I was just replying to a thread about what a beginner should buy for a budget of up to $1000 and decided to start a thread which may help beginners on the track to lots of fun and Astronomy delights in the night sky.
Please note, these are my opinions on what to buy to get you started and I encourage all members and visitors to comment on what they think is right or wrong with my choices, I am simply offering up a starting point which offers the most value for money versus performance and ease of use....Having started myself with an EQ2 mount and 5 inch reflector, I then bought a 12" dob reflector and now have an 8" reflector on an HEQ5 mount, I have pretty much (apart from refractors) gone through most choices that beginners are looking at....good quality refractors are much more expensive compared to reflectors so I have not mentioned these here.
I have decided to put forward two choices to get you started, the Premium Starter pack and the Budget Starter pack. They are very similar and only really differ in the main scope's price and features.
So, here goes:
Premium Starter Pack
1) Skywatcher Black Diamond 8" Goto Collapsible Dobsonian = $999
2) Skywatcher 6.3mm Super Plossl Eyepiece = $49
3) GSO Laser Collimator (align the mirrors) = $59
4) ED 2x or 3x Barlow lens (magnifier) = $29
5) Portable jump start power pack (Super Cheap Auto) power for the scope = $60
6) Bob's Knobs secondary screws (helps adjust the secondary mirror) = $30
7) Red/White Head torch (Energizer) to see in the dark = $30
8) 2011 Astronomy Handbook to find things to look at = $20
Total = $1276
Budget Starter Pack
1) Skywatcher Black Diamond 8" Collapsible Dobsonian (manual) = $549
2) Skywatcher 6.3mm Super Plossl Eyepiece = $49
3) GSO Laser Collimator (align the mirrors) = $59
4) ED 2x or 3 x Barlow lens (magnifier) = $29
5) Bob's Knobs secondary screws (helps adjust the secondary mirror) = $30
6) Red/White Head torch (Energizer) to see in the dark = $30
7) Large Planisphere (star wheel) to find things to look at = $15
8) 2011 Astronomy handbook to find things to look at = $20
Total = $781
Notes: The only real difference between the two packages is the main telescope, one being the goto motorised version and the other being a manual non motorised one. The GOTO has motors and a handset computer which allows you to select an object from the database and then the telescope finds the object for you and tracks it. This allows you to keep an object in the eyepiece for longer. It also allows you to find more things than having to "star hop" using the manual telescope with star charts and having to find objects using the finderscope and knowledge alone. The telescope should come with a 10mm and 25mm eyepiece which give 120x and 48x magnifications respectively. Add the 6.3mm and you get 190x magnification. Using the 3x Barlow makes these magnifications 144x, 360x and 570x which are about as much as anyone needs for almost any object in the night sky.
Of course, you can start anywhere, these are simply my suggestions to help you put together what I think is a comprehensive beginner's pack to help cut through all the options which may confuse and discourage you.
The 8" telescopes selected are both collapsible designs which are highly portable, easy to set up and use and provide excellent views for beginners and experienced users alike. The telescopes can be used by children as well as adults and are stable, reliable and are a great place to start this wonderful hobby.
Prices quoted are from Andrews Communications and other suppliers such as Coles and Super Cheap Auto (I have no affiliation or interest in any) and can be purchased from many other optical suppliers whom often price match to keep competition alive.
I welcome comments and suggestions from anyone who may have an opinion or criticism of anything listed here.
I hope this helps anyone who is looking at starting out in Astronomy either for themselves, their kids or as a gift for a loved one.
Cheers
Chris
Last edited by Screwdriverone; 23-04-2011 at 09:49 PM.
Reason: Changed post name from Perfect to Recommended.
I was hoping to put all the basics in (and their prices) so beginners not only can select a great telescope to start with, but also know how much the "extras" will cost them so there aren't any surprises later on.
Just one thing I'm not sure of..
That 7mm ep and 3x barlow suggestion of yours.
The ones that come with the scope are a 10 & 25, sometimes a 15mm. Well, with a 3x barlow using it on a 7mm ep it goes beyond both the practical (300x mag) and theoretical (480x mag) limit of the scopes ability- bringing the 7mm eyepiece to 515x mag .
My suggestion is to replace the 7mm with a 15mm and replace the 3x barlow with a 2x barlow.
If it was a 2x barlow, you can magnify the 15mm down to 7mm. That's a nice sweet spot on planets at the focal length of 1200mm which those 8 inch dobs are. And the 10mm can come down to 5mm barlowed.
Just one thing I'm not sure of..
That 7mm ep and 3x barlow suggestion of yours.
The ones that come with the scope are a 10 & 25, sometimes a 15mm. Well, with a 3x barlow using it on a 7mm ep it goes beyond both the practical (300x mag) and theoretical (480x mag) limit of the scopes ability- bringing the 7mm eyepiece to 515x mag .
My suggestion is to replace the 7mm with a 15mm and replace the 3x barlow with a 2x barlow.
If it was a 2x barlow, you can magnify the 15mm down to 7mm. That's a nice sweet spot on planets at the focal length of 1200mm which those 8 inch dobs are. And the 10mm can come down to 5mm barlowed.
Just my 2c worth.
Very good points Suzy,
The 570x mag of the 6.3 mm and the 3x barlow would not be used, the idea was from the fact I have one of those 3x ED barlows (ED = Extra Low Dispersion) and it works very well on my scope in combination with my 10mm EP giving me 300x (my scope has a 1000mm focal length).
Your idea of a 2x is a better fit overall, I have found however, that barlowing on a planet visually is not as clean and crisp as a smaller focal length eyepiece only which is why I suggested that 6.3mm to give 190x (about the max for the scope) and nice and clean....
Thanks for the ideas, it's all about what works best for the beginners and I appreciate your input
my whole visual pack cost me:
10" Dobsonian: $350
Eyepiece: $10
Telrad: $70
Binoculars: $50 i think :\
and thats it haha over all less than 500 bucks..
EXCELLENT point Tony,
Of course, with this sort of knowledge (the post) and experienced advice on what can be purchased second hand, the only way is up for the beginners reading this....
As a new starting point (and with 5-6yr warranty), the new packages certainly have their place, however you rightly point out that bargains can be had by shopping on IceTrade here with some local knowledge first. This is especially good for those who aren't 100% confident of a long range pursuit of Astronomy and want to get into it relatively cheaply.
Nice shopping guide for the beginner!
And it's the little extras that are often overlooked; like a collimator, red light torch or planisphere.
Regards, Rob
Thanks Rob,
Yes, it's often all the little extras that add up and make beginners think "Man, not something MORE!?"
Upon reflection (yes, I am into puns) and due to the excellent advice already offered by Suzy and others and the fact that I encourage comments and suggestions, I have changed the name of the post from Perfect, to Recommended Beginner's packages, sounds better and more to the point as it's more of a recommendation than the ultimate packages on offer....
Oh, I also have changed the suggestion of the 3x ED barlow to 2x or 3x upon Suzy's excellent point about the usable magnifications on these dobs - thanks Suzy!
Well done Chris, a great idea. You might also like to add the
I'm really not sure list.
------------------------
1) 10x50 binos
2) Large planisphere
That's it.
Don't put the 10x50's on any "I'm really not sure" list!! They should be added to the Starter Packages! Mine keep me sane when I'm (VERY often!!) away from home! Can't take either of my scopes with me since my work equipment takes up all the room in the van, but the binos can come along! "My" Jewel Box might be small in them, but at least I can see it!
For the budget I think you would be better off with Bintel's BT202-B 8" Dobsonian as an option, or other GSO equivalent. $499 currently.
First off, the solid tube while it can be bulky removes one issue which is the possible need to collimate every time the scope is set up. Never used a collapsible but from what I have heard this can be an issue. Most of the solid tubes hold their collimation well enough for the beginner not to have to worry about it for a while.
It already comes with knurled collimation knobs on the primary which is good enough. The secondary is easily enough to alter with a screwdriver from experience.
They have a 26, 15, and 9mm eyepiece included with moonfilter.
Then you really only need to add a collimating eyepiece/laser, Astronomy <insert year here>, planisphere and redlight torch.
Those eyepieces would cover the beginners viewing and give them an idea of what they can expect. No point giving them equipment they don't need at first. I found it more rewarding when I understood what I wanted and why I wanted it. Maybe a TMB 6mm planetary? It has great eye relief which is awesome for us foureyes out there, and performs well given it's price - $49 + shipping.
Also Bintel has amazing service if you live local to them. I have been there at least 2 times where they are busy talking someone out of a purchase they don't need. They have personally done it with me.
For the budget I think you would be better off with Bintel's BT202-B 8" Dobsonian as an option, or other GSO equivalent. $499 currently.
First off, the solid tube while it can be bulky removes one issue which is the possible need to collimate every time the scope is set up. Never used a collapsible but from what I have heard this can be an issue. Most of the solid tubes hold their collimation well enough for the beginner not to have to worry about it for a while.
It already comes with knurled collimation knobs on the primary which is good enough. The secondary is easily enough to alter with a screwdriver from experience.
They have a 26, 15, and 9mm eyepiece included with moonfilter.
Then you really only need to add a collimating eyepiece/laser, Astronomy <insert year here>, planisphere and redlight torch.
Those eyepieces would cover the beginners viewing and give them an idea of what they can expect. No point giving them equipment they don't need at first. I found it more rewarding when I understood what I wanted and why I wanted it. Maybe a TMB 6mm planetary? It has great eye relief which is awesome for us foureyes out there, and performs well given it's price - $49 + shipping.
Also Bintel has amazing service if you live local to them. I have been there at least 2 times where they are busy talking someone out of a purchase they don't need. They have personally done it with me.
YEP!
But it's an f/6 so might not be an issue. Who knows. I would go for the solid tube unless it was ultramassive. Helps to keep the secondary in the right place relative to the primary. :ques tion: Ah telescopes are so good these days! OMG!!!!! They are making these better and better!
Thanks, I might be courageous to offer up a beginner's observation package, however, I might let someone else have a crack at the quagmire of adaptors, options, coma correctors, cameras, scopes and cooling, dew amelioration etc etc etc etc etc etc etc.....et al
I have my HEQ5pro, BD200N reflector, MPCC, Canon 1000D DSLR and Toucam for guided AP, however, I am nowhere near experienced enough to have a crack at recommending an AP rig for beginners other than offering up what I have, which may not cut the mustard....I am yet to get the MPCC into the imaging train, there always seems to be something else to buy......my early pics are encouraging, but AP is a different beast to try and tame early on.
I did however post a thread on what to get as a starter AP package, which the experts here at IIS helped me narrow down to this gear, so maybe its a good starting point? Search for Obi Wan and you will see the thread I mean, lots of good stuff in there and some pics of my rig too....
Anyone else wanna have a crack at a beginner's Astrophotography package? I'm too chicken to try and add up all the different combinations and open the pandora's box......
Hi, just reviewing the premium setup, any guidance on which shops sells the Skywatcher Black Diamond 8" Goto Collapsible Dobsonia for 999? Best I can find is 1300Aud
My Recommended Beginner's Packages
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