Re: ATM Eyepiece selection

[Brad Davy <bdavy@bigdog.fred.net>]

At 09:41 AM 2/26/97 -0500, Jay Shroff wrote:
>
>Hi all,
>
>Thanks to all the suggestions on resolving scratches on my 8" mirror, 
>I've decided to ignore them for my first mirror and proceed with 
>parabolizing.
> 
>Since I'm getting close to completing my mirror, I figured 
>i'd start looking for some eyepieces and diagonal mirror.
>
>I've been looking at the Orion Sirius Plossl's, could anyone comment on 
>their quality? 
>
>How about their diagonal mirror's are they pretty good? any other 
>recommendations for eyepieces and diagonal mirrors.
>
>Also what size eyepieces should I get I was planning on 7.5, 12.5 and 20 
>mm plossl's.
>
>Boy adding up all these costs sure makes a commercial telescope look 
>attractive :-(.
>

I posted a similar question a couple weeks ago, and the result was that I
ordered the Orion Sirius Plossls.  I ordered the 40mm and the 10mm with a 2x
Barlow, effectively giving me 40, 20, 10 and 5.  For my scope (8" f8), 5mm
is the smallest I really want to go, and will probably not get used much.
The 10 will probably get used a lot as conditions permit for planetary
viewing..  I expect 40 to be popular for deep sky and the 20 for both deep
sky and Lunar observing.  From what I've heard, the Barlow is probably a
better investment than a third eyepiece.

And since you made your own mirror, you've avoided the biggest cost.  I
didn't have the guts, and expect the final result to be between $500-$600.
But I get to say I built it myself!  
Brad
bdavy@fred.net               http://www.fred.net/bdavy/home.html
bdavy@nox.cs.du.edu