Not sure what to buy

[robulaic]

Hi everyone

I'm looking to get nto astronomy and I'm not sure what scope to get.

I'm interested in a goto type of setup whch I can run via my laptop and use a webcam to take a few images of planets etc.

What gear would you all recommend, I'm in New Zealand so that does limit my options.

[that_guy]

wats your budget robert?it all depends on how much you wanna spend

[robulaic]

Around $1000 AUSD, maybe higher.

[that_guy]

for a thousand dollars you can get, a used HEQ5 Pro mount and maybe an 8" Newt, this set up is good for planetary as well as visual work and I think(?) you can control it via laptop/
hope this helps

cheers,
tony

[Jeeps]

Andrews has a Maksutov-Cassegrain MAK127AZ-GT with GO-TO for $899. It's currently sold out but looks like it might great for a beginner.

http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm


http://www.andrewscom.com.au/images/products/telescopes/catadioptric/sky-mak127-az-gt.jpg


Otherwise they also list the Celestron computerised "Go-To" Maksutov-Cassegrain NexStar SLT series MAK90 SLT and MAK127 SLT for $699 & $999.


cheers

[torana68]

... or do a search of the beginners equipment section and find out more about the termanology, and get an idea of what you want, for example if you have decided you only want to see planets you may need a different 'scppe to someone who only wants to see faint fuzzy things. with a better idea you will get more accurate recommendations, the answer however probably is "Bintel 8" dob" plus some better eyepieces and accessories (dont ask for eyepiece recommendatons yet!)
Roger

[andrew2008]

The 8" GOTO dob is only $999. It will track well enough to use a webcam for planetary astrophotography and is easier to set up than an EQ mount.

[NorthernLight]

Hi Robert,

choices are small here in Auckland and Andrews doesn´t ship larger scopes or mounts to NZ. They told me they only send smaller scopes via airmail. But I think Bintel does the heavy stuff as well, at least that´s what Roger told me before I left Melbourne.

A computer controlled mount like the HEQ5 or EQ6pro will cost you alone more than one grand. But it is worth it if you´re planning to keep going in photography (DSO and stuff).

The computer controlling is a nice to have but I think most people really only use the autoguider port and use the handcontroller for the rest. So perhaps you wouldn´t need it at all. In this case you might want to look at the EQ5 from Sky Watcher for 599AUD at Bintel.

An 8" Newton is certainly a good telescope. Don´t go below that if you want to do planetary work. Bintel has one for 429AUD.

RE - computer controlling of the mount: for the HEQ5 or EQ6 you need an adaptor like the shoestring EQDIR and if your PC doesn´t have a serial port, you will also need a serial to USB adaptor. PC and mount talk via the ASCOM platform, that can be downloaded from the internet. All you need then is a software (starry nights i.e.) that synchronises with the mount and allows you to control it. But since your keyboard is, especially with a Newton, never in reach of your eypiece most people buy a gamepad (even with bluetooth) to control the mount. The handcontroller does the same...;)
PS: planetary and lunar imaging is in most cases done with a webcam, but don´t expect to have an eye in the sky with a webcam allowing you to roam the heavens from indoors.

Cheers

[Sylvain]

Another thing is try to look at second hand scopes: more bang for the buck! ;)

[robulaic]

Thanks for the replies

One thing I've been looking at, depending on if I can get it shipped to NZ is

http://www.ozscopes.com.au/ioptron-smartstar-a-mc90-goto-gps-maksutov-cassegrain-telescope.html

It seems to be look lke the sort of thing that would do me initially, but 'm not sure as I haven't been able to find any reviews of the scope

Also I've got glasses so somethng that's good for someone with glasses is probably essential

[ZeroID]

Hi Robert, welcome to IIS.
I'm in Auckland as well. There aren't too many suppliers over here but Astronz have some stuff and on TradeMe there is a couple of importers bringing in stuff and I'm seeing more in the second hand market listed there as well. A bit of patience and a daily check of listings might be the easy answer.

[NorthernLight]

HI Robert,

it´s aperture what you want when you are looking into the night sky, especially when you have a lot light polution like Auckland has. The entry level for an amateur scope is 6" (150mm), the scope on your link has 3.5" (max. magnification is 180x, limiting magnitude around 12Mag) and the mount is alt/azimut, so you get field rotation.
Don´t worry about wearing glasses, all telescopes have a focuser that allows you to get sharp images without wearing glasses (the scope is your glass). If you want to leave your glasses on, buy eyepieces with long eye relief (like the Televue Radian´s).

Be careful with second hand, not everybody tells you that he cleaned his mirror with the green side of the sponge...

Cheers