14" GOTO SW Dob, Need advice to start things off the right way!

[NeutronStar]

Hi all, I have a couple of questions regarding what may be the best order to purchase EPs/Filters and accessories in the future. Firstly I'll explain whats happened so far (sorry if this gets too 'long winded.')
At the moment I have got an order of a 14" GOTO SkyWatcher DOB on the way from BTOW Australia (paid $2600 including delivery to Victoria.) I have come down a peg from deciding to go with a Meade 16" LB for $1999 (due to its massive size and base diameter) and whilst I know that the weight and bulkiness of the 14" may *still* be a pain in the back the size the weight doesn't really concern me as I don't have to move it too far + I'm built like a backyard *beep* house anyway (lol) I have already purchased an Astrozap 14" light shroud from the US ($140), so that's one accessory out the way. I also intend on purchasing an Orion Laser coliminator ($79 from Bintel), and other misc. things such as an Orion red torch and Chandler large planisphere ($30 combined.) The next item on my list is a Astronomik UHC 1.25" Filter (DSO/Nebula) and a Televue 1.25" 2x Barlow (both are around $129 each.) My main objective is seeing beautiful prominent nebulae (like M42) up close and personal. Do any of you guys think I'd be better off purchasing an EP rather than a UHC filter and barlow to start off? Or a different combination. I have $400 to spend on extras. Just want to make my initial visual experiences with my prized investment a good one!
(me) ->

[admin]

Hi Neutron, welcome mate I guess you went large! The goto definitely will help you track and find objects and the aperture really help see things nice and bright. I guess that's why we have clouds all of a sudden here.

Is this your first scope? Only issue will be using it often, moving it around unless you store it nearby your observing site.

I would go with a Baader Hyperion zoom for a swiss army eyepiece, or just get really good set of eyepieces if you can afford it.

clear skies

[NeutronStar]

Yeah this is my first scope , but my storage spot is like right next to where I need to observe so size and weight shouldn't be as much as an issue as I have heard it normally is. And yeah the clouds have been plaguing me nonstop for the last week! The store I brought the telescope from sure didn't sure mention a "greater attraction of clouds with increasing aperture size" in their brochure, but I guess that's what happens when you get one of these monsters!! lol. Thanks for the suggestions. I was looking into Baader Hyperior Zoom, so its a good thing you mentioned it. My dream EPs will one day be to obtain a couple of Ephos and Naglers!:I could just starve on nothing but spam and baked beams for 6 months for every Ephos EP but I do realise I need to experiment a bit before I take that plunge. Thanks for the suggestions!!

[sopticals]

Hi NeutronStar,

I dont think you have come down a peg by choosing the 14" Skywatcher. It should measure up nicely to your expectation. I used to own a 12" (non GOTO) and it was so convenient to be able to collapse the OTA, for storage and moving. From memory, my Skywatcher came with two eyepieces, 25mm and 10mm Plossls. Although the 25mm was ok, (except the 50deg FOV was a little narrow), I didnt like the 10mm, (eye relief too short, and FOV very narrow).

First you need a low magnification for wide field scanning. I found the ideal, (Im on a budget), in the GSO 2" 30mm Superview, (68deg FOV). Excellent value for money; performs on a par with comparable oculars of twice (and more) times the price).

You have a good barlow in the Televue: to complement that, a GSO 1.25" 20mm, (or 15mm) Superview, (70deg FOV) would work well, for intermediate/ higher powers.

Filters dont work for me, (others would share this view). Though I have a number of them, I dont use at all now. Found they simply dimmed the view, and contrast. So I wouldnt rate them as a "must have".

If you really want to get a WOW from m42, and the likes, save up for a pair of Binoviewers, these come to focus nicely in a collapsible dob, as you can adjust how much you need to extend the OTA, to allow for the right amount of "infocus" required.

Enjoy the journey.

Stephen.(44deg.S.) Scopes 14" and 22" Dobs.

[Bob327]

I'm stuck with using a small scope (CPC1100) and I do have a "beep" house in the back yard lol because frankly I'm lazy and have a hard time just carrying out a thermos of coffee ...

Anyhow... I do own a UHC as well as an Oxy 2 filters but I really do not use them all that much...but I do not regret buying them BUT I sure value my eyepieces a lot more then the filters mostly because I get a heck of a lot more use out of the
eyepieces...but truth be known I value my observation chair even more then I do the eyepieces...

So I'd place the NEED for a chair over the 3rd or 4th eyepieces and the eyepieces over the filters ..

BTW...one heck of a big scope you got on order...congratulations !

Bob G.

[andyp180]

congrats ont he new scope!!
that,or the 16" version is going to be my next target when funds allow!!
agree with bob here,the obs chair is my first optional extra,that is a
neccessity.
also,stephen(sopticals) makes some good points about the gso sv ep's.
excellent vfm for the price with performance that belies the price tag.
you can add several of these and still have change from your budget.
you're gonna love that monster scope,they are superbly built and engineered.
don't forget a first light report and some pictures when it arrives!!
clear skies,

[NeutronStar]

Hi Andy and Bob, thanks for the observation chair suggestion, as literal as it sounds a good observation chair looks like a great place to start. Also looked at Stephen's suggestion for GSO EPs, they are sure way more economical than the ones I have seen so far. From what I have read in many forums, they are also decently made for the price! I have a few eye balled on eBay, but it might be worth it to price match and look around. At this stage I'm thinking the 20mm 1.25" GSO EP with a 30mm 2" GSO EP (just to make a start in my non-existent EP collection.) :-D Will be sure to take some pictures of my upcoming scope too. Feel like my two boys on Christmas eve!!!

[andyp180]

look at the superview range if you can,they have a
wider fov than the standard gso items.
i have a 42mm 2" superview with a 68* fov,it's a real nice
ep for the price!!
if it were me,the chair would be the first item on the list.
it's for your eyes believe it or not.comfortable viewing makes for
better observing sessions.
clear skies,

[claws]

Yes, a good chair makes a lot of difference. I bought the Stardust based on recommendations from folks here and really like it. It's a little heavy at around 20lbs but that doesn't sound like it will be an issue for you.

You might check into Explore Scientific wide fov eps. I've got a 2" 30mm 82 degree ep that gives me nice wide views with my 8"dob.


Kim

[Zeiss]

You will want a good laser collimator. A good collimator is worth its weight in gold.
And with a big scope, even more so.
Either a glatter laser or an astrosystems 2 inch barlowed laser collimator would really be nice for that scope.