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Eyepiece Magnification Query

Hi there, I now have my first telescope (Celestron PS1000) and in addition to the standard H20mm eyepiece, I also received both a Super 3.6mm & H12mm and interested to establis when these extra two eyepieces should be used in preference to the 20mm eyepiece.

I appreciate this is a pretty simple question for most of the community but as a newcomer still 'finding my feet' so any assistance/support would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Gary 

2 comments

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    Steenkh

    The eyepiece focal length determines the magnification. The fewer millimetres, the larger the magnification. It is easier to locate and object with a lower magnification, so start with 20mm eyepiece. When you have located the object, you can experiment with the other eyepieces. Try It out on the Moon, and you can easily see the difference, and note also that you normally need to adjust the focus each time you change eyepiece.

    The planets usually need larger magnification, but the quality of the eyepieces also have an important impact, so judge for yourself.

    Some deep sky objects are more easy to see in lower magnifications, because the same amount of light is then concentrated on a smaller area, which heightens the contrast.

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    Gary Moore

    Thanks for your advice 👍

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