using a 5.1" f/5 beginner

[shauntp]

I've been a fan too long of astronomy to have just bought my first telescope. Meade Polaris 130mm 650mm. Largest aperture I could afford being out of work w/head injury. Now the first Q. If I'm totally broke, which I am, Is buying generic Plossl's going to be any better than the Meade MA's? Two - with all the light bright light I'm receiving w/the f/5 as I attempt viewing Jupiter & Saturn, could I use a polarizing filter on the planets, I need one anyways and like a variable, should I also just buy a name brand polarizer as well. If I buy namr brand products like I want, it'll take me until fall just to accumulate a few basics.

 

Edited July 4, 2017 by shauntp

[laudropb]

Hello and a warm welcome to the SGL. I would try out the supplied eyepieces before considering replacing them. You will gain experience in how your scope works and what it can achieve. You will then be in a better position to decide which eps you would like. I only use a polarising filter when viewing the near full Moon. I have never found a need when observing Jupiter or Saturn. Given your tight budget you should look at the used market when it comes time to make a purchase. Most astronomers are very careful with their equipment and bargains are available second hand.

[rwilkey]

Hi Shauntp, and welcome from me too.  The Meade MA eyepieces are actually quite good so don't write them off too soon, you will get a lot of pleasure from them and the scope so make the most of what you already have.  There will always be better stuff out there and don't wish for too much too soon.  The purchase of a polarising filter is not necessary for the planets so don't waste any money on this.  Good luck and clear skies!

[beka]

Hi shauntp, congratulations on your first scope. I second laudropb's advice, if the scope came with 3 eyepieces and a 2x barlow as stated on Meade's site, you should be okay for quite a while. I also have not used a filter when observing the moon with my 11 inch scope.

Happy observing!

[Red Dwarfer]

3 hours ago, shauntp said:

I've been a fan too long of astronomy to have just bought my first telescope. Meade Polaris 130mm 650mm. Largest aperture I could afford being out of work w/head injury. Now the first Q. If I'm totally broke, which I am, Is buying generic Plossl's going to be any better than the Meade MA's? Two - with all the light bright light I'm receiving w/the f/5 as I attempt viewing Jupiter & Saturn, could I use a polarizing filter on the planets, I need one anyways and like a variable, should I also just buy a name brand polarizer as well. If I buy namr brand products like I want, it'll take me until fall just to accumulate a few basics.

 

Hi shauntp , Welcome to SGL . I have the Meade Infinity 90mm refractor ( 600mm and f/6.7 ) and got the same kit lenses as yourself , 6.3mm , 9mm and 26mm plus x2 Barlow ... The Meade MA lenses are very good image quality and when I compared the Meade 6.3mm lens against the Celestron Omni 6mm when looking at Jupiter the Meade lens blew the Celestron Omni out of the water ... I was able to see the cloud bands straight away and the four Gallilien moons were much brighter too ... The only downside is the Meade kit Barlow lens , it doesn't get good reviews and is the only upgrade I would recommend at this stage ... Hope this helps 

 

Edited July 4, 2017 by Red Dwarfer

[Philip R]

Hi shauntp and welcome to SGL.

Good advice from laudropb & rwilkey above. I too use a variable polarisng filter only when observing the past three-quarter to full Moon and occasionally Venus... (or with a Wratten No: 47).

For Jupiter & Saturn, I tend use a Neodymium. Some say a pale blue or pale yellow filters are best for them.

[John]

Hi and welcome to the forum

Hope you enjoy your new scope.

If you are on a tight budget, the supplied eyepieces will do fine for now.

Save your money by not purchasing the filters too. I don't find the need for a filter even when observing the Moon with my 12" scope and the coloured ones don't make an appreciable difference to planetary observing from my experience (I've tried lots of filters over the years)

 

[Littleguy80]

Welcome to SGL!

I've tried a few filters as I've been learning my way around my telescope and the sky over the last few months. Starting out, I have found filters useful to more easily spot the larger features. However, with a bit more experience, I found I could see all the features without the filters too. It's always worth remembering that filters are removing some of the light coming into the eyepiece, as a consequence some detail can be lost too.

To help you get started, try an 82a pale blue filter. It only subtlety affects the colour and does help with seeing lunar/planetary detail. You can get one off eBay for about £10 so not a big investment. As you get to know your targets, you'll be surprised what you can see without a filter

[Astro Imp]

Welcome to the forum.

I agree with the advice already given, when I first had my scope - a 150P - I was advised a moon filter was the first "must have" accessory, I used it once and it hasn't been out of my eyepiece case since, not even with my larger 200P scope.

Good luck and enjoy.

[ronin]

You likely do not need a filter, the moon will likely be bright but acceptable. Kind of boarderline and if uncomfortale then pick up an inexpensive one, a variable one may be a better item ultimately. Hard to say as I don't own any and that is after about 15 years of peering through a scope.

Concerning eyepieces work backwards: at 130 f/5 that means a 650mm focal length. Saturn needs around 120x and if the scope will deliver a bit more. On your scope a 5mm eyepiece meand 130x mag - comes from the f number. And if the scope will deliver that then great. Jupiter needs less and a 10mm will be OK for Jupiter at 65x but an 8mm for just over 80x would be better.

I generally say aim at a magnification equal to the diameter, the 5mm EP in your instance. One decent make in tne plossl line is the Vixen NPL plossl's, not too costly but not the least expensive. Check out Astronomics as they have a line of Astro Tech Premium plossls. AT items tend to be fairly good.

As it is a Meade try the 2 you have - it is still 2 isn't it? - as the MA's are not that bad an eyepiece. Are the Meade ones still in sort of "odd" focal lengths, used to be 9mm and 26mm. Then decide.

If at all possible could you borrow an eyepiece to try - thinking astro club here - can save a lot of pain finding out which work and which do not.

[Red Dwarfer]

3 hours ago, Littleguy80 said:

try an 82a pale blue filter

I heard the 82A described as the " Swiss Army Knife of filters " because they do so much ... I got one and used it once or twice with the moon and Jupiter and find I prefer it without the filter ... According to the advice on here , the secret is to watch for a while , and the longer you watch the more planetary detail starts to reveal itself .

[Littleguy80]

1 hour ago, Red Dwarfer said:

According to the advice on here , the secret is to watch for a while , and the longer you watch the more planetary detail starts to reveal itself .

Absolutely true. It doesn't come easily. I'm trying to become a better observer myself by doing basic sketches or making notes of what I'm looking at. Recording what you see really focuses the mind and the eye. Of course, like most things, it's all about practice

[rockystar]

I use a variable filter for the moon, I personally find it uncomfortable viewing without it, and as the key is comfort, then for me It's worth it - but as you can garner from the comments above, plenty don't feel the need.

as for planets, I picked up a 82a for £6, and have used it on Jupiter with some success - for £6 is was a cheap experiment. Not tried it on saturn yet, It's too low from my back garden.