rwilkey

I can't compete with that, but I have what is shown in my signature, plus my wife has a 90mm Meade, here's a photo:

I am the same as Loius D, I have a large collection, and yes, I have the same sizes in different makes. The thing is, you get different experiences with different makes , like between ExSc and TV's. The experience and pleasure of viewing means a lot to me, but, of course, it can be expensive, but my collection has accumulated over quite a few years.

Hi Saw, there are a number of good options open to you!

Hi Saw, the best eyepieces in my opinion are the William Optics SPL's, 6mm & 12.5mm highly recommended.

Hi Flood and a warm welcome from 'down south'. It sounds like you have made a good start and have everything you need for some great viewing. Local clubs will be your next good step. Clear skies!

Hi Simon and a warm welcome to SGL, my wife's relations are from the Medway towns and in particular the Hoo peninsula.

Our speaker for June will be Peter Chappell, who will speak on 'My Aurora Adventure'. His main interests is visual viewing of Solar System objects especially the surface of the Sun which changes quite quickly and also the planets. He is very keen on observing Solar eclipses and has seen around eight in total from the Feroe Islands to China. Peter is a member of three local astronomy groups: Wiltshire AS (speaker secretary), Swindon Stargazers and Salisbury Plain Observing Group. For more details please visit: http://www.swindonstargazers.com/clubdiary/clubdiary.htm

I agree with Gordon, this is a great telescope to 'begin' with, however it is not a 'beginners' scope in the truest sense because of its huge potential, which rises far above the scope (pun intended) of every other 'beginners' instrument (avoiding using the pun again). You cannot go wrong with this telescope, as Gordon says, if ever there was a scope for life, this is the one!

Hi Metro, another vote for the 13mm LVW, it's a stunning ep and very sharp right to the edge, even in my f/5 newtonian, however, I believe they have stopped making them now, but if you can get one s/h that would be good.

Hi Alistair, just an observation looking at the focus wheels in your photo, they should be in a horizontal position so the it makes focusing easier and more intuitive, you should be able to just twist it round and then readjust the diagonal to the vertical position. John's recommendations for eyepieces are spot on.

Hi Triton76 and welcome to SGL. I think Ricochet has the answer in that you are using both 1.25" and 2" eyepiece extensions, this is the most common mistake made with these reflectors. The way you describe the focus problem points to this, alternatively, if you could provide a photo of the focuser that would be helpful. You should have only the 1.25" unit on the telescope.

Hi Leo, as John says above, a good refractor plus a couple of good quality ep's, starting with a 13 or 14mm to home in on your prey.

Hi Sam, a very warm welcome from me too!

Also, this is a good one for finding deep sky objects (DSOs): https://www.amazon.com/Turn-Left-Orion-Hundreds-Telescope/dp/1108457568/ref=sr_1_19?crid=ZR68LK69YIKX&keywords=astronomy+books+for+adults&qid=1558965480&s=gateway&sprefix=astonom%2Caps%2C236&sr=8-19

Hi Tom, this seems a good place to start: https://www.amazon.com/Stargazing-Beginners-Royal-Observatory-Greenwich/dp/0008196273/ref=sr_1_23?crid=ZR68LK69YIKX&keywords=astronomy+books+for+adults&qid=1558965039&s=gateway&sprefix=astonom%2Caps%2C236&sr=8-23

Hi Pete, although I have tried the ExSc Focal Extender and find it excellent I have to admit that I prefer to use eyepieces of set focal lengths and not use a Barlow or extender

Hi Alan, thanks for clarifying, much appreciated!

Apologies Alan, I was going by the given sizes in mm (of the eye lense) in the actual advert and projecting up. Is this not the eyepieces that come with the scope?

Hi Twiga and welcome to SGL. I have found the best place to order stuff is AgenaAstro in CA, I have made many happy purchases here and they have great customer service and fast delivery, found here: https://agenaastro.com/

Hi Banjaxed, I always use a Moon filter as I don't like the light you still see in your eyes after viewing. The Baader Neodymium filter suggested by John above is a great one and the first I ever bought, it is also good on light pollution. The ones I use now are called Neutral Density (ND) filters, they come in three main flavours, 13%, 25% & 50% light transmission or ND13, ND25 & ND50. Of these I find the best one is the ND13 for telescopes 100mm aperture and over. The variable polariser is also another alternative as you can vary the light transmission from 1-40%. I prefer the fixed density filters myself as you don't have to faff around with adjusting it. Just my thoughts!

Not sure about you, but I make it that the telescope takes the older 24.5mm (0.965") eyepieces so recommendations will need to be adjusted accordingly. Hi Talley, unfortunately this size eyepiece is rarely available and when/where they are offered are not available in many focal lengths, I am afraid your options are very limited unless you can find some s/h (sorry 'preowned'). Also, the eyepieces tend to be the old designs with very few elements, so not upgradeable, here are some examples: https://www.nipon-scope.com/0.965-inch-eyepieces https://www.opticsplanet.com/zhumell-0965-plossls-eyepieces.html You might also consider an adapter to enable you to use 1.25" eyepieces, where you have much more choice, here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Solomark-0-965-Telescope-Eyepiece-Adapter/dp/B00OXKG8BS Hope this helps

Hi Bluesilver, please note that planets will always look the size of a pea through any amateur telescope, but the detail will be improved with larger apertures.

Hi Pete, it's quite a difficult choice buying new ep's because there is so much out there. My recommendation is the Explore Scientific 62º Series, they have average/good eye relief (13 - 22mm) and work well in fast scopes, they are also within your price range, found here: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/explore-scientific-eyepieces/explore-scientific-62-series-ler-eyepieces.html

Hi there, I find flight cases serves me quite well, you can also get ones with foam that you just press out to the shape of your equipment. Many places sell them, some found here (check actual sizes before you order): https://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/flight-case

I chose the ES82's, so your option 2 was my preferred choice, however, a few XW's thrown in for good measure will not go amiss (option 3), what a choice!