When I was looking at Saturn, my mind wondered back to an earlier topic which about eyepieces. I had purchased a couple for the ETX but since never really used the telescope, I didn’t get an experience with the differences. I received one eyepiece with the LightBridge, which was the included one, and it seemed like a low magnification. In fact, I don’t even know the right terms for eyepieces other than I think the lower the number, the bigger the object displayed. And now I have a 2” system with the Lightbridge.
So, I started doing some initial research. I searched on Google for article about eyepieces for the LightBridge. I found this article (https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/157413-eyepieces-for-meade-lightbridge/). The article mentioned that 1.25” and 2” each have their own strengths and weaknesses but having both is probably the way to go.
The next article I found interesting was http://www.astronomyforum.net/telescope-eyepieces-forum/124172-eyepieces-meade-lightbridge-12-inch.html. This mentioned a number of possible options and reminded me about using a Barlow. I already have a 1.25” one.
Finally, I read this article http://uncle-rods.blogspot.com/2011/02/getting-set-ii.html. The first thing this article reminded me of was Televue eyepieces. I have seen some articles in the magazines about them so designed to look at them first. Wow, they are expensive. But, in the long term, that is fine once I know exactly what I want. But, also realized that eyepieces aren’t necessary with astrophotography so need to remember that just for visual astronomy. The article also gave a number of combinations that would make a good set, some recommendation on affordable vendors and why 2” eyepieces. Great article.
So, I decided I want to get a few more to try out especially at the August star party I was going to attend. I decided to go with a better quality 1.25” then what I currently have and higher magnification. I purchased a Celestron X-Cel LX 5mm.
I also purchased a Meade Series 4000 set. I had read another article that said all eyepiece sets are not the best purchase because of quality and things you don’t need like filters. But, I am just starting out and really want to figure out some things for my self and having a bunch of choices will be helpful.
