WTB: First telescope - $300

[doitchoss]

Hey Guys :),

Basically im another one of your average new astronomy buffs looking to be a first scope. As this is my first, im putting a price limit at $200. Im well aware this wont get me a scope that will give hubble style pictures with that blind me with beautiful colours however i am not looking for $50 junk i see in my local dick smith. I am pretty much looking for something that will show to an extent the basics of the sky. I want to be able to at least see some colour variation on the closeer planets which are projected bigger than the head of a needle. If someone has an idea of what im looking for, or someone is keen to be extremely generous ;), please post up what you have.

At this stage im also really only looking for sellers in melbourne.

Thanks!
doitchoss.

EDIT: Budget uped to $300

[tonybarry]

Hi doitchoss,

The three obstacles facing me as a beginner were
1) knowing what star / object is visible at a given time and where it is
2) keeping the object visible in the scope
3) being able to physically pick up the gear

For me, I obtained a 2nd hand f/4 8" Newtonian on a EQ1 mount, and a laptop running Stellarium (a free program to show what stars are in the sky).
That let me see big, easily visible stuff. Stellarium let me find out what stars were where, and without it I am sure I would never have persisted.

Good luck with finding a scope.

Regards
Tony Barry

[torana68]

Hi,
I think $200 is not close even for second hand unless your very lucky, have a look at http://www.scopesim.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46&Itemid=58 (hope its ok to post live links!) this willl let you see what you want then look at whats available, join a club most (all?) will have 'scopes you can use on club nights and keep saving.
Roger

[Starkler]

Yes i think joining a club and making use of their scopes is great advice.

You can also get access to real viewing experience and see for yourself the pros ans cons of the different scope types, which is more valuable than 100's of questions being answered in online forums ;)

The cheap telescope market is an absolute minefield full of trash and stuff that simply doesnt work in any acceptable fashion. Cheaps gems are rare and you need to know how to identify them or end up frustrated and disappointed having effectively wasted your money.

What part of Melbourne are you from? The M.P.A.S. hold public viewing nights at The Briars in Mornington each month.

[doitchoss]

Thanks for all the replies guys.

Yes - i do plan on checking out a club in my area.

My reasoning for posting here is that I have just been researching various scopes and have found that rather than buying a new $300 scope i am more keen on getting something a little better for the same price but second hand.

[erick]

That's better. You should be into the 6" dob used market now. Perhaps an older 8" if you are really lucky!

[dannat]

Andrews Comm in sydney did have a clearance 6" Guan sheng on SV1 EQ mount for $349, normally 499.

As for clubs the ASV rents out 8" dob's for $10 as well as deposit, the ASV are meeting this coming sat night 28th at heathcote v- would give you the chance to check out a few scopes