Time for a new telescope?

[TheAstroChannel]

Hey everyone, i dont know whether it's time to buy a new telescope, i would really like a much better one than what i have now
( Celestron Astromaster 70EQ) and i have been looking at Ozscopes which currently have a sale that will only last for about another hour and a half, it is a 6" dobsonian telescope which i assume would be better for looking at galaxies and nebula? I dont know, some help on this would be nice!

-Sean

[chaffingbuttock]

Hi Sean,

not sure if it's too late for your sale. perhaps i'm not the best to give advice as i'm the kind of person to do lots and lots of research.. and then some more.. and maybe a bit more before i even consider purchasing stuff like this. from what i've read though, you should really consider getting at least an 8 inch dobsonian as they aren't too expensive in the scheme of things. with the 6 inch, you'd probably find yourself wanting to upgrade pretty quickly and it's probably quite difficult to shift something like that on the second hand market. also consider your budget. I'm pretty bad in this respect, in that I'll set a budget and then somehow go over 50% or more if an opportunity arises to get something better at a good price point.

please also keep in mind that I currently don't own a telescope.. in the research phase ;) my mount is just sitting there with nothing to power it and nothing to put on top of it heh.

[Varangian]

Personally, if that is your price range I would be looking at the 8" GSO Dobsonian from Andrews Comms. Similar price to what you want to spend, bigger aperture and Andrews will deliver it for free. I am in no way connected with Andrews and do not benefit from any sales, I'm just a satisfied customer. Moonless skies:thumbsup:

[MattT]

Look in the IIS classifieds. A 10" GSO dob for $350 now....would do you for a while and show heaps more than a 6". Check it out, see if it's too big or whatever.
Matt

[astro_nutt]

Hi Sean,
The current crop of 8" dobs such as Bintel, GSO, etc are a good prospect to consider.
An 8" dob will fit into a car comfortably for transport and are a lot lighter to manage. They will also provde with good views of planets, nebulae and some of the closer galaxies, plus great views of the Moon.
An 8" dob is a good learning scope. You'll be able to perfect pointing the scope with great sensitivity and then allow the light from your chosen object to give up it's detail.
They tend to hold their collimation well too and cool down in a reasonable time. What you save in the purchase of your scope you could buy better eyepieces and collimation tools as well.
Cheers!

[TheAstroChannel]

Thank you so much for all your help everyone, but im looking for a good telescope under 450 :)
And would there be much difference in getting a 6" instead of a 8" ?
I just don't know!
Would i be better off getting this for now, until i get a job and i can save up for my own stuff?
http://www.ozscopes.com.au/ozscopes-6-dobsonian-telescope-free-6mm-eyepiece-1.html

[OICURMT]

Patience is a virtue in this game.

If you have a limited budget, then I'd save until you can get something that will last a long time. Nothing wrong with a 6" scope, but the cost benefit ratio of the 8" through the additional light gathering is much better than a 6" scope.

I'd wait and save.

Also, try getting to your local Astro-Club and see a few scopes, you'll thank yourself later.

[rmuhlack]

check the IIS classifieds - a 10" dob for $350, and located in Melbourne
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=99535

[OICURMT]

As a budget scope, don't think you can do better than that... you will just need a couple of Plossl's to start you out... (which I think you already have)