advice/ideas on what to get as a present

[nikko]

Hi guys and gals,
im looking at buying a scope for fathers day and im not too sure whats going to be best out of the million options out there.
basically i have about 800$ to spend, upto 1000$ if its the super awesome model hehe
it needs to be portable and fairly robust as the intended recipient is close to retirement and likes the odd road trip with camper trailer in tow and would definitely take it along.
if there is any chance a webcam/small camera could be attached in future it would be a bonus
i have put a bit of thought into this and got really confused so im asking for help :)
much appreciated any input
thanks in advance

[richardda1st]

Hi Nick, I think an 8" or at a stretch even a 10" collapsible dob is great for travelling with.
I would recommend the Mead lightBridge as I think it compacts down to the smallest size of the lot. Not as easy as say the skywatcher to take down and reassemble but it's still easy.

http://www.meade.com/manuals/TelescopeManuals/lightbridge.pdf
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/41-497-0-0-1-0.html

Cheers
Richard

[mental4astro]

Hi Nick,

I wouldn't want to suggest this scope or that. Just too many things to consider.

If your intension is to get a scope as a present, and you are prepared to lay down a certain amount of money, you may be best served with taking the receipiant to a reputable telescope retailer where you are. You may surprise them with a gift voucher with which they can then select the best instrument that best fits their circumstances. The surprise won't be any less, but it actually would be a more personal gift as the final choice will ultimately be theirs!

They may find that a smaller scope with more bells and whistles suits them. OR a larger, simpler scope is more their cup of tea. See what I mean? The surprise is no less fantastic, but actually much more special if the choice is theirs!

Alex.

[Matthew Lovell]

The Astro Societies recommend a 6" Dobsonian for the beginner. Any larger than that is just a bonus for Light Gathering Power. The bigger the scope, the more that can be seen with it, in greater detail, and at a higher magnification. Allow some money to get a Planetary Eyepiece, and a book like Astronomy 2011, to let you know where the night sky objects are.

Make sure it fits in the person's car!

[Damienandwendy]

Hi Nick,
Welcome to the forums.
I agree with Alex in that you are probably best served by taking the intended user to a Telescope shop and discuss options and have a look. Since you suggested a desire for something portable for camping then perhaps a 4" refractor would be a more compact/robust option than a 6" newtonian/dobsonian. Then it depends on whether or not you want a GOTO/tracking function and whether or not the webcam option is aimed at atrophotography or just being able to setup the scope and view remotely.

cheers

Damien

[Poita]

If weight is an issue then a small refractor on a basic tracking mount would be your best bet, or one of those baby Maks maybe?

Re the camera, is it intended just for live view?

If a bit larger isn't a problem, then something like an 8" SCT is still really portable, and my C8 has been exceedingly robust over the years.

[iceman]

Don't forget the astronomy and australian sky 2012 calendars!
They make great gifts for fathers day!
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/73-543-0-0-1-0.html

[leon]

Have to agree with Alex as well, but that is your choice i guess, but as Mike says, the Astronomy and Australian Sky 2012 Calendars is a must, they are full of great interesting things to look at and up-coming events.

Leon

[nikko]

thanks for everyones input, i had 2 scopes in mind

http://telescope.com.au/Telescope/Home/CategoryID/1019/List/0/Level/a/ProductID/1648.aspx?SortField=UnitCost%2cProd uctName

http://telescope.com.au/Telescope/Home/CategoryID/1019/List/0/Level/a/ProductID/317.aspx?SortField=UnitCost%2cProdu ctName

the mak would leave no money in the budget but i think would be smaller packed, and the newt is cheaper leaving room for other things, magazine, charts, calender etc.

i do like the idea of going to the shop though :) i have a couple of weeks to think more though.
thanks again
nick

[Alchemy]

I'd get a small refractor if possible.....because you can also use it for other things terrestrial, the reflector will be upside down so if dad wants to go on holiday not only can he look at the moon stars etc, but can also use it for birdwatching, animals in the wild, landscapes etc etc.

If he is purely an astronomical aficionado the sure the reflector has the best light gathering power.

[Poita]

Just a note, the image of the calendar back cover shows a RRP of $14.95 and the order page shows $19.00

Either is good value though!