explorer 130pm

[radders58]

Hi All,

Just purchased a skywatcher 130pm.

specs.

Magnifications (with optics supplied): x26, x52, x65, x130

• Highest Practical Power (Potential): x260

• Diameter of Primary Mirror: 130mm

• Telescope Focal Length: 650mm (f/5)

• Eyepieces Supplied (1.25"): 10mm & 25mm

• X2 Barlow Lens

• R.A. Motor Drive with Hand Controller (D.C.)

• Parabolic Primary Mirror

• 0.5mm Ultra-Thin Secondary Mirror Supports

• Red Dot Finder

• EQ2 Equatorial Mount

• Aluminium Tripod with Accessory Tray

I,m new to astronomy and just wondered if I should add some other accessories, ie lens or just stay with what came with the scope for now.

Any help much appreciated

Alan.

[beamer3.6m]

I would stay with what you have as it is a great scope.

But if you really want to buy something then new eyepieces, I would recommend the Meade 4000 series or Celestron Omni Plossl's.

Have fun.

[radders58]

Cheers,

thanks for the info.

Alan.

[Starflyer]

I started with that 'scope, it's a great 'scope and you'll get a lot of enjoyment out of it. The only weak points IMHO are the 10mm eyepiece and the barlow.

This is a bargain and would make a great (and cheap) replacement for the 10mm EP if it's still available, I bought a 2x TAL barlow from FLO and that was a huge improvement over the supplied barlow.

Cheers,

Ian

[Astro_Baby]

Agree - look to get some better EPs but to be honest although people moan about the supplied ones very often they really aren't that bad. Its a really great scope and one of the best to learn the ropes with.

[GazOC]

A decent cheap 32mm eyepiece is a good place to start, they can be used as a "finder" eyepieces and for widefield views.

There are some on sale at Ebay for £15 and they are a real bargain.

http://tinyurl.com/ax23dk

[radders58]

Thanks All for the help.

ALAN.

[TheThing]

Alan,

If you're starting out, all of the above are excellent. In addition, you might want to consider a moon filter to 'tone down' our closest neighbour and a copy of 'Turn Left at Orion'.