Beginner EP question

The plethora of different types of EP’s and qualities baffle me. Is there a web site that’s set up to educate the beginner and to make clear what EP is appropriate for which situation and size scope? If not, where can I find information to help in my education?

Thanks
Head spinning
Bart

Bart,

I put together a primer that is geared towards new dob owners, but might get you started:

http://www.tomhole.com/Oculars%20Filters%20Etc.htm

Not all inclusive, but hopefully it will stimulate more questions which are truely the bane of all ignorance.

Clear skies,

Tom

Eyepieces can certainly be confusing, and the number of makes and types intimidating. There are a few things to keep in mind.

First, the eyepiece is not as important as the optical system you are using it in. The differences between the various quality eyepieces tend to be subtle, and you are unlikely to go too far wrong with almost any of them.

In general, for expensive eyepieces, you are paying for either a wider, better corrected field of view, or, in the case of the specialized "planetary" eyepieces, for better (longer, more expensive) polish, better glass, and better coatings.

Clear skies, Alan

Hi Bart
I would suggest a book called "Star Ware" by Phillip Harrington to be very helpful when I started out. It covers all the basics of the equipment for this hobby including explanations of eyepieces and geared for the beginner. It is availible at most book stores or online.
Hope this helps
Buck

As someone else recommended, there is a book out there called Starware by Phil Harrington that I consider the best all around book for answering questions like yours. A big + is that it's fairly inexpensive.

The focal lengths you purchase will be determined by the type of scope you have. Generally the best bang for the buck are Plossls. The Panoptics, Naglers, etc are very nice but not necessary for someone who is probably starting out on a budget.

Paul Hart

Bart, Alan French makes a good point. The only thing I can add is that your experience, over the years, will count for a lot regarding what oculars you like. One of my favorite, general purpose ocular is my University Optics 16mm Konig, which cost about $40.00.

What type of scope do you have? DR