Posts Made By: Larry Stedman

Both the Klee and the Ultima have excellent reputations. But they are different magnification factors (2x vs. 2.8x) (and probably more like 2.25x and 2.9x depending on eyepiece). So you should pick one on the basis of your current or anticipated eyepiece spacing. (Avoid duplications... if you have 25mm and 12mm, there's little reason to get the Ultima.)

I've owned both... the Ultima I had produced too dark views for my tastes... now that could have been the sample, or the small scope I had, or that it was being compared to a Meade #126 whose magn was more like 1.75x or 2x. But I'm in the minority on the Ultima... note: many say that the Orion shorty PLUS is equivalent. Some regarded observers have even found that the regular Orion shorty or Celestron 2x shorty are just as good.

Some report mild vignetting (darkening at the edge) with the Klee and certain eyepieces... I've never noticed it.

Short barlows are much easier to handle, have much less impact on balance... but note: every barlow produces its own change in eyepiece position, some requiring much in focus others out focus.

My favorite 2x barlow turned out to be the Orion fully multi-coated baffled barlow (not ultrascopic) which gave me the best planetary views, better than a 2x Televue, the Ultima, the Meade, etc.

I'll ditto the Turn Left at Orion suggestion. It revolutionized my star gazing when I got. It's a wonderful combination of observing guide, basic science information, and is readable and easy to use.

Many recommend Nightwatch or Backyard Astronomer's Guide, which really cover the hobby but also have sections to get you started with some observing.

Given that your emphasis is on a beginner, I wouldn't recommend the Sky Atlas... too detailed to start with, the main atlas to too big to schlep outside and use; it might prove useful later. What you want is something readily manageable with good descriptions of the objects, especially right opposite the charts. The Edmund Mag 5 or Mag 6 Star Atlas could be good. Discover the Stars could be a good starter, too.

The Celestial Sampler book is a good one, too, with monthly tours/star hops.

If the telescope has a Telrad (and if it doesn't get one), then some of the Telrad finder charts (on line or commercial). The Telrad projects a set of red cirlces on the sky and makes it easy to find things.

An incredibly wonderful, handy size atlas is The Observers Sky Atlas by Erich Karkoschka. You get the big picture of the constellation area, with side charts showing you how to star hop to the object through the eyepiece. A brilliant arrangement!

I've moved my post to a new thread, with additional comments about exit pupils. Hope that's OK with the moderators.

I thought it might be interesting to others to see, who might otherwise just figure it was one latecomer chiming in with his personal selection of 3 most used eyepieces!

With many scopes on the market being from f/4.5 to f/6, the results have decided implications for eyepiece selection, especially vis a vis exit pupils!

The averages were 27, 14.9, and 8.2 and the median choices were 26, 14, and 8.8.

These results, coming from experienced observers, suggest exit pupils of 4 to 6mm for longest focal length; 2.5-3.5 for mid-range, and 1.5-2mm for higher. Which is close to, but also somewhat different from, conventional wisdom and advice.

If we settle into 5mm, 3mm, and 2mm (or slightly smaller), then that suggests:

8" f/6 scope (or 4" f/6) picking a 30mm, 18mm, and 12mm. (or 10.5mm)

10" f/4.5 or 14" f/4.5 picking a 21mm, 13 or 14mm, and 9mm. (or 8mm)

12" f/5 (or 80mm f/5) picking a 25mm, 15mm, and 10mm. (or 9mm)

(Probably would have to be 26mm or 24mm, 14mm, and 9mm or 10mm given the reality of the market-- not too many 15mm or 25mm eyepieces--at least not of the fancy kind!)

Oh, and for those small, delightful rich field scopes-- StarBlast, StarSeeker, and Astroscan:

4" or 4.5" f/4 or f/4.2 picking 20-21mm, 12-12.5mm, and 8-9mm.

---> Add in a 2x barlow and you'll have all bases covered. That would give you additional exit pupils of 2.5, 1.5, and 1!

Well, there is one more base... get a really long focal length eyepiece that gives you the widest true fov for your scope, even if it yields an exit pupil of 7mm or more. That one will be perfect for star hopping, the largest clusters, and sweeping the Milky Way. In the 1.25" format, candidates would be a 30-35mm Plossl, say the Ultima or TV Plossl (or 24mm Panoptic if you don't need the eye relief) . For the 2" format, a nice 32-40mm eyepiece, say a 32mm or 38mm Burgess or 35mm Panoptic or 40mm Pentax.

Hope this proves useful to someone. I'm revisiting my eyepiece selections right now!

Jim, what scope are you using those with? I'm curious as my line up is similar. I've often used a 30mm or 35mm Ultima and then a 21mm Pentax.

2 new scopes in one day! Now that's a treat.

So, what was the scope that you bought? What's the focal ratio of your 6"?

Andy, what does that mean? ("20,000 total credits")

Or, should I ask, "And you still haven't found any LGM yet?" 8)

Is there a reason you want a go-to? Usually you can get more aperture and, hence, much better views with a regular old dob. With a Telrad and some special finder charts (free on line), you can find hundreds of objects fairly easily!

and later you can add digital setting circles to help you find even fainter stuff.

Jon has put it well before, and I'm paraphrasing his elegantly put words, but low-end go-tos, when they work well, are great at getting you to objects that you cannot see, whereas dobs may take a bit more work to locate DSOs, but you can really see all that you find!

In other words, with the small go-tos vs. 6-8" dobs, what you gain in finding, you lose in seeing!

Envy you your southern skies!

Jason, I had a similar reaction when I first used a new 21mm Pentax XL. The views are great and the comfort level (I wear eyeglasses) is just incredible.

On my scopes, I'd have to barlow to observe Jupiter.

Sounds as if you had good steady skies for the viewing, too!

Interesting... and reassuring.

Thanks for the tip about the adapter. Maybe someone else knows where to get a filter add-on adapter. Or can speak to using filters with the XWs!

I was hoping that my existing extensions, t-adapters would work. Of course, I need to try this again when I'm thinking clearly about it all, rather than trying to enjoy the views!