Using Basic Telescope Accessories

This post is to show beginners how to use basic viewing accessories for the Dobsonian XT8 such as the eyepiece, barlow lens, and eyepiece filter. It's common knowledge, but sometimes there can be confusion with something you're new to! I hope it's helpful!

This is where the filter goes. It wont attach to the main eyepiece, although it seems like it should. I've tried many times. So far, I can only attach it to my barlow lens. Make sure it's screwed on tight, if it's loose, it could fall off and onto the mirror inside the telescope and can break it!

This is where the eyepiece attaches to the barlow lens. The silver pegs on the side of the barlow hold the eyepiece tight into place when screwed in.

This is how the whole viewing piece will look once it's all put together. Now all you need to do is attach it into the telescope with the silver pegs to hold it in place! Remember, you don't need the barlow lens; if you don't have a barlow, just attach the eyepiece into the telescope itself!

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Accessories for My XT8 Dobsonian

These are the accessories I have purchased with my XT8 Dobsonian telescope; they work very well and without them, I couldn't get such great views of the moon's surface or Jupiter and the Galilean moons! Of course the 2 objects can be seen without all of the fancy accessories, but these will enhance the view.

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25mm Orion Sirius Plossl Telescope Eyepiece - $45.95
"The 25mm Sirius Plossl provides crisp views of many deep-sky objects such as nebulas and star clusters."

1.25" Orion 13% Transmission Moon Filter - $19.95
"The Orion 1.25" 13% Transmission Moon Filter reduces the glare so you can see more lunar detail and surface features with your telescope."

Orion Tri-Mag 1.25" 3x Barlow Lens - $55.95
"Delivers a 3x magnification boost to any 1.25" telescope eyepiece, greatly increasing your available viewing magnifications."

Orion EZ Finder II Telescope Reflex Sight - $39.95
"A small red LED dot is projected onto a non-magnifying viewing window so you can aim the telescope quickly and easily."

[The EZ Finder II with LED pointing.]

I give these accessories 5-stars in my opinion - they are great starter accessories and easy to use!
Once again, highly recommended.
You can purchase these accessories here: www.telescope.com

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