Shooting star

Great point. Will definitely do that. I'm going through the Brian Ventrudo's "How to Choose Eyepieces for Your Astronomy Telescope" article which is best I've read so far for my level.

Bit of a minefield, especially for the newbie such as I!

See what your saying. I'll need to understand the design more and deep dive the reviews.

Ah I see. Thanks. Sounds like one to avoid. Don't like the idea of rebranded.

Wonder what you all think of SVBONY eyepieces. Not heard of them so cautious about quality...?

Another great insight. Helping me to come to conclusions on what is best for me. Thanks.

Great advice! As an eyeglass wearer eye relief (and exit pupil I suppose) will be critical. Thank you very much.

It all helps and thanks. I think I need to consider used gear where I wouldn't have previously.

What would you say is the difference between the Vixen SLV and the Starguider eyepieces. How different a viewing experience is it?

Thank you. I'll look into it. I know the Baader name is quality and I had read somewhere that a zoom is a viable option.

Good thought. Sounds wise. Surprising the relatively little spend required. Which brands are you happy with?

Will do. Great suggestions, appreciated.

Understand what you say on magnification. Quality important. Thanks. BST recommend more than once so I'll have a look. Cheers.

Thanks. £200 would be upper most for a given eyepiece but somewhere between £100-150 ideal.

I was gifted an Orion XT8 telescope which came with only an Orion Sirius Plossl Multi-coated 25mm. It seems a decent starter eyepiece, but I know it is on the lower end of the spectrum. More serious intentions now... Wondering what next step ought to be. Quality 2x Barlow? Or do I want to buy a better 25mm eyepiece to replace the existing? Or go for a good quality short focal length one? Say an 8mm which then, one day with 2x Barlow, would give me the max (suggested at 300x as opposed to the theoretical 400x)? Any thoughts/strategies would be appreciated.