loadofpollux Posted February 15, 2013 Share Posted February 15, 2013 Hi All and after reading really helpful posts on here I have just started my journey into space. Im really pleased and impressed with the sky max 127 and last night viewed Jupiter Moon and Sirius all really clear even with a 10mm lens on a 2xBarlow all suppiled with the scope for a newbie like me. It is supported on a Synscan goto tripod which for me I find very good as light and portable and slowly getting to grips with the set up which not too difficult (yet). Just a few questions.1 when viewing Sirius at high magnification it appeared as a black object with a very bright surround a bit like a bright polo mint, is this normal. 2 what size/ type of additional lenses would I need to get me started.Thanks in advance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daz Posted February 15, 2013 Share Posted February 15, 2013 Welcome LoP!1 This would indicate that you have not focussed correctly. The black circle you can see is actually the secondary obstruction at the front of the scope. You need to adjust focus until it is a sharp point of light.2. Take a look in the Equipment - Eyepieces section. There is lots of good information in there regarding 'next step' eyepieces. Basically, you'll be looking for good quality, entry level Plossl - something like Meade 4000 series, or similar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loadofpollux Posted February 15, 2013 Author Share Posted February 15, 2013 Wow thanks for fast reply, thank you I was just a bit worried as it is brand new scope that perhaps it was out of alignment but that make sense, a bit (large) of a learning curve ahead me thinks but reassurring that there is this site to help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BargeGazer Posted February 15, 2013 Share Posted February 15, 2013 The eyepieces that I use most with my Mak 127 are the 12mm and 18mm BSTs and a 32mm (cannot recall the source off-hand) which gives about the widest view practical with the central tube obstruction of a Mak. I rarely use the Skywatcher lenses provided as they are certainly of a "lesser quality".Do get familiar with your telescope as it is before you invest in new bits. Once you know what you want to focus your observations on then you can better choose what you want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loadofpollux Posted February 15, 2013 Author Share Posted February 15, 2013 Thanks (merci) for info what objects do you tend to view with your Mak 127 and would you upgrade the supplied Barlow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
damnut Posted February 15, 2013 Share Posted February 15, 2013 Hi There,Bst explorers can be found here and they are great eps for the cost. http://www.skysthelimit.org.uk/telescope%20eyepieces.htmlHwyl! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pappy Nick Posted February 15, 2013 Share Posted February 15, 2013 Croeso :-)I use the Skywatcher Super Plossls in my SkyMax 127 and can thoroughly recommend them. Though I don't know how they compare to the BST Explorers that nearly everyone raves about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loadofpollux Posted February 15, 2013 Author Share Posted February 15, 2013 Thanks (diolch) all really helpful good to have recommendations as so much gear out there. Just waiting for my 240v power supply to arrive as think it will also improve things from the 8 x AA which OK but goto started to do funny things after an hour or so, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lennylovit Posted February 15, 2013 Share Posted February 15, 2013 Sut mae i hang a motercycle battery under the tray for power and it adds a bit more weight and stability to the tripod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Din Posted February 15, 2013 Share Posted February 15, 2013 I read somewhere the following would be good for your scope. 4 eyepieces - 9mm, 15mm, 24 mm, 35mm.Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loadofpollux Posted February 15, 2013 Author Share Posted February 15, 2013 Cheers Ed I saw a good article on here showing how to calculate and got similar for lens size there was a offer on new SW scopes for a lens set 50% off but do not remember lens sizes . I think mine is known as a slow scope but may speed up once I change battery pack. Like the sound of the bike battery idea also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Din Posted February 15, 2013 Share Posted February 15, 2013 A car battery from a scrap yard may do the trick. I also use a motorbike battery, but will need to put it on the motorbike soon.Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Din Posted February 15, 2013 Share Posted February 15, 2013 Oh, and the 50% offer on the EP kit had 7.5, 12.5, 17 and 20 mm sizes.Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cunhaval Posted February 15, 2013 Share Posted February 15, 2013 Croeso - don't think you will be disappointed with the scope - love mine.BST explorers certainly offer the best "bang for your buck" - and don't feel that you have to buy half a dozen to "get a set".90% of my observing is with only two eps - 9mm & 32mm.I would, however, encourage replacing the standard Skywatcher barlow (which is poor) with almost any other if you intend to use a barlow. A TAL 2x is outstanding value for money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TransparentBadger Posted February 16, 2013 Share Posted February 16, 2013 Has the Tal 2x barlow been discontinued and if so, what's it's closest successor for price/performance? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
damnut Posted February 16, 2013 Share Posted February 16, 2013 Hi There,You can find the links to calculating your eps mag etc in the links below.http://www.12dstring.me.uk/fov.htmhttp://www.stargazing.net/naa/scopemath.htmCheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majapala Posted February 16, 2013 Share Posted February 16, 2013 Alright loadofpollux, welcome to SGL! Congratulations on your new purchase too. I'm also a newish custodian of the same model and have recently trawled the information archives with the same question in mind. This post here on SGL is brilliant and also this review is really helpful. Pob lwc! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majapala Posted February 16, 2013 Share Posted February 16, 2013 Where in Wales are you to mate? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loadofpollux Posted February 16, 2013 Author Share Posted February 16, 2013 Im from Milford Haven in Pembs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simmo39 Posted February 16, 2013 Share Posted February 16, 2013 Hi, I have the same scope and have found it to be a brill bit of kit. I have also got a selection of BST eyepieces ( 8mm, 15mm and 18mm) they are brilliant and a vast improvment on the the ones that came with the scope. I would recomond them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Din Posted February 16, 2013 Share Posted February 16, 2013 I'm also from Milford Haven.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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