> > Cameras don't need much cooling at 0F
>
> Of course, that's if they work at all. The cold really does a number on
> batteries.

I've got an AC adapter for my Canon XSi.   Batteries not included :)

John Wunderlin
Mineral Point, WI
XT10i

> Thanks John  I think i,am going to go for the 10i in my light polluted sky
wouldn,t the 10 perform better? and maybe a filter?  Anthony 
>

I've never done a direct comparison on aperture in a light polluted area before.
Visually, more aperture nearly always is better.  I also haven't tried LP
filters, so I'll defer to others on that one.

John Wunderlin
Mineral Point, WI
XT10i

Thanks John for your help  Anthony
 



________________________________
From: John <johnw@...>
To: skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, November 23, 2009 10:58:12 AM
Subject: [skyquest-telescopes] Re: xt10i xt8i

 

> Thanks John  I think i,am going to go for the 10i in my
light polluted sky wouldn,t the 10 perform better? and maybe a filter? 
Anthony 
>

I've never done a direct comparison on aperture in a light polluted area before.
Visually, more aperture nearly always is better. I also haven't tried LP
filters, so I'll defer to others on that one.

John Wunderlin
Mineral Point, WI
XT10i







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Anthony,

The larger the aperture, the better.  Save your money and put it towards
a larger scope.  That's what I did and so glad I did.  I have a
specialized filter for certain nebula, but it's not worth investing,
unless you plan on doing some real serious photography.

Plan your time later towards a nice dark sky site, and you'll be so
happy you did, especially, with the larger scope!

Dan


Anthony Maida wrote:
>
>
> Thanks John for your help  Anthony
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: John <johnw@... <mailto:johnw%40allprosoftware.com>>
> To: skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:skyquest-telescopes%40yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Mon, November 23, 2009 10:58:12 AM
> Subject: [skyquest-telescopes] Re: xt10i xt8i
>
>
>
>> Thanks John  I think i,am going to go for the 10i in my
> light polluted sky wouldn,t the 10 perform better? and maybe a
> filter?  AnthonyÂ
>>
>
> I've never done a direct comparison on aperture in a light polluted area
> before. Visually, more aperture nearly always is better. I also haven't
> tried LP filters, so I'll defer to others on that one.
>
> John Wunderlin
> Mineral Point, WI
> XT10i
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>

Thanks Dan  I think I,am going to go for the 10 thanks again for your
advice    Anthony
 




________________________________
From: Dan <dan@...>
To: skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, November 23, 2009 2:39:07 PM
Subject: Re: [skyquest-telescopes] Re: xt10i xt8i

 
Anthony,

The larger the aperture, the better. Save your money and put it towards
a larger scope. That's what I did and so glad I did. I have a
specialized filter for certain nebula, but it's not worth investing,
unless you plan on doing some real serious photography.

Plan your time later towards a nice dark sky site, and you'll be so
happy you did, especially, with the larger scope!

Dan

Anthony Maida wrote:
>
>
> Thanks John for your help Anthony
>
>
> ____________ _________ _________ __
> From: John <johnw@allprosoftwar e.com <mailto:johnw% 40allprosoftware .com>>
> To: skyquest-telescopes @yahoogroups. com
> <mailto:skyquest- telescopes% 40yahoogroups. com>
> Sent: Mon, November 23, 2009 10:58:12 AM
> Subject: [skyquest-telescope s] Re: xt10i xt8i
>
>
>
>> Thanks John I think i,am going to go for the 10i in my
> light polluted sky wouldn,t the 10 perform better? and maybe a
> filter? AnthonyÂ
>>
>
> I've never done a direct comparison on aperture in a light polluted area
> before. Visually, more aperture nearly always is better. I also haven't
> tried LP filters, so I'll defer to others on that one.
>
> John Wunderlin
> Mineral Point, WI
> XT10i
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

You may want to consider the 30mm GSO Superview as a (much) less expensive low
power eyepiece alternative.  It gives most of the performance of the 27 Pan at a
fraction of the price.  There have been many previous threads about this
eyepiece on this site.

--- In skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com, "chrishoyland33" <chrishoyland@...>
wrote:
>
> I like what I am hearing, the 12t4 is now ordered and should come next week.
Now I'm thinking about a low power eyepiece and its a toss up between the 27mm
Panoptic, the UWAN 28 or a Nagler 26T5. The UWAN wins on cost but not weight,
the Nagler will probably be the best quality but is expensive and the Panoptic
is the lightest and only £10 more than the UWAN but with a smaller field. I
really like my 19mm Panoptic so I'm leaning towards the 27 Pan its also very
similar in weight to the 12t4 so I won't have too worry about balance once the
scope is set up. Decisions, decisions.
>

I second the motion on the GSO 30mm Superview.  It has become my favorite
eyepiece and is astounding for its price.

Graham A


   ----- Original Message -----
   From: bryandstone
   To: skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 1:09 AM
   Subject: [skyquest-telescopes] Re: XT10i & Nagler 12mm Type 4



   You may want to consider the 30mm GSO Superview as a (much) less expensive low
power eyepiece alternative. It gives most of the performance of the 27 Pan at a
fraction of the price. There have been many previous threads about this eyepiece
on this site.

   --- In skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com, "chrishoyland33"
<chrishoyland@...> wrote:
   >
   > I like what I am hearing, the 12t4 is now ordered and should come next week.
Now I'm thinking about a low power eyepiece and its a toss up between the 27mm
Panoptic, the UWAN 28 or a Nagler 26T5. The UWAN wins on cost but not weight,
the Nagler will probably be the best quality but is expensive and the Panoptic
is the lightest and only £10 more than the UWAN but with a smaller field. I
really like my 19mm Panoptic so I'm leaning towards the 27 Pan its also very
similar in weight to the 12t4 so I won't have too worry about balance once the
scope is set up. Decisions, decisions.
   >





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi,

I'm trying to help a father and middle school son who recently joined our
astronomy club get started as observers.  They have researched the net and
decided on the Orion XT8, the manual version without the COL.  It comes with a
25 mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece, the EZ finder II red dot finder, and the standard
Crayford focuser.  Eventually, perhaps even soon, they will want to expand their
eyepiece collection.  Considering that cost is a significant consideration, I'd
like to know what this group has found as "high value to cost" eyepieces for the
XT8.  No Ethos 21's, please!  I expect they will start out observing from a
typical urban/suburban location, with some degree of light pollution, so lunar
and planetary observing will be first on the menu.  I do expect they will
eventually attend club star parties at nearby locations with mag 5 skies, and
eventually use the scope under the mag 6 skies at nearby Chiefland Astronomy
Village.

I don't have recent experience with recent lower cost eyepieces.  So any help
you can give will be appreciated.

Bill, the aspiring Sky Mentor

The Hyperions are a good value. I use the 8, 13, and 24, and I have a GSO 30 SV.
I would have to go to my Naglers to be more satisfied. EP's are very subjective,
and they also need to match the scope to a certain point (fast or slow for
example/f5 in your case).....as well as the personal viewing habits of the
astronomer. I would take my time in buying anything. Use the scope and head out
to the star parties where you can get a good feel for what is going to suit your
future needs. I personally think that buying a bunch of accessories right of the
bat is a mistake. Get to know your glass and skies before spending money on
possible unknowns. JMO, YMMV
 
Hulett Keaton          
EagleStationOne 
                                       





________________________________
From: rocketeer1967 <bill.helms@...>
To: skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, November 24, 2009 10:06:19 PM
Subject: [skyquest-telescopes] Eyepieces for new XT8

Hi,

I'm trying to help a father and middle school son who recently joined our
astronomy club get started as observers.  They have researched the net and
decided on the Orion XT8, the manual version without the COL.  It comes with a
25 mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece, the EZ finder II red dot finder, and the standard
Crayford focuser.  Eventually, perhaps even soon, they will want to expand their
eyepiece collection.  Considering that cost is a significant consideration, I'd
like to know what this group has found as "high value to cost" eyepieces for the
XT8.  No Ethos 21's, please!  I expect they will start out observing from a
typical urban/suburban location, with some degree of light pollution, so lunar
and planetary observing will be first on the menu.  I do expect they will
eventually attend club star parties at nearby locations with mag 5 skies, and
eventually use the scope under the mag 6 skies at nearby Chiefland Astronomy
Village.

I don't have recent experience with recent lower cost eyepieces.  So any help
you can give will be appreciated.

Bill, the aspiring Sky Mentor 



------------------------------------

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/skyquest-telescopesYahoo! Groups Links






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Here is a nelpful link for the Hyperions...should have sent it
previously.....the Hyperion zoom ep is quite nice as well

http://www.alpineastro.com/Hyperion-Eyepieces_com/Images_and_Docs/HyperionandZoo\
mInstructions-Version2.pdf
or
http://tinyurl.com/yberufq



--- In skyquest-Hyperion telescopes@yahoogroups.com, Eagle Station
<gapnavigator@...> wrote:
>
> The Hyperions are a good value. I use the 8, 13, and 24, and I have a GSO 30
SV. I would have to go to my Naglers to be more satisfied. EP's are very
subjective, and they also need to match the scope to a certain point (fast or
slow for example/f5 in your case).....as well as the personal viewing habits of
the astronomer. I would take my time in buying anything. Use the scope and head
out to the star parties where you can get a good feel for what is going to suit
your future needs. I personally think that buying a bunch of accessories right
of the bat is a mistake. Get to know your glass and skies before spending money
on possible unknowns. JMO, YMMV
>  
> Hulett Keaton          
> EagleStationOne 
>                                        
>
>
>
>

I use the Orion Stratus line which is basically the Hyperions.  I find that the
13mm is my workhorse and that the 21mm acts as a finder EP for me.  They could
also consider a 32mm Q70 or clone which work good in the XT8; the Eclipse SWA
32mm is available for $85.  I'd recommend though the 13mm and 21mm Hyperion or
Stratus. You can get the Hyperion's at Telescopes.com for $119.00 plus free
shipping. For the cost of two they could also consider the Hyperion Zoom which
seems to be popular of late.

--- In skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com, "eaglestationone" <gapnavigator@...>
wrote:
>
>
>
> Here is a nelpful link for the Hyperions...should have sent it
previously.....the Hyperion zoom ep is quite nice as well
>
>
http://www.alpineastro.com/Hyperion-Eyepieces_com/Images_and_Docs/HyperionandZoo\
mInstructions-Version2.pdf
> or
> http://tinyurl.com/yberufq
>
>
>
> --- In skyquest-Hyperion telescopes@yahoogroups.com, Eagle Station
<gapnavigator@> wrote:
> >
> > The Hyperions are a good value. I use the 8, 13, and 24, and I have a GSO 30
SV. I would have to go to my Naglers to be more satisfied. EP's are very
subjective, and they also need to match the scope to a certain point (fast or
slow for example/f5 in your case).....as well as the personal viewing habits of
the astronomer. I would take my time in buying anything. Use the scope and head
out to the star parties where you can get a good feel for what is going to suit
your future needs. I personally think that buying a bunch of accessories right
of the bat is a mistake. Get to know your glass and skies before spending money
on possible unknowns. JMO, YMMV
> >  
> > Hulett Keaton          
> > EagleStationOne 
> >                                        
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

--- In skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com, "rocketeer1967" <bill.helms@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I'm trying to help a father and middle school son ..

Hi, I can also recommend the Stratus wide field 13mm. Good detail and a good
fov. Now just to be honest I use mine in a Lightbridge 8" but the 2 scopes are
kissing cousins. And as of last week I can say that the 13mm is a good enough ep
to catch the Horse Head cause afeter 2 years of trying I got it a week ago in
our 8.
Brian

Before I purchased my Hyperions I was very lucky to be able to do a side by side
comparison of a set of Stratus ep's with a set of Hyperions. My experience with
that night of testing in my 8" & 12".DOB's (and my Schmidt Newtonian) was that
although the two brands looked identical they did not perform that way. The
phantom coatings set the Hyperions above the Stratus ep's in contrast and
detail. I am not knocking the Stratus ep's at all. They are very good ep's for
the price.  This is simply my experience with this particular test. This is
subjective based on my eyes and conditions at the time, so I would stronglly
suggest that you vist a few club meetings and viewing sessions to do some
testing yourself.  I had a close friend that had a blem type 6 Nagler that he
thought was sub par. I put it in my scopes and it performed great to my eyes.
 Just take your time and make your mind up based on your own experiences. People
in clubs, and at most
  star parties are always willing to share knowledge and equipment in a situation
like yours.
 
Hulett Keaton          
EagleStation 
                                       




________________________________
From: mljbw2 <mljbw2@...>
To: skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, November 25, 2009 1:54:38 AM
Subject: [skyquest-telescopes] Re: Eyepieces for new XT8



--- In skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com, "rocketeer1967" <bill.helms@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I'm trying to help a father and middle school son ..

Hi, I can also recommend the Stratus wide field 13mm. Good detail and a good
fov. Now just to be honest I use mine in a Lightbridge 8" but the 2 scopes are
kissing cousins. And as of last week I can say that the 13mm is a good enough ep
to catch the Horse Head cause afeter 2 years of trying I got it a week ago in
our 8.
Brian



------------------------------------

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/skyquest-telescopesYahoo! Groups Links






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I would respectfully disagree. I did a similar comparison with the Stratus and
Hyperions and did not see any significant differences in my views. There were
minor differences when viewing and comparing individual eyepieces (I think the
21mm Hyperion out performed the 21mm Stratus slightly but I felt the 13mm
Stratus out performed the 13mm Hyperion). It could be subject to my eyes also,
to the EP's used and to the equipment it was used on (XT8, XT10 and a 12.5
Discovery split tube). Bottom line I don't think you'll go wrong with either. 
However, I find it is better to own one or the other since they are designed to
not require major refocusing when you switch out EP's from the same line.

I bought the Stratus because they were available locally at a great price,
cheaper then buying the Hyperion's from Telescopes.com and this way I supported
a local business that carries items for the amateur astronomer, something
important for me. Plus I didn't have to worry about shipping charges or shipping
and waiting for it.

BTW, I did not like either EP when used as a 2 inch EP, especially those at or
under the 17mm range. Don't understand that fascination as they never really
quite come into focus. A paracorr helps in faster dobs but I don't want to go
through that hassle with either in 20 degree temperatures or lower or in using
the adapting rings that fit either the Stratus or Hyperion and don't provide
that much greater magnification. Again, I don't want to fumble around in cold
weather or late at night with inserting rings.

The one thing the Hyperion's do have over the Stratus in my opinion is that the
Hyperion's housing structure is designed to handle a wide range of camera
equipment where as the Stratus lack that and I believe require an adapter to do
so. I'm a visual observer so for me this is no big issue.

Are the "phantom coatings" better? I don't think so. I think it comes down to
each EP here.  If they can buy the Stratus locally for the same price as the
Hyperion's at Telescope.com then do that. If not, go for the cheaper price and
order the Hyperion's from Telescop.com. Again, you won't go wrong with either.



--- In skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com, Eagle Station <gapnavigator@...>
wrote:
>
> Before I purchased my Hyperions I was very lucky to be able to do a side by
side comparison of a set of Stratus ep's with a set of Hyperions. My experience
with that night of testing in my 8" & 12".DOB's (and my Schmidt Newtonian) was
that although the two brands looked identical they did not perform that way. The
phantom coatings set the Hyperions above the Stratus ep's in contrast and
detail. I am not knocking the Stratus ep's at all. They are very good ep's for
the price.  This is simply my experience with this particular test. This is
subjective based on my eyes and conditions at the time, so I would stronglly
suggest that you vist a few club meetings and viewing sessions to do some
testing yourself.  I had a close friend that had a blem type 6 Nagler that he
thought was sub par. I put it in my scopes and it performed great to my eyes.
 Just take your time and make your mind up based on your own experiences. People
in clubs, and at most
>  star parties are always willing to share knowledge and equipment in a
situation like yours.
>  
> Hulett Keaton          
> EagleStation 
>                                        
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: mljbw2 <mljbw2@...>
> To: skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Wed, November 25, 2009 1:54:38 AM
> Subject: [skyquest-telescopes] Re: Eyepieces for new XT8
>
>
>
> --- In skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com, "rocketeer1967" <bill.helms@>
wrote:
> >
> > Hi,
> >
> > I'm trying to help a father and middle school son ..
>
> Hi, I can also recommend the Stratus wide field 13mm. Good detail and a good
fov. Now just to be honest I use mine in a Lightbridge 8" but the 2 scopes are
kissing cousins. And as of last week I can say that the 13mm is a good enough ep
to catch the Horse Head cause afeter 2 years of trying I got it a week ago in
our 8.
> Brian
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/skyquest-telescopesYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

All:

I have taken the plunge and bought a new/first telescope.
Thanks again to all who offered advice.

We went with an Orion XT8. It comes with a 25mm Sirius Plossl,
an Orion EZ Finder II Reflex Sight,
and we added an Orion Ultrascopic 2x Barlow. We also got
the padded case for the tube and an accessory case.

We actually received the scope on Friday 11/13 but I was busy
getting ready for a work demonstration at a conference in
Salt Lake City that was taking place
the following week so I didn't have time to fully assemble
and try it out until Saturday 11/21. We assembled
the base before I left for my conference and then we finished
it up this past Saturday.

Collimation was a bit of a challenge. Both the secondary and the
primary needed some tweaking. The main challenge was just getting
over the fear of the unknown. No matter how much I had read about
doing it, sticking my hand inside to make adjustments to the
secondary was a nervous moment for me.

I tried things out on the tree tops and showed everyone the
acorns in the oak trees a ways away.

I couldn't get the finder to work during the day and I wondered
if it was just too bright out so I left it for that evening.
We set up in our small backyard which gives us a limited view.
We have a 100 year old tulip popular in our yard and lots
of pin oaks in the neighborhood.

Still that evening I couldn't get the finder to do anything for me.
Oh well. I managed to pan around and find the moon and Jupiter.
We only had about 30-45 minutes between sundown and dinner
before I had to pack it in for the evening. Not a long session
but it was quite rewarding for my son, my wife and myself.
When I showed my son (he is 6 1/2/) Jupiter first without
the barlow and then with, he got very excited. He started running
circles around the backyard. He said, "Do you know what this is?"
as he ran his circles. His response when I asked "What", was
"The bands around Jupiter." He just couldn't contain himself
that he could see the bands around Jupiter.
My wife's response was similar, except she didn't run around the
backyard. She said, "I'm just amazed that I can see the bands
on Jupiter from my own backyard."

We also had nice crisp views of craters on the moon. It was just
before the first quarter so we had some prime lunar viewing.

I believe the mystery of the trouble with the finder has also
been solved. Mea Culpa. You may not know this but red dot finders
don't work very well if you put them on backwards!

As I hope you can tell we are all three very excited about
our new telescope and are looking forward to the new wonders
that await us in the sky.

I already have the urge to buy more eyepieces. One for more
magnification and one for wider views. But I am doing my best
to wait until I have more experience to know what I really
want and need.

Wishing you all clear dark skies.

John D.
St. Louis

I know that this list is (by definition) full of equipment junkies and maybe
my eyes just stink, but I haven't seen the need to spend hundreds of dollars
(thousands?) on boutique eye-pieces for my XT8. The best way to improve the
optics of the XT8 is learning how to culminate the mirrors. Master that
skill and this inexpensive telescope holds its own against much more
expensive models (especially if their owners have NOT mastered culmination).
Personally, I think you get a lot more bang for the buck doubling the size
of the mirror than doubling the cost of the eyepieces.

Given the included equipment on new XT8 models, the one addition that might
come in handy would be a good Barlow. The 10mm Plossl only delivers 120x on
the XT8 which is a little short of what I like on the planets when seeing is
good. You can double that with a Shorty Plus Barlow and then you get 220x
which is about right for a hand-guided telescope on Jupiter or Saturn.

Another nice addition is a moon filter. It is painful looking at the moon in
an 8" without a filter to stop the light down some and who can resist
looking at the moon with a new telescope?

My 5 cents anyway,

David


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

On Wed, Nov 25, 2009 at 12:25 PM, David Finlayson
<david.p.finlayson@...> wrote:
> but I haven't seen the need to spend hundreds of dollars
> (thousands?) on boutique eye-pieces for my XT8.

Spoken like someone that hasn't looked through a 14mm Ethos...  =-)

The 25mm Plossl that comes with the Skyquests is a fine EP, the 10mm
is much harder to use.
I put a 10mm Pentax into the EP holder of my Skyquest at a starparty
and didn't want to take it out!!!
I now own an almost complete set of Pentaxes.  The great thing about
premium EP's is that you can keep them and use them in all of your
scopes going forward.  I know own an 18" f/4.5 Obsession and all of
those Pentaxes I've been collecting over the years to use in my 4.5"
and 10" Dobs work even better in my 18"! =-)

<RE>

RapidEye:

Is the difference in eye relief the main reason for saying that
the 10mm Plossl is harder to use than the 10mm Pentax?

Thanks,
John D.
St. Louis

--- In skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com, RapidEye <RapidEye.US@...> wrote:
>
>
> The 25mm Plossl that comes with the Skyquests is a fine EP, the 10mm
> is much harder to use.
> I put a 10mm Pentax into the EP holder of my Skyquest at a starparty
> and didn't want to take it out!!!

--- "rocketeer1967" <bill.helms@...> wrote:
>
> Considering that cost is a significant consideration, I'd
> like to know what this group has found as "high value to cost"
> eyepieces for the XT8.  No Ethos 21's, please!
>
> Bill, the aspiring Sky Mentor
>


The suggestions you've received are good if your friend's budget allows $250 for
a couple of eyepieces (Hyperion or Stratus).  But, if he doesn't want to spend a
lot, then simple Plossl eyepieces might suffice.  Most of us who have been
around a few decades observed for many years with eyepieces at, or below the
level of current mass produced Plossls. The on-axis performance of Plossls can
hold its own against expensive eyepieces.  Of course, Plossls have a much
smaller field of view and eye relief gets tight in shorter focal lengths.

Since your fried will already have a 25mm Plossl, he could buy a couple of Meade
Series 4000 Super Plossls very cheaply.  Astronomics just put the 12.4mm and
9.7mm Super Plossl on sale for $15 each (regularly $39 each). The 6.4mm is also
on sale but eye relief on that one is extremely tight and I wouldn't recommend
it.

Later, if/when he outgrows Plossls, he could probably sell them on eBay for as
much as he paid.  Or, he might choose the path I took.  I normally use Pentax XW
and Radian eyepieces, but I also keep several Plossls handy for public star
parties, rather than exposing the expensive glass to candy-coated fingers.  I
also use those Plossls sometimes in the Spring when pollen blows onto everything
taken outside.

John Alsobrook
North Carolina

--- In skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com, David Finlayson
<david.p.finlayson@...> wrote:
>
> I know that this list is (by definition) full of equipment junkies
>
>                  ***************
>
WHOA!   It's only half full.   A careful reading of our past posts will show
that the other half (to which I, one of your moderators, belong) is composed of
guys who really don't want to spend at all, who will go for the D.I.Y. solution
rather than the bought one, and who brag privately about how LITTLE they've
spent.   It's just that we're not quite as vocal as are the others - the ones
who support the industry.
>
>               ***************************
>
> Another nice addition is a moon filter. It is painful looking
> at the moon in an 8" without a filter to stop the light down some
> and who can resist looking at the moon with a new telescope?
>
> My 5 cents anyway,
>
> David
>
>                    *****************
>
A moon filter is one of the least expensive investments you can make.
And one of the first you will sell when you realize that you can cut down that
brightness without spending a cent by just upping your magnification.

Although written with tongue in cheek, the above is really meant seriously.  If
you do need a glare cutting filter (and there ARE situations where it is useful)
a variable polarizer will be more versatile.  Higher magnification always cuts
image brightness of extended objects and - of all the things we look at, it is
our moon that can take the highest magnification.

Gene

John,

Thanks for the great first light report. I too have an xt8 and my oldest son
which is now 7 thinks it's the coolest thing. His favorite is saturn along with
Jupiter and the moon. To me there is no better way to enjoy the night sky than
to share It with someone. Congrats on your purchase and i'm sure you will spend
many wonderful hours of it under the sky with it. Collimation takes practice. It
took me a few times and i'm still not proficient. A laser colimator definitely
helps. Anyways,  keep us updated for any other reports. Happy turkey day,

Derek
NC
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: "John DeHart" <jdd@...>
Date: Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:27:10
To: <skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [skyquest-telescopes] First Light

All:

I have taken the plunge and bought a new/first telescope.
Thanks again to all who offered advice.

We went with an Orion XT8. It comes with a 25mm Sirius Plossl,
an Orion EZ Finder II Reflex Sight,
and we added an Orion Ultrascopic 2x Barlow. We also got
the padded case for the tube and an accessory case.

We actually received the scope on Friday 11/13 but I was busy
getting ready for a work demonstration at a conference in
Salt Lake City that was taking place
the following week so I didn't have time to fully assemble
and try it out until Saturday 11/21. We assembled
the base before I left for my conference and then we finished
it up this past Saturday.

Collimation was a bit of a challenge. Both the secondary and the
primary needed some tweaking. The main challenge was just getting
over the fear of the unknown. No matter how much I had read about
doing it, sticking my hand inside to make adjustments to the
secondary was a nervous moment for me.

I tried things out on the tree tops and showed everyone the
acorns in the oak trees a ways away.

I couldn't get the finder to work during the day and I wondered
if it was just too bright out so I left it for that evening.
We set up in our small backyard which gives us a limited view.
We have a 100 year old tulip popular in our yard and lots
of pin oaks in the neighborhood.

Still that evening I couldn't get the finder to do anything for me.
Oh well. I managed to pan around and find the moon and Jupiter.
We only had about 30-45 minutes between sundown and dinner
before I had to pack it in for the evening. Not a long session
but it was quite rewarding for my son, my wife and myself.
When I showed my son (he is 6 1/2/) Jupiter first without
the barlow and then with, he got very excited. He started running
circles around the backyard. He said, "Do you know what this is?"
as he ran his circles. His response when I asked "What", was
"The bands around Jupiter." He just couldn't contain himself
that he could see the bands around Jupiter.
My wife's response was similar, except she didn't run around the
backyard. She said, "I'm just amazed that I can see the bands
on Jupiter from my own backyard."

We also had nice crisp views of craters on the moon. It was just
before the first quarter so we had some prime lunar viewing.

I believe the mystery of the trouble with the finder has also
been solved. Mea Culpa. You may not know this but red dot finders
don't work very well if you put them on backwards!

As I hope you can tell we are all three very excited about
our new telescope and are looking forward to the new wonders
that await us in the sky.

I already have the urge to buy more eyepieces. One for more
magnification and one for wider views. But I am doing my best
to wait until I have more experience to know what I really
want and need.

Wishing you all clear dark skies.

John D.
St. Louis





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

John,

Thanks for sharing your story.  "First light" is always a momentous turn
of events. :-)

Your story in some respects very much like mine, when I was very young,
with my dad, but, we built our own 3" reflector back then, in the "old
days" and had a lot of fun.

My children have been immersed into the hobby when they were younger
(all four of them) but then, it was a 6" reflector back in the early 80's.

Now, it's a 12" reflector, and everyone, including myself, love it.

Congratulations to you and your wonderful family.  It's a hobby for all
to appreciate, in my way of looking at it, another experience with God's
creative wonders! :-)

Take care,

Dan


John DeHart wrote:
>
>
> All:
>
> I have taken the plunge and bought a new/first telescope.
> Thanks again to all who offered advice.
>
> We went with an Orion XT8. It comes with a 25mm Sirius Plossl,
> an Orion EZ Finder II Reflex Sight,
> and we added an Orion Ultrascopic 2x Barlow. We also got
> the padded case for the tube and an accessory case.
>
> We actually received the scope on Friday 11/13 but I was busy
> getting ready for a work demonstration at a conference in
> Salt Lake City that was taking place
> the following week so I didn't have time to fully assemble
> and try it out until Saturday 11/21. We assembled
> the base before I left for my conference and then we finished
> it up this past Saturday.
>
> Collimation was a bit of a challenge. Both the secondary and the
> primary needed some tweaking. The main challenge was just getting
> over the fear of the unknown. No matter how much I had read about
> doing it, sticking my hand inside to make adjustments to the
> secondary was a nervous moment for me.
>
> I tried things out on the tree tops and showed everyone the
> acorns in the oak trees a ways away.
>
> I couldn't get the finder to work during the day and I wondered
> if it was just too bright out so I left it for that evening.
> We set up in our small backyard which gives us a limited view.
> We have a 100 year old tulip popular in our yard and lots
> of pin oaks in the neighborhood.
>
> Still that evening I couldn't get the finder to do anything for me.
> Oh well. I managed to pan around and find the moon and Jupiter.
> We only had about 30-45 minutes between sundown and dinner
> before I had to pack it in for the evening. Not a long session
> but it was quite rewarding for my son, my wife and myself.
> When I showed my son (he is 6 1/2/) Jupiter first without
> the barlow and then with, he got very excited. He started running
> circles around the backyard. He said, "Do you know what this is?"
> as he ran his circles. His response when I asked "What", was
> "The bands around Jupiter." He just couldn't contain himself
> that he could see the bands around Jupiter.
> My wife's response was similar, except she didn't run around the
> backyard. She said, "I'm just amazed that I can see the bands
> on Jupiter from my own backyard."
>
> We also had nice crisp views of craters on the moon. It was just
> before the first quarter so we had some prime lunar viewing.
>
> I believe the mystery of the trouble with the finder has also
> been solved. Mea Culpa. You may not know this but red dot finders
> don't work very well if you put them on backwards!
>
> As I hope you can tell we are all three very excited about
> our new telescope and are looking forward to the new wonders
> that await us in the sky.
>
> I already have the urge to buy more eyepieces. One for more
> magnification and one for wider views. But I am doing my best
> to wait until I have more experience to know what I really
> want and need.
>
> Wishing you all clear dark skies.
>
> John D.
> St. Louis
>
>

On Wed, Nov 25, 2009 at 1:46 PM, John DeHart <jdd@...> wrote:
> Is the difference in eye relief the main reason for saying that
> the 10mm Plossl is harder to use than the 10mm Pentax?

That is the biggest part of it, but there are a couple other reasons.
The eye lens is much bigger, so you don't feel like you are fighting
to keep the EP centered all the time.
The adjustable eyecup allows you to set the eye to lens height exactly
the way you want to maximize the FOV and comfort.
The FOV is the last part - on dobs that don't track, trying to keep an
object centered in the FOV of a 50degree EP is harder than a 70, 80,
or 100 degree EP.
If the EP is well corrected across the entire FOV (which the 5, 7, and
10mm Pentaxes are) you can focus the object in the center, push it to
the one side, and let it drift across the FOV for longer.

They aren't cheap, but they are tough to beat at this focal length.

The older XL series are only a step behind and are quite a bit cheaper
on A-Mart, second hand.

Best advice is what has already been given - go to some star parties
or club viewing events and try a couple different EP designs out and
see what you like best.

G'Luck!
<RE>

Not just North America.

http://7timer.y234.cn/V3/

Frank

Well, I found something that worked and worked well.  This magnet from Harbor
Freight http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=41629
worked perfectly.  Funny though, I thought I would need it on the opposite side
of the telrad and the finder but in reality it had to sit on the top of the tube
down from the telrad and the finder nearer the mirror but it worked perfectly. 
Just taped up one side and no problems. Thanks to everyone for your suggestions.

--- In skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com, "arathornjax" <arathornjax@...>
wrote:
>
> Jose,
>
> Thanks for the reply. I've seen those and am probably going to pick up a set
as soon as I have the money (next 2 weeks or so). I was hoping to find something
that might work without spending the $60. I might look somehow at adding some
tension also. I'll have to think on that one though.
>
> --- In skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com, José E. <ssjoe66@> wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> > Hi...
> >
> > I found out that when I replace the small plastic pads on the dob base where
the turion rest, with pure teflon pads, my springs didn't support the tube
except on the 90 degress position.
> >
> > I solve the situation with a product name the ScopeGripp.  The product work
out very good for me and with excellent results, specially with those heavy
eyepieces (40mm Paragon).
> >
> > If everything else fail, you can consider it.  It is found at
www.astronomy-shoppe dot com.
> >
> > Clear Skies!!
> >
> > José
> >
> > --- In skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com, "arathornjax" <arathornjax@>
wrote:
> > >
> > > I own several XT Classic models of scope and on one, an XT10 that is only
6 months old, at around 30 degrees to 45 degrees when the tube is moved into
that position the tube will slip down 5 degrees when view this. I have one
spring that seems loose so I'm looking at options. I did not buy the scope
directly from Orion but will they replace it? I'm saving to replace the springs
with the Scope-Gripps replacement.  I've also found a modification that should
work that is based on the Zhumall design at Visual Astronomy
(http://www.visualastronomy.com/2007/12/zhumell-mod-tension-springs.html).  Does
anyone have a cheaper or better modification I can make that works? BTW, love
this group from reading around this a.m.
> > >
> >
>

Late to this one, but just noticed it. I own a XT6, 8 and 10 and I can say that
though there is not a major difference between the 8 and the 10 I have been able
to see slightly more detail from a orange and yellow zone in the 10 then in the
8. Enough to matter? Probably not but where the major difference comes in is in
a dark site. The 8 is wonderful and I have to be honest, I love the weight of
the the 8 (bad low back) but the ten is not that much more on the XT10 and the
views at a dark site are wonderful. And yes, at some point you'll go to a dark
site and be spoiled with the 10.  Go for the 10 if weight is not an issue.
Aperture does rule!

--- In skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com, Anthony Maida <lvam1521@...> wrote:
>
> Thanks Dan  I think I,am going to go for the 10 thanks again for your
advice    Anthony
>  
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Dan <dan@...>
> To: skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Mon, November 23, 2009 2:39:07 PM
> Subject: Re: [skyquest-telescopes] Re: xt10i xt8i
>
>  
> Anthony,
>
> The larger the aperture, the better. Save your money and put it towards
> a larger scope. That's what I did and so glad I did. I have a
> specialized filter for certain nebula, but it's not worth investing,
> unless you plan on doing some real serious photography.
>
> Plan your time later towards a nice dark sky site, and you'll be so
> happy you did, especially, with the larger scope!
>
> Dan
>
> Anthony Maida wrote:
> >
> >
> > Thanks John for your help Anthony
> >
> >
> > ____________ _________ _________ __
> > From: John <johnw@allprosoftwar e.com <mailto:johnw% 40allprosoftware .com>>
> > To: skyquest-telescopes @yahoogroups. com
> > <mailto:skyquest- telescopes% 40yahoogroups. com>
> > Sent: Mon, November 23, 2009 10:58:12 AM
> > Subject: [skyquest-telescope s] Re: xt10i xt8i
> >
> >
> >
> >> Thanks John I think i,am going to go for the 10i in my
> > light polluted sky wouldn,t the 10 perform better? and maybe a
> > filter? AnthonyÂ
> >>
> >
> > I've never done a direct comparison on aperture in a light polluted area
> > before. Visually, more aperture nearly always is better. I also haven't
> > tried LP filters, so I'll defer to others on that one.
> >
> > John Wunderlin
> > Mineral Point, WI
> > XT10i
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Thanks for the info  You are right aperture wins   anthony 




________________________________
From: arathornjax <arathornjax@...>
To: skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, November 26, 2009 12:21:54 PM
Subject: [skyquest-telescopes] Re: xt10i xt8i

 
Late to this one, but just noticed it. I own a XT6, 8 and 10 and I can say that
though there is not a major difference between the 8 and the 10 I have been able
to see slightly more detail from a orange and yellow zone in the 10 then in the
8. Enough to matter? Probably not but where the major difference comes in is in
a dark site. The 8 is wonderful and I have to be honest, I love the weight of
the the 8 (bad low back) but the ten is not that much more on the XT10 and the
views at a dark site are wonderful. And yes, at some point you'll go to a dark
site and be spoiled with the 10. Go for the 10 if weight is not an issue.
Aperture does rule!

--- In skyquest-telescopes @yahoogroups. com, Anthony Maida <lvam1521@.. .>
wrote:
>
> Thanks Dan  I think I,am going to go for the 10 thanks again for your
advice    Anthony
>  
>
>
>
>
> ____________ _________ _________ __
> From: Dan <dan@...>
> To: skyquest-telescopes @yahoogroups. com
> Sent: Mon, November 23, 2009 2:39:07 PM
> Subject: Re: [skyquest-telescope s] Re: xt10i xt8i
>
>  
> Anthony,
>
> The larger the aperture, the better. Save your money and put it towards
> a larger scope. That's what I did and so glad I did. I have a
> specialized filter for certain nebula, but it's not worth investing,
> unless you plan on doing some real serious photography.
>
> Plan your time later towards a nice dark sky site, and you'll be so
> happy you did, especially, with the larger scope!
>
> Dan
>
> Anthony Maida wrote:
> >
> >
> > Thanks John for your help Anthony
> >
> >
> > ____________ _________ _________ __
> > From: John <johnw@allprosoftwa r e.com <mailto:johnw% 40allprosoftware
.com>>
> > To: skyquest-telescopes @yahoogroups. com
> > <mailto:skyquest- telescopes% 40yahoogroups. com>
> > Sent: Mon, November 23, 2009 10:58:12 AM
> > Subject: [skyquest-telescope s] Re: xt10i xt8i
> >
> >
> >
> >> Thanks John I think i,am going to go for the 10i in my
> > light polluted sky wouldn,t the 10 perform better? and maybe a
> > filter? AnthonyÂ
> >>
> >
> > I've never done a direct comparison on aperture in a light polluted area
> > before. Visually, more aperture nearly always is better. I also haven't
> > tried LP filters, so I'll defer to others on that one.
> >
> > John Wunderlin
> > Mineral Point, WI
> > XT10i
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hey John,

I, for one, never tire of reading nice, detailed first light experiences -
especially when they involve children and family.  Thanks for sharing!

Try not to go too crazy on EPs until you've gotten used to the scope and the
ones you have.  Then read reviews and testamonials.  I'd suggest a good barlow
first - that'll double your current EP collection.

Oh, and if you think you're hooked now, wait until you resolve M13 into little
sparklers...

That'll be the end of you.

Darrell

--- In skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com, "John DeHart" <jdd@...> wrote:
>
> All:
>
> I have taken the plunge and bought a new/first telescope.
> Thanks again to all who offered advice.
>
> <<SNIP>>

> I already have the urge to buy more eyepieces. One for more
> magnification and one for wider views. But I am doing my best
> to wait until I have more experience to know what I really
> want and need.
>
> Wishing you all clear dark skies.
>
> John D.
> St. Louis
>

Darrell,

I have to say, during the summer when I had my grand daughter over and
we spent a few hours doing astronomy, she pretty much reacted to the
open cluster of M13 as you described. :-)

She wanted to spend time digging into many open clusters.  I thought it
was most interesting, as a sophomore in high school, and having had a
lot of astronomy "book" work so to speak, it was "clusters" not
"galaxies" or planets, etc..

I've lost track of so many we viewed that nice summer evening but she
was so thrilled at all of them.  When M13 came into view with my 26 mm
70 degree wide-field 2" eyepiece, sparkles and I believe she also said,
like "fire-crackers" in July! :-)

Oh boy ... here we go again. But what wonderful memories when shared
with your family.

Dan


darrellrspencer wrote:
>
>
> Hey John,
>
> I, for one, never tire of reading nice, detailed first light experiences
> - especially when they involve children and family. Thanks for sharing!
>
> Try not to go too crazy on EPs until you've gotten used to the scope and
> the ones you have. Then read reviews and testamonials. I'd suggest a
> good barlow first - that'll double your current EP collection.
>
> Oh, and if you think you're hooked now, wait until you resolve M13 into
> little sparklers...
>
> That'll be the end of you.
>
> Darrell
>
> --- In skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:skyquest-telescopes%40yahoogroups.com>, "John DeHart" <jdd@...>
> wrote:
>>
>> All:
>>
>> I have taken the plunge and bought a new/first telescope.
>> Thanks again to all who offered advice.
>>
>> <<SNIP>>
>
>> I already have the urge to buy more eyepieces. One for more
>> magnification and one for wider views. But I am doing my best
>> to wait until I have more experience to know what I really
>> want and need.
>>
>> Wishing you all clear dark skies.
>>
>> John D.
>> St. Louis
>>
>
>

I own an XT8 and have used lots of eyepieces with it.  This would be my advice:

First choice would be to keep the 25mm plossl (not bad, good eye relief btw) for
low power finder eyepiece for now and get a 2x Barlow for 12.5mm equivalent
medium power eyepiece.  96x.  I would also get a high power eyepiece, it would
be a Burgess TMB Planetary, either a 9,8, or 7mm, depending on what your local
conditions would support.

On a bigger budget I would get a 2 inch 30mm GSO SV for low power finder and
keep the 25 plossl for star parties, a 2x Barlow, and a 13mm Nagler for medium
power and hi power barlowed.

Clear skies,  B

--- In skyquest-telescopes@yahoogroups.com, "rocketeer1967" <bill.helms@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I'm trying to help a father and middle school son who recently joined our
astronomy club get started as observers.  They have researched the net and
decided on the Orion XT8, the manual version without the COL.  It comes with a
25 mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece, the EZ finder II red dot finder, and the standard
Crayford focuser.  Eventually, perhaps even soon, they will want to expand their
eyepiece collection.  Considering that cost is a significant consideration, I'd
like to know what this group has found as "high value to cost" eyepieces for the
XT8.  No Ethos 21's, please!  I expect they will start out observing from a
typical urban/suburban location, with some degree of light pollution, so lunar
and planetary observing will be first on the menu.  I do expect they will
eventually attend club star parties at nearby locations with mag 5 skies, and
eventually use the scope under the mag 6 skies at nearby Chiefland Astronomy
Village.
>
> I don't have recent experience with recent lower cost eyepieces.  So any help
you can give will be appreciated.
>
> Bill, the aspiring Sky Mentor
>