First Scope

[Christopher]

Dear all, I hope I'm posting this in the right place. I apologise if I'm not, as I'm a first-time poster.

I've been vaguely interested in astronomy for a little while, and have begun reading introductory texts. In the short- or middle-term future, I'll be looking to buy a first scope. I'm really looking for something that will give me a good introduction without spending too much money, something that will confirm or destroy my interest in the field. I primarily want to observe the moon and major planets.

I'm interested in the SkyWatcher SW450 Reflector EQ1/2 w/drive, 114mm (newtonian) on an equatorial mount. This is around $300 on www.myastroshop.com.au, and seems just about the right price for what I'd like to spend starting out. I have a couple of questions. I understand that the mount is very important, would this one be sturdy enough to get started on? Also, someone once told me that an equatorial mount can be frustrating, is this true?

Thanks, and all the best to everyone.

-Chris

[DobDobDob]

Hi Chris :welcome: to the forum, you are in the best possible place to get good reliable information, there are many excellent and experienced members who will answer you regarding your scope soon. I just wanted to welcome you to our group, you will find us a very groovy yet intelligent mob :thumbsup:

[Christopher]

Thanks Tailwag, I'm pretty keen to get into it.

[iceman]

Hi Chris

Welcome to IIS! You've started at the right point and you're asking the right questions!

You're likely to get a lot of advice that says "get a dob" and I'll give the same too. A dobsonian is a great way for beginners to get into the hobby without spending a lot of money. You get large aperture, easy to use, easy to move, easy to setup and they are just great value for what you get.

Start with an 8" dob - you can get these from around $399. The skywatcher dob at MyAstroShop, or the GSO dobs from Bintel or Andrews, are great scopes.

I wouldn't get a small reflector on an EQ mount. If your interest is in the moon and planets, the view will be somewhat disappointing due to the small aperture. Deep space objects will be dim and small.

An 8" (or 10" or 12" if you can afford it) is great on the planets and DSOs.

Equatorial mounts can be frustrating, because:
a) Smaller, cheaper ones are wobbly
b) They take longer to align and setup
c) The eyepiece can get in weird positions as the telescope moves around the sky.

The dobsonian base gives alt/az motion - just push/pull it to where you want. Put it on the ground and it's ready to use.

The CAS (Canberra Astronomical Society) is a great active society and I'd suggest getting along to one of their observing nights, where you'll get the chance to see these scopes first hand, and look through them too.

What's your budget?

[Christopher]

Thanks Iceman, my budget is around that mark. I've been having a flick through some of the other threads, and it looks like praise for the dobs is pretty pervasive on the forum. I think visiting the CAS might be a great place to start, before splashing out and buying something. How portable are the 8" dobs?

Cheers,

Chris.

[doogal]

Hi Christopher:hi:, im about 4 weeks ahead of you in terms of getting into this great hobby and i also started out with an eq mount and i did find it kinda frustrating trying to move around the sky quickly,especially when i didnt know where much was to look at.

if i could do my first purchase over again i would go straight for a dobsonian first as it really allows you to see so much in a small time and ive got more enjoyment in my first night with my new scope as i did with weeks with my little eq mount scope.

good luck!

edit: Iceman seems to have summed everything up rather well,as usual:)

[iceman]

Hi Chris.

The 8" is the most portable of the dobs, as the tube is shorter, smaller, lighter and the base is smaller and lighter.

You'll have no trouble fitting it in any car, even the small hatches etc. You could lay the tube across the back seat or put the front seat down and lay it that way.

If you have a hatch that allows the back seat to go down, even better.

[Miaplacidus]

Hi Chris! Welcome to the forum. You are sensible to ask questions before spending your money. It would be good if you could join a club, or go along to an open night.

I think most people would tell you that the EQ1/2 mounts are not ideal. Certainly what you've heard about the mount is true, you will get very frustrated with any mount (equatorial OR alt-azimuth) if it jiggles and jerks when you're trying to get a planet into the field of view and changing the focus.

Iceman is right. Most people think a dob is best for a first scope. I'm one of them. Aperture always wins, and an 8 inch dob will show you a lot more than 114 mm.

In the Projects & Articles section you'll find a couple of articles aimed at beginners that might give you some things to consider too.

Cheers,

Brian.:welcome:

[erick]

Chris, the tube for my 8" Dob (with finderscope still attached) will just fit into the boot of my Lancer. I stand the base on the back seat. Another approach which I haven't yet tried is to lay the tube across the back seat, cover part of it with a sheet or other padding, then put the base down over it, on its side, the tube fitting between the side boards of the base. Eric :)

[rmcpb]

Chris,

Welcome to IIS :)

The iceman summed it up. Get a dob!!!!!!

An 8" is easily transported, I move mine around in our Pulsar easily.

Don't forget the little extras you will need, planisphere, binos, red torch, observing chair, LOTS of warm clothes for winter.

Don't get into buying accessories too quickly. Wait till you know your scope and your observing style then buy good stuff slowly.

Have fun......

[Ric]

Hi Chris and welcome to IIS, The CAS is a great club with a lot of helpful people as well. they also have some great observing nights as well.

Hope to see you at a meeting some time.

Cheers

[Christopher]

Thanks everyone for your advice. I'm going to go to some meetings and observation nights, and hopefully have a look through an 8" dob before forking out. I'm looking forward to joining the community!

All the best,

Chris.

[iceman]

Great new Chris! And definitely the best way to start (after joining IIS, that is ;))

[ving]

being a 8" dob owner i can thoroughly recomend them :)
I transport it in my astra easy. the base along with seat, card table, and case of eyepieces and other good ies go in the back and the OTA goes in the passenger seat next to me :) I have a 3 door version of the astra otherwide i'd chuck it on the back seat where there is also plenty of room.

welcome aboard

[Outbackmanyep]

G'Day Chris......
Either try a dobsonian or buy a pair of big binoculars! Cant go wrong with either......

Cheers!

[Hoopa]

Hi Chris,

I can't really comment on the size of scopes as yet as I'm at about the same stage as you are. Ric did also point me towards CAS (http://www.mso.anu.edu.au/cas/), and it sounds like a good community.

Thanks for that Ric, I'll try and get to the next meeting to have a look. :thumbsup:

Cheers
Hoopa

[Ric]

No worries guys, just glad I was able to help out in some way.

Cheers

[toetoe]

G'day Chris
As a owner of a short tube 114 on a tiny eq mount i just want to say that i must be one of the lucky ones as the mount has not let me down with the wobbles as yet. IMHO i do expect it to happen one day as they are a very low end mount. With a decent eyepiece in, viewing has been far from disappointing with this little fella and i have had many enjoyable viewing nights with it. As for value for money you can't go wrong with the above advice from the other members about the dobs.