost $8-$10 if you want to try (AVOID solar eyepiece filters, dangerous).
You do not need light pollution filters for planets, and for everything else their use is rather limited anyway.
250x magnification can work if atmospheric seeing is good (it usually isn't), 300x (often advertised for 6" telescopes) already makes the view quite dim. You may find that you want a bit more magnification after a while, but it's not going to be possible most of the time. So it depends if you really want to shell out more money on another eyepiece :-) The HR Planetary 58° type are a bit better in regards of viewing properties, but have a narrower apparent field of view. Check on Amazon regularly, as they often have some on sale for under/around $20 instead of the typical $40. E.g. the 4.5mm could be a nice addition for the times seeing's good. No deal atm, just one for $26 that ships from China.
Great! :-)
> lunar eclipse
Oh, how so?
> faded
perhaps just some thin clouds?
> phone had died
http://skymaps.com/downloads.html
Paper maps and dim red light are ideal for longer observations and preserving night vision
> (what I think was) Jupiter. Although it only appeared as a small circle in my telescope, with it's moons being barely visible specks of light, I was still excited, as it was my first successfull observation.
Yes, at lower magnification that's about it :)
Cheap rubbish 70/300 ~20mm http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/jupi300.png
> some stars
> smaller stars
Yeah, it's incredible!
Do try Albireo the next time you get a chance, as well as some open clusters (cr399, h&chi, M44, M45...)
> more vast than it ever has, even at a magnification that low.
It's incredible, and even at that magnification, you may be able to see a lot more than with the naked eye.
> eyepiece
> Will I need to get an eyepiece specifically for that telescope, or is it there a universal standard where every eyepiece fits every telescope.
Unless having an old telescope, 1.25" eyepieces should fit. Only older cheaper telescopes have 0.965" focusers.
> How will I know if an eyepiece fits before I buy it? What size should I buy if I want to get a closer look at things?
As stated in my previous replies,
>> At 500/10= 50x magnification the planets will be small but recognizable. Saturn with just about the ring visible as ears. Venus has phases (avoid sun). >> Jupiter's brightest moons visible as smaller dots, two faint cloud bands may be apartment. >> >> . >> >> I struggle recommending very high magnification for a short refractor due to chromatic aberration limiting what's useful. A 6mm 66 or 58° type eyepiece a bit more magnification, sometimes on sale for under 30 dollars.
The 6mm 66° and 6mm 58° are relatively cheap. ($29, $40 regularly, sometimes half when on sale)
More will be an issue due to the telescope's chromatic aberration. As will cheap barlows (adapters that double magnification). http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/telescopes-chromatic-aberrations-barlows-refractors.png
Cheaper eyepieces exist but have poor viewing properties. If you want something cheaper I can make a recommendation.
Avoid sets. They are never worth it.
I don't want to discourage you, but the telescope and the / accessories are not very good. The barlow and 4mm won't do anything useful :-(
Is it new?
Do you have any other eyepieces?
The mount is not very sturdy, and the telescope itself has a cheap spherical mirror with corrector lens (http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/birdJonesPartOfTheGraphic.png)
Why Celestron keeps bundling those bad 4mm eyepieces and barlows with these telescopes baffles me. All it's good for is to advertise very high magnifications that won't do anything productive in these telescopes.
Even without barlow, 1000/4mm eyepiece = 250x magnification. This will work for the moon as it's so bright, but it's beyond what these telescopes are capable of in terms of resolution, magnification.
In many ways a "gold-line" 6mm 66° eyepiece (great budget eyepiece with decent viewing properties for $29*) might be a better choice overall for planets. ~167x Magnification is already pushing the bird-jones type optics but not as far as the 4mm. And the eyepiece is fairly inexpensive.
(Avoid cheaper eyepieces due to poor eye-relief)
* (sometimes cheaper for around $20. Or even less, via Aliexpress)
Hi :-)
The AD8 has the best accessories (thus the price-difference to the more basic DT8, Skywatcher 8" and Orion XT8).
The only things missing when starting out, are a good guide (e.g. "Turn left at Orion") and a planetary eyepiece (e.g. the $20-$30 6mm 66° or 68° type, avoid eyepiece sets and short Plössl/52°-type due to poor eye-relief).
https://www.amazon.com/-/de/dp/B07H8YZHFT
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
Clear skies! :-)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H8YZHFT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Here's a goldline that I bought that's 66 degrees. Long eye relief and a wide field of view.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_dIYAdanMFDZDb
I got the 6mm one for Jupiter-Saturn.
I bought this Meoptex 6mm 66 degree lens based on a recommend from someone else in this sub. It works very well.
Hello :-)
Great advice already!
A 130/900 is a great telescope to tinker with.
//EDIT: Is it the 130st space probe 130/900 or the 130/650? Then I'd have to change a few links/recommendations.
> clean
Cleaning: https://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-resources/caring-for-your-optics/
Dust doesn't matter much though, it's surface area is small, even if it looks bad. Though if it's caked on there, clean it.
> 127eq for $175
No! :-) You can almost get a better telescope new for that price (AWB OneSky, Heritage 130p, z130...). Getting a used 6" dobsonian for under $200 isn't unheard of.
$50 for a 130/900 or 114/900 is good. New they pop up for $100-$130 (but are NOT worth it due to the poor mount and accessories). If you put some work into it, it can be a great telescope.
>scratches
If all fails & the mirror is bad (mirror coating "dull", corroded) you could get a $20-$25 114/900 mirror set off Aliexpress and make it fit. It's slightly smaller but the focal length is the same so it would work.
> finder
Depends on what you want to spend. $20 gets you a simple 6x30 right-angle finder. The kit 5x24 or such cost half of that but are rubbish. Enough to find planets, but are tedious. A red dot finder for around the same price would make more sense then.
> 25mm eyepiece
It's not good anyway :-) You need 3-4 eyepieces to really get the most out of it.
Assuming it's the 130/900 telescope,
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Mangofication-On-114900-Didgeridoo.png
The 6mm 66° costs $29 at Amazon when in stock, $25 via eBay, $18 or so via Aliexpress.
Avoid cheap short Plössl (52° type) due to very poor eye-relief.
Aliexpress <=$20 (China)
[eBay ~$25](https://www.ebay.com/itm/SVBONY-1-25-Ultra-Wide-Angle-Eyepiece-Lens-6mm-66-Multi-coated-For-Telescope/361803918042?hash=item543d31aada:g:L-kAAOSwgAJa5tum] (Supposedly ships from the US)
Random links, ymmv, check seller ratings.
> check
https://garyseronik.com/no-tools-telescope-collimation/
https://garyseronik.com/collimation-tools-what-you-need-what-you-dont/
Low tech :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ED7Ykcbp5I
Else a cheshire/sight-tube. Or just use the 25mm eyepiece and add a cross-hair, reflecting cap...
> engineer
The mounts of these telescopes are usually very poor,
$5 version, straight cuts only, http://www.ringohr.de/tmp6/rockerbox_einfach.jpg
Clear skies :-)
Hello :-)
Awesome!
Consider getting "Turn left at Orion" - the missing manual for any telescope.
As u/Gusto88 suggested, try & align the finder during the day (avoid the sun!). Get used to focusing, handling. Telescopes show a tiny piece of the sky and without the finder it will be difficult to even find the moon ;-)
If it's the XT6 without any additional accessories, the 25mm eyepiece alone is limited.
Field of view simulation for 1200mm fl
- Avoid short cheap 6mm 52° Plössl due to poor <em>eye-relief</em>
- $29 Amazon 6mm 66°
- Aliexpress <=$20 (China)
- [eBay ~$25](https://www.ebay.com/itm/SVBONY-1-25-Ultra-Wide-Angle-Eyepiece-Lens-6mm-66-Multi-coated-For-Telescope/361803918042?hash=item543d31aada:g:L-kAAOSwgAJa5tum] (Supposedly ships from the US)
- $35 Agenaastro
- Random links, ymmv, check seller ratings.
Clear skies :-)
Hi :-)
Do you just have a single eyepiece?
The 6mm 66° costs $29 at Amazon and $18 from Aliexpress. Avoid cheap short Plössl (52° type) due to very poor eye-relief.
Aliexpress <=$20 (China)
[eBay ~$25](https://www.ebay.com/itm/SVBONY-1-25-Ultra-Wide-Angle-Eyepiece-Lens-6mm-66-Multi-coated-For-Telescope/361803918042?hash=item543d31aada:g:L-kAAOSwgAJa5tum] (Supposedly ships from the US)
Random links, ymmv, check seller ratings.
But you need at least 2, 3 eyepieces :-) E.g. a 25-32mm Plössl for a larger overview, possibly the 15mm in-between. At least if you're interested in more than the planets.
Clear skies :-)
Hello :-)
Adapters will get you back-focus issues- Check out this:
Random drawtube 1.25" for Meade, on eBay, check if it fits
> Barlow
Get a dedicated good eyepiece, e.g. the HR Planetary 58° clones, the newer dual-ED 60°, or the cheap decent 66° type;
Cheap barlows add chromatic aberration (1/2), decent ones cost more than a good eyepiece or two.
6mm 66°
https://agenaastro.com/agena-6mm-enhanced-wide-angle-ewa-eyepiece.html
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
> Kellner or Plossl
Avoid Kellner IMHO. Plossl are okay, but only over 10mm as the short ones have poor eye-relief.
Don't really get any eyepiece shorter than 4.5-5mm (or the barlow equivalent), as more magnification will just make things dim, and atmospheric seeing is often the bottle-neck.
Clear skies!
The single 25mm eyepiece is not sufficient. The finder is okay for planets but ery basic. The Skywatcher has a 2" eyepiece for optional wide-angle overview eyepieces (http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/1200-overview-eyepieces.png).
You'd need a decent planetary eyepiece either way (but the Skywatcher kit eyepiece already reaches 120x).
200x, a decent 6mm (not a short Plössl/52°-type)
66° type
(Some amount of kidney-beaning, I never had an issue when using it with the eye-cup)
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32727027422.html
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ (when in stock)
58° type
Great performance for the price, smaller apparent field of view so the planet will be out of the field faster at 200x.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001007828494.html
https://agenaastro.com/bst-1-25-uwa-planetary-eyepiece-6mm.html
https://www.amazon.com/Astromania-58-Degree-Planetary-Eyepiece-Telescope/dp/B013SBTIEG
More isn't better, I wouldn't go under 4.5mm.
Hello :-)
Plössl under 10mm have poor eye-relief (https://imgur.com/FkEaOBG).
The 66° type isn't much more expensive really. As are the 58° type. They are good budget eyepeices.
66° type
(Some amount of kidney-beaning, I never had an issue when using it with the eye-cup)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ (when in stock)
58° type
Great for the price, smaller apparent field of view so the planet will be out of the field faster at 200x.
https://agenaastro.com/bst-1-25-uwa-planetary-eyepiece-6mm.html
https://www.amazon.com/Astromania-58-Degree-Planetary-Eyepiece-Telescope/dp/B013SBTIEG
(Random links. YMMV. Check recent seller/item rartings)
More than 200x can work, but atmospheric seeing is often the bottle-neck. Else, https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32823985645.html. Avoid the cheap poor 4mm 62°.
A 15mm can be nice for deep-sky as well. A 9mm 66° if you would like to replace the 9mm kit eyepiece.
Clear skies :-)
Hello :-)
What eyepieces do you currently have?
> Best
> 150 to 200 dollars
Field of view simulation: http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
Planets
- 6mm for planets. The 4mm 58° can be nice for when atmospheric seeing is great... but it often is not and limits how high you can magnify.
- 66° type
- (Some amount of kidney-beaning, I never had an issue when using it with the eye-cup)
- https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32727027422.html
- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ (when in stock)
- 58°
- Great for the price, smaller apparent field of view
- https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001007828494.html
- https://agenaastro.com/bst-1-25-uwa-planetary-eyepiece-6mm.html
- https://www.amazon.com/Astromania-58-Degree-Planetary-Eyepiece-Telescope/dp/B013SBTIEG
Overview
- 2-inch, 30-36mm, 65°-72° overview eyepiece, depending on how dark your sky gets (as a large exit pupil is only beneficial under dark skies)
- Field simulation http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/1200-overview-eyepieces.png
- $60, $80-$120 in the US (GSO, SWAN, ES 70°)
- $40-$50 via Aliexpress, eBay, ymmv.
- Generic Erfle https://agenaastro.com/gso-30mm-superview-eyepiece.html
- A bit better https://agenaastro.com/william-optics-33mm-swan-eyepiece.html > https://agenaastro.com/agena-32mm-super-wide-angle-swa-eyepiece.html
One or two in-between, e.g. 15mm, 9mm.
For a higher price-tag you could look at the Dual ED, LX or even Explore-Scientific 82° eyepieces! :-)
Clear skies :-)
(Random links, YMMV. Check recent seller/item reviews)
Hello :-)
> Laser
A laser makes collimation the most ergonomic, as you can see what's going on while adjusting at the back of the telescope. But cheap lasers are often not aligned/collimated themselves, so they can make things worse. People have built stuff out of wood and lego to check/adjust their lasers, so it's possible to get a cheap laser to do it's job, but just be aware of that.
A cheshire sight-tube isn't as ergonomic, but cheap and simple.
Also see
https://garyseronik.com/collimation-tools-what-you-need-what-you-dont/
and
https://garyseronik.com/no-tools-telescope-collimation/
> Barlow
Consider a planetary eyepiece instead of a barlow.
Barlows introduce chromatic aberration, lowering the contrast a bit. For planets I'd recommend a dedicated 6mm 66° but in combination with the barlow it's way too much. 300x is often specified as the maximum of the telescope, but things get dim and dull.
More isn't better. And over 200x often won't work due to atmospheric seeing conditions,
> planets
Either way, on a budget, the 66° ("gold-line" sold under various names, 1, 2) or 58° type (HR Planetary clones, 1, 2*) eyepieces are pretty good. But don't get short Plössl as they have poor eye-relief.
Without barlow, 6mm + 9mm + 15mm 58°/66° and a 32mm52° for a tad more field of view. The barlow and 9mm would give you 266x for the rare occasion atmospheric seeing is excellent, and 266x can be beneficial for Mars. But you can also get a 5 or 4.5mm HR Planetary for <$30 from Aliexpress. And more will create a dim image in a 6".
If you're solely interested in planets, you won't need any mid-range or overview eyepieces of course. But deep-sky objects are faint and some are of fairly large apparent size. More magnification just makes them dim or you can't see them at all.
> accessories
If you are interested in deep-sky observations, you need a dark observing site and a good guide (e.g. "Turn left at Orion"), a dimable red light and ideally binoculars (even cheaper ones, they make finding stuff easier when starting out). Possibly a Telrad finder.
An adjustable observing chair or DIY "Lybar" (A box that offers different heights to sit on depending on which way you turn it).
> Sun
Solar filters in white light can be a bit underwhelming, just in case you expect to see what has been captured with dedicated solar scopes;
Protuberances for example won't be visible like on such images. Here's a comparison of visual light and dedicated solar scopes, the left is the visual filter: image (source).
And we have a sun spot low atm. :-)
It's pretty easy to make one (https://astrosolar.com/en/information/how-to/how-to-make-your-own-objective-solar-filter-for-your-camera-or-telescope), saves a lot of money (and leaves more film if you have to replace it).
Only get good filter, specially for visual use; E.g. Astro / Baader solar, Thousandoaks.
Clear skies :-)
* (Random links, check seller/item reviews, ymmv. A lot of stuff is out of stock at the moment, usually you can find more listings and a bit cheaper stuff as well.)
Hello :-)
Another vote for the 6mm 66° but a lot of stuff is sold out. It's usually listed for $29 here, or for a bit more here. You can get it from China via Aliexpress for $18 or such, eBay(US?).
Depending on your budget, also pick up the 15mm. Field of view simulation.
The planetary eyepiece, as well as a guide ("Turn left at Orion") and an adjustable chair, and you are set :-)
Else, here's an older post on accessories: https://reddit.com/r/telescopes/comments/hcqd4j/apertura_ad8_accessories/
Clear skies!
Hello :-)
> I want to practice with a telescope that has a tripod (I understand the reasons for why many recommended beginner telescopes don’t have these)
In this price-range, you will end up with a weak tripod and poor optics (Small short refractors, 127eq, 130eq, 114eq - AVOID!).
A decent tripod for a 5" telescope would costs at least $200-$250, thus all sets come with weak rubbish.
> $200
Zhumell z130, or for a more portable solution AWB OneSky, Heritage 130p.
I use my 130p on an inexpensive Ikea step-stool, that's a solid solution.
Avoid all telescopes on a tripod in this price-range! It just does not work out.
OR: Spend more for a 6" dobsonian. These are not table-tops anymore.
> see
Links on what to expect in different telescope aperture sizes.
> moon/planets would be NOT blurry)
The moon will be stunning. Planets will look a bit smaller, less detailed than on processed+stacked pictures. But on a clear night with a decent (!) 4mm eyepiece the Z130 is a very capable bucket.
Or for the 6" dobsonian a 6mm 66°. *
Clear skies :-)
*** (6mm out of stock atm)
How far do you need to carry it?
I had a 8-9 year old at an outreach event insisting on carrying the 8" down two flights of stairs assembled :-)
For longer trips it's either car or smaller telescope. E.g. I have a Hertiage 130p (==AWB OneSky) which fits into a bigger back-pack and I can just carry it to a darker field behind city limits.
Don't forget "Turn left at Orion" and a decent 6mm (66°) for planets (but no sets); 1, 2, 3.
Have fun! :-)
Hello :-)
> I am also a little confused because I was under the impression that you needed 2" eyepieces to achieve the wider fields of view.
You have to differentiate from apparent field of view, and true field of view. The 1.25" barrel limits the maximum true field, the piece of sky you can see. So it's not impossible to have a short wide-angle eyepiece as long as it stays within this limitation.
So you can't have a 40mm 70° on 1.25", but you can have a 15mm 70°, up to 24mm 70° or so.
> Plossl
Plössl are okay. Under 10mm they have poor eye-relief. https://imgur.com/FkEaOBG
Don't bother with the Orion Plössl though. For a similar price you can get some good wide-angle eyepieces that have at least the same performance while showing a larger apparent field of view and having a more generous eye-relief.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Consider the 6mm for planets, and 15mm for in-between.
> Super Wide Angle
> SWA
These are Erfle-types.
The eye-relief of the 15mm is already getting a bit short for my personal preference. I have a 12mm and I don't like it very much.
A 2-inch 30-36mm 70° Erfle would be nice for getting a larger overview though, finding things, observing a few larger DSO. http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/1200-overview-eyepieces.png
The 2" Erfle cost a bit more though. Don't get the Orion DeepView though (overpriced for what they are).
Clear skies! :-)
You can't beat the limits of physics ;-)
More will make things larger, but dimmer. http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/5MagnificationSaturn-crop.png
The only way to magnify higher is using a larger aperture and hoping for good seeing conditions.
You would benefit from the 6mm 66° or 58° the most. 5mm can also work.
Rule of thumb: Stay over 0.5mm exit pupil, ideally 0.7mm exit pupil.
F/8 aperture ratio X 0.7mm exit pupil = 5.6mm eyepiece.
Hi :-) Depends on your budget :-)
Field simulation: http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
Low budget: The "gold-line", longer eye-relief than the short Plössl, larger apparent field of view. A bit of kidney-beaning/black-out when not looking straight into it, but I never had issues when using the eye-cup.
6mm 66° gold-line https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 (<=$20 via Aliexpress)
Else the 58° HR Planetary type.
More is possible, but only if atmospheric seeing is good (which it usually is not). E.g. the mentioned 4mm 58°.
Avoid sets, short Plössl, and the poor cheap 4mm 62°.
Clear skies!
Hello :-)
Telescope.com has the xt4.5 and xt6 refurbished occasionally, just the XT4.5 at the moment; https://www.telescope.com/Fall-Red-Tag-Sale/Clearance-Telescopes/pc/468/81.uts?&refinementValueIds=4566
The mentioned 130mm table-tops do have a larger aperture, can show a larger field of view due to their short focal-length. The XT4.5 has a bit of contrast benefits due to the aperture ratio. Tomatos Tomatoes. For deep-sky the 130mm aperture means 30% more surface area, for planets I would say it's not that noticeable most of the time probably.
Eyepiece field of view simulation XT4.5; Link; 6mm 66° or 5mm 58° HR Planetary even
Eyepiece field of view simulation; Link; Z130/OneSky, 4mm 58°
Never push magnification to the specified limit, things just get dim and dull without really showing more detail.
Accessories:
I use my Heritage 130p (same length as the Zhumell z130) on an inexpensive Ikea step-stool as "tripod" - Much better than what you othwerwise get in this price-range.
"Turn left at Orion" - the missing manual :-)
Clear skies!
Hello :-)
How affordable?
Field of view simulation http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
On a budget:
A 6mm with decent eye-relief https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 and possibly the 15mm, 9mm. 20mm is a bit redundant to the 25mm kit eyepiece, though there are sets with all of the "gold lines".
Avoid cheap barlows, short 6mm Plössl, and eyepiece sets (Overpriced, overrated, redundant mediocre at best).
The 6mm 66° suffers a bit of kidney-beaning/black-outs when not observing straight through it. I never had issues using it when using it's eye-cup.
> deep space objects
A 2-inch eyepiece can be nice to view larger objects and find DSO. It will show a much larger field (http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/1200-overview-eyepieces.png). E.g. a 30mm 70° or 36mm 70°. The maximum focal length depends on how dark your sky gets, how large your pupil dilates. But don't get the Orion Deepview. A 70° Erfle eyepiece costs around $80, via Aliexpress sometimes under $40.
Consider a good guide such as "Turn left at Orion" if you don't have already- the missing manual.
And possibly a Telrad for finding deep-sky objects under dark skies, as well as binoculars.
Clear skies :-)
Hello :-)
Videos/Images of planets are misleading, as cameras "see" things differently, and you can stack multiple exposures.
Under average but decent seeing conditions you can magnify a bit higher. A 6mm 66° eyepiece costs $19 in China, $29 at Amazon.com, and depending on where you're from a bit more perhaps. It will give you 200x.
If atmospheric seeing is excellent- which it rarely is, just a couple of nights a year! - you could try 300x or slightly more. Budget eyepieces are the 58° HR Planetary clones. 4mm for example. In 3.2mm the view will already get a bit dim in a 8"/200mm telescope.
Field of view simulation, http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
6mm 66°
4mm 58°
Do not buy the bad cheap 4mm 62°, do not buy a short 4mm Plössl as they have horrible eye-relief. Unusable. (https://imgur.com/FkEaOBG).
I know when starting out you want the planets to appear bigger, but unless you take images and stack them, you don't get them as big. Even though they're still small at 100x, 200x, you can see details on them. If conditions aren't rubbish.
More magnification does not make things better.
Overmagnification http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/5MagnificationSaturn-crop.png
...and your telescope has to be collimated for best contrast. https://garyseronik.com/collimation-tools-what-you-need-what-you-dont/
Hello :-)
> 28
The Orion XT Deepview? It's not really showing more than a 1.25" 32mm eyepiece.
Usually 2" is only required for large true field of views. Under 25mm you don't really need it, it will just cost more.
Do not get an eyepiece kit, they are not worth it.
Are you from the US?
130P-DS
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/130-650-high_3.png
Largest overview with 1.25" eyepieces; http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/fieldcompare.jpg
You can check out the field of view here (simulation does not represent the visual impression), https://astronomy.tools/calculators/field_of_view/
Planets: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32823985645.html
On a budget, the 66° gold-line can be nice
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
If you're going for the XT6, XT8, make sure to pick up at least a (decent) planetary eyepiece and "Turn left at Orion" if you haven't already :-)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Hello :-)
Field of view simulation; http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
What eyepieces do you have?
If you just have the standard XT8, you'll only have a 25mm eyepiece.
Get a 6mm 66° or 58° for planets (not a short Plössl due to poor eye-relief, not a kit!), a 15mm for deep-sky, possibly also a 9mm 66°.
More than 200x only works if atmospheric seeing is excellent, which it usually is not :-)
Clear skies :-)
Hello :-)
- Field of view simulation http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Mangofication-On-114900-Didgeridoo.png
Planetary eyepiece instead of a barlow (which would reduce contrast):
(6mm 66°, US) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
(6mm 66°, China) https://aliexpress.com/item/32727027422.html?
The better 58° type https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32740870752.html, https://agenaastro.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=UWA+5mm+eyepiece (Don't push magnification, don't get one shorter than 4.5mm)
Hello :-)
For planets, light pollution does not matter.
More magnification makes things dim.
The 90mm aperture is the bottle-neck for what you'll be able to see.
You should assemble the center plate, it adds stability.
> 1. Is there anything I can do to this model to increase magnification? (i'm assuming not) and is there a proper way for cleaning the lenses or the eyepiece for better clarity?
What eyepieces do you already have?
Does the telescope accept older 0.965" diameter or newer 1.25" focuser?
> upgrade from something like this?
A 5" table top or better a 6", 8" dobsonian. What budget range?
> I was mostly satisfied with the magnification
Magnification is not a sign of quality. Avoid telescopes advertising overly high magnifications.
Aperture is key.
Links on what to expect in different telescope aperture sizes.
> model
Any more info on the telescope? Focal-length? Should be around the focuser.
I'll assume it's this one, https://astromart.com/classifieds/astromart-classifieds/telescope-refractor/show/meade-90mm-refractor
(Model 395, 90/1000 F/11).
Planets: You could get a decent 6mm 66° for 167x magnification, but I would not push it anywhere beyond. Ideally stay a bit under. But the 6mm 66° is very affordable (US, China; IF your telescope takes 1.25" eyepieces).
Deep-sky: More magnification makes things dim (http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/dso-dimmer.png). For deep-sky, a 20-30mm eyepiece, and something in the 10mm range is probably nice to have.
Do not buy eyepiece kits!
What eyepieces do you have?
As for the mount,
Consider getting "Turn left at Orion" - The missing manual for any telescope on what to expect, where to find things.
(What eyepieces do you have?)
Clear skies!
The larger dobsonians are better.
At least get a planetary eyepiece as that's the main thing lacking when starting out. Not sure what eyepiece the previous telescope has and what you/they bought.
For the Heritage/table-tops, a 4mm 58° (not a short Plössl, cheap plastic 62° type, and not an eyepiece set, never worth it).
For the larger 6" and 8" dobsonians, a 6mm 66°
Hi :-)
What's the trouble with the 30mm?
The 9mm Plössl does have short eye-relief.
You can get the 66° eyepiece type rather cheap.
6mm, 15mm would be good additions on a budget, 9mm if you want to replace the kit eyepiece. The 30mm should have sufficient eye-relief though? (The 20mm 66° is not required IMHO).
Clear skies :-)
Eyepieces, Field of view simulation
- http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
- USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
- China https://www.amazon.com/Vbestlife-66%C2%B0Astronomical-Telescope-Wide-Angle-Astronomy/dp/B083LQTTX9/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=6mm+66+eyepiece&qid=1594046396&sr=8-3
Hi :-)
Is it the Astromaster 70/700 or 70/900? Have you bought it recently?
I would not push magnification much beyond 100x, the mall achromatic refractor just can't handle more, even if the manufacturer claim
As u/sflamel wrote, the 32mm will give you less magnification. 32mm VS 25mm eyepiece.
For a 70/700 you could get a 6mm "gold-line" 66°. US, China. Do not get a short Plössl (e.g. 6mm Omni) as they have terrible eye-relief and viewing properties.
For the 70/900, the 6mm will be way too much. A 9mm 66° will give you 100x, barely more than your 10mm eyepiece but better quality. A 8mm or 7.5mm HR Planetary (China, Aliexpress) would give you a bit more but it's marginal and they cost more. Again, avoid cheap Plössl under 10mm due to poor eye-relief.
Again, even 120x will make things quite dim. More magnification is not better. (Simulation attempt for a 70/700.
To magnify higher, see more details on the planets and see faint deep-sky objects, a larger aperture is key. E.g. even the Skyscanner 100 would be an upgrade for deep-sky (refurbished $79.99), better yet the 5" table-tops (Zhumell z130, AWB OneSky, Heritage 130p; $190-$199).
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/sim-saturn2.png
Glad you found it useful :-) I know it's a lot to take in.
Seems like you really did your research :-)
> why the price
The AD8 has
Precision dual-speed focuser,
Ergonomic and large right-angle, correct image finder.
2" wide-angle overview eyepiece worth $70-80 alone.
Cooling fan for the telescope to reach ambient temperature faster (for best contrast).
Laser collimation tool, different base...
> others
The others have optics that perform the same, but only basic accessories.
The Apertura DT8 ($359) is the cheapest but only has one eyepiece and otherwise basic accessories. There's nothing wrong with it, but it really just comes with the essentials.
The Skywatcher 8-inch has two basic eyepieces. ~$400.
The Orion XT8 has the most basic accessories of them all.
Romer Optics has the GSO deluxe (similar to the AD8 but a bit less stuff, most noticeably the right-angle finder) with a PushTo kit that telly you where to move the telescope to. But I don't know the store and kit. YMMV.
> are there any must-have accessories for optimal usage, comfort of viewer, general fun things to have, etc?
Either is missing at least a planetary eyepiece,
- Field simulation
- 6mm 66°; US / Marketplace, China
- (Avoid cheap barlows, eyepiece box kits as they are never good, just mediocre overpriced stuff).
"Turn left at Orion", the missing manual ;-) Possibly a turnable star-chart
- dimable red light
- Possibly $30 Cometron 7x50 binoculars, make finding some objects easier, also gives other bystanders something to do :-)
Adjustable chair or DIY Lybar
8" video For scale
Great :-)
The 8" is considered the best bang for the buck.
The Apertura DT8 ($359) is the cheapest but only has one eyepiece and otherwise basic accessories. There's nothing wrong with it, but it really just comes with the essentials.
The Skywatcher 8-inch has two basic eyepieces. ~$400.
The Orion XT8 has the most basic accessories of them all.
The AD8 has a large overview eyepiece making it easier to get oriented, a dual-speed precision focuser, a ergonomic right-angle finder and some other goodies (laser collimator tool, fan...) :-)
Either is missing at least a planetary eyepiece,
...and "Turn left at Orion", the missing manual ;-)
8" dobsonian, Video for size/scale/bulk reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiW7rRSApBA
Hello :-)
There should be two eyepieces, a 10mm (65x magnification) and 25mm (26x magnification).
With the 25mm Saturn will be basically a bright oval dot, and Jupiter appears as a disc with smaller moons forming a line.
Another issues are these computer mounts, they can be quite quirky.
> She even took it to fix mirrors and stuff, but we still can't see anything worthwhile.
Can you elaborate? FIX? Where did she take it? Any place that knows what's up would have suggested eyepieces.
Eyepieces can't "look further", many deep-sky objects are best observed at medium / low magnification. For planets more magnification is required.
Possible eyepieces, only IF you can figure it out
- Planets: 4mm 68°, https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32724445552.html
(6mm 66°, US, China/Marketplace)
- 15mm and/or 9mm 66° like the 6mm 66°
Avoid budget barlows, and short cheap Plössl due to poor eye-relief, as well as the bad 4mm 62° cheap plastic eyepieces.
> owning
Is it new? Warranty? Where did she buy it at?
> Neowise is just a tiny dot with almost invisible, blurry tail.
The sky needs to be dark. When did she observe? How's the light pollution?
> can't see anything worthwhile.
Consider "Turn left at Orion", the missing manual. No computer telescope can teach you what a good guide can.
Clear skies!
Hello :-)
You can currently get the XT6 refurbished for $239, if you can stretch your budget.
~~https://www.telescope.com/Fall-Red-Tag-Sale/Clearance-Telescopes/pc/468/81.uts?&refinementValueIds=4566~~ (Sold out today :-( Sorry )
(You'd still need a planetary eyepiece as the kit accessories are relatively poor, US, China, avoid cheap short Plössl-type and barlows, kits!)
> oranges
Light pollution doesn't really play a role for planetary, but for deep-sky.
There is no cure for light pollution. No telescope is better than another. You will need a darker location to observe deep-sky well. Even filters only help to some extend.
> if my main interest is getting decent planetary details? Will the OneSky get pretty much the same views as a reasonably priced 6" or 8" here?
No, the OneSky isn't ideal regarding contrast. In comparison. It will still outperform most of the other $200 telescopes, the 6" will show more though.
Links on what to expect in different telescope aperture sizes
> backyard
> binoculars
Great :-)
View to the South unobstructed then?
Clear skies :-)
> flexible
Without further info:
The standard recommendation would be a 8" dobsonian. :-)
A dobsonian is a reflector telescope on a simple but sturdy rockerbox, leaving most money for the actual optics.
It's a great telescope for planets, and can already show structure in many deep-sky objects under dark skies and with patience.
A manual one works fine (the planets showing detail are among the brightest dots in the night sky. You can simply use an app that shows you in which direction they are. In a wide-angle eyepiece at moderately high magnification they will stay in the view for over a minute).
> should i get
The Apertura AD8 has the best accessories. A decent 6mm eyepiece to observe planets (field simulation). Possibly a 4mm 58° HR Planetary clone ($26 via Aliexpress), but more than 200x magnification does not often work due to atmospheric seeing conditions. Also pick up "Turn left at Orion" = The missing manual on how to observe :-) Binoculars! Even cheaper ones like the COmetron 7x50 can help getting oriented when starting out. Oh, and a height-adjustable chair.
Make sure you have realistic expectations (expect-link in my previous post).
And be aware of the size: 8" dobsonian for scale, random video.
Computer telescopes seem tempting, but you end up with a smaller telescope for your money, and often a quirky mount. They do not make things easier. We get posts regularly about people who can't get the "automatic" alignment to work.
Larger refractors and Cassegrain telescopes on decent mount that show as much as a 8" dobsonian would cost much, much more.
Clear skies :-)
Hello :-)
You only need 2" eyepieces for a very large field of view, commonly for overview eyepieces of 30mm or more.
Here's the usual 25mm and 32mm 1.25" eyepiece VS some 2-inch wide-field eyepieces (like the one included with the AD10)
There are shorter focal-length eyepieces with dual barrel, or some with very large apparent field of view that need 2" (e.g. 9mm 120°), but otherwise you can live with anything under ~25mm in 1.25".
> detail
Similar field of view simulation:
Consider a 6mm 66° for planets. More than 200x rarely works due to atmospheric seeing conditions.
A 4mm 58° can work for the rare occasion seeing is excellent, or even the 3.2mm 58° HR Planetary clone, but it will only work few times a year! Atmospheric seeing prevents focus usually at those high magnifications.
Avoid short Plössl (52°) type under 10mm due to poor eye-relief.
> brands better
Not really, there are good and horrible eyepieces from every brand, and good no-name eyepieces as well. YMMV.
Make sure you have realistic expectations. (Links on what to expect / 10" size)
Clear skies :-)
Hi :-)
Field of view, magnification simulation
4mm 58°
- China https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000084447764.html
- https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32724445552.html
- https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32740870752.html
- US: No options under $50 atm. Else check Agenaastro, they have the 58° and 60° eyepieces.
The 4mm + kit eyepieces will get you started. The moon is dimmed down enough in the 4mm, so a moon filter is not really required.
6mm 66° / 9mm 66° / 15mm 66°
32mm (http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/fieldcompare.jpg)
Hi :-)
Yes, but not with details;
https://images.app.goo.gl/fa57Guq8iShQBYuz6
Posssssibly a bit more, but structure is really only visible via imaging... or space telescopes ;-)
https://astronomynow.com/news/n1310/03uranus/
Clear skies :-) > acts funny
Can you elaborate?
Get a decent 6mm 66° for planets, and possibly the 9mm too if the kit eyepiece doesn't work for you (They have pretty poor eye-relief)
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
Hi :-)
"Turn left at Orion" (the missing manual),
a 6mm 66 (1 / 2) and perhaps the 15mm (Field simulation),
a dimable red light,
adjustable observing chair,
possibly binoculars when starting out.
More, optional accessories, info on accessories -> old post. :-)
Clear skies!
Hi :-)
The 6mm 66° is definitely a decent "starter" eyepiece to observe the planets. The 58° are a bit better but the smaller apparent field of view also means the planets move out of the view faster.
The 4mm 58° is nice to have for the rare occasion atmospheric seeing is good enough to allow more magnification for planets.
15mm can be very useful for a lot of DSO, and fills the gap of the kit eyepieces.
The 15mm 66°, while not as good as the shorter ones from the series, is still a nice eyepiece for deep-sky.
The 9mm 66° could replace the mediocre 10mm Super Skywatcher eyepiece.
Field of view simulation http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
66° Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
6mm 66° from China via Amazon EU https://www.amazon.de/VBESTLIFE-Astronomisches-Teleskop-Weitwinkelokular-Astronomie-Einsteiger-Erwachsene-default/dp/B083LQ94KZ/
58° HR Planetary https://aliexpress.com/item/32790319139.html ($49 via Amazon, $55 via Agenaastro, €60 or so in Europe)
The longest focal-length you can get depends on how dark your sky gets / what exit-pupil's usable.
A 2-inch, 30mm 70° Erfle, 36mm Erfle will still work allright in a 8" F/6 telescope. $65-$120 depending on where you're at and what brand you buy.
Field of view simulation for overview eyepieces @ 1200mm fl http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/1200-overview-eyepieces.png
Exit pupil / too large exit-pupil at F/5 (not F/6) http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/exitPupil_and_secondary1.png
https://agenaastro.com/gso-30mm-superview-eyepiece.html
https://agenaastro.com/agena-32mm-super-wide-angle-swa-eyepiece.html
https://agenaastro.com/william-optics-33mm-swan-eyepiece.html
(Europe: TSWA, SWAN, Explore-Scientific, Bresser ~70°)
Hello :-)
What telescope is it exactly? A 60/700, 70/700 refractor, or a 76/700 reflector? Those would be the most common with 700mm focal-length and the aperture determines how high you can magnify.
A 6mm 66° is pretty cheap, but already pushing things a bit. The 58° type is available in a wider range but also more expensive. So the 6mm 66° is worth a shot probably for moon and planets.
The 4mm kit eyepiece is way too much and of poor quality. I still don't get why they are in so many sets.
> cheaper
Short Plössl/52° type have poor eye-relief, avoid. The longer ones are okay.
For a larger overview, get a 32mm Plössl.
The 66° type cost $18-$23 via Aliexpress, eBay and Marketplace. $29 locally when in stock. $35 or so via Agena Astro, $50 as Orion Expanse.
The 58° type cost $26-$35 on Aliexpress, $49 via Amazon when in stock, $55 via Agena Astro.
32mm 52°, 6mm 66° and 15mm would go a long way probably.
66°
58°
32mm for the largest overview (40mm Plössl just have a narrower field of view).
- https://www.amazon.com/Astronomic-Eyepiece-Telescope-Astronomical-Accessories/dp/B07ZK18QR2
- Cheaper but smaller true field https://www.amazon.com/SVBONY-Telescope-Eyepiece-inches-Astronomy/dp/B07TJ98KLX
- Cheaper but 40mm have a narrow 40° apparent field of view
- https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32780720204.html?
(Random links, ymmv. Check recent item and seller ratings.)
Before you invest too much, please be aware that for $80 you can already get a refurbished Orion Skyscanner 100, or for $150-$200 a better 4.5", 5" table-top even. The small aperture will always be the bottle-neck. Lonks on what to expect.
Clear skies :-)
Hello :-)
Another vote for the 6mm 66°. It pushes the telescope a bit, but the eyepiece is widely available, affordable, and has longer eye-relief than a short Plössl-type.
A 32mm 52° Plössl can give you a bit more field of view, if you're looking for deep-sky observations. I don't know what type the kit eyepieces are, but the 66° gold-line are also available in 9/15/20, so the 15mm might be a good addition for some deep-sky objects.
Field of view, 90/1000, http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/90-1000-sim-hack.png
Amazon, 66° type, some sold out atm, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
A 90mm refractor can already show quite a bit :-) But for deep-sky, be aware of the limitations. Even in larger telescope nebulae, galaxies will appear faint and a dark site is required to see some structure.
Clear skies :-)
> It takes 1.25
Great :-)
> 1990
Possibly. But a F/11 refractor will perform quite well :-) You just get a lot of short rubbish telescopes on weak mounts now.
> class 6
There should be still a bit possible :-) And planets are not affected by light pollution of course.
> 5mm, Meade Plossi
Yeah, 5mm Plössl (or shorter) have horrible eye-relief and is way too much.
The 6mm 66° has a decent eye-relief (but suffer a bit of kidney-beaning / black out if you don't align perfectly, with the eye-cup I never had issues though. The 58° type, HR Planetary clones, are better but cost more).
~$18 via Aliexpress, https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32727027422.html
When in stock $29 at Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
58° type, random link, https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001007828494.html & https://agenaastro.com/bst-1-25-uwa-planetary-eyepiece-6mm.html
Hi :-)
6mm 66° ("gold-line" or "red-line" sold under various names) or 6mm 58° (HR Planetary clone).
$18 via Aliexpress, https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32727027422.html
$29 at Amazon when in stock (just the others atm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT)
The 58° type cost $26-$33 via Aliexpress (also available in shorter than 6mm, don't get the 4mm 62° though it's a worse eyepiece). Or $49 when in stock at Amazon, $55 via Agena Astro.
4mm is too much for your telescope, especially under regular atmospheric seeing conditions. Do not push your scope over 250x, it will just not work well.
More isn't better. http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/5MagnificationSaturn-crop.png
Hello :-)
For $300 consider a 6-inch dobsonian, it will outperform the 5"/130mm table-tops.
I have the Heritage 130p, it's a fun portable telescope, but if you're looking for your first telescope with a focus on planets, the larger aperture and aperture ratio will have contrast benefits.
With the 6" you can magnify 200x and a bit above, while you should stay a bit under with the 5" table-tops. More isn't better, at some point the contrast suffers. And the 6" reaches more magnification with the kit eyepieces out of the box.
If you want to go for the For the 130mm, consider the Zhumell z130 (closed tube has contrast benefits, traditional focuser). You will need a decent planetary eyepiece, e.g. the 4mm 58° (Field/Magnification/China/US)
For the 6" dobsonian (Skywatcher has the best accessories, Orion XT6 is the most basic) a 6mm 66° is a nice addition and cheaper. Field simulation/China/Amazon US sold out, usually $29.
Clear skies :-)
Hello :-)
Consider a decent 6mm, like the 66° or 58° type on a budget.
Field of view simulation http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
- 6mm 66° [China] / (Amazon usually $29, sold out atm, only the others are in stock).
- 6mm + 9mm + 15mm can be a nice addition. There are sets with all the gold-lines, but the 20mm would be nearly redundant. eBay has a set of the 6mm and 9mm suposidly from a US seller.
- 6mm 66° [China] / (Amazon usually $29, sold out atm, only the others are in stock).
For a larger overview, a 30mm to 36mm 2-inch Erfle (65°-72° apparent field of view) is nice to have. Avoid the Deepview eyepieces. These 2-inch eyepieces cost $80-$130 though. Under $50 from Aliexpress for a no-name one, ymmv.
Hello :-)
What eyepieces do you have?
The 130eq has a flawed spherical mirror, limiting contrast.
You could get a 6mm 66° eyepiece, they are usually $29 at Amazon (not in stock atm), around $18 via Aliexpress, eBay US?. Avoid short Plössl.
Avoid cheap (kit) barlows.
108x magnification isn't going to show the planets very large, but with something like a 4mm 58° the contrast just won't be good.
Hello :-)
$350 is a great deal. Are you buying from Amazon? Please be aware that we get posts regularly where Amazon only ships one of the two parcels (tube or base). They just don't seem to get that problem fixed.
All 8" dobsonians perform about the same. The Skywatcher's better than the Orion XT8.
The Apertura AD8 has the best accessories (GSO Deluxe in Europe).
> laser
While lasers are the most ergonomic, cheap lasers can make things worse. A cheshire-sight-tube is a bit more work but reliable.
https://garyseronik.com/collimation-tools-what-you-need-what-you-dont/
> accessories
"Turn left at Orion" - the missing manual on how to observe, what to expect, what's worthwhile observing.
- A dim red light to preserve night-vision
- Binoculars, even cheap Cometron can help you find DSO when starting out
Field of view simulation http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
- 6mm 66° budget eyepiece https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V
- Avoid short Plössl due to poor eye-relief. Cheap barlows lower the contrast. Do not get sets, despite overly positive reviews they are redundant, mediocre, overpriced. More than 200x only works if atmospheric seeing is good... Which it usually is not.
Clear skies!
Hello :-)
> The scope comes with two eyepieces (pictured) and this is my issue - I really don't know what these are for. I'm assuming I should buy a few more, maybe a Barlow lens, some filters? I am totally new to this.
Telescope focal length (1200mm) divided by eyepiece (e.g. 10mm) equals magnification (1200/10=120x).
> barlow
Skip the barlow. Get a dedicated eyepiece instead.
6mm 66° from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
(The 58° are better but also cost much more).
More than 200x is often not possible due to atmospheric seeing conditions. A 4mm can be nice, but it just doesn't work on most nights. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32823985645.html --- If seeing conditions are great, it's amazing though. Even a 3.2mm, but that works even less frequently, and pushes the limits.
Possibly also the 15mm. A 2" eyepiece with 70° apparent field of view is nice for a larger overview, but costly.
> filters
Light pollution filters have very limited effect. They are not required for planets.
For the moon, the view gets dimmed down in the 6mm as well. Else a neutral density or adjustable polarization filter is nice to have. Or: Sun glasses in a pinch ;-)
Nebula filters can help for certain nebula types, but a dark site is still the bottle-neck.
Solar filters will show sun spots, but not the wild structures seen with dedicated solar telescopes.
> guidance
"Turn left at Orion" :-)
Clear skies, have fun :-)
Hello :-)
A Plössl-type eyepiece has an eye-relief of only two thirds their focal-lengths. 6mm is pretty bad. http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/AFOV_.png
A 6mm 66° type doesn't cost (much) more ($18 Aliexpress, $29 Amazon).
> how can i use it. Thank you
Magification = Telescope focal length divided by eyepiece focal length
You should not push magnification too much. The absolute maximum is basically twice the aperture of the telescope in millimetres, and then stay under that. Short refractors can't do as much due to chromatic aberration.
What telescope do you have? Did you buy this recently?
Hello :-)
> complains
Do you only have the kit 25mm eyepiece?
> bortle
For DSO you need a darker location, ideally. Filters have limited effect.
> eyepieces
Do not buy eyepiece kits. They are overpriced, have very mediocre eyepieces, lots of stuff is not needed.
> 3.2
3.2mm is pushing the telescope to it's limits and atmospheric seeing is the bottle-neck, preventing focus & a sharp image (https://images.app.goo.gl/wPBeBgnATZVmNE4B7).
A 4mm HR Planetary can be nice to have though and doesn't cost much (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32823985645.html - $49 via Amazon. Avoid the bad 4mm 62° and short Plössl-type).
For every day use, or at least if seeing is acceptable, a 6mm is more versatile.
The 6mm 66° are inexpensive, have a large apparent field of view and decent eye-relief;
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
They suffer a bit of "Kidney-beaning"/black-outs if you don't look through it straight, but I never had issues with the eye-cup. Else these are a great value eyepiece!
With glasses you can usually just take them off and focus with the telescope. Astigmatism only plays a role at lower magnification / larger exit-pupils.
Read recent item and seller ratings.
While not as straight forward as ebay/paypal buyer's protection, you do have a buyer's protection if you don't loose track of when you ordered.
Otherwise you can get any eyepiece on eBay or even Amazon Marketplace for a bit more, sometimes cheaper.
6mm 66° Examples:
US https://agenaastro.com/agena-6mm-enhanced-wide-angle-ewa-eyepiece.html
Just the 9mm ATM, else $29 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
And of course the HR Planetary eyepieces, with usually a bit better quality/viewing properties, but smaller afov;
Hello :-)
The kit eyepieces are a bit basic of course. Which one to use depends on the target (e.g. Andromeda wouldn't fit into the view of the 10mm, while the ring nebula is just a tiny dot in the 25mm). A dark site is key, as many deep-sky objects would be visible in even binoculars.
In the 10mm, at 65x, Jupiter's moons should be apparent even if there's glare. Of course there's the possibility that all moons are currently in-front or behind Jupiter, but that's rare.
Make sure the finder is aligned, ideally during the day at a remote target to reduce parallax. (Avoid the sun, permanent eye damage).
M13 in 5" will be pretty much a fuzz especially when there's light pollution. Try indirect vision, looking slightly to the side, as our eye's rod cells are more sensitive to faint objects. In 5" you will be able to see some individual stars, even if it's not to the core of course. A bit more magnification might help as well.
> filter
A filter can help, but with a higher magnification eyepiece you'll see more and the brightness gets dimmed down as well.
As for planets, a decent ~4mm eyepiece is a game changer in the short reflectors.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32823985645.html
https://agenaastro.com/bst-1-25-uwa-planetary-eyepiece-4mm.html
A barlow can work too, but recuces the contrast.
You can get a $12-$15 barlow off amazon, but the cheap kit eyepiece plus budget barlow isn't great. Also avoid short 4mm Plössl type (52°) due to poor eye-relief, and the cheap&bad 4mm 62°.
If you also want to replace the 10mm, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 (~$20 via Aliexpress).
> collimation
If it's not way off, it shouldn't matter too much at 65x.
Clear skies :-)
Hello :-)
What barlow do you have? Usually a dedicated eyepiece performs best. Barlows introduce chromatic aberration. Do you have any eyepiece other than the 10mm? For deep-sky, more magnification is often worse. Many nebulae will just get too dim.
Avoid kits, never worth it. Especially the shorter Plössl-type have poor eye-relief (as you experienced with your 10mm eyepiece). The kit barlows are usually relatively cheap achromatic ones. And the shorter eyepiece/barlow combinations are too much for the telescope to be useful (Anything beyond 250x is way too dim, even 250x is pushing it).
Depending on atmospheric seeing conditions, you usually get away with around 200x magnification. You could get something in the 8mm range.
On a budget, the 9mm gold-line
- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
- Aliexpress, eBay, Amazon Marketplace: ~$20
Or the HR Planetary or Dual-ED,
Clear skies :-)
Hello :-)
> larger
Yes, the 9mm should make it larger. Can you see that it's bright when trying to see the moon? Is it just impossible to focus or isn't the target in the view at all? (http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/focusing123.png)
> Finder laser is right on Jupiter and like I said works fine with 25mm
Out of the box, the finder's not aligned well enough. You may see what you're aiming at in the 25mm, but with the 9mm you'll see a much smaller field of view and need to align the finder very precisely.
Have you tried during the day? (At a very remote target. Avoid the sun! Permanent eye damage.)
> larger
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
> larger the planet appears but less detailed then 25mm?
In the 9mm it will appear more detailed. Only under 6mm / over 200x magnification things get dimmer, and atmospheric seeing an issue.
> ens should I be getting besides
6mm 66°, $18-$22 from China via eBay/Aliexpress/Amazon Marketplace, $29-$35 via Amazon or Agenaastro (when in stock).
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 (listing changes a lot, just the 9mm in stock ATM, not the 6mm!)
https://agenaastro.com/agena-6mm-enhanced-wide-angle-ewa-eyepiece.html
Do not get a Plössl under 10mm due to poor [eye-relief].
Clear skies, good luck :-)
> don't think
There are barlows with T-thread which you can attach directly to a T-Adapter for your camera: https://images.app.goo.gl/77LvjaJygzZSCmNu8
...instead of having a 1.25" adapter for your camera which just makes things longer and less rigid: https://images.app.goo.gl/tN4cuooeJUcX2C2c7
> planets and moon
Then camera -> T-thread -> T-barlow will be the way to go.
Depends a bit on your camera (and telescope of course) which barlow value to get.
> AD8
The 15mm 66° works well enough with the AD8 :-) The cheap one is sold out at Amazon atm, only other focal length listing right now, this listing changes a lot: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
eBay, suposidly US: https://www.ebay.com/itm/SVBONY-1-25-15mm-66-Ultra-Wide-Angle-Eyepieces-FMC-for-Astronomical-Telescope/313044459241?hash=item48e2e75ee9:g:OvgAAOSwIYtdYPun
Hello :-)
The 9mm will get you started, but having a better planetary eyepiece is nice of course :-)
What's your budget?
Field of view simulation: http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
Yes, you will see the cloud bands on Jupiter, and the Cassini division in Saturn's rings. If the scope has cooled down, collimation isn't severely out of whack, and *atmospheric seeing is decent...
Which it often isn't.
If seeing is great, you could try a 4mm 58° eyepiece, but most days it will just gather dust. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32823985645.html
Clear skies :-)
Yes :-) The 6mm 66° on a budget, $29 from Amazon, $13 from Marketplace/China atm,
Field simulation: http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
More is possible, but atmospheric seeing conditions rarely allow it. A 4mm 58° from Aliexpress for under $30 can be a nice budget eyepiece to have lying around (they are better than the 66° but cost $50-$60 in the US and have a smaller apparent field of view)
It works out of the box of course;
A planetary eyepiece would be nice to have with either 6"/8" though.
Else:
"Turn left at Orion" - the missing manual
Binoculars for easier finding deep-sky objects when starting out, possibly even a Telrad finder & maps at some point.
Adjustable chair or DIY Lybar.
> a me purchase
Hehe :-)
My SO doesn't enjoy it as much as I do, but I got her binoculars and that's been a lot of fun for both of us, at least during the mild summer and fall days.
Clear skies :-)
Great :-)
If you go with the 6", make sure to pick up at least a 6mm eyepiece of decent quality. The Orion XT6 only comes with a single basic eyepiece.
6mm 66° at Amazon, or via Marketplace/China
Similar field simulation: http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
Hello :-)
Awesome :-)
> Now my question is what is the maximum amount of useful magnification I could squeeze out of this thing with a Barlow lens set up. Should I go with a 2x, 3x or 5x Barlow?
A 90mm refractor is often stated to be able to magnify 180x. And you should stay a bit under as the image will already get incredibly dim. And chromatic aberration will show at higher magnifications.
The only way to magnify higher is to have a larger aperture.
Do not get a barlow. They reduce the contrast. A good one costs more than some better eyepieces. 5x would be way too much with all your eyepieces.
You could get a decent 6mm, ($29 Amazon, $13 China/Marketplace). 133x already shows 99.79999% of all details on planets possible, albeit small ;-) Avoid short cheap Plössl-type under 10mm.
> How much dimming should I expect out of the three types of Barlows I mentioned?
The exit pupil is the diameter of the light-beam exiting the eyepiece; Random picture.
Divide the eyepiece focal length by the telescope's aperture ratio* (8.88).
Under 0.7mm things get dim, you don't really gain much detail. Under 0.5mm it's unusable.
It does not matter if you increase magnification with a barlow, camera zoom or other "tricks", the higher you magnify, the dimmer things get.
The "exit-pupil" with a 6mm (=light exiting the eyepiece) is already ~0.68mm, which is the smallest/dimmest you should try. A 5mm or 4.5mm HR Planetary clone eyepiece would only increase magnification slightly, but decrease the overall contrast. No detail is gained other than perhaps a few double stars in good optics.
If you like to tinker, it's possible to modify the 6mm 66° (the barrel basically has a barlow-like element built-in, by unscrewing it and adding a spacer it can be turned into a shorter eyepiece (within reason) without decreasing quality really. Do not try with other eyepiece types, the lenses might not be fixed and fall out.
> Secondly is there a webcam with optical zoom that fits onto the eyepiece somehow could further magnify the image? Could you use a Barlow and then use optical magnification from a camera to further magnify the image?
You can not gain magnification in any way without sacrificing quality. The bottle-neck will always be the 90mm telescope aperture.
Link list: Difference a larger aperture makes.
Simulation: Same magnification, different apertures
If you want to attach a camera, there are multiple ways. E.g. phone holder in-front of an eyepiece. Or a modified webcam (or dedicated astro cam, or a DSLR...) directly in the focuser or in combination with a barlow. But taking pictures is not as easy as pressing a button. Extreme focal-lengths, dim and small targets.
> primarily to daytime viewing. I am not looking at DSO'S or anything yet.
DSO do not need more magnification. They are best observed at low to medium magnification. Check out what to expect in the previous link, as 90mm is also the bottle-neck here. But you can already observe many double stars, clusters, nebluae, galaxies! :-) Ring nebula, Albireo, Coathanger CR399, M81/M82 should be targets you can find even if the sky's not completely dark (but not too light polluted either).
You could upgrade the other eyepieces as well, e.g. a 15mm 66° and a 32mm Plössl-type (52°) give you a good range. (40mm Plössl are not going to show more field)
> Thirdly if and when I do upgrade my scope is there one that you would recommend for that purpose outlined above? Which model would be most effective for extreme daytime magnification? Would it be a SCT or a larger aperture dobsonian reflector like an 8inch?
A reflector will turn the image upside-down. But they are great for planets and deep-sky, as you get a large aperture and stable mount (dobsonian). Erecting eyepieces exist but are of poor quality.
A Maksutov, SCT is great for day-time, but you can't magnify higher than what atmospheric seeing conditions, heat rising from the ground, will alow. And fog, dirt in the air can generally limit how far you can observe as stuff will just get more and more milky.
A 6" SC will still show more detail than a 4" even at the same magnification though due to the higher resolution, brighter image at the same magnification. But if you also want to use it for astronomy, you will limit yourself. A decent smaller sized Mak/SC as spotting scope, and a larger bucket for the night might be cheaper and more versatile than getting a medium sized telescope for both.
Clear skies :-)
* Aperture ratio = telescope focal length divided by aperture
You could try a 6mm 66° (Amz USA / China), it would also be useful if you would get a dobsonian telescope later. 117x is on the high side for a 70/700 telescope, but not as overboard as the kit 4mm eyepieces often included in such sets.
Is this your exact set? https://www.amazon.com/Gskyer-Telescope-AZ70700-Technology-Instruments/dp/B017NHHZ4G
10mm is okay (70x works with this telescope, but the planets are small, and the kit eyepiece is probably not good). Combined with the 3x barlow you'd get 212x which is way too much for this telescope.
A 15mm would be a medium magnification eyepiece also useful later. A bunch of clusters, double stars, nebulae would be visible with it.
A larger overview eyepiece, e.g. a $25 32mm Erfle, would be a bit redundant (as many telescopes come with a decent 25mm or 30mm eyepiece).
> binoculars
I recommend some easy to hold, lower magnification / larger field. E.g. a 7x50 Cometron (Around $30, a bit quality-control issues once in a while, otherwise great for the price. Amazon returns aren't an issue usually if you do happen to get a lemon). Binoculars over 10x require a tripod, which doesn't make much sense for some easy to use, casual observing in addition to a telescope IMHO.
> $600
For $600 you could get the Apertura AD8 with great kit accessories ($470, the basic DT8 costs less but lacks accessories). Or even a basic 10" dobsonian (Skywatcher, a bit more stuff than the DT series).
Hi :-)
Another vote for the AD8 or at least the Skywatcher 8". The DT8 and XT8 just have very basic accessories.
"Turn left at Orion" (the only must-have ;-) ) and 3 eyepieces can get you a long way.
Field of view simulation
6mm from Amazon directly
Decent 6mm from China via Amazon marketplace, YMMV
Clear skies :-)
Hello :-)
Field of view simulation regarding magnification
6mm 66°
- A 6mm 66° would give you 200x, ($29-$35 via Amazon, $14-$23 from China*) - From China via eBay/EU
Deep-sky imaging won't work, only for Albireo, and few snapshots of Orion nebula, Andromeda.
"Turn left at Orion" - the missing manual :-)
And Binoculars make things easier (e.g. Celestron Cometron 7x50 $30)
Hello :-)
Where are you from? Prices and available equipment differs slighty.
The HR Planetary clones (58°,sold under various names/brands) are decent :-) But you can get a 6mm 66° for less.
Field of view simulation for a 8" dobsonian
A 6mm 66° would give you 200x, ($29-$35 via Amazon, $14-$23 from China*) - From China via eBay/EU
(Avoid short Plössl due to poor eye-relief.)
More then 6mm / 200x is possible, but atmospheric seeing often limits it (The air "wobbles", making focusing at high magnification impossible). For the rare days seeing is great, a 4mm 58° can be nice to have (these cost <=$30 at Aliexpress, random links, check recent seller ratings!).
Clear skies :-)
Hello :-)
Great!
The kit eyepieces will get you started but only cover the very basics.
Cancel the order on the barlow. It will just reduce the contrast. Together with the 25mm it's almost redundant. With the 10mm often too much due to atmospheric seeing conditions.
Field of view simulation for a 8" dobsonian
A 6mm 66° would give you 200x, ($29-$35 via Amazon, $14-$23 from China*) - From China via eBay/EU
Avoid short Plössl due to poor eye-relief.
> others
"Turn left at Orion" - the missing manual :-) And binpclulars make getting started easier when trying to find deep-sky objects (e.g. Celestron Cometron 7x50).
Clear skies :-)
Hello :-)
What's your budget?
Copypaste from a reply a moment ago,
A 6mm 66° would give you 200x, ($29-$35 via Amazon, $14-$23 from China*), and if you like to tinker, you can modify these eyepieces for a bit more magnification.
Do not get a barlow (reduces the contrast).
Do not a short Plössl-type due to poor eye-relief. Or the bad cheap 62° type.
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
*
(YMMV, random link, check recent seller ratings)
The "gold-line" 66° is sold under various names. It's currently out of stock at Amazon (used to be $29 here). If you don't mind the wait, you can get it for $17-$22 in China (via Amazon Marketplace, Aliexpress or eBay).
YMMV
> many years ago
> Way too late! I bought a Celestron eyepiece and filter set shortly after receiving the telescope.
Oh, well :-) The best stuff is what you already have. Some eyepieces can be fitted with an eyecup later, but probably not the cheap set ones.
> Yes it is definitely an entry level telescope and kit
Make the best of it :-)
> I will ultimately be purchasing an 8" - 11" aperture model at some point in the future
You could still consider a decent 6mm for planets for example. The 6mm would also work in a 8", 10" or 12" dobsonian later.
8-11 suggests you're eyeing the Celestron GoTo Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes though. Don't make the same mistake twice and get one of their sets on a weak mount. ;-)
> eyepiece
> 90GT
So it's a 90/910 telescope.
The field of view simulation for a 114/900 is very similar, but 150x would be max I'd consider with that telescope. 180x would be the absolute maximum and already quite dim!
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Mangofication-On-114900-Didgeridoo.png
A 32mm Plössl, 15mm gold-line or Plössl, 6mm "gold-line"(66°) and possible the 9mm gold-line would make a good set with decent eye-relief and a regular eye-cup. Unless you want an adjustable one like with the planetary eyepieces.
Sadly the 6mm gold-line are sold out at Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1), but you can get them via eBay or Aliexpress if you don't mind the shipping. Compared to 6mm Plössl from kits they have a longer eye-relief and a nice 66° apparent field of view.
Amazon Marketplace but from China, very cheap, 1, YMMV
Yes but you can get them cheaper.
That one is the Orion branded version.
Only the red-line is still available from the US under $30 atm via eBay, usually you can get the gold-line for $29 at Amazon (currently only the other focal lengths).
Via eBay or Aliexpress you can get them cheaper, shipped from China,
Make sure it fits though, measure :-)
A refractor in this price-range, especially on a good mount, will limit you to a smaller aperture. For deep-sky observing, that's pretty limiting anyway. If you can fit the dobsonian, it'll be the best bang for the buck :-) There are also the Skywatcher collapsible (e.g. if the trunk is too small and putting the tube across the back-seat is not an option).
> about 10 hours for the drive, do I need to worry about the optics warping due to heat or anything like that?
A dobsonian is stupidly simple, the only thing that can happen is that the mirrors may move a bit. There's a lot of scary talk about "collimation" but you just adjust three screws until everything appears centered in a collimation tool/eyepeice.
The mirror itself is a big chunk of glass, not like a household mirror. Only the surface is delicate (as it's first-surface coated, not reflective behind the glass like household mirrors). That's only relevant for cleaning correctly, if it's ever necessary at all.
> Also would the two eyepieces it comes with be adequate or should I look for some others?
A (decent!) 6mm for planets, and a 15mm to fill the kit eyepiece gap.
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
Avoid sets;
The 6mm 66° usually costs $29 at Amazon, they still have the 15mm
The red-line is suposidly the same (haven't tried it) but costs more - Lonk.
Don't get sets (overprice, redundant), don't get Plössl under 10mm (too short eye-relief). Do you still have eyepieces from your older telescope?
Hi :-)
Awesome!
> kit
Avoid kits, they are never worth it :-) Three to four decent eyepieces can go a long way.
Plössl over 10mm are okay, under 10mm they have very poor eye-relief.
The 32mm Plössl makes no sense, as the AD10 included a much better overview eyepiece.
The 9mm is also redundant. The 6mm and 4mm have such horrible eye-relief that they are useless.
A kit barlow will reduce the contrast and produces too much magnification for common seeing condition with half of the eyepieces. Color filters can ever so slightly enhance planetary detail, but you certainly don't need a whole bunch. A single blue filter can work, if at all. A moon filter can be nice to have.
Field of view simulation;
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/1200-overview-eyepieces.png
If you want to get eyepieces right away, you could consider the 6mm 66° "gold-line". Currently sold out at Amazon, there's one listed on eBay, suposidly from the US.
The 15mm perhaps to fill the gap. That one's still available at Amazon.
More than 200x only works if atmospheric seeing is excellent. It usually isn't ;-) The 4mm HR Planetary 58° can be nice to have in case seeing is good, they cost $29 or so at Aliexpess.
As for other accessories, also see https://old.reddit.com/r/telescopes/comments/h7qi49/looking_for_a_telescope_parts_first_time/fumpqn7/
Clear skies :-)
Hi :-)
The 30mm and 9mm kit eyepieces will get you started :-) But a 6mm for planets and a 15mm for in-between is nice to have.
Field of view simulation: http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
Sadly the 6mm 66° is sold out at Amazon (Link to the 66° eyepieces for $29) but you can still get them from Aliexpress from China or eBay, with some even (claiming) shipping from the US, eBay.
Avoid short Plössl due to poor eye-relief. Avoid Sets (overpriced, redundant).
If you want to spend more: Agenaastro Dual ED eyepieces, or the Explore Scientific 82° eyepieces :-)
Also see this post regarding accessories
Clear skies, have fun!
Hi :-)
Which ones did you see?
> differences
Avoid short Plössl.
> Amazon
Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Amazon CA
Clear skies :-)
Hello :-)
> tried finding it
What did you use to find it, and what telescope did you use?
> NASA pics
> Cassini-quality views,
Make sure you have realistic expectations. Our atmospheric seeing conditions are a limiting factor for planets. Our eyes can't do long exposures, so nebulae/galaxies won't look like on pictures. Links on what to expect in different telescope aperture sizes.
> $300
> $500
This can get you a good, large "dobsonian" telescope :-)
A dobsonian is a reflector on a simple but STURDY rockerbox, leaving most money for the actual optics. Tracking and EQ mounts in this price-range will compromise in every regard. The dobsonian + wide-angle eyepiece is the way to go IMHO.
Suggestions:
A 6" dobsonian costs $299, prices and availability are all over the prices right now (used to be $269). Skywatcher is the best (focuser/finder/ep), DT6 and XT6 slightly cheaper. Currently the following 8" would be the better bang for the buck
The 8" are the best performers in this price range. The larger Apertura DT8 for $359 and a 6mm 66° eyepiece for $29 would be your cheapest, best planetary set. The AD8 has better accessories but costs more (Dual-speed focuser, right-angle finder, 2" overview eyepiece already included, fan).
The DT10 starts at $569.
Used, you should be able to find these for 30% less or so.
The smaller $199 Z130 or AWB OneSky / Heritage 130p can be fun portable telescopes, but not the best for planets.
Avoid all sets on a tripod in this price-range, especially Amazon best-sellers like the 127eq, 130eq, 114eq. Weak mount, flawed optics, overly enthusiastic reviews.
> Storage: I own a home with a basement, so unless it's too bulky or heavy to reasonably move up and down stairs from time to time, that shouldn't be an issue (I'm assuming in my price range you don't get too massive anyway).
The fullsize dobsonians aren't exactly small :-) But don't compare them with small telescopes on a tripod, that wouldn't be fair. A 6" on decent mount can weigh as much as a 8" dobsonian.
Random video of someone setting up a 8" dobsonian for scale.
The 8" weighs 20kg/44lbs, 10kg/22lbs for each the base and tube. I had a ~9 year old insisting carrying it down two flights of stairs, assembled, at an stargazing event :-)
6" for scale (But you wouldn't look as happy as promotional guy carrying it over a longer distance like that :-) )
Do not underestimate the bulk of a decent tripod.
If you do need something truly compact: A 127mm Maksutov telescope (compact by design, not to be confused with the Celestron 127eq). But they are more expensive on a decent mount, ~ $500, while showing less than the 8".
I've mentioned the 6mm for planets;
IIRC the transit time at 200x is up to 90 seconds from side-to-side in the eyepiece, It's still fairly easy to track manually. Just slightly nudge the telescope to get the planet back into view, and let it wander through the view once more.
A 4mm could give you even more magnification, but atmospheric seeing usually limits what's possible. A decent(!) 4mm 58° costs $29 at Aliexpress, so it can be nice to have.
Avoid short Plössl-type eyepieces under 10mm due to poor eye-relief. Avoid sets. A cheap barlow reduces the contrast and costs as much as a better eyepiece. Avoid telescopes on a tripod. etc.
2-inch eyepieces allow for a wider field of view if you are into deep-sky observations, these cost $30-$40 at Aliexpress and $80+ locally.
Where would you observe from? The main down-side of a dobsonian is the low swivel point, e.g. a narrow balcony with hand-rail won't work.
Clear skies! :-)
Awesome image! :-)
You should consider a decent 6mm 66° ($20 at ALiexpress, $29 at Amazon) or other eyepieces as well, e.g. for planets :-)
Clear skies!
You would need an
overview eyepiece, 20-40mm (ideally a 32mm Plössl/52°-type, $19 via Aliexpres, eBay, $25-$30 via Amazon).
One for planets - The 6mm 66° is the maximum I'd consider for this telescope, (even though the original kit-eyepiece and poor barlow provided much more magnification = dim, dull), $20 from China/Aliexpress, $29 at Amazon
Ideally one or two in-between. But it's easy to over-invest. For $79.99 you can get a refurbished "Skyscanner 100" that would outperform the set regarding stability, aperture. Table-top but works great on an inexpensive Ikea step-stool as "mount".
- Avoid cheap sets, rubbish. Avoid expensive sets, not worth it. Avoid short Plössl under 10mm due to poor eye-relief, and the cheap bad fake Celestron copper-tops / 62°. Avoid cheap barlows as they reduce the contrast.
The mounts are not very good, if you like to tinker, you can turn it into a dobsonian type telescope. It will be much more sturdy.
Hello :-)
The Deepview 28mm does not show more than a cheap 1.25" 32mm Plössl, IMHO the Plus- set is not worth it. At least not new or at the same price of the AD8! http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/deepview-plössl-widefield.png
Neither is the barlow (6mm 66° eyepiece that's good for planets costs $20 at Aliexpress, $29 at Amazon). 1, 2
Cheap lasers: Also not worth it, they can cause more trouble. https://garyseronik.com/collimation-tools-what-you-need-what-you-dont/
Clear skies!
A 6mm 66° doesn't cost much; It would be useful for most future telescopes.
It may not provide as much magnification as the 4mm, but 1000/4=250x magnification, which is way too much (dim, dull image). Especially for the flawed bird-jones type telescope.
6mm 66° $21 in China / $29 Amazon
- For planets, it will already show detail, and pushes the 127eq's capabilities. It doesn't make sense to magnify more, even if it seems like it would look better.
Avoid Plössl under 10mm due to poor eye-relief. Avoid cheap barlows, as they reduce contrast (Chromaric aberratoin). For a decent one, you can get 2-3 decent budget eyepieces.
A 32mm Plössl costs $19-$25 or so and show about the maximum field on the 127eq. Erecting eyepieces aren't really good, only useful for day-time use (Avoid the sun, permanent eye-damage). But a future telescope probably already includes a 25-30mm eyepiece.
In-between, both the 66° gold-line and Plössl would work.
Hello :-)
Are you from the US? Offers differ from country to country.
> I don’t know anything about telescopes, lenses, optics, etc, but i’m trying to find a good telescope that can see stuff like Saturn or the surface of the moon well, etc. Going for magnification.
Here is a link on what to expect in different telescope aperture sizes.
> My budget is 300 - 600 USD however i may bend it slightly. I have no idea about things like tripods, mounts, eyepieces, whatever. Not looking to have a star / planet tracker.
That will get you a great telescope :-) E.g. a 8" or even 10" dobsonian.
While you can get a 8" for $359, the Apertura AD8 / [AD10](https://www.highpointscientific.com/apertura-ad10-10inch-dobsonian-telescope-ad10 have the best accessories already included. The DT series, Skywatcher or Orion also have good optics, but have less stuff. Orion usually has the fewest accessories.
Outside the US, the Skywatcher and GSO are very common. The GSO "deluxe" variant is almost like the AD-series.
> mounts
The dobsonian is a reflector telescope on a simple but sturdy rockerbox. Leaving most money for the actual optics. Avoid all sets on a tripod, especially Amazon "best-sellers" like the overrated 114eq, 130eq, 127eq and similar.
> eyepieces
The AD dobsonians already have a wide-angle overview eyepiece. Else, one or two more can be nice to have;
Field of view simulation
"Planetary" eyepiece
> magnification
Atmospheric seeing often limits magnification. Still, a larger aperture shows a brighter image at the same magnification and has a higher resolution. For the rare occasion atmospheric seeing is excellent, a inexpensive 4mm 58° or 3.2mm 58° HR Planetary clone can be nice to have laying around. But avoid cheap 4mm eyepieces like the bad 62° fake Celestron eyepieces.
> If there’s also a phone mount so i can take good pictures, that’d be helpful.
You can take snapshots of moon and planets with a phone, but it takes practice (With some great result with patience).
It's not as simple as point & shoot. Many images you'll see are composites of multiple pictures/frames.
For deep-sky, you really need a different camera, telescope, and a tracking mount that also counters field-rotation. Most DSO are dim, and long exposure is key here.
> whatever
"Turn left at Orion" - the missing manual on how to observe, what to expect, how to find things :-) This would be one of the most important add-ons.
A dim red light- preserving night-vision. In a pinch, a dollar-store bike-tail-light and a couple of layers of translucent tape.
Binoculars! They show a much larger field, making it easier to locate some nebulae, galaxies when starting out.
A height adjustable chair, or DIY Lybar :-)
Clear skies :-)
Okay :-) How come?
> Will I want an even tighter eyepiece for more zoom on planet observations?
In the 8" eyepiece field of view simulation you can see the effect of a 6mm. A decent 6mm like the 6mm 66° costs $29 from Amazon or $22 via Aliexpress. That's definitely worth it :-)
Even more can be nice, but atmospheric seeing is usually the limiting factors. I've a 3.2mm HR Planetary for the rare occasion. 375x can be amazing. But it rarely works.
> fan
The mirror, unlike household-mirrors, is a thick chunk of glass. It needs to cool to ambient temperature to be tension free, only then you can observe at high magnifications with best contrast. A fan speeds up the process.
> Extension Tube
Different eyepieces, cameras, get into focus at different points. For some you need to go a bit further out than the regular travel of the focuser.
Hello :-)
> difference
The AD8 has a two-inch 30mm Erfle (~70°) eyepiece for a larger overview, while the DT8 has a 25mm Plössl-eyepiece (52°). Field of view. The dual-speed focuser makes adjusting focusing easier. The right-angle, correct image (RACI) finder is more ergonomic. The base is different, there's a fan. These upgrades are usually well worth it :-)
Regarding the optics, any dobsonian (AD8, DT8, Skywatcher, Orion...) will perform well.
> hate the straight through finder
It's alright for moon and planets. Point & view. Deep-sky is a bit more "work", there a RACI finder is even nicer to have, though many have a Telrad.
Only the focuser is what you can't (as) easily upgrade at a later point.
> DT10
10 inch will of course show more. The tube is the same length, but 10" is more bulky of course.
> deep sky features
Can you see the milky-way from your observing location? Any requirements regarding the telescope's size/portability?
> DT6
If you can't wait, I would highly recommend 8" or 10" then :-) Links on what difference aperture makes.
Also check out the Sky-Watcher dobsonians (still more stuff than the Orion XT series and the DT series). As for 6-inch dobsonians, the Skywatcher are the only ones with 2-inch focuser.
> Also what accessories am I going to want right out of the gate.
Depends on the telescope, of course, but:
A 6mm 66° for planets (not a kit, not a short Plössl-type). Field of VIew / Amazon / Aliexpress
"Turn left at Orion" - the missing manual
- Binoculars! Finding deep-sky objects with the small field of view of a telescope can be an issue when starting out. The large view of binoculars is a great help.
- Dimable red light (Astronomy light, head light, or just a dollar-store bike-tail light with a couple of layers of translucent tape).
Height adjustable chair, e.g. DIY lybar
Clear skies! :-)
> It should be, else it's going to be frustrating. :-( Lets hope for the best.
Sorry, I think my choice of words was very bad (My english has its limitations :D). I know a spherical mirror is an issue and I am aware of it. Really. What I was trying to say is that there were others more important details because of the constraints in the shipping process to South America. For example, the whole XT8 package is about 20 kg heavier than this one. And the price per unit of weight is equivalent to an eyepiece :D
So, I am expecting a spherical mirror, I will not be dissappointed if I get it. Buuut, I will be very happy if it is a parabolic one.
​
> As I don't know what part of south america, I can't post a specific link, this offer ships to some, and not to others:
Sorry I didn´t mention about this. It just need to be shipped within the USA. I send the item to Florida and then a company brings it to here. So it can be any product.
​
> Else the gold-lines cost $29 at Amazon USA, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I will buy the 15mm and 6mm from those. Any recomendations for a 32mm? Or something else for DSO observation?
​
Thanks a lot, you are really helping me!
> But it was the last of my concerns because I will upgrade it in the future, and there was more important details because of the next:
It should be, else it's going to be frustrating. :-( Lets hope for the best.
You can modify the 6mm 66° if you want and see how far it 'll magnify.
> telescope to south america
You could check out the Z130, Heritage 130p, Bresser Messer 5", but if you've imported it, returning won't be an option. If -> consider.
But of course else just make the best of it :-) It will still show a lot.
32mm 15mm 6mm: Yes, indeed. That would be useful :-)
But does it have to be Amazon? How about Aliexpress? Wouldn't that be cheaper overall?
As I don't know what part of south america, I can't post a specific link, this offer ships to some, and not to others:
6mm 66° https://aliexpress.com/item/32805977303.html
The 32mm costs $18 or so there.
Else the gold-lines cost $29 at Amazon USA, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Hi :-)
Great advice already!
Focusing, extension tubes:
> 25mm
Consider a 6mm 66° for $20 at Aliexpress, or $29 at Amazon. Avoid short Plössl (poor eye-relief) and sets (overpriced, mediocre, redundant).
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
https://aliexpress.com/item/32823186420.html (sometimes cheaper)
Hello :-)
Have you used the 3x barlow together with the 20mm eyepiece?
What other eyepieces do you have?
Sadly the kit eyepieces aren't very good :-( Often these include a 4mm eyepiece (Poor quality, 250x is a bit too much for average seeing conditions and for the telescope as well). The barlow is pretty bad, too.
Did it include a 12.5mm eyepiece?
While the Powerseeker 114 is not a good set due to it's bad accessories/mount*, the telescope itself is quite capable :-) You could get a 6mm 66° "gold-line" (but no short other 6mm or generic set!). It would provide you with 150x magnification that's enough to see details on the planets and will work with average atmospheric seeing conditions.
$29 at Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8YZHFT/ref=twister_B07MVSSW4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
$20 or so via Aliexpress, eBay (shipped from China), https://aliexpress.com/item/4000969833011.html
(Random links, ymmv, check seller rating)
Also, could you post a picture directly through the empty focuser, as straight as possible?
Reflector telescopes need their mirrors to be aligned in order to provide the most contrast. A system that is out of "collimation" is still going to show something, but at overly high magnification it won't deliver a sharp image. usually these telescopes hold collimation well, even after transport, but you never know. Don't worry too much, slight misallignment won't matter much, but you never know.
Clear skies :-)
> 8mm or 9mm
Depends on your budget; I wouldn't get a Plössl under 10mm due to poor eye-relief. The 9mm 66° is fairly good while ~$22 from China 2, $30 from Amazon
(As a side-note, you can modify the 9mm for a bit more magnification)
Neither a 8mm 52° Plössl nor 8mm 58° HR Planetary would be able to show the moon whole.
> 15mm or 20mm
Depends on what you have and what your goal is. Getting a ~10mm and 15mm is pretty close together.
If you're lacking an overview eyepiece, a 32mm.
Also depends on a possible future telescope upgrade.
The most important accessory lacking is probably a planetary eyepiece and a guide.
http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png
- 6mm 66° apparent field of view -> Aliexpress, [Amazon] 1 2, [eBay] 1 2 US?
- The Kit 25mm eyepiece is OK for a general overview. Ideally one or two in-between (9mm, 15mm... $15 Plössl type or better $20 gold-line type).
Guide: "Turn left at Orion" - How to observe, how to find things, what to expect, what's worthwhile observing
- A dimable red light (Budget solution: Dollar-store bike tail light and a couple of layers tape)
Collimation tool, e.g. $10-$20 Cheshire-sight-tube, or just DIY collimation cap or "no tool" star method.
If you're willing to spend more,
the AD8 telescope (or Zhumell z8) has much better accessories (Dual speed focuser for finer adjustments, ergonomic right-angle finder, larger overview 2" wide-angle eyepiece, second eyepiece, a fan to cool the mirror to ambient faster, ...)
The Skywatcher 8-inch comes with one more eyepiece than the DT8 but else it's similar, not as great as the AD8.
(Do not get eyepiece sets, overpriced, overrated, redundant.)
Planetary magnification range in a 6" F/8 scope is from 120 to about 250x. Up to 300x if the scope has above average optics.
120x is achieved with a 10mm eyepiece, 250x is achieved with roughly a 5mm eyepiece.
How crisp the view will look depends on how stable the atmosphere is. Some nights only 120x will look crisp. Other nights 250x will look crisp. Hence it's a good idea to have multiple eyepieces between 5 and 10mm so you can pick the right magnification for the atmospheric seeing conditions.
The two best eyepieces to get for the money are the 6 and 9mm gold lines.
Those two eyepieces are a good start for planetary observing in that scope. Good eye relief, decent field of view, and good optical performance.
If you shop around on Ebay or AliExpress, you can find the same eyepieces for as little as $23. But you will have to wait a month for them to ship from China.
If you find that views are nice and crisp in the 6mm, you can opt to get a 5mm (240x) or 4.5mm (266x) eyepiece as well. The 4.5mm Meade HD-60 is a great eyepiece. It's more expensive than the Gold Lines, but it's still less than $100. An alternative is the 5mm Agena StarGuider Dual ED from Agena Astro, or the 5mm AstroTech Paradigm from Astronomics (same eyepiece, different brand). Both are $60.
If you want to view DSOs as well, then you might consider getting the full Gold Line set for $110. This is a great value and all four eyepieces will work well in your scope. The 6 and 9 will predominantly useful for planetary viewing. The 9mm can be used for viewing smaller DSOs as well (M13 will look great in it), and the 15 and 20mm options can be useful for larger or fainter DSOs.
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