Tell me what you think, I am considering the Orion Epic
ED-2 series in 12.3 and 5.1 mm, and a shorty 2X Barlow. Anyone have an
opinion, is there another eyepiece moderately priced from Orion that they
feeel would be a better choice?


For what its worth.....

With a 2032 mm focal length, the 5.1mm eyepiece will give 400X, not often
useful.

The shorty barlow and the 12.3mm will double up you 25mm eyepiece that probably
comes with the scope.

If I were in your shoes, I would be looking for eyepieces to give you a broad
range of magnifications. I was under the impression that the Meade eyepiece
deal was still available, that would seem like a nice deal.

My experience is that 15mm and 9 mm www.scopestuff.com 66 degree Widefields are
quite nice, I think those would be good choices along with a Shorty Barlow.
They are the same eyepieces as the Orion Expanses. I don't recommend the 6 mm
and have not used the 20mm though I believe it quite similar to the 15mm and
worth owning. Those eyepieces are $39 shipped.

I would also be looking for a wide field eyepiece, a 32mm plossl gives good
views in a F10 SCT and provides a maximum FOV. For now you might be happy with
the 25mm that come stock but star hopping getting the widest possible FOV is a
big help. Even with a 32mm plossl the FOV will be less than 1 degree.

At some point you may want to get a F6.3 focal reducer which will increase your
FOV by about 50%.

jon

jon