Accessories

I recenty purchased a used Meade LXD55 SN-10 with Autostar, barlow and 5 EP's. I saw some fantastic views of Jupiter and Saturn, so I'm really hooked. What I'd like to know is why Nagler ep cost 3x more than the Meades? Are they really worth it? Also from what I read it seems I need more accessories, like a better focuser, dew shields, heaters, finder scope and filters. These would cost more than the scope. Do I really need them?
Jim Gardner

Yes, the Naglers cost a lot. But so can the Meades. You get what you pay for. Naglers are not three times the cost of the Meades--at least the Meade 5000, SWA. Actually, if you check carefully, Meade Instruments sell a series of eyepieces that are almost as expensive, and almost as good (some would say better) as the Naglers. In short, there are various levels of eyepieces quality and field of view. For Meade Super Wide Angle, and Nagler 82 degree, you are paying a lot more than you would for the less expensive Meade or Televue Plossl's. (And Meade also sells various grades of Plossl's for various prices.)

Now, whether you need these other accessories depends on your experience, eyes, scope, and so forth.

On an SN10, I think you have a relatively longer focal ratio. SO, the top quality eyepieces are not as important as they might be with a 4.5 Focal Ratio.

I would suggest that whether you really need them or any of the other accessories you have seen depends more on your personality than anything else (Some people "need" whatever is the latest and have three of everything. Some people don't worry about it at all and have aperfectly lovely time at the scope.) Furthermore, I would suggest that the best way to find out if you need something is to hang around your local star parties with more experienced users and see what they have that you might find useful.

Alex

Jim,

I'm not sure where you are located but you will soon likely discover that dew shield and heater will be a necessity. These items are sold separately because owners have specific requirements and preferences. I would not worry about an eyepiece heater unless that proves to be a problem later on. If budget is a problem I would make due with your present finder; a right angle 9x50 may be preferred later. Again, if budget is a problem you can hold off on filters entirely for awhile until you can afford them. I, like many others, own a pile of filters which rarely get used, either because they are too much bother or sometimes fail to live up to the advertising hype.

Later on:

If you plan to do a lot of lunar gazing then a polarizer or standard Moon filter will be needed for the SN10. Also, a narrow band filter or Oxygen-III filter may be desired at some point for certain types of nebula. You might find colored filters helpful for some planetary viewing but you may also discover they rarely get used.

My comments reflect my own experiences and preferences but many accessories are not as critical as you may think. Go with the dew heater and shield first. After that, let your budget guide you and get lots of input from others, particularly from a local club if one is available.

Clear skies.