Celestron Star Hopper 8

Ryan · Guest

This is my first telescope purchase, and all i'm really looking for is something simple that will provide me with "wow" views of a variety of things. I live in a rural area, and have narrowed down my search to the Celestron Star Hopper 8. Could anyone help me with the following questions.

1. Is there any other telescope in the same price range that might be better for me?

2. What else should I buy with the Celestron Star Hopper 8 in order to fully utilize the scope? (star map, different eyepieces, filters, etc?)

I would like to look at everything i can (sun, moon, planets, deep space).. any input would really help! thanks..

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5498

Hi

You are definitely on the right track with a Dob if you want both simplicity and performance. Always the biggest manual scope for your dollar.

First thing on any telescope is to consider other eyepieces. You will need more than the 25mm (48x) that comes with it to cover all your observing needs. I usually recommend a two eyepieces plus a barlow or three eyepieces to give you a low, medium and high power range of magnifications. On a Dob, though, pay more attention to the low and medium ranges - that's what you will use the most for deep-sky objects and that's what a Dob is really all about. I like a low somewhere between 50x and 100x and a medium in the 100-150x.

Filters are useful, but not necessary to get started. Again, with deep-sky observing in mind, I would look at nebuale filters, either narrowband or more specific filters such as an O-III.

As far as manuals, there are many good ones. Sky Atlas 2000 is the most used manual out there, but I really like the newer Pocket Sky Atlas from Sky&Telescope. Very handy.

Add a red lens flashlight (you can make your own by coating a small light with several layers of red nail polish), some warm clothing and you are set.
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Guest · Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 9:08 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the helpful response!

Could you please post some links to your reccommended accessories. .. I'm not sure if I'm finding exactly what you're talking about. thanks

Ryan

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5498

Hi

Can't help you on the books - try your local chain bookstore on those.

For filters, look at the Televue Bandmate or Celestron O-111. There are many other choices. Just a couple I like.

You can make your own red lens flashlight by coating the lens with several layers of red nail polish or by getting a flashlight designed specially for astronomy, such as the Celestron Nightvision.

Eyepieces are too numerous to mention, but you might try the kit approach, such as the Meade Sereis 4000 kit or the Celestron kit.

Check here for all our telescope accessories.
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Thanks for posting with us
Joanie K - Your personal optics expert

Forum: http://www.opticsplanet.com/msgboard
Blog: http://blog.opticsplanet.com/
Store: http://www.opticsplanet.net/

Phone: 847-513-6201
Fax: 847-919-3003