Congratulations on your new telescope and having clear skies in Florida—it’s a perfect opportunity for stargazing! The choice between a 12mm and a 20mm eyepiece depends on what celestial objects you are aiming to observe.
The 12mm eyepiece will offer higher magnification compared to the 20mm eyepiece, meaning it is more suited to observing details on the Moon, planets, or close-up views of certain deep-sky objects. On the flip side, a 20mm eyepiece provides lower magnification, which is more suitable for wider field views, making it a good choice for observing star clusters, nebulae, or larger sections of the sky.
If you’re just starting off with your telescope, consider beginning with the 20mm eyepiece to get your bearings and find objects more easily. Once you’re familiar with the night sky and particular objects you’d like to observe in more detail, you can switch to the 12mm eyepiece for a closer look. Remember, the best eyepiece also depends on the focal length and capabilities of your telescope, so it’s beneficial to experiment with both to see which performs better under your specific viewing conditions.