The discussion centers on troubleshooting the Orion 130 Reflector telescope, specifically regarding a limited field of view experienced by a new user. Key issues identified include improper eyepiece insertion and inadequate eye relief, which can lead to a restricted view through the 25 mm eyepiece. Participants recommend checking the alignment of the eyepiece and considering the use of a finder scope for better navigation. Additionally, users suggest exploring higher-quality eyepieces with longer eye relief to enhance viewing comfort.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for novice telescope users, amateur astronomers, and anyone seeking to optimize their viewing experience with the Orion 130 Reflector or similar telescopes.
"A quarter of an inch" doesn't really mean anything in this context, so it is tough to tell what you really mean. Did the scope come with a 10mm eyepiece too? Are you saying it's a worse view through the 25mm than the 10mm? What do you see when you look at the moon, for example; can you see the whole thing?Brian Muller said:I have an Orion 130 reflector. Never had a telescope before. The field of view is about a quarter inch through the focuser with the 25 mm eyepiece. Does anybody know what I am doing wrong or if there is something wrong with the telescope itself? I'm at my wit's end. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Brian Muller said:I have an Orion 130 reflector. Never had a telescope before. The field of view is about a quarter inch through the focuser with the 25 mm eyepiece. Does anybody know what I am doing wrong or if there is something wrong with the telescope itself? I'm at my wit's end. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Brian Muller said:My eye has to be almost touching the lens to see it fill up.
...and it is common for cheap eyepieces (like what can come with a budget telescope) to have really poor eye relief. you may want to consider buying a replacement.Drakkith said:That's normal.
And for some very expensive eyepieces! I use spectacles and cannot use some optically excellent Pentax and Televue eyepieces specifically because the eye relief is too short.russ_watters said:...and it is common for cheap eyepieces (like what can come with a budget telescope) to have really poor eye relief. you may want to consider buying a replacement.
Have you tried without spectacles? This wouldn't be a solution if you have strong astigmatism but it could be worth trying. You can get your eye much closer to the EP that way.AndyG said:I use spectacles and cannot use some optically excellent Pentax and Televue eyepieces specifically because the eye relief is too short.
It surprises me that, with all your apparent experience of eyepieces, you are quoting "a quarter of an inch" as a field of view. Field is expressed as an angle or it doesn't mean a lot.AndyG said:It's not a problem for me - I can view without specs but I choose not to for various reasons. I use other eyepieces (and binoculars) with longer eye relief and they are great for me. It's one reason why Astro Societies are so useful - you can try other prople's equipment and sometimes borrow things to try which saves making expensive mistakes. My favourite Leica zooms were about £750 new when I bought them as used (but still expensive) items and I have some £30 eyepieces which are also great. My other half's favoutite eyepiece is a £10 plossl! Where possible, try before you buy and see what works *for you*!