telescope for the beginner

[reineke]

Is it possible to buy new telescope for the beginner for up to $300-400

I saw couple on www.bintel.com.au Orion Space Probe 3 EQ Reflector and Skywatcher Refractor EQ 70mm. Are they worth buying or should I save more money for my first telescope?

Thanks

[dhumpie]

The best beginner scope in that price range is one of them GS 6" dobs from Andrew's (http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm). They used to be cheaper but at $349, they are still a steal. However if you can swing it, I would go for the 8" dob since it is only marginally more expensive but the views will be brighter (73% more light than a 6"). That and plus the fact that they are both physically the same height and the 8" is only slightly heavier.

Darren

[janoskiss]

Welcome to IIS novice! :hi:

Yep. 6 OR 8" Dobs are by far the best choices in scopes in/near that price range. The 8" is well worth the few extra dollars for loads more aperture, better focuser, finder and 2 more EPs. (Just make sure they are GSOs and stay away from the shortest focal lengths which are not very usable.)

Darren's link above should be: http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm
Then click on Guan Sheng and look for Dobsonians.

btw. What will we do about your login name in a year's time when you've become an expert?

[wavelandscott]

For a little more money I'd save and get the 8 inch but before doing that...

Let me strongly encourage you to get to a viewing night and try some scopes out to see what kind you might like...

There are several types each with strengths and weaknesses depending on how you intend to use them. Depending on where you are in sydney there are some clubs/societies with members who would love to show you their gear and talk aout their gear.

Again let me say that I'd really encourage you to try a few scopes out before you part with your money...they night sky is not going anywhere and making the choice that is right for you will bring you a lifetime of enjoyment...likewise, rushing out and buying quickly (while exciting with the endorphine rush and all) can lead to disappointment and loss of interest in the hobby...

So if at all possible, get some scope time before you spend any of your hard earned money...

[janoskiss]

Scott, Going along to observing sessions is always a good idea. But I don't think there are all that many choices in scopes in the price range we are talking about here. There are the Dobs and small aperture achromats on flimsy EQ or somewhat more usable AZ3 mount. The Dobs are just so far ahead of the achros in performance that they are the clear winner, unless one has some very good special reason to go with an achro instead. (See http://www.aoe.com.au/refractors.html for achromats.)

Besides the GSOs, there are also SkyWatcher Dobs worth considering, e.g., at MyAstroshop: http://www.myastroshop.com/products/reflectors.asp. These have a bit better ergonomics and finish than the GSOs (from Bintel or Andrews). The 8" GSO with 4 eyepieces is a more complete package.

But besides telescopes, you might also consider binoculars. A good 7-10x50 is an essential accessory even if you have a scope.

[wavelandscott]

I do not disagree on the less than plentiful availability of "good" scopes in that price range...and I am a "dob guy" at heart so my first instinct is always to recommend an 8 inch dob (of various makes and retail locations)...

However, without knowing the experience and interests of a new person to the hobby I think we should advise "caution" before running out to buy anything (scope, binoculars etc.)...same holds true of other accessories.

A little more time spent "researching and trying" might help someone realize that what they really wanted/needed was scope X instead of scope Y...even if it means that a purchase is actually several more months away...

The extra time and research might also allow a more complete search for a good second hand scope...

So I guess I was trying to counsel patience and suggest that saving a bit more money for a first scope might be a good idea...

Best of Luck!

[Starkler]

Or longer!

Actually getting the chance to see what different scopes can do can cause a re-evaluation of the budget . Looking can become expensive ;)

Still I'll put in my 2c worth and echo whats said above. In this price range you'll see far more in a dob and you'll actually be able to focus the scope without the view wobbling and shaking like cheap tripods do :whistle:

[drmorbius]

As a newbie myself, I followed the advice in these forums and stuck it out with a pair of binoculars for a couple of months before buying my first scope. Every month I'd go up to the local IIS viewing night (Cambroon) and look through the different scopes and learn more about what it was I was buying.

I had the same budget as you and in the end, stretched myself a little bit to get the 8" GSO Dob... and I'm very pleased with the choice. :thumbsup: That little scope and I will be together a long time.

Take your time, listen to these guys (and gals) advice and you can't go too far wrong.

[mickoking]

G,day Novice and welcome :)

A Dob 150mm-200mm is a great choice :thumbsup: you cant go too wrong.

[reineke]

Thank you guys and girls very much for advice.

[wavelandscott]

reineke,

I've sent you a PM that may be useful (or not)...

[ving]

like everyone said, the 6 or 8 inch dobsonian would be better. if you really only want to spend what you have said and no more then AOE sell some nice looking refractors in the 80-90mm range for less than $300. :)

[dhumpie]

Small 80-90mm refractors are great second scopes and function as perfect grab and go's unless you live under dark skies. Such small refractors are great under pristine skies and they can really go deep. Heck I even know of people tackling the Herschel's with 60mm refractors (definately doable but this is for those very experienced observers!). But for general suburban observing, I would not recommend anything less than a 6". The smallest I would go is 4.5".

Darren