Hi from Darwin

[toasthall]

I recently signed up and just wanted to say hi!

I'm based in Darwin and am looking at getting started in Astronomy. I don't have a telescope as yet, I am still doing some research on what to get. Besides there seems to be a bit of a shortage of telescopes for sale at the moment.

I am thinking of getting a short tube 80 of some sort to begin with, but I am open to suggestions.

[Hemi]

Welcome Dale,

What do you want to do in Astronomy? ie Imaging, looking or both? and do you have a rough budget in mind?

Hemi

[xa-coupe]

Welcome aboard!

[AdamJL]

welcome to IIS!

Definitely tell us what you're looking to do, and we can help with details :)

[toasthall]

Hi,

Definitely both, I suspect astrophotography is why most newbies are getting into it but it would be nice to just look at stuff too.

I'm not sure on a budget, but that is where the current shortage helps, gives me more time to save up.

Dale

[mura_gadi]

Hello and welcome,

Your budget is a big factor for recommendations as is any plans to travel with the scope. Dob's offer great bang for bucks but aren't the friendliest of travel scopes around.



Steve
Ps. dobs are just newts with a alt/az base over a tripod mount.

[toasthall]

I currently have $400. Saxon have a short tube 80 on a alt az mount for about $400 plus shipping, but I’d prefer an eq mount so I can do tracking later down the line.

Speaking of tracking I am currently in the process of building one of these:
https://www.instructables.com/Equatorial-Mount-for-DSLR/

[toasthall]

I forgot to mention I’d prefer something portable.