Hello...I just ordered an ETX-80 last night and am looking forward to its arrival. I understand the limitations of this scope, but intend to use it to its strengths (wide field, occasional lunar and planetary) and as an ultra portable travel scope. Now it's time to look into accessories.

So...I will definitely acquire (or make) a dew shield and a solar filter. I would also like to pick up an additional lens or two and some filters. This is where I would like some advice, preferably from those who might have used such items with this or similar scopes.

As for lenses...a 6mm lens will give me a bit more magnification, but the exit pupil shrinks to around 1mm. Will this cause the image to be too dark?

Filters. I would like to get a violet blocking (CA) filter for lunar and planetary use. I'm leaning towards the Baader semi-APO, Orion V-block and the Baader contrast booster. Are those others I should consider? Also, how about skyglow filters? The semi-APO incorporates one and I've read one good report by someone who uses it on his ETX-80 to bring out detail in the Orion nebula. Any other filters to consider here? Due to the small aperture, I'm leaning towards broadband filters, but some have said narrowbands are good under dark skies.

Is there anything I'm missing?

Craig
(doing my part to stimulate the economy

)