Gary170782 Posted March 17, 2014 Share Posted March 17, 2014 hi everyone.After a few weeks of talking myself silly into which scope i wanted to be my first I decided to get the celestron nexstar 130slt , i read several reviews and as a newcomer this had great reviews and didn't have to break the bank so it ticked all my boxes. but to the point I have read up that the EP's i got with it are far from great as to be expected, i have been looking at new ones and the ones im looking at are the celestron XCEL XL at around £65 each, is this a good choice? the shop i bought the scope from also stated i should look at some filters but i didnt buy any as i just wanted to get going without the MRS signing my death warrant for all the extra's i need :-) any input on what i shoud get as extra's would be of great help and even any tips on the scope also would be helpful.Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronin Posted March 17, 2014 Share Posted March 17, 2014 Usually the supplied eyepieces are not that good.Your scope is f/5, so I would suggest avoiding plossl's, the shorter ones will have very little eye relief.The X-Cel's are good and have a nice selection of focal lengths at the lower end: 5mm, 7mm, 9mm 12mm.The others these days are the BST Starguiders (£49) but they do not quite have the same selection at the lower end: 5mm, 8mm, 12mm.The 5mm should be fine from either set, which leaves the question of the slightly longer ones.Ultimately you will want/need at least 3, personally I suspect 4 is more realistic. I also suggest the same set as they tend to be parfocal - less refocusing when changing eyepieces.The supplied 25mm may be OK. The usual barlow is also generally poor, so I will forget that.if 3 eyepieces the 5mm 7mm and 25mm (X-Cel) or 5mm 8mm 25mm (BST).If 4 eyepieces then the same with a 15mm or 18mm as well.Be aware that being a reflector you will need a collimator at some time.Gets expensive after the scope is bought doesn't it. :grin: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary170782 Posted March 17, 2014 Author Share Posted March 17, 2014 Cheers ronin. I can see the £ signs going up already lol but I'll gladly pay if worth having. Would you say there would be much difference in the image from the xcel and the bst? Ive been looking at collinmaters also and at around £30 I cant complain. Ive also been looking at barlow lenses but are you saying I will not need one if I get these EP's? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesM Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 Hi Gary and welcome to the forum. I personally wouldn't bother with filters at the moment, though a variable polarizing filter when looking at the moon could be helpful when it is showing a brighter phase. I would also recommend "Turn Left at Orion" which is a book which lists some 100 targets for modest apertures to find. Although you have Goto to locate the objects and so won't need of the book's instructions on how to find the listed objects, the book however does provide some great information on the objects themselves along with other advice and tips on observing. I agree with ronin above that you first additional purchase should be a collimator.Clear skies and hope you enjoy your stay here,James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charon Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 Welcome aboard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandraj Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 Hi and welcome, I am new to astronomy and have only yesterday received 'Turn left at Orion' and what a fantastic book it is, excellent for someone like me, gives a lot of detail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Presland Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 Hi welcome to SGL from Pete in Bedfordshire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pig Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 Hello and welcome +1 for the X-CELSShaun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfgangwand Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 Hi & Welcome from me too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swag72 Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 Hi Gary and welcome to SGL - What I know about looking through a telescope could be written on a very small pin head!! But it looks like you're in safe hands already and getting good advice Look forward to seeing you around Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary170782 Posted March 18, 2014 Author Share Posted March 18, 2014 Thanks everyone. I have actually bought the "turn left at orion" book for my kindle so I will have a look through when I finish my current book ;-). Sods law I haven't seen a clear sky since I got it but fingers crossed this manchester weather clears up soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterCPC Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 Hi and welcome from Wessex.Do get a collimator - it will make a big difference. Look up how to collimate on the net - takes a bit to master.Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michigander Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 Welcome to SGL, Gary!Dana Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary170782 Posted March 18, 2014 Author Share Posted March 18, 2014 Can anyone tell me if there is a great deal of difference between the xcel and the bst. I have ordered my collimator this morning peter so thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glowjet Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 Hi Garry and welcome to SGL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
valvenus Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 Hi Gary nice to welcome someone from the neighbourhood Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sologuitarist61 Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 Hello Gary and a warm welcome to SGL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bizibilder Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 Hello Gary and welcome to SGL!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronl Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 Hi Gary welcome to the lounge,for the time being just use the eyepieces that came with the scope and get used to your kit, once you have got used to ityou will know what you need next, take your time and enjoyyour new kit.Good Luck and Clear Sky's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HIP3802 Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 Hi, Gary, and a warm welcome to SGL! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baggywrinkle Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 Welcome to SGL..nothing wrong with the X-Cel's...good choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
todd8137 Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 Hi and welcome from me Pat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.