Outreach eps for celestron omni xlt 150

[Bender]

Thanks to Shane I am now proud owner of a Celestron omni xlt 150 ota, which I intent to take along to family gatherings under dark skies in France.

Now, using my mark v bino for 5-8 yr old is out of question and my old orthos (now on sale anyway) aren't ideal either.

Any recommendations for 2-3 1.25" eps for the f5 scope that don't break the bank but are good enough to not put people of stargazing in future because of mediocre views ?

Don't have to be perfect all the way out.

[YKSE]

My Baader Zoom is my outreach EP for famly members occational viewing. Very easy for them to use foa suitable magnifications.

[rwilkey]

I think any zoom is good for outreach stuff, from Celestron to William Optics, depending on your budget.

[ronin]

I use 5mm, 8mm and 25mm BST Starguider's.

I have the complete set for myself, these are seperate and so additional.

For the intended use of the 150 I guess 8mm, 12mm and 25mm would suit better.

[Bender]

How world the celestron x-cel stack up against the BST, given that they cost the same with similar fov.

[YKSE]

Just some more info.

I  compared Baader Zoom with BST 8mm and 12mm (all bought new) in my 80ED and C8. On axis, the zoom is a little sharper than BST, and clearly less scatter on Jupiter, thus more detailed view on Jupiter. Off axis performance are about the same, except that 8mm BST showed purple color.

[Bender]

The Baader zoom sounds good, let's see if I can find one s/h. Would work out more reasonable than a handful of BST or x-cel and it has a good reputation.

[Dave In Vermont]

The Baader zoom, it's being excellent notwithstanding, will clean-out one's bank account. Even used. For a decent and fun EP people will like, an 8 - 24mm zoom from Meade, Celestron, Vixen, etc. will work very well and deliver good views. That is what I always carry for outreach with my ST80 F/5. And a green laser-pointer. Between the fun of the zoom and the techy Star-Wars of the greenie, people get reeled right in!

Clear Skies,

Dave