What would be the best investment?

[tibbz2]

Hey Guys,

My 200p just arrived and I can't wait to try it out. However from my old scope I did notice the stock 10mm mainly isn't up to much. So I have about £50 and was wondering whether it would be best spent on a new EP or a barlow?

I was thinking of either getting one of the BCO eyepieces or the Baader 2.25x barlow?

[John]

The barlow is an excellent one but it can't make the stock eyepieces any better !

You may find the £50 best spent on either a cheshire collimation eyepiece or a red dot type finder initially though. The scope will need collimating and red dot finders make pointing it much easier in my opinion.

Upgrading eyepieces can come later perhaps ?

[tibbz2]

I have a collimator already

I think i'll leave the telrad off for a while because I want to learn the ropes with the spotting scope!

[JamesF]

I would see how you get on with it for a while first. Then you may have a better idea of what you will get the most use from.

James

[tibbz2]

That may be a while away with these clouds!

Just a quick question about collimation, is the scope classed as fast or slow? FLO states that it is f5.91... Should I collimate it as a fast or slow scope?

[John]

That may be a while away with these clouds!

Just a quick question about collimation, is the scope classed as fast or slow? FLO states that it is f5.91... Should I collimate it as a fast or slow scope?

Its medium !

But it will need to be collimated from time to time to get the best contrast and resolution out of it. It may not be far out - perhaps give it a try and try the star test before starting to tweak ?

[tibbz2]

I looked down it with my collimator and everything seems out of line! I need a collimation cap before I can do anything, must find a filter cap somewhere!

[starnut]

There is no “best investment” with astronomy it's like looking up at a cloudy night tearing up £50 notes

[Stargazer_00]

best investment would be warm socks and a good pair of gloves!

Oh and you may end up needing some sort of seat. I can't use my dob without a height adjustable seat. It'd be a priority to be comfortable when viewing before trying to improve things like the EPs, finders etc. Get the ergonomics sorted first.

[tibbz2]

I've been looking around for an adjustable seat but many of them seem very expensive, are there any good cheap ones?

[John]

I've been looking around for an adjustable seat but many of them seem very expensive, are there any good cheap ones?

An adjustable ironing seat can work well

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Folding-All-purpose-ironing-perching-stool-chair-/250756231774

[tibbz2]

I found a similar one on Amazon for £21ish delivered. It has a number of good reviews so I think i might invest in it!

[sparkyjon]

put a link up for that £21ish one i'm looking for one myself..

[fondofchips]

I think this is the seat on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Metaltex-927-Komet-Ironing-Stool/dp/B001DYQ1XM/ref=sr_1_3?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1361553659&sr=1-3

[tibbz2]

Yup that's the one!

[Stargazer_00]

I bought the Mey observing stool off FLO. ergonomics are very important to me. Top stool, very comfortable.

[sparkyjon]

mint thanks been looking myself for one , spare cash going on that