G'day from not so sunny Cairns

[Outcast]

Good evening all,

Long time lurker, very rare poster.

I've been skulking around the ISS forum for some time now; after reading many of the 'beginner' advice threads on here I purchased a set of 10x50 Binoculars about 2 years ago & am now considering my first telescope purchase.

Well, second I guess but, I don't think the cheapy Tasco I got through rewards points 5yrs ago really counts.

Will be seeking some advice in the days to come as I come down to a final choice of what to buy for my first scope

Regards

Carlton

[shenanigans000]

Hi Carlton.

I've sort of just gone through the same process - I recently bought a telescope after not having owned one for many years, so it was sort of like the first time.

If you can get to a local astronomy club I suggest you do go along and have a look through some different telescopes. It will not only edumicate you to what you can see with a given type / aperture, you'll also be able to chat with their owners about what their telescopes are like to live with.

Other than that I'd suggest having a think about what you want to look at (ie, DSO's / planets / the sun etc).

Also give some consideration the the mount type, eg, Dobsonian, equatorial etc.

After recently taking up visual telescopy again (as mentioned I haven't had a telescope for many years), I'm remembering the things that frustrated with my first telescope (a 4.5" Tasco Newtonian). Like, at high powers things JIGGLE a lot, and they move out of the field of vew quickly. And DSO's can be really hard - sometimes impossible - to find. Looking back, that telescope was pretty small by today's standards. For visual observing I'd certainly be leaning to at least 6" aperture or more - budget permitting.

That said I spent many a happy night under the stars looking for things, and there's nothing quite like the thrill of finally finding one of those elusive little buggers you've been looking for.

So have a think about what you want to achieve, and where you want to achieve it; the ability to travel to a dark sky site can be a real bonus.

Above all, to pinch a phrase someone else coined: the best telescope is one that you use. In other words don't bite of more than you can chew with a first scope.

I certanly hope the above somewhat rambling discourse gives you some insights and assists in some small way.

Happy photons to you.

[Outcast]

Unfortunately there does not appear to be a functioning Astronomy club here in Cairns anymore.

I would love to look through some scopes before deciding to purchase but alas, I don't think I will get that opportunity