Filters and extra lenses

[Nigele2]

So got a cheap refracter and having fun doing the moon, jupiter, saturn (if i'm lucky) and generally the night sky.   Going to move up soon but want to learn a bit more first.   So thought why not:

1. play with a few filters.  Even my cheap tube will illustrate the difference)
2. and maybe a sun filter.  At least the big yellow thing is easy to find.
3. and maybe some different eye pieces.

Then thinking about my other hobby (diving) I remember the advice I always give.  Always buy the best quality you can afford.  Buy less but better quality will always pay in the long run.  Is the same true in star gazing? 

And if I lash out on some good quality eye pieces and filters is there a good chance these will be compatable with wherever I go in scope terms in the future?

I know some will say why not stash the money and buy a better second level but I want fun now and this could be money well spent if it delays the step up until a time when I know more and am better able to judge what I want  

Guess my question put another way is will I notice the difference between £5-10 filters/eyepieces compared with say £15-30 ones.  The first obvious thing I have seen is expensive ones have metal frames and cheap ones plastic.  

Any thoughts gratefully received.  Cheers

[Astro Imp]

Any eyepieces/filters you buy now will work with any future scope you buy but be aware that if you are considering a fast scope this will require better quality eyepieces. Certainly in general the more you pay the better quality but eyepieces do obey the law of diminishing returns. By this I mean that the difference from bottom of the range and the next step up is considerable but the difference in quality starts to be less obvious with higher spec eyepieces.

[spaceboy]

TBH other than moon filters http://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/Revelation_ND96_Premium_Moon_Filter_1.25_.html there are not many good quality eye pieces / filters worth having at £5-10 or even £15-30 unless buying used that is.

Depending on the aperture of your scope your choices of filters are http://www.firstlightoptics.com/uhc-oiii-visual-filters.html or http://www.firstlightoptics.com/light-pollution-reduction/baader-neodymium-filter.html and for observing the sun (with correct solar safety film in place http://www.firstlightoptics.com/solar-filters/baader-astrosolar-safety-film-nd-50.html) there is http://www.firstlightoptics.com/solar-filters/baader-solar-continuum-filter.html. There are colour filters for astronomy but as far as I am aware very few astronomers use them http://www.scopesnskies.com/cat/astronomy-filters/antares-astronomy-filters.html

Regards eyepieces the most recommended budget eyepiece by far are the BST/ starguider range http://www.skysthelimit.org.uk/telescope%20eyepieces.html http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Skys-the-Limit-Astro-and-Optical?_trksid=p2047675.l2563.

HTH

SPACEBOY

[rwilkey]

Hi there, you will not get any filters or eyepieces worth having for the price range you suggest, better to do a bit more research and find out what your preferences are, it's no good just to lash out on anything, that may end up costing you more in the long run.

[brantuk]

Apart from a £20 light pollution filter, there's not much I've seen in that price range worth buying either.

Half decent filters start at around £60 each for 1.25" and around £100 for 2". A good set of 3 or 4 narrow band 2" filters can easily set you back in excess of £500. See here for a representative price range:

http://www.modernastronomy.com/filtersBaader.htm

[Nigele2]

Well many thanks guys.  I now have more information and even more confusion 

Basically I can see it's worth having some good quality eye pieces and filters and they cost a fair bit.

But I assume they don't turn a secondhand scope into an earthly hubble

And I need to choose which ones as they are not cheap.

On the basis I need to take my time deciding I get the feeling investing £20 in some cheapos is the best approach.  It makes little difference to budget and I can throw them in on Ebay when I move up.  And while they may not be great I'll probably learn something about what they do and what I may want in the future.

On the other hand if I but the wrong £60 thing I could rapidly blow the budget.  And of course when I trade up the next scope may well have some good quality eyepieces and filters.

But you've opened my eyes to the possibilities so many thanks for that 

[brantuk]

"Basically I can see it's worth having some good quality eye pieces and filters and they cost a fair bit.

But I assume they don't turn a secondhand scope into an earthly hubble"

You'd be surprised at the difference a good eyepeice can make to a second hand scope over the supplied eyepieces. My old newtonian was transformed into a working instrument when I popped a good one in the focuser.

(It's just a question of learning about and choosing the right one)

[lestergibson]

Upgrading to wisely chosen eps can make a real difference all right.  I used the stock eps that came with my 200p for a while and when I upgraded, the difference was super obvious. Like any thing else, using the lower end stock-type gear first helps you to appreciate better quality kit.

[lestergibson]

Here's an informative piece on eps: http://www.swindonstargazers.com/beginners/eyepieces.htm

[cantab]

And if I lash out on some good quality eye pieces and filters is there a good chance these will be compatable with wherever I go in scope terms in the future?

Assuming your current scope takes 1 1/4 inch eyepieces, yes. If your scope takes .965" eyepieces, you're probably best off getting a hybrid diagonal so you can use 1 1/4" eps with it.

 

Guess my question put another way is will I notice the difference between £5-10 filters/eyepieces compared with say £15-30 ones.  The first obvious thing I have seen is expensive ones have metal frames and cheap ones plastic.

Yes. £5 is bottom of the barrel. £30 is still cheap in the grand scheme of things, but a decent Plossl can be had for that money.

[LukeSkywatcher]

If its a cheap scope and works, dont spent any money on upgrades of EP's etc.........at the moment. Learn to use it,live with it and love it. Then wheny ou have done that................ upgrade at will.

[Naemeth]

Never get a sun filter. The eyepiece ones crack when in use and can result in permanent blindness.

It's only suitable to use a filter made out of Baader Solar Film, or a Herschel Prism / Wedge which is probably a lot more than what you paid for your scope .

[Nigele2]

Well tx again guys for all the useful stuff which I will be inwardly digesting - even over Xmas dinner

Any way with confidense boosted from an article above stating that Meade Mxxx lenses with starter scopes were pretty good I got into action with my £31 tube.  First in daylight tried distances of 100 meters, 500 meters and 1.5 miles.  Both lenses (25 mm and 9mm) great even through double glazing.  However using the Barlow x2 failed to get anything.

Then tonight again through double glazing and on a hazy night used both lenses to see craters on the moon, and jupiter and 2 or possibly three moons.

Would have gone outside and tried the Barlow but it has now clouded over.  But a great start.

ps:  Not a wimp by the way but stayed indoors as wife is not too good and wanted here to participate.  She thought the moon and Jupiter great

Can't wait for a really clear night.  Cheers one and all for all the help here and in other threads.

[Gomtuu]

Never get a sun filter. The eyepiece ones crack when in use and can result in permanent blindness.

It's only suitable to use a filter made out of Baader Solar Film, or a Herschel Prism / Wedge which is probably a lot more than what you paid for your scope .

Seconded - here's a demonstration of why you should avoid them :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5xb3b-vRd4