How To

How to Buy a Telescope Eyepiece

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By eHow Contributing Writer
(7 Ratings)

Every amateur astronomer who owns a telescope should have several eyepieces because changing them allows for viewing objects at various magnifications.

From Quick Guide: Learn All About Telescopes
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Buy a telescope with at least a 1 1/4-inch eyepiece: the industry standard size.

  2. Step 2

    Purchase a variety of eyepieces to view objects at different magnifications. Swap eyepieces to find the one that works best for a particular object.

  3. Step 3

    Know that the more expensive an eyepiece is, the more lens elements it has and, subsequently, the wider field of view it has.

  4. Step 4

    Be aware, however, that amateur astronomers don't necessarily need eyepieces with complicated lens elements.

  5. Step 5

    Consider purchasing a Barlow lens, which is used in conjunction with an eyepiece and increases magnification. It will double or triple the magnifying power of your eyepiece collection.

Tips & Warnings
  • Always store extra eyepieces in sealed plastic containers or storage bags.
  • Don't purchase a telescope with a 0.96-inch-wide eyepiece. It indicates that the telescope is below standard quality.

Comments  

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 There are six types of telescope eyepieces: Barlow, Kellner, Erfle, Orthoscopic, Huygens and Plossl.

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