lquinlan

Agreed. I like the second reason. Will get one after all.

I recall now that I used to have UV filter on my old 'analogue' SLR years ago and never saw a marked difference with/without it on, but I liked the fact it was a 'sacrificial' barrier protecting the main lens.

Cheers guys.

Mine's in the post too. Can't wait to get into imaging. Hours of fun - and possibly frustration!

I have not ordered a "IR/UV blocking filter" yet though. Is it a "need to have" or "nice to have" ?

Can anyone show me (or point me towards) images take with and without ?

wow. And again, wow......

I've had my 200p SkyWatcher dob for about a week now and so far found 3 DSO's. (M13, 57 & tonight 103). Each session looked like clear skies but I appreciate now that they weren't really.

I must admit, each object was a little underwhelming through my EP's and each took about an hour to find ! 'Just about' enough detail to keep the kids interested although the red/orange star in 103 was discernible. Flicking to the right pages of TLAO to read background info was the trump card.

I did want to get into scope photography later when finances allowed but now I appreciate the gains to be had by long exposures and image processing, and that the amazing photos on this thread are within reach - weather permitting.....