celestron firstscope

[jmb]

i currently have a 6" DOB, but just find it doesnt get used enough, and think it is largely due to its size....and my confined living arrangements.
the problem is not with the telescope, i guess i really want a 'grab and go' scope...i have been coming up with a celestron firstscope which has been promoted by the IYA...anyway it has had good reviews from what i have seen and with a finder and some accessories would probably better suit my needs.
http://origin.getprice.com.au/prodhi...ope&position=1 (http://origin.getprice.com.au/prodhits.aspx?pid=38983540&shopid=807&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.getprice.com.a u%2fcatin.aspx%3fsearchterm%3dceles tron%2520firstscope&page=%2fcatin.aspx%3fsearchterm%3dc elestron%2520firstscope&position=1)
i would be interested if anyone here has any 1st hand knowledge of the firstscope....
or maybe something else you would recommend???
cheers
janine

[bmitchell82]

Like i said jmb in another post, this telescope will be virtually useless from brisbane your downgrading by a mighty lot aka nearly 50% in mirror size.
my 114mm newt i use for a guide scope it only just pulls up M42.

Go for a Refractor of 80mm or better but then again you will run into the same problem as you will need a tripod.

the only other option you might be able to get away with is Binoculars but you already have a decent set.

good luck

[renormalised]

Not worth it...the review is a load of rubbish as the scope isn't as good as they say. Go here for better advice...

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=48171

[jmb]

thanks for sharing your thoughts.
i am interested in these
Orion Starblast 4.5
Celestron telescope, Model no #31044. Firstscope 114. F=900 F/8
Skywatcher Table Dob
the two latter ones dont seem to be readily available in Australia though...
any suggestions for alternatives
thansk for your help
janine

[andrew2008]

The Starblast seems to be quite popular. Especially stateside. Would be a much better option than the Celestron Firstscope. I'm sure a quick google search will bring up plenty of info.

[mozzie]

have a bit more of a look at the starblaster im thinking of getting one for the kids to use they are quite good and grab and go
mozzie

[mental4astro]

Another word of caution, :rolleyes:: The majority of 114mm f/8 reflectors come out of the same factory, just rebadged. These ALL have spherical mirrors, like the Celestron FirstScope, cheap & quick to make these mirrors. A step backwards from the dob in quality.

I don't know your budget, but look at this one as an option:

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=48946

I have one of these myself, & a ripper little unit it is. Mine has an eq. mount, but I mainly use it on a good photo tripod as in the ad. Both fit in a backpack & takes up next to no room. For the size I doubt you will find better quality. I'm still to find a bad rap on the C5.

[jmb]

thanks, the C5 looks a great telescope, a bit out of my league at the moment anyway,
in my hunting around i came across good reviews on a Orion refractor 80mm ST80
sorry to be a bit all over the place, but there is so much available, and i guess for me it is good to tap into the experience here...
cheers
janine

[jmb]

really would like to hear someone's views on the Orion short tube 80mm
please!!!

[Davros]

Why not go for a second hand ED80 and get yourself a alt/az mount for cheap. Should be OK for visual. $500 should get you there. A few people have the orion 80mm as a guidescope. Dont know what they are like for visual.