Expert: Paul Wagner - 12/26/2007

Question
Hey Paul.
I have asked you a question before about buying my first telescope and you helped me out Alot. I have a SkyQuest XT8 and would like to buy a few more accessories for it. But, I do not know what I should get. I was kind of thinking that I should get some filters for my telescope but I was also kind of thinking about getting a new eyepiece. I am torn between the two things so if you have any advice or anything that might help someone who just got some Christmas money, I would greatly appreciate it.

Here is what I have so you kind of know where I am at. I have two eyepiece's that are 25mm and 10mm and then all of the standard things that come with the scope, which is just all of the eyepiece covers and stuff.

Thanks a million,
Andrew

Answer
HI Andrew

Moce to hear from you again!  Sounds like the scope is working out great.  

I am assuming that you already have some star charts--that's one thing I would look at right away.  I have a set of plastic filters that I got from a photo store--they are just a book of thin plastic strips that I can hold over the eyepiece.  I think it cost about $5, and it works pretty well.  

What I would suggest is a barlow lens.  This is essentially a lens that goes between your eyepiece and the scope, fits right into the eyepiece tube, and automatically doubles the power of that eyepiece.  It with work with either of your eyepieces, gives great eye relief (which can be a problem with shorter focal length eyepieces) and can be used with any scope.

A great investment, and a lot of fun to play with when you are looking at the planets or the moon.

Have fun!

Paul Wagner