This is my essential list of accessories when observing. The aim is to maximise comfort with the minimum amount of carrying. I am assuming that you already have a copy of “Turn Left at Orion”
Collimation cap and Cheshire eyepiece/sight tube combination tool
Eyepatch – worn half an hour before observing to ensure my eyes are acclimatised to the dark
Height adjustable chair – essential because many dim objects like galaxies need to be observed for many minutes
Suitable clothing – Hat, gloves, warm socks, boots (and warmer), fleece and coat
A large box to hold and keep dry…
A bag for eyepieces, caps, Barlow and 2” extender
Baader Optical Wonder fluid and cloth, Jumbo Silicone Hurricane Blower for cleaning eyepieces. Apply a small amount of fluid to the cloth and wipe across the eyepiece.
Red head torch
Clipboard and pencil with loose A5 paper for sketching and reading glasses
Plastic folder containing list of targets
Smartphone and tablet
I’ve been having a heck of a time trying to use the Bader Hyperion IV zoom with the matching Barlow. I haven’t been able to achieve focus with it. I have two telescopes an XT8 and now an AT72EDII. I never knew how to get more focus. On the AT I’m all the way in and just shy of the final sharp focus.
Where would I be able to find the extension sleeve, and what are the matching threads.
As I say on my blog, I needed to raise the EP about 5mm out of the holder when using the Barlow. I use a short extender (https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adapters/astro-essentials-2-35mm-focus-extension-tube.html) when using no Barlow and add the original extender when using the Barlow.