beginner looking for new telescope opinions

[astr0]

Hi, I am new to this site and a total beginner.
I am currently looking at getting a " Saxon F1149EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope" purely because it is on sale for $200 down from $500
And am just wanting to know what everyone's opinion on this is telescope
All opinions welcomed :-)

[barx1963]

Hi Astro welcome to IIS

I am not a big fan of these scopes. Small aperture, need to be polar aligned, puts the eyepiece in all sorts of odd positions, the collimation adjustments are hard to use.
Although cheap, odds are in a few months you will go get a dob and this will be a $200 corner ornament.

Malcolm

[Scorpius51]

:welcome: AstrO to the the IIS forum.

Check out this IIS thread http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=95423

Cheers
John

[astr0]

Thanks for the advice Malcolm and cheers for the link john....
So for a new starting hobbiest of straight gazing any particular dobsonion mounted telescope you would suggest or is it more just to do with how much I want to spend ?
By the way I should mention That I live on the gold coast

[Scorpius51]

The advice of many people on the forum would probably be to go for a 6" or 8" Dobsonian. They are available from local vendors that will appear on the sidebar at the right of this web page. These scopes are very easy to use and are very good value for a reasonable aperture (light-collecting ability).

Yes, it does depend on how much you are prepared to spend. If you spend too little, then you risk buying a scope that will not give you the performance you expect. Similarly, you don't want to go on a spending spree before you have a very good idea of what you want.

There are many IIS forum members in your area on. You would benefit from going along to a group observing session to check out the different scopes available.

Cheers
John

[astr0]

Good point John, I will just check out the forums and see what other people are saying and looking for..

But have just seen this

OZScopes 6" Dobsonian Telescope Features:
- Large 6" aperture
- Simple and easy to use
- Great for beginners and seasoned astronomers
- FREE 6.3mm eyepiece and 6" Solar Filter
- 5 Year Warranty

What are everyones thought about a deal like this ??

[Scorpius51]

A similar, but cheaper scope is http://www.bintel.com.au/Telescopes/Dobsonian/SkyWatcher-6--Dobsonian/567/productview.aspx

or
http://www.astroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-041A

These scopes are essentially the same, just different prices. You can always ask for a few optional extras, like filters, etc.

Contact Andrews Communications, too. They have an 8" Dob for $399 in stock. Great value & more aperture. http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm

Cheers
John

[astr0]

Thanks for the links john, heaps of help.
There are just so many choices it's hard to decide lol..
I am just wanting something that will give me this best views for both city use ( cause I live on the gold coast ) or use when I go camping and there is no light, easy to set up and great for first time telescope users

[jjjnettie]

Don't forget to check out second hand scopes too.
We astronomers look after our gear ( mostly) and second hand means you will usually get a few extras thrown in as well as a substantial reduction off the new price. :)
For example this one in Brisbane.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=99860

[astr0]

jjjnettie I have thought about 2nd hand, but I am still just trying to suss it all out, and figure out what I should get so That I get the right telescope and gear for what I want and I can have fun with