Hello... can I please have some advice?

[ManintheMoon]

Hello there :hi:

I am new to this forum (and astronomy) and was looking for some advice about which telescope to buy for a beginner. I have read through some of the posts here but I’m not sure what type to buy. :help:

I have been looking at the stars last week for the Big Aussie Star Hunt with my family (I am in primary school) and want to look at the stars and planets up close!

My budget is about $300-$350 and we live in an area with fairly dark skies (about 6km south of town). I would also like to take some photos of what I see (if that is possible with a smaller telescope).

I have found a couple of telescopes which I think might be a good buy (they are on special) and hope someone could give me their opinion if they would be OK quality and would be not too hard for me to use.

This one is the Skywatcher 114mm reflector SW450 with motor drive http://www.yorkoptical.com.au/ProductMenus/Telescopes/tabid/42/CategoryID/645/List/1/Level/a/ProductID/10/Default.aspx?SortField=Free3%2cUnit Cost

This one is the Skywatcher SWAT80 with auto tracking. https://www.bintelshop.com.au/welcome.htm (on specials page)

Would it be better to buy the bigger 114mm lens with motor drive or the 80mm with auto tracking (or is that the same thing??) :shrug:

I have also read about the IISAC and would love to go but we live a long way up in Queensland. I hope everyone has a great time and can’t wait to see the pics!

Thank you for any advice!

Maninthemoon

[cohiba]

MANINTHEMOON
I would check out some of the used scopes in the forums they are some great bargins to be had you should be able to pick up an 8" dob for about $350.00

[[1ponders]]

Hi maninthemoon and :welcome: to the site.

Unfortunately neither of those is going to get you up close and personal with the planets. You needs something a bit longer than those. You will see Jupiter, Saturn and Mars etc, but they wont be big. If you try to get the larger then they will become blurry. You will also find that the mount the 114 is on will give you nothing but wobbles and frustration at the magnifications you will need to see planets well.

I would suggest a good solid Dobsonian. It won't have tracking but you will be able to see the planets quite well and it won't wobble everytime you touch is. If you have a look in the Projects, articles, DIY guides here (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/projects.html) you will find an article on astrophotography with a dob. http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-201-0-0-1-0.html

You could contact Myastroshop (http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/reflectors.asp)who are online but are based in Hervey Bay I think or Andrews Communication (http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-content-section-10-guansheng.htm#dobsonian)or Bintel (https://www.bintelshop.com.au/Catalog.aspx?Category=telescopes)in Sydney

[sheeny]

I second Robert's advice. You'll get better results from a second hand 8" Dob than either of those scopes.

The other option to consider when starting out is to buy a good pair of binoculars (7x50s or 10x50s). They are a great way to learn the sky while you save / plan for your first scope, and they will be useful for your entire astronomy life.

Al.

[Blue Skies]

There are many amateur astronomers in Queensland - if you could give a better idea of where you live (nearest big town would be enough) then I'm sure someone more local to you could tell you where you could go to get a look through some telescopes before you buy.

[astroron]

I agree with what Blue skies says :)Tell Us where you live, we are happy to point you in the right direction.:thumbsup:

[ManintheMoon]

Thank you very much for all your advice. It was very helpful.
I will definitely look into the websites you all gave me.

By the way, my nearest big town is Emerald or maybe Mackay.

There is a lot for me to learn but I have to go now so I’ll catch you tomorrow.

Thanks again

Maninthemoon