Help picking an eyepiece

[ic_1101]

Hi guys, it’s sad to say but I haven’t looked through an eyepiece in the last 15 years and have devoted my Astronomy interests to astrophotography. I even sold the cheap eyepieces I had years ago. Recently I purchased a classic Cassegrain scope (2436 focal length at f12) to do some planetary imaging. My Kids and grandkids have shown an interest in seeing some views mainly of Saturn and Jupiter. My question is if I had to buy one eyepiece for visual viewing which one would you recommend. I’m hoping to maximize the views that this scope affords. Price within reason is not a problem. Thx for any advice you can offer.

[Lady Fraktor]

If you just want 1 eyepiece I would suggest the Baader Mk4 zoom.
https://kwtelescope.com/hyperion-8-24mm ... hd-barrel/

[Bigzmey]

For family/outreach viewing Baader Mark 4 zoom Gabby suggested is the prefect solution.

[ic_1101]

Thank you both for that suggestion. That eyepiece at 8mm it would give me 305x, would that be the maximum I could go in average seeing or could I get away with a 5 or 6mm eyepiece. I do see the functionality of that zoom eyepiece though.

[notFritzArgelander]

Thank you both for that suggestion. That eyepiece at 8mm it would give me 305x, would that be the maximum I could go in average seeing or could I get away with a 5 or 6mm eyepiece. I do see the functionality of that zoom eyepiece though.

I agree with the recommendations above. That zoom also Barlows well. The Baader Barlow works well with it and the maximum magnification of 406x (rarely achieved on perfect nights) can be had with the zoom.

https://www.baader-planetarium.com/en/b ... -1.3x.html

[Refractordude]

I have and enjoy this zoom eyepiece. The zoom effect is really cool when splitting tight double stars and increasing mag on the Moon. Check out the reviews.

https://agenaastro.com/agena-1-25-zoom- ... hread.html

[Bigzmey]

Thank you both for that suggestion. That eyepiece at 8mm it would give me 305x, would that be the maximum I could go in average seeing or could I get away with a 5 or 6mm eyepiece. I do see the functionality of that zoom eyepiece though.

I agree with the recommendations above. That zoom also Barlows well. The Baader Barlow works well with it and the maximum magnification of 406x (rarely achieved on perfect nights) can be had with the zoom.

https://www.baader-planetarium.com/en/b ... -1.3x.html

I use Baader Mark 4 zoom plus Q-barlow combo in my travel setup and it works nicely. But you may not even need the barlow. On a typical night I can push my scopes to 150-200x on planets and Moon and that already provides plenty of small details. On a night of good seeing I can go up to 300x. 400x or above almost never happens.

[notFritzArgelander]

Thank you both for that suggestion. That eyepiece at 8mm it would give me 305x, would that be the maximum I could go in average seeing or could I get away with a 5 or 6mm eyepiece. I do see the functionality of that zoom eyepiece though.

I agree with the recommendations above. That zoom also Barlows well. The Baader Barlow works well with it and the maximum magnification of 406x (rarely achieved on perfect nights) can be had with the zoom.

https://www.baader-planetarium.com/en/b ... -1.3x.html

I use Baader Mark 4 zoom plus Q-barlow combo in my travel setup and it works nicely. But you may not even need the barlow. On a typical night I can push my scopes to 150-200x on planets and Moon and that already provides plenty of small details. On a night of good seeing I can go up to 300x. 400x or above almost never happens.

All true no doubt. The OP has a 203mm aperture so could possibly, rarely find 406x ok.

[ic_1101]

Thank you all for your recommendation and I’m sold. Going to pull the trigger on the Baader zoom and if needed I have a TeleVue 2” Powermate that I could use with it.

[notFritzArgelander]

Thank you all for your recommendation and I’m sold. Going to pull the trigger on the Baader zoom and if needed I have a TeleVue 2” Powermate that I could use with it.

If you have the TV Powermate you certainly don't need another Barlow. Clear skies to you!

[Lady Fraktor]

Enjoy the views Alex