Just ordered a 150p, anything else?

[Sharpiejas]

Just ordered a 150p for a birthday present to myself from FLO after umming and erring all month. I just have two questions to keep me going.

Anyone know how long i will have to wait for delivery? I guessed that it was too late to phone them now.

Should i buy the Revelation eyepeice kit (£127) or just spend the same amount on a just a couple of better EP's?

Thanks in advance for any tips, can't wait to join the party!

[Capricorn]

If you have the 150P then I would recommend one or two eyepieces. The 150P will be f/5 and will need good eyepieces. If you had the 150PL then the set may have been reasonable.

You will need a collimator for it.

f/5 scopes need to be kept in good collimation.

[gedmac]

before splashing out on new ep,s get to know your scope,decide on what you want to view,ep,s can come later.equipment you will probably need includes a cheshire collimator,a telrad or rigel finder(not absolutely necessary),a couple of good astronomy books.read up enjoy your new scope and you can decide on the slippery slope to upgrading ep,s:D

[brantuk]

Use the supplied ep's first so you can get used to the scope. Join a local astro soc and at observing nights you'll be able to try a few different ep's in your scope and get a good idea of what you like. Then get them s/h - you'll get about a third off (on average) and for the best part they'll be in great condition - astronomers look after their kit.

If you have to buy a kit then the Rev is the favourite with good ep's and photo visual flexibility. If it were me though I'd aim at building up a set of choice ep's of good quality. Unfortunately I am me and I made the mistake of getting a set lol.

Hope that helps

[wozza]

Another helpful thread ,i was starting to panic reading this at first thinking that not only do i have to budget for a scope but will need some extra for EP's before i even use it

[brantuk]

It takes a while to build up knowledge about eyepieces and what works in any particular scope that you have. Best advice is to not be in a rush and learn as much as possible first. It'll save a lot of time and effort in the long run and helps avoid some inevitable disappointments

[spaceboy]

Congrats on the new scope. Regards eyepieces I purchased a kit in the past and found it a waste of money. Some come with colour filters that you very rarely find of much use and there's usually one EP in a kit that never gets used as it's not suitable for your scope. As Brantuk suggests you would be better off seeing what work best for you & your scope first and keep an eye out on the S/H market.

SPACEBOY

[Sharpiejas]

Thanks everyone, you stopped me going on spending spree. My credit card will be happy!

[John]

Another helpful thread ,i was starting to panic reading this at first thinking that not only do i have to budget for a scope but will need some extra for EP's before i even use it

I've seen advice that you need to budget at least 50% of the cost of the scope for improved eyepieces. I would not argue with that

You don't need to get them straight away though.

[gedmac]

I've seen advice that you need to budget at least 50% of the cost of the scope for improved eyepieces. I would not argue with that

You don't need to get them straight away though.

or if you like those with green writing on a black background a 200% plus budget:D

[Sharpiejas]

Just checked my emails, tracking number says delivery tomorrow. Fingers crossed for clear skys!!

[NickK]

I can only re-iterate what has been said from personal experience.

I started with a Vixen A80Mf and the bundled EPs (6 & 20mm). You'll soon find that you'll start looking at things more than others. For example - I look at the moon (too bright for DSOs) and DSOs but not at the other planets.

However the scope is destined for astrophotography but the 13mm BH for me gives a great view. I know from the Vixen what magnifications work and what don't. From that I can work out the EP sizes I'm interested in.

I found a massive difference between the Baader Hyperion 13mm and the bundled Vixen Plossl EPs. The later are dark, dim EPs whereas the BH really gives a good result.

Don't forget - you will get different magnifications out of an EP to others with different scopes. Scope Focal Length / EP FL = magnification.

Spend a month or two with the scope then have a think.

[Sharpiejas]

Just wanted to say a big thumbs up to Flo . Ordered on Sunday, delivered Tuesday morning. Wife is already complaining about the size!!