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[RobbW]

I have a Meade DS-2130AT 5" Reflector that I bought off Craig's List. I've cleaned it up, did some small repairs, collimated, and so far it seems to be working just fine. Problem is that it only has a .965" EP holder. I just ordered the 1.25" EP holder from Meade, and it's on its way. Now my issue is picking out 1.25" EPs. Unfortunately, I'm in a budget crunch right now and cannot afford any really expensive EPs or multiple EPs. I can either get one decent EP or a couple lower-end EPs. I'm trying to keep this under $100.

Things to consider other than a low budget are that I'm relatively new to the scope game. I don't have that great of a scope in the first place. I'm going to be spending a lot of time learning about the dark skies and it will be quite a while before I outgrow this first scope.

If you had to choose between either one good EP or two so-so EPs just to get into the game, what would you do? I'm thinking maybe one good wide-angle EP, something with a 60-70 degree FOV and a barlow lens. That would in effect give me two different EPs, right? Say a 32mm EP and when using a 2X barlow it's a 16mm EP.

Or would it be better to get less expensive EPs so that I can have multiple FOV options right from the get-go?

Whether one good EP or two lower-end EPs, what focal lengths would you go with and what brands? What focal length do most people use most frequently?

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Robb,

I used a 4.5" for many years with great success.

Someone else had a similar question recently and perhaps could be of help:

astronomer.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Equipment&thread=2681&page=1

After reading that, come back and we can narrow down some options.

[RobbW]

Thanks for the link, Joe. Very enlightening! I see you recommend that every astronomer have a 25mm, 17mm, and 10mm as a basic set of EPs. What I'm thinking of doing now is purchasing two middle-of-the-road EPs and a 2x Barlow. Since Meade EPs seem to be on sale everywhere right now, I'm thinking of getting a 32mm and a 26mm from the Meade 4000 Super Plossl series and also a Meade #126 2x Barlow. That set would effectively give me a 32mm, 26mm, 16mm, and a 13mm, all of which gets me within the range of focal lengths you recommended. Do you think that would be good enough to keep a beginner happy for a couple years or so? I currently don't have any plans for astrophotography, and I'm mostly interested in just the fun and enjoyment of viewing the dark skies. So, I won't have any complicated demands of my equipment for now.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Robb,

Kicking up to 1.25" eyepieces from .096 will be a great improvement that you will appreciate immediately. Objects will be brighter, bigger, sharper and the F.O.V will be much wider. It will be like a whole new telescope!

I think with that 2x barlow, having virtual assortment of 32mm, 26mm, 16mm, and a 13mm, is a very good core and stretches the eyepiece span well.

You'll spend most of your time with the 32 & 26mm eyepieces, but when atmospheric conditions allow, pushing it with the 16mm & 13mm will magnify nicely.

Plossls are relatively inexpensive, robust and take a beating. Try Ebay and see what's being sold and many a good deal can be found.

You may want to look into a filter set, to help bring out detail in planets and increase contrast for lunar observing. And collimating the primary and secondary mirrors, (if you haven't already), will not only bring in targets clearer, but also brighter. A search will bring up up multitudes of step by step instructions.

Let us know what you decide on and we will follow your experiences and enjoyment together.

[RobbW]

Thanks, Joe. Sorry to keep asking so many questions, but I have another one. Meade is sending me the focus tube adapter for 1.25" EPs. However, if I unscrew the current .965" adapter off of the focus tube, the focus tube measures 2" in diameter. Would I be able to use a 2" EP just by sticking it directly into the focus tube, or is that still going to require an adapter of some kind?

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Robb,

Keep the questions coming.

If you can grab a pic of the assembly and post it, it would help to see what you got.

But...

It appears that you will still need the adapter for the 2". It will have a set screw to keep the 2" eyepiece from falling out and causing an astronomer to cry.

And, I'm not sure of the focus draw without an adapter, meaning the focus tube may not come out far enough to focus to a sharp image.

I am be anxious to take a peek thru your scope when you get your accessories and join us in a session.

[RobbW]

I'll get a pic tonight when I get home from work. I called Meade directly yesterday and ordered a new focus tube. The teeth on mine are stripped, so I can't focus all the way in. Since the tube comes with the 1.25" adapter, it was like getting two for one! I asked about a 2" adapter and he said there are retailers out there that sell them, but Meade does not stock them. So, I'm at a loss as to whether any of the 2" adapters available at online retailers would actual work on my scope. Oh well, I guess I'll just stick with 1.25" for now.

On another note, I did get about an hour of observing time last night. I was so happy with what I was able to see now that my scope is in mostly working order, even with the cr@ppy .965" EP. I observed the moon (obligatory). I saw Saturn and its rings (really tiny ball in my 25mm EP, but I was able to see the ring system). I saw Mars (even smaller ball). I saw Sirius, Capella, Arcturus, and a couple others whose names I don't remember. I tried viewing some DSo such as galaxies, planetary nebulae, and nebulae, but there is just way too much light pollution in my neighborhood to make any of those out. Another problem was that I'm not yet familiar enough with the night sky to determine if my scope was even positioned properly for those DSOs. The GoTo Autostar pointed my scope in the general area, but I couldn't make anything out.

Knowing the obsessive hobbyist I often become, I'm sure I'll eventually learn all the stars and other dark-sky landmarks, and start keeping logs of my observing session. But for now, I'm happy with just looking at objects for the fun of it and hopping around the night sky as I please.

[Paulie pchris00]

Robbw: I think you have a telescope similar to mine. I might have the piece you need, if I understand correctly, and I have no use for it. I'll check back once you post pics, and try to figure out if I can be any help.

[RobbW]

Okay, I snapped a few pics of my DS-2130AT and the focus tube.

Attachments:

[RobbW]

Sorry, I can't figure out how to attach multiple pics in the same post.

Attachments:

[RobbW]

The EP holder unscrewed from the focus tube.

Attachments:

[RobbW]

Close-up of the 2" focus tube.

Attachments:

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Robb,

Thanks for the pics.

It makes it easier to see what's going on...and I dig seeing other astronomers equipment.

But...it does appear that a 2" eyepiece will slip in the focus tube nicely, but again - unsecured.

If it were me...I would take a drill to the focus tube and drill me a hole for a set screw, but that's just me.

And...

A 2" eyepiece is pretty heavy compared to a .096 or a 1.25" eyepiece. It may throw the scope off balance and either keep the tube from moving or burn out the motor prematurely..

(In regards to posting multi pics in posts....
Set up a free account at "photobucket.com" and upload your pics there. Then it's a simple matter to copy and paste the link in your posts.)

I'm anxious for you to get your replacement.

[RobbW]

Tell me about it, Joe. I'm excited to get my replacement parts, too! Also, the 26mm and 32mm EPs and 2X Barlow I picked up off of eBay. They were reasonably priced. Definitely better prices than online retailers. The eBay sellers claimed the EPs were new in the box. I guess I'll have to wait to see.

Having never held a 2" EP, I have no idea how heavy they are. If they're so heavy as to throw my scope off balance or burn out the motors prematurely, then I'll just stick with the 1.25" EPs.

Okay, now just to clarify, about this myth... are you blamed for bad observing conditions only for the day that you actually receive your new equipment? Or is for any day your new equipment could potentially be delivered? I just checked Weather.com for Elgin, IL, and it is forecasting rain and thunderstorms for the next four days starting tomorrow. I refuse to take responsibility for any day other than the day I actually have new equipment in hand!

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Robb,

One warm evening, you'll have to come out to Chicago and jin us in a session. I'll have a Chicago Astronomer bring his 2" eyepieces and let's see how your scope handles the weight.

Ebay is a great resource and excellent bargains can be found.

In regards to the cloudy raining days...

Yep...I lay it totally on your shulders.

The intent is put out there into the ether when you clicked "enter" and the motion has started the low pressure front our way.

It's all part of the experience...but you have ruined my weekend astronomy plans...

[RobbW]

Dear God, I will gladly pay you Tuesday for clear skies this weekend. Please don't rain on Joe's parade!

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Dear God, I will gladly pay you Tuesday for clear skies this weekend. Please don't rain on Joe's parade

Snicker..... ;D

I remember my first telescope.

It was a 60mm refractor from Montgomery Wards. Still got it.

It showed me Saturn's rings, deep craters on the Moon and the bands of Jupiter...brought great evenings of one-on-one meeting with the cosmos.

But the day I got it...we had a solid week of cloud cover and rain.

We all take turns.

[RobbW]

Well, Joe, I have received the two EPs and 2X Barlow I ordered off of eBay, which of course means... <**sticks head out window**> ...Yep, completely overcast and foggy! No observing tonight! Even more unfortunate is that I'm still waiting on the replacement focus tube from Meade with the 1.25" adapter. So, it will be at least a few more days of starless nights for us in the Chicagoland area. I deeply apologize!

Even though I cannot use the new 1.25" EPs in my scope until I get the new focus tube and EP adapter, I must simply say... WOW! Just looking at the old .965" EP vs. the new 1.25" Super Plossl is sending quivers down my spine. Forgive me for not knowing the technical terms for all my equipment, but the end of the EP that you look through on the 1.25" EP is so wide compared to the .965". The opening on the 1.25" covers the entire diameter of the EP, whereas the opening on the .965" is a mere .25" in the center of the EP. That in itself is going to make a world of difference, I think!

I so cannot wait for the new focus tube and adapter to get in, and of course, clear skies at night. I'll keep you posted when the new goodies come in. Until then, sorry again about the bad weather! But at least the bad viewing conditions gives me an excuse to take my daughter downtown tomorrow to go see Hubble 3D at Navy Pier. I'm really looking forward to that!

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Robb,

Excellent man!

The 1.25" eyepieces will make your scope a totally different beast. More light, better eye relief...your observations will be more pleasurable and you will see more.

And if you ever get 2" eyepieces...those will blow you away.

Recently, The Chicago Astronomers were privileged to catch a sneak preview of the Hubble 3D film at the Pier...and it is incredible!

There is a review coming up on that here, but you will not be disappointed....and it's not all eye candy...there's actual astronomy at the final 1/3 of the film.

Keep updating us on your experiences...