Jump to content

Banner.jpg.b83b14cd4142fe10848741bb2a14c66b.jpg

Hello SGL

Sgt.Pepper

By Sgt.Pepper
in Welcome

Recommended Posts

Sgt.Pepper

Sgt.Pepper

Posted
Posted

Hi,

I've been reading the forum on and off for around a year. I thought I would join and introduce myself this time. I'm based in Surrey and have just ordered the SW 250PX Flex Auto with x2 Barlow. I should get the scope next week or so, and would like to learn more about observing and what equipment to procure etc. The forum is very interesting and it has spurred me on, in particular to making me decide to buy the 10". Please can anyone advise me if it's worth getting a right angle finder; moon filter and possibly dew-shield? Or should I wait until I'm more confident and proficient with the set-up before I go ahead and acquire more equipment? I guess I won't really know until there are clear skies and I'm stargazing...?

Anyway, thank you for taking the time to read this, and for the forum. I hope I enjoy my new hobby and will learn and grow to appreciate the heavens as much as you folks do!

Regards

Ray

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • Replies 37
  • Created
  • Last Reply
solarwallace

solarwallace

Posted
Posted

Hi Ray

I've just upgraded to the same scope this last week. I have got a light shroud that covers the gap created by extending the tube but haven't bothered with a dew shield at this point. I've only used it once due to the weather and it was fine but your experience might differ. I would wait and see.

A moon filter is worth having because otherwise you'll be half blind when you point your scope at the moon so I'd recommend that. Don't go too mad on buying eyepieces until you've got used to your scope and decided what you like doing best with it e.g. planets or DSO's (deep sky objects). You've got a reasonable range to begin with as you've bought a barlow as well as your scope so that will double your eyepieces. What barlow did you get?

A red torch is invaluable as this will stop you losing your night vision unlike a normal 'white' torch. Either buy a specialist torch (around a fiver I think) or buy a cheap torch from your local supermarket and paint red nail varnish on the front!

With regards to the right angle finder I was thinking of getting one myself but I'm going to see how I get on. It's only really needed when you've got your scope pointing almost straight up as you try to get into an impossible position to look through the finder :) How good's your back?!

Let us know how you get on.

Steve

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Rusty Strings

Rusty Strings

Posted
Posted

Hi and welcome

I would take your time over the extras that you can buy thinking they're a must then find them gathering dust. Same goes for the supplied eyepieces, unless you are already an experienced observer, you will probably not see any improvement if you buy an expensive ep. Take your time, if you can find a local astro club you will have a chance to compare the ep's of other members so a reasoned decision can be made.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Sgt.Pepper

Sgt.Pepper

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks for the warm welcome and advice. I will have to get used to the scope before I decide on any further equipment, although I will probably get a moon filter first..

solarwallace - Thanks, I read your first light report, which was interesting and informative, more so because I'll be getting the same scope! I think I'll wait to see how bad my limbo is before I consider a right angle finder then.. btw, it's the x2 barlow (Vixen). I already have a red torch and planisphere and books etc. I can't wait to get it now, having read solarwallace's report and received the advice and welcomes from you guys!

Thanks

Ray

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.