eyepiece collection?

Question

please rate my eyepiece collection:

telescope=Celestron Starhopper 8 inch dobsonian f/6


*numbers represent focal length in millimeters




Huygen-12.5, 6,

Kellner-10, 15, 25,

Housebrand Plossl-6.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40

Housebrand Ultra Wide Angle-11, 16

Super Plossl Series 4000-9.7, 26

Celestron Plossl-25

Orion Expanse-6, 9, 15,



Will use my Huygenian Eyepieces for solar viewing,
Plossls and UW Eyepieces for astronomical viewing, Orion Expanses for planetary viewing, and Kellner for back up lenses (show and tell at star parties).


which eyepiece(s) do I not need? quality in; for example, i've got a SP 26mm, Housebrand Plossl 25, and Celestron Plossl 25. 2 out 1 in. looking for quality



Thanks. Hoping to sell unnecessary eyepieces
Best suggestions get best answer

Answer 1

First, considering magnification the rule of thumb for maximum practical magnification is 50X per inch of aperture, so your maximum practical magnification is 400x, but that assumes optimum seeing conditions, which none of us usually have. My experience, and from my reading, a real practical maximum is about 300x in excellent seeing counditions. The formula for magnification is telescope focal length divided by eye piece focal length. Your telescope has a focal length of 1200 millimeters, so any eyepiece with a focal length shorter that about 4 or 5 mm is not going to do any good. Second, with your Dobsonian you generally want eyepieces that give you the widest field of view. You can look up the apparent field of view and field stop diameter on the Internet. Also, visit the Televue web site. there is a good discussion of eyepiece characteristics there. Third, you have some duplication . For example, you have three Plossies with about the same focal Length. Just keep the one you like the best. In fact, that's the best rule of thumb. If using a piece of astronomical equipment does not give you pleasure, trade if for something that does. After all, its a hobby..

Answer 2

The Huygens and Kellners aren't worth keeping; Plössls are much better in every way. Of the Plössls, the Meade Series 4000 are probably the best. I recently tested a couple of Orion Expanse eyepieces, and found them quite decent, particularly the 15mm. I generally recommend owning two or three really good eyepieces, rather than a bunch of second rate ones. For an 8" scope, I'd recommend a low power around 40 to 50x, a medium power around 100x, and a high power around 200 to 225x. Orion's Stratus series are getting good reviews.

Answer 3

You have the most expansive & sophisticated eyepiece collection not belonging to an observatory i've ever heard of! I've had many people bring theirs in but none as so expansive as yours! Youhave some very sophisticated pieces ! I give it top ratings if possible. whaever your looking for with your telescope you'll find it with that collection! What i'd go with is first of all if you have doubles of the same size.. you really only need one. Which one? The one that gives you the most satisfaction when using it. The sp 26 will give you a great area of stars to look for deep sky objects hunting such as galaxies and nebula's . It is a higher standard. One 25 inch will be reccomended to keep for harder to find deep sky objects because you can get in a little closer to find them without losing your view. I have both 25 & 26 mm pieces and find the both great tools for hunting hard to locate nebula's . As far as show and tell..always good to have extra's , if you go to star parties you can sell them there !! also trading .. some people will trade eyepieces for one you may want and they have 2 of & vica versa. The ones you enjoy using the most keep them..if some don't seem to work as well as others or give you the views your seeking .. well sell or trade them! Any other help needed my email address is below. I am quite impressed with your collection !!!

Answer 4

You are a collector, not an observer. Far too many eyepieces. I'd lose the Orions, and the housebrand's