What scope to buy?

[Leeroy]

G'day all

Ok so i'm trying to decide what telescope/mount to buy.. I am very new to astronomy and have been reading as much as i can about the different types of scope and mounts.
As i am so new to this hobby i am not realy sure where my interest may center, but right now i would like to do some basic visual observing of all the different objects in the sky.
I've also been looking at the spectacular photos done by some of the members here and i think that this may be where my interest lies..
So my purchase of a new scope should be biased in this direction.
Cost is an important issue as i don't have a lot of cash to spend. Perhaps up to $1K initialy, with more at a later date.
I've been down to sirrus optics and had a good talk with Ron and came away with some very good advice but now i have almost as many questions as he answered! (not his fault at all and he was very helpfull :thumbsup:, just my ever inquisitive mind running away..)
From his advice idealy i should buy a large refractor on a tracking GEM.

However there are several things wrong this..
1. It's too expencive. Too much initial outlay to get started
2. It would have a relativly small apature.
3. Probably too much for a novice like me to deal with.

So i am now thinking about a largish dob, probably a 10" solid tube design.
I could use this very easily for visual observing at first and then later on when experience and funds allow aquire a large GEM and fit the 10" tube on.
10" being about the largest practicle size for an easily portable GEM.
Thoughts?

I have also been reading about equatorial platforms for dob style scopes. Anyone had any experience with these? In particular for astrophotography? I am an instrument fitter/machinist by trade and from what i have seen, could build one of these with little fuss..
This would be much cheeper than a full tracking GEM and would allow my initial outlay budget to stretch to perhaps a 12" or even a 14" scope and most likey a collapsible design for portability..

Again Thoughts?

I am very keen to get started but don't want to buy the wrong gear and then have to sell it later on and buy something else.


Thanks

Cheers
Lee

[astro_nutt]

Hi Leeroy and welcome to IIS.
As with many who have started out, it would be practical to know the sky, constellations, etc, then endevour to search and discover what objects are there, so visit the Library and feed your brain.
A 10" dob is good scope for visual observing and are quite affordable. I have found them a good "learning" scope as to using your eye's sensitive area, (averted vision), to refine your viewing skills, etc. Also how to move the scope on it's mount smoothly and precisely.
Set aside for a few extra's such as a good collimation tool, 2x Barlow, a UHC filter, a planisphere or star maps will get you on a good start.
Contact/join an Astronomy Club and take part on one of their observing nights.
Cheers!

[casstony]

I think you've been given great advice so far Lee - 10" dob is a good first scope that can keep you happy for many years if you don't want to upgrade.

I see Sirius Optics has the Orion Intelliscope version with computerised object locator - that might be the scope to go for if Ron says the Intelliscope computer works well in the southern hemisphere. Otherwise there are other computers you can add at some point in the future. I've bought from Ron before and had great after sales service.

[wavelandscott]

Welcome to the hobby!

The advice outlined above is very good (in my opinion). I'll expand a bit on encouraging a first visit to an Astro Club. Many offer newly interested folks "loaner scopes" (sometimes free sometimes with nominal rental fee).

For someone undecided it is a great way to try a scope (or 2 or 3) out before you buy...

Similarly, I'm sure (once the rain goes away) that there will be other IIS Members in your area who would love to have you head out with them for a look through their scopes.

Try and look through as many scopes as you can before you spend your money. I've found fellow enthusiasts happy to let interested folks ask questions about their gear and run them through the pros and cons.

Good Luck and Clear Skies!

[keni]

Hello Lee,
Welcome from another Newbie going through the same dilemma.
Although I have started to gather equipment already.
I have to agree with Tony and astro_nutt.
My mate and I were lucky enough to buy a 2nd hand 10" Dobsonian here in Brisbane and it's been a great way to get started.
Of course going halves made it more attractive but I think its helped maintain our interest with all the bad weather.
Perhaps another option for your $1K would be the EQ5 Pro for sale in the Icetrade classifieds section mated with a Skywatcher 8" Black Diamond Newtonian OTA from Star Optics for $375.
I have the same mount and just bought the same scope as this seems to be the largest scope the mount can handle.
I'll be dipping my toes in the very deep Astrophotography pond with this setup too.I'll let you know how that goes.
I also recommend going to one of the public viewing nights the local Astro clubs have and can only agree wholeheartedly with Scott's comments.
Easiest way to find the local clubs is to have a look at Sirius Optics home page and click on the "Links'".

Have fun choosing and please let us know what toys you decide on.
Cheers,
Ken.

[Leeroy]

Thanks for all the advice guys..
I finialy made the decision yesterday to buy a 10" Skywatcher collapsable Dob. :D I spent Saturday afternoon putting it all together and after reading a few collimation "How to's", i used an old film canister with a hole in it to do the collimation.
I was able to get everything centered up and concentric, but one thing did have me puzzled. By adjusting the secondary mirror I was able to get the mirror clips of the primary mirror centered and then adjusted the primary mirror to center the "dounut" in the secondary. However for some reason the reflection of the eyepiece is not in the center of the secondary mirror. Is this important? I have been busting to get outside and check it with a bright star but with all this wet weather, no chance.. I recon I must be the most fustrated newby in the history of newbies!! :screwy: And the weather forcast says rain for the next week! :eyepop::(

Without a laser is there any other way of checking the collimation?


Cheers
Lee

[wavelandscott]

There is a tool at Bintel (maybe other places too) the Orion Collimating Eyepiece

https://www.bintelshop.com.au/welcome.htm

I find it very useful and use it everytime I set up my scope...I have other tools too but like the simplicity and battery free nature of this one.