Celetron AstroMaster 130 EQ - want better planetary EP

[jadeddog]

I have the Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ scope, which comes with a 20mm and 10mm lens.  Here is a link to the scope: http://www.celestron.com/browse-shop/astronomy/telescopes/astromaster-130eq-telescope

I am able to see Jupiter with my 10mm, but the image is very, VERY small in my viewfinder.  I was thinking about either getting a 2x barlow lens or a planetary EP.  I was thinking of going as low as 5mm, but have read on here and a few other places that because the scope is a f5 and pretty fast, that the 5mm might be pushing it too much at 130x.  I have read that some people recommend getting a 8mm EP instead of the 5mm, but I wonder if the magnification (81x) will be enough to see things like Jupiter and Saturn cleanly.  I want to get an EP, or two EPs, that is/are specifically for planetary viewing.  Cost isn't really an issue as I figure that the lens will move from scope to scope, so might as well buy good ones.  

So my question is: would I be better off buying a 2x barlow lens, or a smaller EP lens of some sort (or potentially a couple smaller EP)?  

I realize that this question is asked all the time, but I'm pretty darn new to all this and really need all the advice/help I can find.  Thanks in advance. 

[webtubbs]

I have this same scope and have seen the same thing. I have a 2x Barlow and I also purchased a 13mm plossl EP, and used in together basically give similar results to using a 6.5mm EP. The views are much better, but are still "small". That said, the views are clearer with the 13mm Plossl than with the 10mm supplied EP. It was my understanding from the research I did prior to purchasing the scope that the planets will never appear "large" and that it will take good seeing conditions and patience to view any planetary details.

[TedCameron123]

I don't have the same scope, but I had a similar situation with mine.

I ended up buying 12mm and 5mm lenses plus a 2x Barlow.

I find the 5mm alone gives me the best result when looking at Jupiter or Saturn. I can see the cloud rings on jupiter and the rings around saturn are lovely. When I plop the Barlow on top of it though, it gets pretty blurry and harder to see the detail. (Although it does work well with my other lenses.)

I hope that helps in some way  

[Dom1961]

I'd buy a different eyepiece, barlowing the stock eyepiece isn't going to be very good. Try looking at BSTs or X-Cels ( The latter having more choice own the high mag end. I'll leave the magnification suggestions to more experienced members here

[ronin]

The scope is specified as 130mm dia and 650 mm focal length so f/5.

I suspect a 5mm eyepiece should be OK in it, something like the X-Cel (£59) or the BST (£49) - each do a 5mm.

These will give 130x magnification and that should be enough for Saturn, it will not be enough for Mars when Mars make an appearance as that needs lots.

Sometimes the 5mm will just not work so one a bit longer will (may) be wanted and the next X-Cel is 7mm (93x), the next BST is 8mm (81x).

So the X-Cels have the smaller step difference.

Both BST and X-Cel's come in a smaller then 5mm size, X-Cel is 2.3mm (280x), and BST 3.2mm (203x).

The X-Cel in 2.3mm version will be too much, the BST in 3.2 is sort of questionable. Have doubts, but it might be OK occasionally.

The X-Cels have the advantage of 5mm and 7mm as opposed to 5mm and 8mm.

You could get a 5mm in either BST or X-Cel and say a 6mm (108x) WO Planetary - these tend to get good reviews for their performance, although 108x may be a little low for Saturn.

So far I have mentioned 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm. And in planetary viewing there is a case for having literally one of each, 1mm can and will make a difference.

Using a barlow relies on both eyepiece and barlow being good. A cheap barlow and a good eyepiece is a cheap combination, a good barlow and a cheap eyepiece is a cheap combination.

For sharpness and so to see Saturns rings the scope will need to be well collimated, it takes good contrast and sharpness to see the Cassini division.

I have given eyepiece by "single" brand, as in BST's only or X-Cels's only, simply seems better to maintain one set, no reason not to mix, and if you bought a 5mm and a 6mm you in effect have to mix.

[Floater]

Ain't that strange synchronicity ... Two recent members, each dogs (slashdog and jadeddog), each with a similar scope and each asking a similar question. Must be something in the air ...

Hope you both get the answer you want.

[Kriss Craik]

Hi, I've got the same scope and can vouch for the 5mm xcel. Works well when the viewing is good on Jupiter and Saturn I have used a 2x Barlow with it and as long as conditions are good this worked well. I also acquired a few omni plossl' when curry's were getting rid of their stock and can safely say the 40 and 32 both work well, obviously either or of these will do for wider views. The 9 and 12.5 omni also gives good results but I have a 15 Kelner that works just as well. 1 thing I'd like to point out though is that Jupiter does not hang about 2 long in the 5mm and so does require a constant tracking.

[Alfian]

When I used my 130EQ I found 180x (using a barlow) about the limit given the right conditions. Most of the time though observation is at much lower mags. Its very easy to get sucked into pushing magnification. Just as another suggestion, I've been impressed with my Altair Astro LER 12.5mm. Can't vouch for the others but they do a good range.

http://www.altairastro.com/eyepieces/

[The BFJ]

+1 for the X-Cel LX's. Got 3 of them for my SW200PDS and they're great. They def seem to work well with a F5 scope anyway.