How to Buy a Telescope Eyepiece

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

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

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Buy a telescope with at least a 1 1/4-inch eyepiece: the industry standard size.
Step2
Purchase a variety of eyepieces to view objects at different magnifications. Swap eyepieces to find the one that works best for a particular object.
Step3
Know that the more expensive an eyepiece is, the more lens elements it has and, subsequently, the wider field of view it has.
Step4
Be aware, however, that amateur astronomers don't necessarily need eyepieces with complicated lens elements.
Step5
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.

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Anonymous

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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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eHow Article:  How to Buy a Telescope Eyepiece

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