Posts Made By: Mike Jenkins

Hi, I'd like to know some of the best places to observe within a 4-5 hour drive of Orange County(aka Disneyland). Dark skies and quiet. The darkest of the dark sky sites. The clearest of the clear skies. If they're top secret, email me privately. I won't tell a soul Thanks, Mike

Hi, I'm thinking about picking up a used Siebert 12.5mm ep. It's my understanding that these ep's are not threaded for filters. What are my options if I need to use a filter? I plan on doing quite a bit of lunar observing. Thanks, Mike

Hi, I recently purchased an Orion by Vixen 102 f10 refractor here on AM. I've purchased the mount and most of the accesories I need to get me started. Most of my interest will be focused,(pun intended), on planets and the moon. I will also like to spend time on clusters and just "gazing" at all the stars.The ep's I've purchased so far include: UO 25mm and 18mm orthos and a celesteon 7mm ortho. I'm assuming these should keep me busy with my lunar and planetary interests.

I'd like a recommendation for an ep for cluster observing and browsing through the Milky Way. I have a 2" focuser on order, so 1.25' and 2" ep recommendations are welcome.I'd like to find something used here on AM. I'd also like to keep the price around $100.00.

Also, since I'm editing my post, Any 2" diagonal recommendations in the affordable,($100.00 or less) would be appreciated.

Thanks for the help, Mike

I have an Orion by Vixen 102 f/10 refractor. I'm awaiting a 2" focuser. When I get the new 2" focuser installed, I will need a new 2" diagonal. I've been looking at William Optics Diagonals. I have a choice between the dielectric 99% reflectivity for $168.00 on sale, at ATWB, or the mirror diagonal for $130.00, also at ATWB.

Is the dielectric worth the extra $$$$?

Thanks for the advice. Mike

Hi, I'd like to know if the William Optics 2" 99% reflectivity dielectric diagonal is worth the extra $$$ compared to the standard WO 97% diagonal? I will be using the new 2"'er in an Orion by Vixen 102 f/10 refractor.

Thanks for the help, Mike

Here's the ticket if you want clean optics. I use these items on my expensive Canon "L" lenses.
#1 Blow off the optic with a lens bulb blower w/ soft brush. Never ! Ever use canned air. The propellant will leave a residue. After blowing, use the soft brush to remove any solid particles. Don't blow on the optic with your own breath. Saliva can be difficult to remove cleanly.
#2 There is a geat product called "Pec*Pad". They are lint free ultra soft pads. Some people use them to clean the sensors on their digital cameras. Kimwipes are another delicate tissue. I also carry Micro Fibre cloths with me whenever I'm out shooting pics. Personally, I never use lens cleaning tissue that come in camera cleaning kits.
#3 Lens cleaning fluids. Never pour directly on the optics. Moisten the pad and then clean the lens. As for cleaning fluids, I highly recommend Eclipse Optic Cleaning System Fluid. It contaims methanol. Another good one is Kodak Lens Cleaner fluid. It also contains methanol. Windex is for windows. it's not made for delicate coated optics.
#4 Practice on an optical piece that isn't in your pride and joy category. All the items mentioned can be found in better camera stores. If you have to shop on-line try B&H Photo, Samy's Camera, Calumet or do a Google search for the items I mentioned.
Have Fun! Mike

Hi, Since I posted the above, I have learned that the newer Siebert ep's are threaded. I was reading an old review. Thanks, mj