Hi everyone,
Firstly, apologies for what is kind of a long post.
I'm new here and have been eagerly lurking and learning!
As recommended on these forums I've been reading Nightwatch but unfortunately I ended up with the third edition which doesn't include southern sky charts! (oops) ...
There is still a wealth of information in there though and I'm about to begin Turn Left at Orion also - I'm thoroughly enjoying the reading.
I've started with some 10 x 50 porro prism Celestron binoculars, which have been great apart from my shaking which I have minimised by leaning on various things. I did get a secondhand (but unused) Bushnell 4.5" reflector on an AZ mount for $30 as well, but I was aware that I wasn't getting a quality scope - I just wanted it because it is super light so that I can easily haul it up to the carpark to watch the moon at leisure without having to use binoculars. Also one that I can take out if I've had a few wines without the worry of damage
Although I'm incredibly green at stargazing, I just bought a secondhand Sky Watcher 8" Dobsonian telescope - which will definitely not be used after a few wines!!
The seller is moving overseas next week and needed a quick sale, so I scored it for $300 (was originally listed for $380). I took a much more knowledgeable friend with me to look over it and he confirmed the excellent condition (the seller never had enough time to use it much and it had been stored carefully inside a spare bedroom).
It came with the standard 10mm and 25mm eyepieces and also an Optex 31.5mm/1.25" 2x Barlow lens.
Although I'm not really ready to be using a full scope (I'm still learning with my binoculars, sky charts and various online resources/books), I just couldn't go past the opportunity to nab what I understand to be a good value beginner amateur scope in excellent condition for around half the retail price!
It's easily transported in my wee Starlet, which is important as I'm 3km from the city centre so of course I have to travel to escape the city lights. I'm buzzing to get out there and have a look through it from home though - I'm sure the view of tonight's almost-quarter moon is going to be something to marvel at in comparison to my binos!
I also really want to thank the users of this site - the advice I have read on here thus far has been excellent and reminds me just what an awesome tool the internet can be for sharing knowledge, hobbies and passions. Spending time reading these threads in detail has saved me from myself - I would definitely have ended up with a "department store trash scope" and become quickly frustrated had I been left to my own devices (The Bushnell doesn't count because I knew what I was getting and $30 is negligible)!!
I look forward to many many more hours of enjoyment here at IceInSpace and also of course under the stars.
Also if anyone here is from Perth WA and can offer any local info/great viewing spots/public star viewings, I'd love to know about it!
Cheers,
Chelle