I'm getting the XT8 for my birthday and i want to know if its a good telescope ... :)
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Yes, it's a good scope.
The included eyepieces will get you off to a good start, with the 25mm good for locating things and the 10mm delivering 120x which is a fine start for planetary observing.
If you stick with amateur astronomy it's likely you will extend your range of eyepieces, but to exactly what will depend on what you like observing and your personal preferences.
Color filters, for planetary observing, divide opinions. Some people like them for bringing out detail they can't see otherwise. Others prefer to spend time at the eyepiece studying the natural view. Nebula filters, on the other hand, are generally received positively, they can make the invisible visible and the visible more detailed. The UHC filter is a good one. Bear in mind they won't do anything on galaxies or star clusters.
Barlow lenses are useful, particularly in getting high magnifications from short focal-ratio scopes. If you carefully plan your eyepiece purchases they'll also save you money. However, many people do prefer not to use them and to get more eyepieces instead.
The included eyepieces will get you off to a good start, with the 25mm good for locating things and the 10mm delivering 120x which is a fine start for planetary observing.
If you stick with amateur astronomy it's likely you will extend your range of eyepieces, but to exactly what will depend on what you like observing and your personal preferences.
Color filters, for planetary observing, divide opinions. Some people like them for bringing out detail they can't see otherwise. Others prefer to spend time at the eyepiece studying the natural view. Nebula filters, on the other hand, are generally received positively, they can make the invisible visible and the visible more detailed. The UHC filter is a good one. Bear in mind they won't do anything on galaxies or star clusters.
Barlow lenses are useful, particularly in getting high magnifications from short focal-ratio scopes. If you carefully plan your eyepiece purchases they'll also save you money. However, many people do prefer not to use them and to get more eyepieces instead.
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The XT8 is a great scope. Instead of a nebula filter, think about getting either a Ultra High Contrast (UHC) or Light Pollution Reduction filter (LPR). Either would work better for visual work.
The included eyepieces are fine for now. But do start thinking about upgrading to better quality eyepieces as your skill improves.
Another thing to look at is making the scope more useful for you to use. Here's some ideas -
http://www.craigcolvin.com/xt10hacks/
The other, really god thing to do is find and join an astronomy club in your local area. With a decent club, you can meet up with folks who are willing to pass on what they know and help you with selecting decent equipment by allowing you to borrow theirs during an observing session. This allows you to see how stuff will work with your equipment prior to purchase.
http://www.go-astronomy.com/astro-club-s…
The included eyepieces are fine for now. But do start thinking about upgrading to better quality eyepieces as your skill improves.
Another thing to look at is making the scope more useful for you to use. Here's some ideas -
http://www.craigcolvin.com/xt10hacks/
The other, really god thing to do is find and join an astronomy club in your local area. With a decent club, you can meet up with folks who are willing to pass on what they know and help you with selecting decent equipment by allowing you to borrow theirs during an observing session. This allows you to see how stuff will work with your equipment prior to purchase.
http://www.go-astronomy.com/astro-club-s…
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A nice scope for a beginner. Keep the eyepieces, don't bother with any nebula filters as they will cut out too much light. You can see many nebulae fine visually. The swan nebula is always a treat. You will have no problem seeing M27 and M57
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Those two eyepieces are enough. Don't bother with a Barlow.
Maybe get a 6 mm lens at some future date.
A nebula filter might be a worthwhile investment.
Maybe get a 6 mm lens at some future date.
A nebula filter might be a worthwhile investment.
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Yes. Good choice.