The importance of the other features
In addition to the optics, there is much more in a telescope that influences your image. There are different tripods that are also suitable for different purposes. Or consider filters that increase the contrast of the moon. This way you can optimize the image even further. You can read here how you can use accessories and other features of a telescope to make the experience even better.
Eyepieces
An eyepiece is actually the second lens in a refractor telescope and the only lens in a reflector telescope. You can buy eyepieces with many different optical designs, consisting of one or more lenses. An eyepiece can almost be seen as a small telescope in itself. But what exactly is an eyepiece for?
Eyepieces affect magnification. The smaller the objective, the smaller the magnification. This allows you to decide for yourself whether you want to zoom in on a small part of the universe or whether you want to keep an overview. Eyepieces also provide a sharper image and make it comfortable to observe celestial bodies.
Eyepieces, like lamps, have a socket. This can have three diameters: 0.964 inches (2.45 cm), 1.25 inches (3.18 cm) or 2 inches (5.08 cm). However, the eyepiece holder, in which you place the eyepiece in the telescope, only has one of the above openings. This cannot be changed. If you want to buy a different eyepiece for your telescope, you must take the diameter of the eyepiece holder into account. The most common international standard is 1.25 inches. Most telescopes in our shop are equipped with a 1.25 inch eyepiece holder.
Barlow lens
To increase the maximum magnification of the telescope even further, a Barlow lens is an easy and cheap solution. Place the eyepiece of the telescope in the Barlow lens. Most telescopes come with a Barlow lens. If you want to purchase a Barlow lens yourself, it is wise to pay attention to the following:
If you create too high a magnification, you run the risk of a blurred image. The rule of thumb is that the maximum meaningful magnification should be 2x the diameter of the telescope. If you create a magnification higher than this, you will get a blurry image.
Tripods
The tripod
A telescope must be supported by a tripod. A telescopic tripod has the following functions:
- Keep the telescope stable so that you get an optimal image
- Point the telescope at objects
- Adjust the telescope position during star observations to compensate for the Earth's rotation
- Keeping your hands free, so you have plenty of room to focus, change eyepieces, write down observations or copy objects
There are two types of tripods: a azimuth tripod and a equatorial