Telescoping enthusiasts of any caliber know that if they want the clearest view possible of nebulae and galaxies, they need the right tools for the job. A solid telescope is the first step in getting a sharp image of celestial bodies, but for the pristine views of the sky and comfortable nights of stargazing you’re really after, there are many more accessories you’ll need. From novice telescoping enthusiasts to seasoned astrophotographers, here are a few telescoping accessories that stargazers of all skill levels could use.
- Barlow lens – Enhancing your telescope’s focal length by a factor of anywhere from 1.5 to 3 or higher, Barlow lenses offer an economical way to improve the versatility of your eyepiece collection with minimal cost. Just beware of losses in brightness as a result of increased magnification.
- Eyepieces – There are many types of eyepieces on the market for telescope enthusiasts to take advantage of, all with varying focal lengths. The higher the focal length on your eyepiece, the lower the magnification of the image you’ll see, but that doesn’t mean that smaller is better. Two or three eyepieces will suffice, with the most common focal lengths being 10mm and 25mm—and the aperture size will depend on the scope. Study up on how to choose a magnification before purchasing an eyepiece.
- Diagonals – Getting a picturesque view of the stars can be a strenuous business, and diagonals can relieve the strain. With a connection to your eyepiece on one end and an angled eyepiece on the other, diagonals enable the user to look through their telescope at a more comfortable angle and still get the same view.
- Collimators – After so many sessions of stargazing, it’s inevitable that your telescope will need some calibration—especially if you travel with it. While seasoned users can align their telescope’s primary and secondary mirrors without a tool, less experienced enthusiasts will find a laser collimator or Cheshire lens helpful in calibrating their scope.
- Tech – Technology has revolutionized stargazing as we know it, and there are enough digital telescope accessories available to make for a list all its own. Webcams, software, and computerized telescopes make for a few add-ons an astrophotographer could benefit from, but there are plenty more out there.
From coverings and pointers to observing chairs and filters, there’s no shortage of telescope accessories to be found. Newcomers often make the mistake of purchasing an excessive number of eyepieces when only a few are needed, and while savvy vets know that less can be more, they still may find themselves in need of the perfect tool for their use. There are many telescope accessory providers in the industry, with High Point Scientific Suppliers having one of the most comprehensive selections available. No matter how nuanced your telescoping gadget need is, there’s a good chance that someone else has had that need too—and made a product to solve it. Find what you’re looking for, so that you can enjoy aiming for the stars!