Skywatcher Startravel 120 AZ3 Telescope / eyepieces configuration advice

[vlnikolic]

hello everybody,


i would like to buy Skywatcher Startravel 120 AZ3 Telescope, and some additional thingies with it.. i would like to have your advice about eyepieces configurations:

(note: i am aware of that mount is not perfect, and in time i plan to upgrade it)
(diagonal mirror would be 2" 99% with adapter for 1.25 ep)


configuration1:

ep: 4mm 12mm 20mm (decent quality fov ~65) + decent barlow 2x, thus giving:

4mm+B (300x), 4mm (150x), 12mm+B (100x), 20mm+B (60x), 12mm (50x), 20mm (30x)



configuration2:

ep: 4mm 8mm 12mm 20mm (decent quality fov ~65) + decent barlow 2x, thus giving:

4mm (150x), 8mm (75x), 12mm (50x), 20mm (30x)


both configurations in conjunction with fringe-killer 1.25 (for eyepieces, and not 2" that could be attached to diag.mirr, as far as i understand) in order to minimize CA

this telescope should be used as all-around scope

thanks..
: )

p.s. idea behind high zoom variants are that i could rely more on the optic, than on my eyes that are not as they used to be..

[Ylem]

I never had much luck with a 4mm, but that could be my eyes.

I would go with something like 8, 12, 20, 32.
Of course I didn't notice what it comes with, probably a 25?

If getting a Barlow you also could bypass that 4.

[Bigzmey]

Congrats on your selection Vlad! You made a good choice with Skywatcher Startravel 120 AZ3. The mount is basic but quite usable, I have used the same setup for a few months successfully.

As for the EPs there are many options. Do you have a link to the store which you will use? This way we can make suggestions on what is available for you. Also, what is your budget for the EPs?

[vlnikolic]

hello everybody,

i'll need a few weeks to complete everything i plan concerning this telescope setup.

i'll not speak aloud now about the exact components - but soon you'll find out if i was a good pupil of yours.

thank you!

: )

[Ozypic]

Hi there Vlad, good luck with your choice of telescope, I also use it . My sugestion would be to get it home and just use what comes with it for a while until you decide what you really want to do. If you decide you want to take pictures, you might be dissapointed you bought more eye pieces . The first thing I done was buy a cheap camera and now I only look through the eyepiece to align the scope on its goto mount. I bought a 2" diagonal, with the intention of buying 2" eye pieces but never did. The diagonal adds quiet a lot of weight to my cheap goto mount as well, and of course it doesnt get used with the camera ... so thats all I have to offer.. don't waste to much yet...
Phill

[pakarinen]

I never had much luck with a 4mm, but that could be my eyes.

I would go with something like 8, 12, 20, 32.
Of course I didn't notice what it comes with, probably a 25?

I think 4mm would be pushing it with that scope. Just to add to the confusion, if you got a 25, 15, and a 10, and a 2X Barlow, I think you'd be in good shape. But those are my most used EPs with my 120mm, so I'm biased.

[John Baars]

Like Pakarinen and others I think 300X is too much. A 5mm will be used more and be better.
Look here too: viewtopic.php?f=94&t=19850

[pakarinen]

Sometimes, I think my 6mm is pushing it (100x). But that could be my eyes or the optics or the sky conditions. I do know that as I go to shorter focal length EPs, the focusing gets much more finicky with the stock R&P on my 120. I should try cleaning it and using better lube.

[Refractordude]

I own a 120mm f/8 achromatic that can reach 200 mag on the Moon. That 200 mag is very rare. How about a barlow with a GSO 32mm plossl and GSO 20mm plossl? Left click the image.

https://agenaastro.com/gso-1-25-2x-achr ... -lens.html

[Bigzmey]

I have used the same scope for a few months and the useful range of powers was between 200x (3mm EP) and 19x (32mm). 3mm EP could be substituted by barlowing 5-7mm EP.

[Baurice]

I have the Startravel 80 and am pleased with it nut it is not good at high magnification. I use the 127mm Mak for that.

[vlnikolic]

hello everybody,


since this morning i am owner of beautiful st120.

i have not bought all the equipment yet, but i am very happy.

i have star diagonal 2", 12mm Magellan, 30 mm lacerta ed, and barlow 2x

i am not sure if this lacerta 30 mm is maybe damaged - thus i'll start another formum thread..


thank you very much for your help

vlad

[turboscrew]

Congrats! I hope the cloud gods are merciful to you.

[Lady Fraktor]

This may help a bit; viewtopic.php?f=34&t=550