What would be a basic set of eyepieces?...

Hi all,

What would you reccomend as a basic set of eyepieces for an ETX-125?
It comes with a 26mm Super Plossl as standard.

Also, Barlows?... X2 or X3?

I'm sure it depends a lot on what you want out of your observing...

any comments appreciated!

The ETX has a focal length of 1900
A 2X Barlow (recommend a Celestron Omni)
You have a 26mm this will give you 73X and 146X with the barlow
Just get an 8mm to give you 238X and 475X with the barlow

Don't forget, sometimes using a 2X barlow and 32mm eyepiece will not give as clear a field of view than simply using the 16mm eyepiece on its own.

I think a suitable range of eyepieces (such as that which I use) are 32mm, 20mm, 9mm, and 6mm. All are 1.25inch barrels. I rarely use any barlows at all.

Hi all,
What would you reccomend as a basic set of eyepieces for an ETX-125?
It comes with a 26mm Super Plossl as standard.
Also, Barlows?... X2 or X3?
I'm sure it depends a lot on what you want out of your observing...
any comments appreciated!

Frank, I'm a bit at odds with some comments made. 238x is heading towards the upper limit of the ETX125's capability and 475x is totally unrealistic. Many observers quote the 60x/inch rule so a 5" scope like the ETX theoretically could reach 300x but that's on an exceptionally steady night, the like of which we rarely see. Others quote a magnification equivalent to twice the aperture in mm or 50x/inch so a 125mm scope = 250x. Either way, on a practical level, 200x is a more realistic figure to aim at. Unless you're particularly interested in the planets, most observing will actually be done at considerably lower powers.

73x is a bit high for a low power eyepiece - Meade should really include a 32mm instead of a 26mm. However, it will do for the moment. I would suggest you get additional eyepieces giving you magnifications in the region of 130x (for deep sky objects such as galaxies, clusters, planetary nebulae etc and 200x for high power planetary and lunar viewing and close double stars. Meade are currently selling an ETX 125 package with three Series 4000 Plossl eyepieces, 26mm (74x), 15mm (127x) and 9.7mm (196x). That's a good combination to start off with and I would fully concur with it or a somewhat similar set.

I'd have to agree with Gordon, with one extra point.
I do not use barlows for visual use, as they usually degrade the image, especially near the edge of the field of view. Unless you are going to do webcam work, then I'd forget about them.

Thanks for all the advice lads.

Dave, I'm gonna try my hand at some webcam work Lunar & Planetery.
I got a toUcam (the new Philips SPC900NC) & the eyepiece adapter on ebay.
What mag Barlow would you advise?

Also, on the point of eyepieces...I've seen lots on ebay for what seems like
very little money...my concern is they are knock-off's from aisa...

I'm half just buy a set ...like the Meade Series 4000â„¢ Eyepiece & Filter Set as advertised on the Meade site
www.meade.com/accessories/premium/index.html
rather than get cought with some inferior optics..
as they say..your set-up is only as good as its weakest link...

any thoughts?