How to correctly use telescope accessories

[@21stCenturyNomadGaming]

I think this is one of the best Astronomy channels out there. Helped me a lot.

[@John-of5sh]

"The sellers sometimes include accessories without any instructions as to how to use them..." OMG, truer words have never been spoken! Thank you Sir!!! I am just getting into astronomy and you helped me more than you can imagine with this short video. I went from bewildered to much more confident that I can now chose the correct pieces of gear to invest in first. So glad I found your web pages! I look forward to watching more of them! Regards, John Archer

[@albertross-ndt]

I watch lots and lots of KZbin videos and, well, this has been so refreshing. No music or unnecessary graphics honest and concise and most of all; enjoyable. I just purchased a cheap telescope and I wondered why there were no instructions about the eyepieces/accessories. Just on this one video I have subscribed to your channel, I don’t want to be accused of covert advertising other than to say that I bought my telescope via one of the German supermarkets £60, for the price the telescope is remarkable quality materials well made. Thank you.

[@paganphil100]

@albertross-ndt: My last telescope was a small (70mm) refractor which I bought from LIDL.....it was made by Bresser and came with a tripod and a couple of eyepieces. I can't remember the price but it was definitely a lot less than £100. I wonder if it was the same one that you got?

[@kharnethebetrayer4125]

My first telescope was a 75mm Celestron. It had 3 eye pieces, a moon filter and a 3x barlow. It was very good value I thought, and it got a lot of use. I have now moved on to a 254mm dobsonian, but my mum likes using the old celestron to look at fields over the river, so its still getting used.

[@chiragamin4130]

Thank you for explaining it so nicely. It helped me and my son a lot. I do wish telescopes came with instructions for beginners.

[@sakuntharanaweera2457]

Hello Mr. Jason.. I am an undergraduate in Electrical Engineering and I am from Sri Lanka.. My favorite astronomical KZbin channel is your Small Optics channel and you are doing very well.. I have been interested in astronomy since I was a child.. now I am 22 years old.. hahaha... I loved astronomy so much that I saved the money my parents gave me from time to time in a bank account and used that money to buy a 144mm reflecting telescope ( $650 ) at the age of 15.. All the money I saved was spend on astronomy.. since all the money I saved was spend on astronomy, I now have a small fully-fledged observatory in my home.. Studying in the field of electrical engineering puts a lot of stress on mind but astronomy has been able to reduce my stress.. thank you sooo much for making these awesome videos.. all the very best Mr. Jason..

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Sakuntha. Thank you for sharing your lovely story and your more than welcome... Very much appreciate your support and good luck with your studies. All the best my friend, clear skies :)

[@richardvanasse9287]

Just subbed, and on just the second video I watched. Keep up the good work.

[@normanwitts9374]

Very informative videos! learned from 2 of them what scope I need and which accessories. No BS, direct with clarity which anyone can understand. Thank you.

[@chefboy2160]

Great job Jason on keeping it simple! This channel is great for astronomical learning and your description of our tools. Wish they had stuff like this when I started out in the 60s but I did get lucky in 72 and took a telescope building class at Berkley college with John Dobson as the teacher. Used ship porthole glass and I built an 8 inch reflector and my eyepiece was a canibalized 10 power from a pair of binoculars. Now companies make decent starter scopes with ok pricing. Keep up what your doing buddy as people are more and more finding this great hobby!

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Douglas. Thank you my friend much appreciated... Wow! That's awesome. I would love to have a go at making my own mirror/telescope, and to be taught the late great John Dobson that's just amazing.. Bino eyepieces make surprisingly good eyepieces, I've got a few I've made that I still use today so your not on your own with that one 😉

[@jons2447]

Hello, Mr. Cobb; "THANK YOU!" for sharing, good to hear about your experience. Mr. Dobson was somewhat typical of those that care. He cared enough to make changes we benefit from now. Have a GREAT day, Neighbor!

[@chefboy2160]

Yes Mr. Dobson was quite the character and his class was pretty much all most people could do to get a decent scope besides department store hobby killers. That scope cost $112 US dollars to make in 1972 and it makes me appreciate all of the new stuff on the market today as I still enjoy sidewalk astronomy and getting people interested in looking up.Clear Skies! Doug

[@VC27]

@Douglas Cobb - You are one dedicated and yet a lucky person to have attended John Dobson's classes and then again you have ground a ship's porthole glass into a mirror. I doff my cap to you Sir.

[@_tyler-_-]

@@smalloptics753 What's the purpose of an extension tube?

[@kofdenhamsprings2701]

As ususal, pleasant to watch and all makes sense. Thanks, K

[@dydy75112]

Howdy Jason - Dare I say... you are a PEACH! I've been pondering getting a telescope for years (brother kept pushing because I live RURAL, so a busload of fun in the sky - he's pea green jealous) and finally got a 6" Skywatcher Dob. (I did get the GoTo, but haven't used it so far - just wanted the option). In the month I've had it, by watching your videos I am learning so much! I LOVE skywatching, and with your help, every little tweek, learned skill or tip, I love it more. So Thank You for making learning this so much fun! You're a Hoot-n-a-Half and every video at some point puts a smile on my face. Be Well - Dyan

[@SimonsAstronomy]

Ive got this new 10" dobsonian Thx for the explanation 😊

[@Astronurd]

For visual astronomy the UHC and OIII filters are fantastic for viewing nebulae and planetary nebula. They will show a load of details otherwise invisible to the eye. Unfortunately good quality ones can be £90-150

[@gothicm3rcy426]

yes price is an issue for me :)

[@captaintoad-ef6zt]

@@gothicm3rcy426 such is the hobby .

[@SaneGuyFr]

Oiii filter can only work with larger telescopes in very dark site

[@zacharyniswender1925]

Svbony and Astromania make decent UHC and O-III filters for around 40-50 dollars. I have used them with great success, especially the O-III filter on the veil nebula

[@mikeh.8912]

Amen to this - with our light pollution here, some nebulae are nearly impossible to even find, much less view, without a good UHC. OIII's work well on some too.

[@datboi6066]

Thank you for this video! Finally getting my first telescope and you helped a bunch. God bless

[@lutherpolaris8230]

Excellent presentation- thank you

[@coroamanicolai4527]

Thanks! Really helpful for a beginner.

[@SW-Video]

Your videos are so helpful for this old guy just getting into astronomy. Thank you!

[@csabakallai3830]

Thank you for your pieces of advice

[@infinityx1211]

Thanks man! Really helpful for someone who only started like 3-5 months ago, just like me. Subscribed, love from PH🇵🇭🇵🇭

[@smalloptics753]

Your welcome pal and welcome to the hobby 🙂

[@mosesrodriguez1494]

Thank you, my first time watching.

[@SleeperHonda]

Thx for the content, super helpful! Love this new hobby!

[@timothyhart7155]

Thanks for the review. I learned some things that I was unclear about and your review was helpful.

[@masterschiele4265]

Great informative video. Thank you.

[@frackcenturion]

i enjoyed putting the camera away the other night and just enjoyed visual with the eyepiece, what a difference 👍

[@smalloptics753]

Good to hear buddy.. Never grows old the visual side of it for me :)

[@BasmanIqbal]

Still has the same fun and joy while watching it!

[@Mr-fz2cb]

Thanks, Jason, great video again. I echo the importance of a moon filter. They so much improve contrast. I have a variable filter. A bit more expensive but you can use them in both small refractors and bigger reflectors. Clear skies!

[@brianlopez8970]

Any brand recommendation for your variable filter? I was told angel eyes is good but I see so many

[@Mr-fz2cb]

@@brianlopez8970 Hey Brian, sorry for the delay. I have the variable polarizing filter from Explore Scientific. It does a good job, not only for the moon but also for bright planets (namely Jupiter ;))

[@brianlopez8970]

@@Mr-fz2cb thanks. I received the ICE version from fam. It has worked well so far.

[@Mendoz1]

I would like to thank you for the simplicity of working out eyepieces. Great advice. 👍

[@paulm5857]

Excellent, straight forward video. Than you!

[@smalloptics753]

@paulm5857 you are more than welcome my friend. Thank you for watching.

[@johndetta2177]

Thank you for your video.. You nailed it . No help for Barlow lens

[@tzp1000]

Dear Jason, thank you so much for all the information provided in your videos. So good for someone like me from southern Brazil who is thinkig about buying an entry level little telescope like svbony 501p, a barlow 3x and a 9mm eyepiece, just for seeing the moon and the planets. Again, thanks a lot. Have a good day

[@andrewpitt9994]

Thanks Jason for another super helpful explanation - one of your best....!

[@peabody4217]

I just bought my 3rd scope a orion observer ST-80 great lil scope! came with a 2x barlow and just plan on using the 25mm eyepiece with the barlow, should get some great views! it also came with a 10mm eyepiece a planeophshere and a moon guide with the names of ALL the moons features.

[@jasonvictor9542]

Another super video, thanks again Jason!!!

[@brianlopez8970]

Great video. Learning so much.

[@grahamperkins6911]

Another great video well explained. As a beginner found it very useful..thanks

[@editbalazs349]

The UHC and CLS filter are always useful accessories for (almost) each telescopes, but especially those that have above 250mm apareture!

[@casvdw8204]

They do cost 70€ 😢

[@editbalazs349]

@@casvdw8204 There is a saying: "Astronomy is an expensive hobby!" A friend of mine often says. Ha owns a 406/2000 APO scope and own an observatory.

[@ftumschk]

Hugely helpful as ever, Jason. Thank you!

[@warkal868]

Thank you for the detailed explanation!

[@roughridersfan]

Great practical advice. Top shelf. Thank you!

[@aviationmt2454]

Great explanation, well done!

[@jackg7225]

I wish when I had my first telescope in the mid-90s that you were around back then with a KZbin channel. I was really disappointed back then, too much vibration. On Saturday, I bought an xt8. I looked at the nearly full moon. Oh, it looked so cool. I tried a star but had a hard time focusing. Today, I checked the collimation with the aid of videos and the primary mirror was a little off. I watched this video to get the info you provided. I will get a moon filter in the next couple of days and be ready for the next full moon.

[@letszoomit365]

Thanks for a great video, I hope to be able to use my equipment soon (this season that will come) and now I have to learn every bit I can for beginners 🤩👌👌

[@avt_astro206]

Great Video Jason. Very Good Advice!!👍🏻

[@smalloptics753]

Thank you Aventeesh, hope your well my friend 🙂

[@smallfig]

Thank for the info. I just purchased my first Celectron telescope. And oh course I have a lot to learn. I love taking photos of the moon. I will be watching more of your videos. Thank again 😊

[@smalloptics753]

Welcome to the hobby, my friend.

[@Pl4yingxH4t3R]

Thank you so much for the Video man. For this hobby couldnt get quit good contact to others for advice. Appreciate it mate

[@smalloptics753]

You are more than welcome friend

[@thehodlking]

Thanks for the content!

[@keithrobertson8101]

Great vids very helpful thanks

[@zefnoly9147]

That andromeda smudge you showed is IDENTICAL to how I saw the galaxy through a long exposure pic I took of the sky with my DLSR camera (Nikon D3100) without using a telescope by just zooming inn on it. Was stil amazing to see. Something I would love to try one day is calibrate the logic motor I have properly enough to take a long exp photo through my telescope. But for now I need to center spot it. No matter how well I collimate I seem to not get the focus I should have with this telescope or my barlow lenses. I also notice that when I defocus the defocus blur points wont be perfectly circular at times. This is indication on a gone wrong/improper collimation, right? Anyways gonna get to 3D printing that center spot and the collimation eyepiece as soon as I can. Anyways season for viewing planets properly without the sun being in the way where I live seem to be a couple of months away... When it comes to barlow lenses I got. There is the celestron T ring 2x barlow (which wasnt really 2x as advertised and as compared to a more expensive barlow I bought) Anyways it is perfect as a DSLR mount to other barlows with the lens unscrewed. And the omni barlow I bought. The omni barlow which also is the 2x one from celestron gets a bigger zoom than the other barlow. Which is why I am thinking the T ring one isnt 2x like it advertised on amazon. Also it says 1/4 something? I dont quite remember. 2x was never written anywhere on it when I received it. But it does also allow my DSLR to focus. But not perfectly due to the bad collimation I think I currently have. Telescope I got is the celestron 130EQ mount with the logic motor. On arrival I had to reglue some stuff. Bad factory build? But the telescope itself works fine. Besides the tripod being of questionable quality.

[@willhoward9865]

Binos view might be the best. Seen it several times through 7x35 binos. Dark skies and night adapted eyes needed. M31 is HUGE.

[@rubictan5626]

Hi Jason please may I request you to discuss on aperture masking of newtonian tekescope and also primary mirror masking. I want to get information to improve quality of my 6 inch F8 homemade dobsonian telescope wherein when I do visual observing like planets, the objects seems blurred and as if creating double image.

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Great video Jason, very well explained 👍😊

[@smalloptics753]

Thank you John, much appreciated my friend 😊

[@gabbysurman8300]

Amazing thanks for the advice

[@smalloptics753]

Your more than welcome 😊

[@MountainFisher]

I have a polarizing adjustable Moon filter and a good Moon and Skyglow filter which is great for viewing the daytime Moon and actually helps with some light pollution, some, but it's mostly for skyglow from the Moon. When I had an achromat refractor the blue fringe was distracting sometimes so I used a light yellow #8 filter that helped with light fringe. For bad fringe I used a #11 yellow/green filter they costs $11 each, but Baader makes an excellent Semi-Apo filter, but is expensive, they make fringe killer filters too, but still are expensive, they work though. If you're on a budget try the light yellow #8 and yellow/green #11 as they work too. I bought a UHC LPR or CLS Nebula ultra high contrast and light pollution reduction-city light suppression filter that was only good for bright DSOs because it was made for 6" or 8" was better scopes. Smaller scopes didn't collect enough light to be useful for visual, just fyi. So if you see Nebula filter know it isn't for visual unless you have a large aperture.

[@jeffswope1511]

Great info thanks

[@paullewis321]

Brilliant video and great advice for us beginners as usual Jason. One point I would like to ask if you don't mind, When viewing Jupiter last year through my 150mm Reflector telescope it just looked like a large bright star, but I could see the 4 largest moons which was fantastic, but no detail of the planet itself. However, when I attached my DSLR and was able to make alterations to the settings I got quite a good view of the planet but lost the moons. Am I doing something wrong, how/can I, get a better view of the planet Jupiter. Saturn was amazing by the way 🙂

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Paul. Thank you my friend.. No you are not doing anything wrong, the reason why you can get better result's with photography is you've got more control on the exposure. But unfortunately it's usually the case, turn the exposure up to see the moons and you lose the detail in the planet, turn the exposure down to see the detail on the planet and you lose the moons. I can't really give you advice on the photography side of things because I'm no astrophotogragher but try this for visual. Try using a 2 X barow with something like a 10 mm eyepiece this will act like a brightness control cutting down some of the glare of the planet because there is more glass for light to pass through.. Unfortunately you will still lose the moons because the F.O.V will be narrower but you should get a lot better view of Jupiter through the eyepiece.. Hope this helps buddy. Good luck :)

[@paullewis321]

@@smalloptics753 Thank you Jason, I did that with my DSLR, the photo looks totally over exposed but I can see the moons so ive kept the photo. being a beginner I'm more into visual to learn and find my way around the night sky, just using my 25mm is perfect. last year I was viewing Saturn, had my telescope just tracking, it was amazing. Went inside to make a brew, came back out and a light cloud had come over and could no longer see the planet, however, because I was tracking it when I looked through the scope I could still see Saturn made my night. Love the idea of using 10mm with a 2x Barlow. Thank you again Jason

[@loganbaker007]

@@paullewis321 what kind of telescope did you have? Because I have a 660mm telescope and I’m also wanting to see Jupiter/ Saturn.

[@infinitewonder305]

Hey nice informative video . I just bought a Dobson 8 Aperture 203 MM I wanted to know the 3 most used eyepiece you will recommend for my Dob, I’m new to this it came with a 25mm only

[@dimitarstoyanov4506]

Hi Jason, first time watching you but gotta say, very nice and detailed video! I got my father a 6 inch dobsonian, but like with the typical reflector the image we see is horizontally and vertically reverted. Could you give me advice on which type of accessory I need to look for - prism, erecting lens or star diagonal? I read some articles online but they left me confused. Thanks in advance!

[@marcinkw.858]

7:09 this is nice coincidence for me because I've got 10mm eyepiece and 2x Barlow and I didn't knew about this rule 🙂. BTW. Seeing Venus in really bad weather conditions and near road lamp was breathtaking for me so I can't wait to see Jupiter and Saturn in July 🙂

[@bushcraftandastronomer.3775]

Hey Jason very interesting video and I must admit I've never tused a filter and I have no experience with them but I'll give it a go. Which ones you suggest? I always do low powered when deep sky observing as I find you see more detail and I do use high power when viewing Saturn or Jupiter. It's clear here where I am as I'm camping in a dark location and this is it the first time with Huawei p40pro in dark location so I just hope this phone gives me astrophotography shots I desire. Nice advice on the plossl eye pieces so I'll check them out. I kinda do more astrophotography than visual observing these days getting that perfect astro photo! Thanks for video and stay safe friend plus clear skies too!

[@Astronurd]

It depends on what targets you are shooting. OIII filters are great for nebulae and bring out a lot of details. Some benefit greatly by a Ha filter like the California nebula. Every serious astrophotographer uses filters. A very important point is to buy good quality filters as the old saying “ You get what you pay for “ is definitely true here . Another good all round filter is the UHC. Good luck 👍

[@smalloptics753]

Hey buddy. Sorry for the late reply.. The only filter I use and my go to is a Moon filter, the only one I ever use really.. Good luck with the astrophotography pal. Stay safe my friend, clear skies :)

[@michaelwheadon8405]

Hi thank you for your advice could you tell me where you would more likely to use a Barlow lense thanks mike

[@Tiremanwms]

I received a celestron powerseeker as a gift and as I read it's a bad telescope but I'm stuck with it. I watch you alot but I'm not sure what eye pieces might fit to improve the viewing. Should I stay with a 15mm with better quality or what do you suggest.

[@lohikarhu734]

I wish that you would have explained the relationship between/among the telescope focal length, the eyepiece focal length, and the telescope aperture... That's the "holy trinity", methinks, that drives the viewing capabilities...

[@gamingzillajinnu5121]

please suggest me some low and high power eyepiece around the price of he aspheric eyepieces.

[@Adrian-jk4kx]

Hi Jason,. Great video and clearly explained as usual.....I was just wondering why the lens cover on my 5 " Newtonian as with yours has an extra cap and smaller aperture on the main cover ? Thanks

[@warkal868]

Hello Adrian. Been wondering the same thing. Bought a Celestron StarSense LT 127AZ. Fiddled with it, upon viewing the moon. Left the main cover on, took off the smaller cover , it fit right over the extra , non removable cover. Now to my finding, there was less light into the telescope, so the moon was less bright and easier to view with the eye. With the main cover off, the moon showed very bright, couldn't look at it too long. So maybe it is to collect less light for viewing brighter objects?

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Adrian.. Yes the mysterious little covers, something else that isn't explained in the instructions.. What they are for, one of them at least because usually one of them is blocked off is, you can use them as an aperture stop. This is great if you don't have a moon filter. Leaving the main cover on and removing one of the little caps reduces the aperture of the telescope down to the same aperture as the little hole in the cap, what this does is it dramatically cut down the light of the Moon making it less glaring and easier to observe you would only do this for viewing the moon though. So now you know 😀

[@Adrian-jk4kx]

@@smalloptics753 Thanks Jason.....I'll give that a try ..the mystery is solved!!!

[@Adrian-jk4kx]

@@warkal868 Thanks for that I thought it might be for letting the dew dry off the primary lens !!!! now I know.

[@Astronurd]

@@Adrian-jk4kx You shouldn’t get any dew on your primary mirror! You can get it on your smaller secondary mirror

[@jeffreywharton1458]

Maybe the guy who came up with the saying the moon was made of Green cheese was using a green filter

[@tashalousdadful]

Hi. Great video! I have an older 90mm Meade Mak-Cassegrain that only accepts the .965 eyepieces. Would buying an adapter that allows me to use the 1.25 eyepiece be a nice upgrade? I'm looking at the Plossl eyepieces. Thank you...

[@cigarnationwarriors]

I’m confused on whether or not I need an Extension Tube with my new StellaLyra 8” f/5 OTA for visual observing. Your advice, please. Thank you.

[@gothicm3rcy426]

moon provides excellent focus practice :)

[@Yilan206]

We bought a telescope for our 8 years old son. It's a 114 mm reflector, equatorial. We had a lot of cloudly nights (we are in winter and in a mountains zone) and couldn't see the moon yet. I found Saturn, using 26mm eyepiece, then 2x barlow with 26mm and then, barlow with 9mm and at that point, i lost Saturn 😅. With 6.3mm i can't see anything, all in black. Evidently we are doing somenthing wrong😢

[@marcinkw.858]

Would you be so kind and suggest first eyepiece for planetary observations? My telescope is dobsonian Skywatcher 8" (1200mm focal length). I've red about ES 6,7mm but it's quite expensive. Is there something cheaper for a beginner? I know that 6mm is absolutly maximum for my telescope.

[@jwalkerC21]

Thank you, found a film canister, doing this tomorrow

[@lucweber5466]

Hi, i have a Skywatcher Mac 127 and want to buy an focal extender 3 x for astrophotgraphy. Can you recomande it?

[@klodno6164]

I've got a 10 inch dob, with the 25mm and 10mm eyepieces it came with (I bought it used from a guy who bought it used 😬). Should I buy a moon filter first or a better eyepiece or a Barlow? What do you guys think?

[@Oxfire95965]

Spellcheck sucks I currently have a Celestron 114az can I do to improve its visual what kind of bar do do you recommend what kind of lenses do you recommend I'm currently just unsatisfied very sad

[@ka_shh]

is 15mm plossl going to be fine for seeing andromedia galaxy or seeing other deep sky objects?

[@matterhorn1975]

Hi Jason. Been looking at 2x barlow lenses. I currently have a slokey lens, now these are £25 at Amazon, which appears to be the same price as some you have mentioned and some I have seen you holding up in your videos. Is the Slokey one a decent lens?

[@shalabazertheboltstruck8645]

You're the best out there man 💪 listen carefully kids

[@bobelkiniii1461]

I got a hand me down telescope with a mix match set of eye pieces how can I tell a bad eye piece from a good I hate to sound dumb but I don’t want to replace 1 that might be top quality I got a meade model 44550 is this thing even worth trying to learn on oh ya why do all the eye pieces have different size holes does that help focus

[@paganphil100]

Will a Barlow affect the FOV ?

[@lilboy3939]

Mine came with a 20mm erecting lens a 12.5mm a 4mm 76apatcure with 700mm one moon filter and a 1.5x erector lens and a 5x Barlow and a half decent stand and full metal body

[@johnclark3514]

Thank you 😊!

[@nicknick4156]

Hi Jason. For reducing glare when photographing the planets, would i need to use a moon filter or would i need something else? Regards. Nick

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Nick, Moon filters will work for the planets as long as it's not too strong/dark a good all rounder I always recommend is a polarising filter, with those you can go from almost clear to very dark by simply twisting them to get the perfect balance for your telescope/camera. Hope this helps. All the best.

[@nicknick4156]

@@smalloptics753 thanks for your time

[@nicknick4156]

Sorry, one more question....does the polarising filter just fit over the lense? Can i still use a smartphone adapter with a filter?

[@shaunakguha762]

The Jupiter looks very bright in my 6"/750 mm dobsonian. How do I cut out the extra light? Can I see the red bands of Jupiter using a moon filter?

[@D148521]

Do you ever use a filter with your 2" eyepieces?

[@chriscampbell1456]

@ Small Optics I have a question that really doesn't have to do with this video. I just got a 127mm Newtonian for Christmas. It's a Bird-Jones type 1000mm. The question is about collimating it. Do I have to take the corrector lens out to collimate it using a collimation cap. I made one thanks to your video how to, so thanks for that as well as center spotting the mirror. Thanks for that video too. I've seen many other videos show that I had to take the corrector lens out to collimate it, so I did. With the corrector lens out, its spot on using both a collimation cap or a laser collimator (I know you don't like the laser method but, my laser is collimated itself perfectly at 30 feet, dead centered no wobble at all on a target.... I checked it using machinists Vee blocks.) Problem is when I put my corrector lens back in, if I look through my collimation cap, my center spot appears offset on the secondary. It has me worried I did something wrong. Did I change something the wrong way collimating the secondary mirror. But, like I said, with the corrector lens out it looks perfect. Please help if you can, newtonians are new to me.

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Chris. It doesn't sound like you're doing anything wrong, and it's a little odd that they both differ.. It is common practice to remove the lens when laser collimating a bird Jones telescope. I should imagine you've done the obvious checks like make sure that you've fitted the lens back correctly.. What I would do is laser collimate it first and do a STAR test and see how it looks then re-collimate with the cap and do another star test if one looks better than the other then choose that method for future collimation. Remember for visual work telescopes do not have to be in "precise" collimation as long as the telescope is in reasonable collimation all will be good 😀

[@Astronurd]

What you can do is put your laser collimator in and dim your lights. You should see a reflection of your centre mark on your laser. Just check it’s central. Good luck 👍

[@ronm6585]

Thank you.

[@gearhead366]

Moon filters... sounds like they're just for reducing the light amplitude. That telescope on your right... looks a lot like my Celestron 130 SLT. The cover has a removable piece that basically reduces the aperture. Wouldn't that serve the same purpose?

[@tuunaes]

It does precisely same for the brightness, but at the expense of also crippling resolving power of telescope, which depends on aperture diameter. Anyway for the Moon best filter is magnification. And dimming image is very counterproductive, because low light scotopic vision of the eye has major amount lower resolution than bright light photopic vision. Though when observing Moon daytime long pass colour filter removing more scatter prone shorter wavelengths improves contrast. Also single polarizing filter removes some scattered sunlight around 90 degree distance from the sun.

[@philipedwardcaddick4294]

Hi Jason I understand that the best upgrade s are eye pieces but I have just bought a Newtonian and I've seen on others that have scope's with red dot finder scope , would this be a good upgrade or are they just a gimic?

[@mikeh.8912]

I have found both a finder and a Telrad needed. For brighter things, I usually use the finder scope to quickly find it. For faint deep sky objects which cannot be seen in the finder scope, I use the Telrad (or red dot equivalent) to put the scope in the right place. I then use a 32mm (or slightly lower) eyepiece to try to locate the object directly in the focuser.

[@gamingzillajinnu5121]

love your content, from India. Iwas just asking that can you please upload a video on how to view invisible(to the naked eye) deep sky objects. I have a 4.5inch reflector. Also a recomendation on budget eyepieces like the aspheric ones.

[@BasmanIqbal]

I’m from India too!

[@chriscampbell1456]

I just got the Svbony Aspheric eyepieces. I would recommend the 23mm and the 10mm. I wouldn't really recommend the 4mm....quality isn't quite there. It seems like they took an 8mm eyepiece and added a 2X Barlow inside making it a 4mm, or it might be a 12mm with a 3X barlow in it. Not quite sure, I got all 3 as a set from Ebay for $30 American.

[@jons2447]

When I first heard about them I know nothing about them. I saw a review that said they are good for what they are. I decided to try one as they were a great price at the time. Turns out they work well enough, I have a 10mm. I haven't 'seriously' compared it to my Plossls (9 & 10mm). My cursory comparison showed no obvious difference. So if you need to save money & want an eyepiece go for it. Just know it is a plastic product so treat it as such. Have a GREAT day, Neighbor!

[@joonassarapuu5569]

With my telescope came a 20mm and 4mm eyepeice, but I am usually using the 20mm eyepeice to find my targets and centre them and then what I usually do is use my 20mm eyepeice with the 3x Barlow Lens to get just about same magnification as with the 4mm eyepeice alone because it is better to look through the 20mm eyepeice´s wider opening. :)😀

[@springbloom5940]

Id get something like a 32mm and 7mm or 9mm with a 2x. Id keep the 20 and ditch the 4mm and 3x. I could be very wrong, but as supplied eyepieces, I suspect the 4mm is next to useless and the 3x barlow is a bit much; unless its a high end scope, the supplied eyepieces will be a weak link. A lot of name brand eyepiece lines, like Orion Expanse, Sirius Plossl and Celestron Omni, are OEM made by the same manufacturers and can be found on eBay as 'Unbranded' or Svbony, for a fraction of the price. The Svbony black bodied plossls are the same as the Sirius plossl and their gold banded 'ultra wide angle' is an Orion Expanse; with a different housing and antireflective coatings. The lenses themselves are cut by the same mfr. Try some cheap plossls and wide angles, find what you like and invest in a couple higher quality pieces. You can get a pretty good quality eyepiece in the $50 - $75 range, when you're ready. Used eyepieces are also a good option. That said, find an astronomy club or star party and try someone's high end $200 eyepiece in your scope. Youll be robbing a bank to get one 😉

[@KooroshNameni-rf3yk]

what if the object I want to look at is on the top of my head how can I observe theme

[@TheBongConnection1410]

very interesting facts

[@Astrolavista]

Thanks Jason, another enjoyable episode, thought you were going to knock the SVBONY over at one point! lol Lots of basics covered there : ) I do like a good old polarising Moon filter so you can adjust the brightness, especially on refractors because you can screw one half to the diagonal and the other half to the eyepiece barrel and adjust the brightness by simply turning the eyepiece. .With a 650mm focal length scope you would need a 4mm Plossl to achieve 162x magnification and as you know them 4mm Plossls have microscopic eye lenses and very little eye relief, pretty much unusable if you ask me, whereas if you use an 8mm Plossl with a 2x Barlow you still get the 162x mag only with a more usable eye lens and eye relief. However if we are talking about eyepieces such BST Starguiders where the eye lens and eye relief is both decent and constant across the range then I totally agree that a single higher power eyepiece is going to show less scatter than Barlowing a lower power eyepiece. I'm always impressed with how well you can explain concepts without having dozens of jump cuts Jay :) and am I right in thinking you're like me and don't script? Bullet points at most?

[@smalloptics753]

Hey Chris. Thanks pal .. I know LOL what am I like if I'd have kicked it any harder it would have probably gone over because it was on that cheap fly-away tripod,... Yes the polarising filter trick, it's a great dodge that isn't it ? No I don't script but I do write out a structure of the video order and such, then press record and hope for the best :D.. Cheers Chris take care pal :)

[@ogshotglass9291]

@@smalloptics753 at least refractors, especially small ones, are durable. I've accidentally knocked over my 70mm Celestron TS several times and suffered no worse than a scuff mark on the body and misaligned finderscope, but it still nearly gives me a heart attack anytime it happens.

[@bobelkiniii1461]

You helped me a lot the only thing that could of helped me more is if showed examples of what of the things your where talking about im sorry I’m a total noob and my goal is to see the rings of Saturns I don’t even know if that will be a easy or hard goal

[@jack002tuber]

I'm not yet a new telescope owner. Can you tell me about the 1.5 barlow lens? I think they make those, seems a better option than the 2x or the 3x? Also comment on zoom eyepieces? A good idea?

[@smalloptics753]

Hello there.. 1.5 barlows are OK but not a common as the 2 X and in my opinion the 2X is the perfect size especially if you get one with a removable lens cell because you can remove the lens cell from the barlow and attache it to your chosen eyepiece (like you would a filter) doing so turns the 2X barlow into a 1.5 so with this type of barlow you get the best of both worlds.... Zoom eyepieces are OK, but the way I look at it is which is better a Swiss army knife or the individual tools? Zoom eyepieces can be good and convenient but in my opinion are never the same a good quality individual eyepieces.

[@jack002tuber]

@@smalloptics753 Ok, thanks! Love the channel! I watch every new video.

[@ericmalikyte885]

Gotcha, need a moon filter!

[@niallchurch2679]

What are the 2 small caps on front dust cap of reflector telescope?

[@JenFoto]

They're for solar viewing (obviously whilst using a solar filter!)

[@cricketfreakcf3069]

Hello sir, I have one question I have RC8 inches GSO With bressers EX2 mount, I have 25mm 40mm and 9mm eye peice also I have 2x2 Barlow, I get confused which one to use to watch for venus or jupiter, I try with 40mm I see v small image of venus, I try with 25 also... Van u tell me which one to go for and what's the best combination to watch jupiter I tries with filters also I don't see any details for jupiter what I see is yellow ball

[@smalloptics753]

Hello friend thank you for your question. With your telescope you should have no trouble at all seeing detail in the planets. First make 100% certain that your telescope is in good collimation. For the planets your going to be dealing with high power/magnification so it's important that your telescope is tuned up for the job.. You won't see any detail in the planets with your low power eyepices, the one you want is the 9mm. Used on it's own the 9 mm should be showing you some detail and especially combined with the barlow. If not, then it's one of three things, 1: your telescope needs collimating. 2: your eyepiece needs upgrading. 3. The conditions. to get good views of the planets the conditions have to be good and also plants are always best viewed when they are at there highest point in the sky. You will never get good views when the planet is low to the horizon.. Remember, the planets do look small in all telescopes from 4-10 inch's of aperture. Hope something here helps find the views your looking for.. Good luck.

[@rodsouza1432]

Jason, I need help. I am a beginner. I recently got a pre owned Sky watcher 80/400 AZ3, the only issue is when i see planet like mars, When there is the straight line coming across, I am thinking, that i have an issue with the eye piece. How to fix this issue. I think the prism inside has a small scratch (on the non reflected side of prism)

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Robin, sorry to hear that, it could well be a crack in one of the Optics. Worst case scenario would be a cracked objective lens (the big one at the front of the telescope) if it is that then unfortunately it means a new telescope. If its the diagnol or the eyepiece they can be replaced. To check them, take the diagnol out and put the eyepiece directly into the telescope and have a look, if you can't see the black line then you know what the problem is. If you can still see the line loosen the retaining screws a little for the eyepiece and rotate the eyepiece while looking through it if the line turns too then you know it's the eyepiece at fault. Hope this helps and you can at least diagnose the problem. Good luck.

[@robertaharris7320]

How do you actually use the moon filter? Do you place on the eyepiece?

[@paganphil100]

@robertaharris7320: Yes (it screws into the eyepiece).

[@stay_at_home_astronaut]

Good video.

[@smalloptics753]

Thank you :)

[@nofreerides7033]

The only piece that is threaded on inside is the 4 mm Lens. Is that where I should thread the filter on ? Cause the 20m eyepiece isn’t threaded..

[@Soffity]

The thread might well be under the rubber ring on your eye piece, mine is, the rubber comes off and there is the thread,