Accessories Suggestion ?

I'm thinking of buying a WO Megrez 90 F6.9 APO OTA as my first (last ?)
scope, but being a complete novice, I'd appreciate some advice on
accessories. In particular, I'd like to know whether a finder scope
required and what range of eyepieces I should go for ? Are "zoom" eyepieces
frowned upon ? I recall a time when any "decent" photographer would spit at
the thought of a zoom lens, but I don't think that has been true for many
years now.

Some background:
I'm fifty-three; don't need glasses, but my wife does.
I'll point the scope at anything and everything, just for the fun of seeing
things "in the flesh". I'm not expecting close-up views of Uranus, but I
don't want the scope's potential limited by poor choice of accessories.
I'm thinking of an EQ3-2 mount.
I dare say I'll have a go at astrophotography at some stage, but when I do
it will only be the equivalent of holiday snaps. It isn't a priority; for
now.
A GOTO capability isn't required. I'd rather try to find things manually
for now.
I live in a typical town (so light pollution is an issue), though I'm hoping
to take the kit on holiday to Norfolk where the skies are somewhat darker.
The package includes a carry-case and 2" diagonal.

TIA,

Pete K

On Apr 1, 4:43 am, "Joey" wrote:
I'm thinking of buying a WO Megrez 90 F6.9 APO OTA as my first (last ?)
scope, but being a complete novice, I'd appreciate some advice on
accessories. In particular, I'd like to know whether a finder scope
required and what range of eyepieces I should go for ? Are "zoom" eyepieces
frowned upon ?

They are frowned on less and less. I believe a zoom is
on of the best initial investments you can make because it will
save you money overall. It will keep you from collecting
a boxfull of EP's that don't ever get used plus they grant
a great deal of facility for Lunar and Planetary study by allowing
one to rachet up the power very quickly when one of those
"moments" occurs.

Some background:
I'm fifty-three; don't need glasses, but my wife does.

She can compensate at the focuser as long as she
she doesn't require much correction for astigmatism.
(say 2 - 3 diopters)

I'll point the scope at anything and everything, just for the fun of seeing
things "in the flesh". I'm not expecting close-up views of Uranus, but I
don't want the scope's potential limited by poor choice of accessories.
I'm thinking of an EQ3-2 mount.

A good zoom and a good 2x Barlow (preferably Televue)
plus a good wide field "search ocular" is actually all
you'll ever need.

A GOTO capability isn't required. I'd rather try to find things manually
for now.

Bravo! Bravo! Archibravo! ( Mozart - Don Giovanni )

Also, a good finder scope ( or mediocre for that matter )
grants a great deal of facility - it's pretty much `de rigeur'.
Don't forget to get a good working field chart - one that
can withstand humidity.

Regards and good luck,

Ben
90.126 n 35.539

Ben,

Thanks for taking the time to reply to my post - I appreciate it.

Pete K

Hi Joey

I think a decent zoom is a good investment - good for getting
magnification /background darkness optimal, saves buying lots of
eyepieces, and great fun on the moon. A half decent barlow (e.g. Shorty
Plus or equivalent) is also very helpful. A lot of scopes will come with
a finder, e.g. 6x30, which is pretty essential if you are non-GOTO.

I would also recommend a unit power finder. Either a simple red-dot
finder (~£20) or something with a bullseye target like a Telrad or a
Rigel Quickfinder. Any of these will be a big help in making sure that
you are pointing at roughly the right area of sky before you start
looking through the scope or finderscope.

Cheers
David



Joey wrote:
I'm thinking of buying a WO Megrez 90 F6.9 APO OTA as my first (last ?)
scope, but being a complete novice, I'd appreciate some advice on
accessories. In particular, I'd like to know whether a finder scope
required and what range of eyepieces I should go for ? Are "zoom" eyepieces
frowned upon ? I recall a time when any "decent" photographer would spit at
the thought of a zoom lens, but I don't think that has been true for many
years now.

Some background:
I'm fifty-three; don't need glasses, but my wife does.
I'll point the scope at anything and everything, just for the fun of seeing
things "in the flesh". I'm not expecting close-up views of Uranus, but I
don't want the scope's potential limited by poor choice of accessories.
I'm thinking of an EQ3-2 mount.
I dare say I'll have a go at astrophotography at some stage, but when I do
it will only be the equivalent of holiday snaps. It isn't a priority; for
now.
A GOTO capability isn't required. I'd rather try to find things manually
for now.
I live in a typical town (so light pollution is an issue), though I'm hoping
to take the kit on holiday to Norfolk where the skies are somewhat darker.
The package includes a carry-case and 2" diagonal.

TIA,

Pete K

I've spent months (off and on) trying to decide what kind of telescope would
be best for me, so it was with some relief when I finally made a decision.
I hadn't appreciated how many other bits and pieces also needed to be
considered. So thanks for your comments; I'm just that bit closer to a
purchase now...

Pete K