travaler

15 minutes ago, AlexK said:

In this particular case, I would agree on a zoom feasibility with Steve. A 12" 1:5 light bucket is very forgiving on the EP optics quality/issues. Also, as the OP's instrument has the GoTo feature, the advantage of an ultra wide fixed field for manual tracking, finding objects, and starhopping is of a significantly lesser importance as well (when the GoTo actually works ). I see the point about experimenting with the "best magnification" as well, but aside from aesthetics of "clusters views framing" the best magnification for the desirable DSO observations, Keith has mentioned, is always close to the D/5-6mm, which for that collapsible 12" on Keith avatar now is 50x-60x, thus a 25 - 30mm EP would work best for DSOs with it.

I'm having an issue at the moment when I look up at the sky of late, a strange senation runs in my hands, they seems to move on their own, it only happens on cloudy nights. I've been told by experts in the field of astronomy that its cloud rage! Hmm Cloud rage hey? is this a thing? oh have I started another topic! oops..

The level of respectful response here is astonishing, thanks to everyone who has responded to my question of Zoom Vs Fixed eyepieces. So –  It appears to come down to practical value at a beginner level to buy a quality Zoom, there were a few examples of brands to look for. On the other side of the choice, is a fixed eyepiece that can bring a wider field of view and therefore see more. I also noted there seems to be personal opinions about which works best for personal reasons about the topic generally, this tell me I need to draw from my own experiences over time just as everyone who has responded to my question has done. Wow, my little head is spinning right from the quality of advice so far!

skywatcher 12" Dob with GOTO and wifi. I have at present  10mm; 25 mm plosals oh forgive my spelling Dang!! and a 5 mm Celestron. though I like to gaze around the sky for planets, but it's deep sky  stuff that draws me when I look up. 

9 hours ago, AlexK said:

Hey, Keith. I had a chance to enjoy your beautiful Southern skies in 2012 driving through Queensland bushes and then from the scuba diving boat (yes I had my 4" Astroscan with me there too!) for 7 nights along the GBR in November (remember the Eclipse?). Good times...

To have your question answered properly you should post your current instruments you plan to use these EPs with. And your interests in astronomy. Because that might dictate your choice. The common practice is to add that info to your forum signature (see mine?).

In my opinion, a quality fixed EP would be a better bang for the buck in general. A quality zoom EP is fun to use on Moon and planets indeed (folks call it the landing illusion). But for deepsky I would rather get the widest AFOV EP you could afford (it makes views really breathtaking as if you are floating in space between stars). I have three 100 - 110 degrees eyepieces and would never even think going back to the keyhole-like EPs (all zooms I know about have quite narrow AFOVs).

But surely you can try zoom EPs fun in some cheap variants instead. They are not stellar but many folks found the $70 Meade zoom not so bad that you immediately want to get Televue $400 one instead.

Perhaps, you have an idea to just save on the EP set to have fun while you are waiting for your AP rig/experience building up? As the visual gazing is not your thing at all? Then a zoom might be feasible, because it might be helpful for imaging targets pointing and framing later as a single piece of equipment. Just figure if the cheap 8-24mm would work for that task, or you must go for 3-6 instead. I'm personally got the illuminated reticle 9mm Meade Series 4000 fixed EP, as that what AP folks are using for guiding and framing planning work.

OTOH, if you've got some spare dough (folks considering AP hobby usually do ), just go for best of the best TV Ethos 101 deg EPs (and their zoom) as I did. And see for yourself. They worth their price in the weight of gold (well, silver at least  ) so you will have zero problems reselling them later to fellow colleagues in the hobby.

thanks Sub Dwarf for the tips. I know I'll be making an ass of myself on this fourm. OK . i'm using a skywatcher 12" Dob with GOTO and wifi. I have at present  10mm; 25 mm plosals oh forgive my spelling Dang!! and a 5 mm Celestron. though I like to gaze around the sky for planets, but it's deep sky  stuff that drews me when I look up. 

Hi guys,

typical of beginners I find myself looking at eyepieces for beyond what came with my telescope. my question is about practicality of a zoom lens vs say buying a 9mm and a 15mm fixed eyepieces or buy a good quality zoom lens. I have no plans at the moment taking photos of any kind. I’m still dealing with my training wheels looking around our Aussie night skies! There’s just so much see, I need more sets of eyes.

thanks for any advice guys!!!

Keith

thank you guys.

thanks guys for all goodness.

I just wish the rain and cloudy nights would go away. been this way for the last few weeks. I've had one night so far and that was to set up to check things out to make sure my new toy was working straight out of the box. it still has that new smell! 

Hi Guys,

just dropping by to say Hi everybody.

I'm very new to this field. so be gentle with with me. I have a skywatcher 12" Dob light bucket at 1500mm, GOTO with wifi. I'm messing around with Stellarium/ ascom/ SynScan Pro programs to make my around the sky. like all beginners, I'm making as ass of my self not really having a clue what I'm doing. but I'm having fun with all.