Re: [ATM] 4" objective !

["Bob May" <bobmay@nethere.com>]

50x is actaually a good magnification for a lot of stuff.  That
is about the right magnification for the Ring Nebula, M81 and M82
as well.  Actually thinking about it, most of the viewing that
I've done at star parties has been at magnification around that.
There are some things that need a fair bit less magnification and
some of the fainter thigns that need more magnification but for
viewing the sky, that magnification seems to be about right.
For a mount, I'd suggest that you not bother with the camera
tripod as the typical tripod for home camera support really won't
hold your telescope very well.  Much better is to build a good
sturdy tripod out of wood with the assistance of a friend or
neighbor that has woodworking tools.
I'll note that with your 5" telescope, you should be able to see
the Cassini division in the rigns with enough power.  At 50x you
will definitely see the rings as standing out seperate from the
planet
Bob May
bobmay at nethere.com
http: slash /nav.to slash bobmay
http: slash /bobmay dot astronomy.net
Replace the obvious words with the proper character.

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