53 replies to this topic

[Oldfracguy]

 

 

So experimentation in magnification is desirable, to see where you get the best view.  ABSOLUTELY

 

 

Wide fields aren't necessary for high powered views of small objects IF the scope's mount tracks.

But if the scope doesn't track, wider fields are advantageous for high powers so you get more time to observe the object before it drifts out of the field.

It's the reason I find a 70° field fine at 60x in my 12.5", but use a 110° eyepiece at 500x.

The OP has a setup just like this, an 80mm f/7 APO-type refractor on a Sky-Watcher AZ5 Alt-Az mount:

 

 

 

With an Astro-Tech 3.2mm 60-deg AFOV Paradigm eyepiece for 175x, for example, it is not that difficult to keep a target near the center of the field using the Alt and Az position controls.  Wider AFOV eyepieces will allow you watch the target just a little longer before adjusting the Alt and Az position controls, that's all.  The point is you don't necessarily need a mount that tracks to view small targets up to the reasonable limit of magnification for a scope like this.  You just need a mount that is sturdy enough to keep the scope from shaking excessively after adjusting the position or the focuser, more so the higher up in magnification you go.  The SW AZ5 is certainly capable of supporting an 80mm f/7 ED refractor for this purpose.

Edited by Oldfracguy, 06 November 2024 - 01:57 PM.

[Nightskyman]

Correct.

Planets, Moon details, planetary nebulae, and double stars, are the smallest objects you will view in a telescope.

To see them well requires that you use higher powers.

Nebulae and typically faint and large, and require lower powers to see them well (and usually nebulae filters as well).

Star clusters range in size from huge (Pleiades=low powers), to very small (small globular clusters = higher powers).

 

 

 

How far apart the magnifications can be is pretty much related to the aperture of the scope.

In a 25", having magnifications 100x apart can work.  In an 80mm scope, having magnifications 25-30x apart can work.

Wide fields aren't necessary for high powered views of small objects IF the scope's mount tracks.

But if the scope doesn't track, wider fields are advantageous for high powers so you get more time to observe the object before it drifts out of the field.

It's the reason I find a 70° field fine at 60x in my 12.5", but use a 110° eyepiece at 500

This may or may not be helpful, I currently have the following eyepieces: 

 

6mm Agena EWA (AFOV 66, Eye Relief 14.8) - 94X

7.5mm TMB Planetary 2(AFOV 58, Eye Relief ?)75X

9mm Agena EWA (AFOV 66, Eye Relief 15mm)62X

15mm SvBony Redline (AFOV 68, 17mm)38X

19mm Angel Eyes (AFOV 65, Eye Relief ?)30X

25mm Celestron Omni Plossl (AFOV 52, Eye Relief 22mm)22X

32mm Meade Super Plossl (AFOV 52, Eye Relief 20mm)18X

Orion High-Power 2X 4-Element Barlow

 

The 7.5mm, 15mm, and 19mm eyepieces were generously given to me not long after I started by KRB (but I had an 8" DOB at that time)

 

I believe I have a good quality refractor and tripod to start out with but I realize that when it comes to eyepieces, wearing glasses with an astigmatism of 1.75 in my viewing eye affects my choices somewhat. I don't know what the quality of the eyepieces that I have are but my interest is in having/obtaining a better than basic (cheap starter pieces) but not top of the line expensive eyepieces  for viewing the above stated objects. I'm sorry, I can see that it probably would have been better if I would have listed what I have first. Aside from the quality, I'm trying to figure out the magnifications/focal lengths that I should have and which should be widefield. I think some of my concerns have been addressed in part already. In a couple of years, after more viewing experience, I plan to buy upper end quality pieces as I can.

 

I am trying to read through the posts and create a document with the more pertinent information so that I can keep re-reading it to learn. Starting this hobby later in life and having  survived a stroke, it isn't the easiest always easy as it has affected my thought processing ability. I guess this is why I'm trying to hit the ground running as much as possible so I can take my time just enjoying the night time sky. What I've seen already has me hooked!

 

Again, I appreciate the time and patience given by everyone, your experience is invaluable.

Edited by Nightskyman, 06 November 2024 - 08:25 PM.

[Oldfracguy]

This may or may not be helpful, I currently have the following eyepieces: 

 

6mm Agena EWA (AFOV 66, Eye Relief 14.8)

7.5mm TMB Planetary 2(AFOV 58, Eye Relief ?)

9mm Agena EWA (AFOV 66, Eye Relief 15mm)

15mm SvBony Redline (AFOV 68, 17mm)

19mm Angel Eyes (AFOV 65, Eye Relief ?)

25mm Celestron Omni Plossl (AFOV 52, Eye Relief 22mm)

32mm Meade Super Plossl (AFOV 52, Eye Relief 20mm)

Orion High-Power 2X 4-Element Barlow

 

 

You actually already have some very decent eyepieces  .  I would suggest you just use these and get some observing hours under your belt. 

 

After you have some experience with seeing what you see with these eyepieces under different "seeing" conditions, and those vary from one night to the next, then you can figure out which eyepieces you like to use the most, and which models are the most comfortable to look through.  If you decide that one particular model/series eyepiece is your favorite, then over time you might acquire other focal lengths of that same model/series to replace some of your existing eyepieces.  Remember, it's always a personal choice based on your own actual experience looking through these different types of eyepieces.

[SeattleScott]

I would say what you are lacking is anything wider than 60-ish AFOV. So if you want to try something different and get a different experience, without spending a bunch of money, try one of the $100 ultrawides.