<p>I find a zoom eyepiece and Barlow to be useful for viewing planets.</p>
<p>Depending on your location, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astronomical_seeing" rel="nofollow noreferrer">seeing</a> can be very variable, sometimes changing from one second to the next.</p>
<p>A zoom eyepiece lets you adjust the magnification without switching eyepieces, so you can quickly adapt to the changing seeing conditions.</p>
<p>The downside of zooms is that they tend to have narrow fields of view.</p>
<p>I use an 8mm-24mm zoom eyepiece with a 3x Barlow, effectively giving a 2.67mm-8mm zoom, which is a great magnification range for looking at planets.</p>
<p>Make sure you take your time and keep watching the planet, watching for those split-second moments of crystal-clear seeing, and absorb the extra detail you can see in those small windows of opportunity. It's in those moments that you really see the planet.</p>
<p>Also, bear in mind that Saturn <em>will</em> look quite small, especially if you've just swung over from looking at Jupiter; it's almost as big as Jupiter, sure, but it's almost twice as far away as Jupiter is.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-07T02:58:01.767Z
Thanks for the reply. I find this to be helpful. I live in India, Hyderabad. So would this zoom eyepiece be useful, also if yes then from which website should I purchase?
RyugaGod
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-07T03:07:36.483Z
also, would this be a good buy? https://www.desertcart.in/products/232931314-8-24-mm-telescopic-eyepiece-continuous-zoom-full-metal-astronomical-mirror-with-green-film
RyugaGod
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-07T08:30:34.623Z
That zoom is a generic model. Quality will be variable (two 'identical' eyepieces will perform differently). In that price range I would personally buy the Orion E-Series 7-21mm, as I've heard it provides good value for money. A good mid-priced zoom would be the Pentax 8-24mm or Baader 8-24mm. A good top-end zoom is the Leica 25-50x WW ASPH.
Aaron F
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-07T09:47:47.233Z
Even if every piece gives different result, would it improve my present situation because if so I would prefer buying it.
RyugaGod
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-07T15:25:16.863Z
@RyugaGod it's totally up to you, but if you found this answer good enough to accept, you can also consider up voting it. Usually it's the other way around, we upvote helpful answers even if we don't accept them. Of course it's your choice, I see that you are new to Stack Exchange and just wanted to let you know about it.
uhoh
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-07T16:30:11.347Z
I am new to the community, and so I did not have the privilege to upvote, I just got it today and so I upvote it. I will consider your advise for the future. Thanks!
RyugaGod
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-16T12:57:45.147Z
Thanks A lot Aaron F for the great help, I asked my local retailer and I am going to get Celestron 7-21 mm continuous zoom eyepiece. Thanks For the great help for getting my problem solved.
RyugaGod
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-16T15:34:07.707Z
hi @RyugaGod I'm glad I could help and I hope you enjoy your new eyepiece! By the way, check out the main three English-language astronomy forums https://cloudynights.com https://stargazerslounge.com and http://iceinspace.com.au - you'll find a lot of your questions will have answers there.
Aaron F
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-17T06:35:41.377Z
Thanks!  You are amazing.
RyugaGod
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-07T00:03:22.107Z
2020-10-07T00:03:22.107Z
Aaron F
<p>From my limited experience, being able to see the rings on Saturn is more or less the extent of how powerful eyepieces can get for a home telescope. To get better and larger images would require a better and probably larger telescope.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-06T16:54:22.943Z
Thanks a lot, but I wanted to make do the best possible outcome with my existing scope.
So if possible could anyone suggest an eyepiece for a better outcome than my existing situation or whether a 6mm eyepiece would be the way to go? Thank you.
RyugaGod
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-06T14:38:26.400Z
2020-10-06T14:38:26.400Z
jrima12
<p>Your Exit Pupil for your scope is too small with a 3mm eyepiece.</p>
<p>Exit Pupil = Focal Length of Eyepiece / Focal Ratio of Telescope</p>
<p>3mm/7.89 (your scope focal ratio) = 0.38mm</p>
<p>You need a minimum of 0.5mm to 0.7mm, therefore a minimum of 4mm focal length eyepiece.</p>
<p>The maximum power is roughly 2 x 114 = 228X.</p>
<p>You can use this site to get a glimpse of what you can see in your scope:
<a href="https://astronomy.tools/calculators/field_of_view/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://astronomy.tools/calculators/field_of_view/</a></p>
<p>Cheers,</p>
<p>JY</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-02-05T05:40:50.847Z
Ok thanks 
RyugaGod
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-01-31T22:13:25.390Z
2021-01-31T22:13:25.390Z
Jean-Yves
<p>I have a celestron powerseeker 114eq telescope. <strong>Aperture : 114mm Focal Length: 900mm</strong></p>
<p>I have 20mm and 4mm eyepieces and a 3x Barlow. I have seen Saturn's rings using 4mm eyepiece but it's blurry and with 3x it becomes impossible to see any detail. With 20mm with 3x barlow they are too small. I found a kit on amazon with 6mm and 12.5mm kellener eyepieces with a moon filter. I wanted to view a little larger than 20mm with 3x barlow and with details like color contrasts. Could anyone tell whether the kit that I found will be useful or anything else to suggest to solve my problem?</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-06T23:27:09.027Z
The answer depends on your location and how good the seeing usually is there. Alternatively, you could get a zoom eyepiece, and that way you can push the magnification as high as the seeing will allow without having to switch eyepieces.
Aaron F
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-06T23:57:38.717Z
Also, bear in mind that your 20mm with 3x Barlow is effectively a 6.67mm eyepiece. The 6mm you're considering getting won't be a huge difference.
Aaron F
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-07T02:56:10.350Z
If my location is the case then I live in India, Hyderabad. also I wanted to ask from where could I get a zoom eyepiece, like from which website?
RyugaGod
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-07T08:55:41.137Z
It's generally quite humid there, which will negatively affect seeing, as will the Earth's jet stream. Bookmark this website - https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/outdoorsports/seeing/hyderabad_india_1269843 - it'll give you an idea of what the conditions will be like for the next few days.
Aaron F
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-07T09:36:41.213Z
Thank you very much Aaron, you are very helpful.
RyugaGod
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-07T09:46:26.263Z
Is SVBONY a good brand for an eyepiece, because I am not willing to spend a lot on eyepieces
RyugaGod
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-07T10:50:53.973Z
SVBONY are a reseller. You'll find that the eyepieces they sell are the same as those sold by other entry-level astronomy brands at similar prices. SVBONY's prices are usually a little bit lower than their competition. Quality at these prices is very variable, because quality control is where these brands cut costs, and it's a lottery: you might get lucky and receive a good sample, or you might not be so lucky and get one that's not so good. In that latter case you can always send it back for a replacement until you get a good one. If you don't want to spend a lot then it's a good brand.
Aaron F
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-07T10:54:31.340Z
Also, if you want to save even more money, then look into [making your own eyepieces](https://www.scopemaking.net/smallens/smallens.htm)! (that's just one example, there are many more if you search, [such as this one](https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/make-a-50mm-eyepiece/) :-) )
Aaron F
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-07T11:15:40.333Z
*^__^* kk Even if every piece gives different result, would it improve my present situation because if so I would prefer buying it.........for the generic one.
RyugaGod
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-07T11:37:53.597Z
yes I think  that even a generic zoom will improve your current situation :-)
Aaron F
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-07T11:40:28.330Z
you  were very helpful
RyugaGod
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-08T02:55:20.363Z
Let us [continue this discussion in chat](https://chat.stackexchange.com/rooms/113849/discussion-between-ryugagod-and-aaron-f).
RyugaGod
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-08T03:29:07.013Z
Aaron F, you were very helpful so far. After some research I came across Astromania 7-21 mm zoom eyepiece. Also Meoptex 7-21 mm eyepiece. Could you please let me know if any of these are from known beands and not Generic ?
RyugaGod
<jupiter><saturn>
Good eyepieces for Saturn and Jupiter
RyugaGod
# Good eyepieces for Saturn and Jupiter

(Asked by: username_0 on 2020-10-05)

I have a celestron powerseeker 114eq telescope. **Aperture : 114mm Focal Length: 900mm**

I have 20mm and 4mm eyepieces and a 3x Barlow. I have seen Saturn's rings using 4mm eyepiece but it's blurry and with 3x it becomes impossible to see any detail. With 20mm with 3x barlow they are too small. I found a kit on amazon with 6mm and 12.5mm kellener eyepieces with a moon filter. I wanted to view a little larger than 20mm with 3x barlow and with details like color contrasts. Could anyone tell whether the kit that I found will be useful or anything else to suggest to solve my problem?

**Tags:** jupiter, saturn

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: The answer depends on your location and how good the seeing usually is there. Alternatively, you could get a zoom eyepiece, and that way you can push the magnification as high as the seeing will allow without having to switch eyepieces.  
> **username_1**: Also, bear in mind that your 20mm with 3x Barlow is effectively a 6.67mm eyepiece. The 6mm you're considering getting won't be a huge difference.  
> **username_0**: If my location is the case then I live in India, Hyderabad. also I wanted to ask from where could I get a zoom eyepiece, like from which website?  
> **username_1**: It's generally quite humid there, which will negatively affect seeing, as will the Earth's jet stream. Bookmark this website - https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/outdoorsports/seeing/hyderabad_india_1269843 - it'll give you an idea of what the conditions will be like for the next few days.  
> **username_0**: Thank you very much Aaron, you are very helpful.  
> **username_0**: Is SVBONY a good brand for an eyepiece, because I am not willing to spend a lot on eyepieces  
> **username_1**: SVBONY are a reseller. You'll find that the eyepieces they sell are the same as those sold by other entry-level astronomy brands at similar prices. SVBONY's prices are usually a little bit lower than their competition. Quality at these prices is very variable, because quality control is where these brands cut costs, and it's a lottery: you might get lucky and receive a good sample, or you might not be so lucky and get one that's not so good. In that latter case you can always send it back for a replacement until you get a good one. If you don't want to spend a lot then it's a good brand.  
> **username_1**: Also, if you want to save even more money, then look into [making your own eyepieces](https://www.scopemaking.net/smallens/smallens.htm)! (that's just one example, there are many more if you search, [such as this one](https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/make-a-50mm-eyepiece/) :-) )  
> **username_0**: *^__^* kk Even if every piece gives different result, would it improve my present situation because if so I would prefer buying it.........for the generic one.  
> **username_1**: yes I think  that even a generic zoom will improve your current situation :-)  
> **username_0**: you  were very helpful  
> **username_0**: Let us [continue this discussion in chat](https://chat.stackexchange.com/rooms/113849/discussion-between-ryugagod-and-aaron-f).  
> **username_0**: username_1, you were very helpful so far. After some research I came across Astromania 7-21 mm zoom eyepiece. Also Meoptex 7-21 mm eyepiece. Could you please let me know if any of these are from known beands and not Generic ?  

---

## 3 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2020-10-07. Score: 2 | Accepted answer

I find a zoom eyepiece and Barlow to be useful for viewing planets.

Depending on your location, [seeing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astronomical_seeing) can be very variable, sometimes changing from one second to the next.

A zoom eyepiece lets you adjust the magnification without switching eyepieces, so you can quickly adapt to the changing seeing conditions.

The downside of zooms is that they tend to have narrow fields of view.

I use an 8mm-24mm zoom eyepiece with a 3x Barlow, effectively giving a 2.67mm-8mm zoom, which is a great magnification range for looking at planets.

Make sure you take your time and keep watching the planet, watching for those split-second moments of crystal-clear seeing, and absorb the extra detail you can see in those small windows of opportunity. It's in those moments that you really see the planet.

Also, bear in mind that Saturn *will* look quite small, especially if you've just swung over from looking at Jupiter; it's almost as big as Jupiter, sure, but it's almost twice as far away as Jupiter is.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Thanks for the reply. I find this to be helpful. I live in India, Hyderabad. So would this zoom eyepiece be useful, also if yes then from which website should I purchase?  
> **username_0**: also, would this be a good buy? https://www.desertcart.in/products/232931314-8-24-mm-telescopic-eyepiece-continuous-zoom-full-metal-astronomical-mirror-with-green-film  
> **username_1**: That zoom is a generic model. Quality will be variable (two 'identical' eyepieces will perform differently). In that price range I would personally buy the Orion E-Series 7-21mm, as I've heard it provides good value for money. A good mid-priced zoom would be the Pentax 8-24mm or Baader 8-24mm. A good top-end zoom is the Leica 25-50x WW ASPH.  
> **username_0**: Even if every piece gives different result, would it improve my present situation because if so I would prefer buying it.  
> **username_2**: @username_0 it's totally up to you, but if you found this answer good enough to accept, you can also consider up voting it. Usually it's the other way around, we upvote helpful answers even if we don't accept them. Of course it's your choice, I see that you are new to Stack Exchange and just wanted to let you know about it.  
> **username_0**: I am new to the community, and so I did not have the privilege to upvote, I just got it today and so I upvote it. I will consider your advise for the future. Thanks!  
> **username_0**: Thanks A lot username_1 for the great help, I asked my local retailer and I am going to get Celestron 7-21 mm continuous zoom eyepiece. Thanks For the great help for getting my problem solved.  
> **username_1**: hi @username_0 I'm glad I could help and I hope you enjoy your new eyepiece! By the way, check out the main three English-language astronomy forums https://cloudynights.com https://stargazerslounge.com and http://iceinspace.com.au - you'll find a lot of your questions will have answers there.  
> **username_0**: Thanks!  You are amazing.  

---

### Answer by username_3 on 2020-10-06. Score: 2

From my limited experience, being able to see the rings on Saturn is more or less the extent of how powerful eyepieces can get for a home telescope. To get better and larger images would require a better and probably larger telescope.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Thanks a lot, but I wanted to make do the best possible outcome with my existing scope. So if possible could anyone suggest an eyepiece for a better outcome than my existing situation or whether a 6mm eyepiece would be the way to go? Thank you.  

---

### Answer by username_4 on 2021-01-31. Score: 1

Your Exit Pupil for your scope is too small with a 3mm eyepiece.

Exit Pupil = Focal Length of Eyepiece / Focal Ratio of Telescope

3mm/7.89 (your scope focal ratio) = 0.38mm

You need a minimum of 0.5mm to 0.7mm, therefore a minimum of 4mm focal length eyepiece.

The maximum power is roughly 2 x 114 = 228X.

You can use this site to get a glimpse of what you can see in your scope:
<https://astronomy.tools/calculators/field_of_view/>

Cheers,

JY

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Ok thanks   

---

