Celestron FirstScope 76

[Moodtastic]

While I am saving for a better telescope I would like to gain the maximum enjoyment from my Celestron FirstScope 76. I understand from reading here and other places that the most cost effective way to do this is to invest in better quality eyepieces.

I was thinking of getting two EP and a 2x barlow. I would like them to be transferable when I buy my next scope. Does this sound reasoable for the FirstScope 76 (focal length of 300mm):-

25mm giving 12x and 24x

and

10mm giving 30x and 60x

Also where can I buy eyepieces, what brand etc? I am not expecting a huge improvement as the scope is small.

I could go smaller with the 10mm to say 5mm giving 60x and 120x. Would this be useable however?

[kniclander]

I've got that little scope and decent e/ps really do make a difference - I used a 8mm tmb planetary clone (about 30 to 40£ second hand IIRC) and although the e/p was nearly bigger than the scope, the views were quite nice.

[rwilkey]

I would have thought that these focal lengths already came with your scope? If not then Plossl ep'e are a good start, though I would recommend the 32mm Plossl to begin with, remember, magnification is not everything. The 32mm gives you a good quality image and a good wide field. 10mm is a good choice for medium magnificaton and with a barlow at 5mm you will be near the maximum useful magnification for your scope.

[Moodtastic]

Thanks for the advice so far. The scope came with a SR4.0mm (unuseable other than at the moon but even then the 20mm gives a nicer view) and a H20mm.

I think I will go with the 32mm and 10mm. Would the cheapest Skywatcher SP Plossl EPs from the forum sponsor be ok as an inexpensive upgrade?

Could anyone recommend a cheap barlow that is satisfactory?

[rwilkey]

Hi, the SW SP Plossls from FLO would be a good upgrade to what you already have, the 32mm and the 10mm would be a good choice. If you can get it the Tal 2x Barlow is a good buy, but I understand from other posts on this forum that many retailers are currently out of stock.

[Moodtastic]

I decided to go for the skywatcher deluxe 2x barlow.

Now all I need is some clear skies!

[kniclander]

a 32mm e/p doen't work well in this scope as you get the shadow of the secondary in the way because the mag is so low (about 10x). a 25 mm e/p works nicely for a nice wide field. HTH

[Moodtastic]

Ok I'll change the 32mm to 25mm.

Edit: I have ordered eveything now. Cost more than the little scope! Hopefully in a month or two I can afford a Skywatcher 150p.

[steppenwolf]

If you are going to buy the SW 150P, this comes with 25mm and 10mm EPs and a Barlow lens so you will have duplicates! Surely you'd be better of saving the money now so that you can get the 150P sooner?

[Polar Bear]

If you are going to buy the SW 150P, this comes with 25mm and 10mm EPs and a Barlow lens so you will have duplicates! Surely you'd be better of saving the money now so that you can get the 150P sooner?

These are wise words , and ones I would follow.

[kniclander]

from reading the OP's original post it looks as if he already has the firstscope 76. If not I would definitely agree to save up until something a bit bigger is affordable.

[Moodtastic]

If you are going to buy the SW 150P, this comes with 25mm and 10mm EPs and a Barlow lens so you will have duplicates! Surely you'd be better of saving the money now so that you can get the 150P sooner?

I get paid monthly so I anticipate saving enough by the start of November, by buying these now the time scale will not change.

Duplication is not ideal and something I did not think about to be honest before ordering. Doh!

The FirstScope I got for £39 10 days ago (I have enjoyed my experience so far!). I thought it would be a usefull learning tool for a couple of months and to get the most from it I thought a few more better quality EP would be helpfull (reading from most peoples experience with the FirstScope).

Fortunately I have not gone all out on the EPs and the Barlow so I will not be hugely out of pocket and get some immediate gain.

[rwilkey]

I have often found that EP's and extras usually cost more than the scope. I agree the 25mm might be a safer bet, didn't realize that would happen in a smaller focal length scope, lucky you pointed that out. Also found the f/ratio is <4, sorry!