33 replies to this topic

[25585]

A 20mm eyepiece and (say) 3 Barlows is a good budget starter. 
 

20mm

x2B = 10mm

x3B = 6-7mm

x4B = 5mm

[Sebastian_Sajaroff]

Where do you plan to observe those galaxies from ?

 

City/suburbs : forget galaxies, light pollution is kryptonite for those targets (on visual).

Dark transparent rural sky : start with a 20 or 25 mm Svbony.

[N3p]

For the galaxies, usually, I like use my 24mm and 18mm, with 1000mm of focal length telescope. The 24mm with a large exit pupil and the 18mm to get a bit more power and a bit more contrast if required. I prefer a scene with a smaller DSO with better resolutions in the views. 

[Bill Barlow]

If you could pick one would it be a 25mm, 18mm, or 12mm?

I would pick the 12mm as the exit pupil is around 2mm with a magnification of around 100.  But if you want to resolve 

globular clusters better, then chose and eyepiece with a magnification of 150-200X.

[Mike Q]

Its really all about getting the image you want and looks good to your eye.  In my 10 inch i like a 14mm 80 degree, in my 16 inch a 13mm or 20mm 100 degree, in my SCT a 20mm 80 degree gets me what i am looking for usually. 

[cahanc]

Where do you plan to observe those galaxies from ?

 

City/suburbs : forget galaxies, light pollution is kryptonite for those targets (on visual).

Dark transparent rural sky : start with a 20 or 25 mm Svbony.

Totally Agree.  I live in and observe mostly in Bortle 7+ skies, Berkeley, CA.  I cannot find any DSO's or very few.  Star clusters are fuzzy blobs, most things are fuzzy blobs so I spend most of my time on Planets, moon, double stars and anything bright enough to see. I get to Bortle 2 skies often though and I have to remind myself to look for the things not usually within reach at home. Retirement will be in 6-8 years and I have already started my campaign trying to convince my dearest other half that darker skies mean a better life!!

Edited by cahanc, 10 November 2024 - 06:44 PM.

[astroclint]

For andromeda you will need a widefield eyepiece you could get  UF 30mm it's the eyepiece on the right in the small pics.

https://www.aliexpre...rch|query_from:

Edited by astroclint, 10 November 2024 - 11:39 PM.

[Observer200]

Its really all about getting the image you want and looks good to your eye.  In my 10 inch i like a 14mm 80 degree, in my 16 inch a 13mm or 20mm 100 degree, in my SCT a 20mm 80 degree gets me what i am looking for usually. 

Which coma corrector do you use?

[Mike Q]

Which coma corrector do you use?

The GSO