First Scope Help

[Coach Ramsies]

Hey everyone

I saw jupiter today and it made me want to get a telescope :D

I'm in sydney and I'm still in school so I dont have much to spend, ~$150.


Do you guys think I could get a reasonable one for that much ?

thx for any help guys


~CR:3000

[toetoe]

Hi Coach and welcome to IceInSpace. :)
Ther are lots of cheap and nasty scopes out there at a cheap price so be careful before you buy. You may be able to get a decent 2nd hand one for that price, check out the buy and sell forum section and have a look. Perhaps other members will be able to help you out a bit better then i can so just potter around and you should get some feedback. :D

[cahullian]

hi and welcome to the forum.
For $150 it may be hard to get a good scope unless you score a good cheap one from ebay(but I doubt it) you may be better saving a bit more and getting a better quality scope.$299 will get you a 6" Dob from Andrews communication. Or for a nice look at the night sky a pair of binoculars might be a better choice. For $150 you will get a decent pair of bino's and a star map or a planisphere.

Gazz

[RAJAH235]

Hello Coach Ramsies. Welcome to the nut house. My only early advise is, SAVE UP. You'll probably need around $400.00 for an 8" 'DOBSONIAN' type t'scope. That is not a brand name, but the type. It's a very easy t'scope to use & transport. Just push & pull to find/track the objects.
An 8" is probably the best one to start with, but before you buy, why not contact your local Society, & have a look thru some of theirs? Get a better idea then, of what is available.
HTH. :D :thumbsup: L.

[ballaratdragons]

Hi Coach,

Have a look through this site for telescopes. They are about the cheapest shop that anyone in here would recommend. Avoid Ebay scopes, it is all junk.

www.andrewscom.com.au

[Coach Ramsies]

hey thx for the fast reply.

So you guys think I shoudl save up for a Guan Sheng GS-580-LTD for $299.00? ( Is that a 6" ? )

$400 is probably out of my league :sad:

[ballaratdragons]

Yep! It's a 6".
Hit the folks for some more and get the 8" if possible. Otherwise the GS 6" is a very good start. GS are very good quality.

[RAJAH235]

I know you WANT IT NOW, but please visit a local Astronomy Club first. There must be one or two that are fairly close to you in Sydney. What suburb? I know that Ving is in the S/W. Wait for others with more info. :D L.

[acropolite]

Hey Coach, it would be worth waiting until you have some extra funds for at least an 8 inch. Buy the biggest you can afford, even if you have to wait; whatever size you get, you'll never say you wished you had bought a smaller one....:D

[ballaratdragons]

Hey Ram (easier to type)

Check this site out to wet your apetite to save.

http://www.telescope-service.com/dobsonians/dobsonians/dobsoniansstart.html

[Greg Bryant]

Nothing wrong with a 6" scope.

My first telescope was a 6" scope (Newtonian reflector on an equatorial mount), bought from Astro-Optical Supplies in 1985, just in time for Comet Halley.

I still take it out from time to time - last weekend, my two sons looked through it for the first time, at the Moon.

[ballaratdragons]

True Greg.

My first scope was a 4.25" 20 years ago and I've only just stepped up to 12" back in February this year.

[RAJAH235]

RE-SALE VALUE??? Who wants to go down in size? Remember 'Aperture Wins'. SAVE UP. Look at/thru others first. Why not try binoculars first? (interest might wane). & a planisphere. :D L.

[Greg Bryant]

I should add I also have a 10 inch dobsonian...well it's my wife's, but that's why I married her! :)

[ballaratdragons]

WANTED
Woman for marriage. Must own large telescope.
Please send photo of telescope.

[Greg Bryant]

Ken,

It gets worse...she's an astrophysicist at Sydney University.

[ballaratdragons]

WANTED
Woman for marriage.
Must be Astrophysicist
and MUST own large telescope.
Willing to stay up late regularly
outside on cold nights, carry
5 beers at once, cook for my
friends at the drop of a hat,
generous and preferably mute.
Please send photo of telescope.
Greg Bryant. c/o AS&T Magazine

[Coach Ramsies]

Aww you guys are going to make me save up for an 8" aint you ;)


Oh well I guess I should get the Guan Sheng GS-680-LTD $399.00 ( 8" I think? )

I'm in Maroubra, eastern suburbs.

[ballaratdragons]

Yes we are Ram. 6" is a good start but for the price and saving a bit longer the 8" is a much better buy.

Hopefully you can meet some of the members in here and thy can help you. They are happy to meet with you (I'll dob them in). 'Dob'. Get it! I crack myself up :rofl:

[RAJAH235]

Read all previous posts. :thumbsup: :P :D L.

[h0ughy]

true fact ,do save up and get it you won't be sorry. But most of these guys on Ice in Space are past it :D and have been around for a while. :poke: Age , experience and aperture fever will grip you like there is no tommorrow. Seek out a local Astro society and attend a viewing night, and sus out what they have while you save.

[h0ughy]

and I forgot to add,

Seek out a wife like Greg's, why she is a lucky lady to have a bloke like him :rofl: Not that I am Jealous, given the chance my wife would like to put the axe through my scope. :D

[ballaratdragons]

:evil2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2:

[[1ponders]]

Watch these Dob guys Coach. They'll have you building an observatory before you've built a house :D. Many of us started out with scopes as small as 75mm aperture. My first scope was only 60mm, got it for xmas when I was about 12 (I'm now nearly 45). It blew of the verandah about 2 years ago, yes I still used it.

I then bought a good 100mm scope, I was out using it tonight. Even though it was really moony I still saw heaps. Why? 'cause I was looking for what I new I could find in a scope this size on a moonlite night like tonight. Yes aperture rules. The bigger your aperture the more you can see. But that doesn't mean you can't find hundreds if not thousands of interesting objects to find and look at in a smaller scope. In fact sometimes a small aperture and shorterscope is better if your trying to look at really big things like cluster and large nebula. Some of these things are so big you cut out some of it with big aperture scopes. That's why these guys spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars just on eyepieces, widefield eyepieces. So they can see a wider field with their big aperture.

If you're keen to learn and find your way around the stars then just about any scope will do. What the others have said is all true. Beware of cheap scopes, Especially at auction sites, department stores etc. Just because a scope there is selling for $250-$300 doesn't necessarily mean its a good scope either. You've started by doing the right thing and coming to a site like this and asking the right questions.

If your keen to get started then the 6" Dob will be a fantastic scope (besides it'll be alot lighter to move around too). If you're prepared to wait a bit and save then definately go for a bigger scope. Remember though the scope is only a part of the system. Eyepieces are also an important factor to consider. You don't want to spend all your money to get the biggest scope you can afford and only have one eyepiece to use.

have a chat with your folks maybe one of them would be interested in joining you in this hobby. That way you can share the costs :evil: Oh and see if you can keep enough money to get a good star atlas, though a planisphere will get you started.

Good luck

[acropolite]

I agree with Paul, I started by fishing out an old Bushnell spotting scope (25x mag 60mm) that I had. The views of the moon were fantastic and I could see jupiters four moons as well as Saturns rings and general shape. The problem is that the more you see the more you want to see; hence the term aperture fever. :D

[Dennis]

Hi Coach

Follow Rajah's sage advice - find a local club and attend one of their field nights so you can get to see different objects (stars, planets, galaxies, clusters) through various 'scopes, and how each 'scope is different in terms of set up, transportability, etc.

Welcome to the hobby and the site, I hope you enjoy both as much as we all do.

Cheers

Dennis

[iceman]

A 6" dob for $299 is your best bet - also you're not far from the central coast - I highly recommend that you make your way up for our central coast observing sessions. You'll get to see through LOTS of telescopes, both small and large. And it'll give you something to look forward to while you're saving up.

btw where did you hear about IceInSpace?

[wavelandscott]

Lots of good advice already dished out so I will stick with the standard quote that I have not read in the post yet...

The best scope for you is the one that you will use...small or large does not matter so much as how often you are going to use it.

A well made smaller scope that you use all of the time will bring you lots of enjoyment...don't forget that most of the scopes used by the early pioneers of Astronomy would be considered small and poorly made today and think about all of the wonders that they discovered...there are lots and lots and lots of things that you can see and explore in a small scope...

Do seek out a group of scope owners and look through their scopes before you buy anything...you may find that what you really want to see is different than what you think you want to see now...

Saving for a bigger scope is a fine thing but even with a bigger scope, we all get "apertue fever" anyway...so look through some scopes and get stuck into it...from your post I gather that you are still young enough to have many years of scope ownership ahead of you if you decide to stay with it...you can always "upsize" after you have had a bit more experience...

Cheers

[Starkler]

Another vote for the 6 inch GSO dob.

You said you had $150 as a budget. Is that because thats all you have, or is it what you consider its worth spending on a scope? If you do have saving ability it is worth comming up with the extra $250 for the 8 inch which could keep you happy for many years. On the other hand, if you cant save quickly, having a scope is better than no scope at all and the 6 incher is the cheapest scope you will find of good useable quality.
You are fortunate to have a choice to have this quality available at such a price. This choice wasnt available 10 years ago. Now back when I was a lad ......... :lol:

[slice of heaven]

Here we go, knocking the 6" again. A 6" has always been recommended as a good sized starter scope until now because of the availability of cheaper scopes.
If your on a limited budget there's nothing wrong with grabbing a 6".
If your going to save for an 8, then you may as well save for a 10, or a 12.
If you can scrape enough to get the gs 6" dob, youll be happy with the views.Its light,easy to use, I think it's an F8 which has a lot of benefits ,ep choices arent as critical and youll get good views of the moon and planets. Any accessories you buy can be used later on if you upgrade to a larger scope.
But try and get together with a group and check out your options first.

[cahullian]

The lad only has $150.00 to play with so a cheap ebay scope might have to do him for a while. Ving started with a scope for about $80.00 and that got him hooked for life.He could get a small cheap scope and still have a few bob left over to get saving for the 8" Dob we all know he wants : ) I started with binoculars and they kept me happy for over a year and you can also use them for the footy and the cricket.

[slice of heaven]

But the cheap ebay scope will give him crap views and maybe put him off for life.

[cahullian]

thats why the binos are the best buy for now i think.

[cahullian]

Also with the Dobs there is the Cheshire to get,stablise the base (milk bottles to buy),barlow x2,trolly to help move it around.... for $150.00 it's not going to happen

[cahullian]

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3636&item=7522483916&rd=1 This scope might be alright for a starter pick up in SE sydney would suit too

[slice of heaven]

Your right for the $$$ your probably limited to a good set of binos.
Shame they havent brought out a 4" dob for under $200 to cover the entry market.
You dont HAVE to have the trolley,barlow and all the goodies straight away. I'm still lugging my scopes out by hand,and after 10 years I've only just bought a couple of barlows. Getting the most out of what you have is more important.

[slice of heaven]

If you could pick it up for the current price it'd be great,but watch the price jump when it gets close to the end.

[atalas]

Hey guy's I've PM Coach to help him with his first scope purchase,I'm a sucker for sob stories! a kid without a telescope not good ,me help,me fix!

Big Louie :xmas: :astron:

[slice of heaven]

Your an absolute LEGEND.
St Louie, IIS patron saint for scopeless kids.

[atalas]

Yeah slice,I'm getting closer to judgment day have to do something good before the time comes ! hehehe :lol:

You know I was thinking could be one kid that doesnt stray from boredom,and maybe a new career path who knows! Ive been lucky with my kids,I wish all kids luck !

Big Louie :stargaze:

[h0ughy]

So louie are you going to give him the "FS 102 with camera angle adjuster,Tak 7x50 illuminated finder, Vixen ota rings and dove tail plate, 2"eyepiece adapter, Aerolyte case" for $150.00 :scared3: :scared3: :poke:

[atalas]

oh dear, what a pity I've sold It ,It will head to Its new owner in Queensland very soon.
I'm sure he will enjoy It as much as I did.
Oh yes lucky I have a Tak Newt as well ! hehehe :lol:
Hey big Dave ! I found a EM200 mount so I hope that deal will be seald soon then I'll put my GPDX/Skysenser on the market as well .

Louie :D

[cahullian]

WTG Louie you are the man.
Gazz

[Coach Ramsies]

Thanks alot for the offer louie :prey2:

I can pull the money together for the scope though. I'm very grateful nonetheless.

I've decided to go with the 6" Dob.

How far out of sydney will I need to go to get some dark skies? I'm planning to go out with a friend when I get back from a vacation with my family to test it out.

[atalas]

I think you will have to get about an hour or two out at least for your best views Coach.
When you do your bound to catch the Astro bug!
Gazz If It's hard lets not give up.

Louie :2thumbs:

[ballaratdragons]

Way to go Ram!

Another Dobbie!!

Interesting how only a few years ago a 4" was entry level and 6" was a good step up. Here we are trying to flog the 8".

You will enjoy your scope Ram, no matter what size. When you are ready to step up to a 12" I have a 12" autographed by John Dobson (Dobsonians are named after him) for only $ 5,000.00. :D

[RAJAH235]

O.K. Coach, the 6" is a good choice for a starter. You'll only need to go about 1/2 hr out of the big smoke to get reasonably dark skies. When you pick up the t'scope, buy a Planishere as well. This will help you find your way around the sky. Oh, & a red LED torch, so you don't ruin your eyes dark adaption. (more tech. terms). Don't use a white light. Best of luck & welcome to a great hobby. :thumbsup: :D L.

[[1ponders]]

Good move Coach. You'll have a ball. Even from the suburbs. But wait til you get some dark skies. You won't know yourself.:eyepop: You'll thing you've gained 4" in aperture

[atalas]

RAJAH , half and hour won't get you out of Sydney mate.

Louie :campfire:

[ballaratdragons]

LOL, get you to the next suburb though!!!

[ballaratdragons]

Hey Ram,

Don't worry about City light too much. I know light pollution is a hassle but take a look at the pics on this site that John (Vindictive666) posted.

They were take at Cebu City, Phillipines! Ultra bright light pollution. Yes he has a bigger scope but it shows that you can still get good views in a city.

http://jupiter.cstoneind.com/

[cahullian]

not in peak hour it wont.he he spent 5 hours driving around Sydney today and I can tell you it was nice to get back to the deserted roads of Newcastle lol
good choice coach the 6" will be a treat and not too heavy. You wont need ep's just yet. Go to viewing nights when John B and louie are there and you will have heaps of ep's to choose from :ashamed: :rofl: :fight: :scared3: :poke: :jawdrop: :eyepop: :D

[ballaratdragons]

Easy for me to talk. I live in the Dark! But plenty of good pics in here from you guys and gals that live in the Cities. I applaude you all.

[atalas]

Ken good point ,there's alot you can see and image even from Sydney.
Hey Gazz how isya *********?hehehe :rofl:
yes plenty of eyepieces to go around and a couple of new ones as well It's a lot of fun .

Louie :2thumbs:

[Coach Ramsies]

Yeah I plan on using it in my area, but because its the holidays I want to take it out somewhere good.

I was thinking about going to the Blue Mountains National Park or around Newcastle. Does anyone know if its ok to camp in the national park?

[atalas]

Don't Know Coach,just ring them and check.

Louie :confused:

[cahullian]

i want em i want em( in an irish accent)iwanim iwanim
he he he BTW less of the old and more of the *****(guaranteed)

Irish

[ballaratdragons]

About 100k west of Alice Springs is pretty dark these holidays! LOL

If you camp in a National Park you have to tell the Ranger when you go in and when you come out or they send search parties in and you end up on the 6 o'clock news. They don't get very impressed when people just camp in there without them knowing.

[cahullian]

dont forget nothing is illegal!! well...unless you get caught :ashamed:

[atalas]

Man I think Ive found my match , your funny Irish ! so let the ***** begin!

Louie :rofl: and hope the wind don't turn :windy:

[cahullian]

:rockband: they dont call me trumpet **** for nothing Louie

[cahullian]

6" dob is the r :cloudy: eason the clouds are all over newy tonight " ( I need clear skies

[atalas]

Yeah ********will yah! :rofl: :scared2:

Louie :rundog:

[cahullian]

he who ****** and runs away lives to ******another day

[atalas]

Ok I publicly appologies for straying off topic guy's we hope we have not offended !

Louie :thumbsup:

[cahullian]

I second that Louie sorry everyone :ashamed:

[Starkler]

And a few obscene words by the look of it . Please remember this is a public forum so kindly dont use language or innuendo you wouldnt use in front of your Grandmother.

[[1ponders]]

Thanks guys :thumbsup:

[Coach Ramsies]

Just a quick question, Do I need to buy an eyepeice or anything?

Or will it come with the 6" Dob I'm going to buy from andrews?

[[1ponders]]

You will get at least one eyepiece. If you are buying one of the specials you may get a couple of more. The one you get will most likely be in the 20 -25mm range. You will probably wont a shorter one, 30-35mm, a shorter one 12 - 15 mm and a 2X barlow which will effectively double the number of eyepieces you have. That would be my preference, though everyone is different. Once you decide what you really like looking at that will start to determine what other focal length eyepieces you want to buy.

As a general guide, long focal length for DSOs and shorter focal length for moon and planets. the 20 - 25 mm range is sort of middle of the road. If you are really stuck and can't afford too much then the one that comes with the scope, a 15mm and a barlow. That will effectively give you 25/12.5mm and 15/7.5 mm eyepieces

[Coach Ramsies]

Ok so the scope will come with an eyepeice.

I think what I will do is test it out too see what I like, I guess the moon and planets will get boring ?

And can I see deep space with a 6" ?

[[1ponders]]

The moon and the planets never get boring Coach. The shadows on the moon are different everysingle time you look at them so each time they look slightly different. And remember that there are a lot of things to look at there. Not just craters. And the higher the magnification you go (within reason) the more detail you will see. The same goes for the planets. Mercury (if your lucky enough to catch it) and venus go through the same phases as the moon, though you won't see surface detail, and Jupiter is forever changing with the moons circling it, shadows crossing its face, the great red spot, and all the bands changing over time. The first time you see Saturn though you will go "WOW" :eyepop::jawdrop: It is truely stunning.

And then, yes you will certainly see a huge number of DSOs. Open clusters, globular clusters, emission nebula, maybe reflection nebula (with the right filters) planetary nebula, galaxies. You won't know where to start. In fact that will be your biggest problem finding out what to look at. You're in for a bit of research over the holidays I can tell you. That's why some here have suggested getting out to a gathering of local amateur astronomers. So you can find out some of the things to look for.

You'll have a ball