Been told otherwise - First scope

[Intergage]

Hey all,

New to this community but so far enjoying myself. Thanks for that.
I was told in another thread that the scope I ordered (Celestron Powerseeker 114EQ Reflector Telescope) was useless and to cancel it. I am trying to do so now. I did do research on everything before I went and ordered it but apparently I got it wrong and I'm suspect there will be MANY more times I get things wrong while learning this hobby! :)

What would be a good, decent telescope for a beginner? I need it fairly portable and not much configuration to be done. I do think of myself as a fairly fast learner so I would rather not start at the very base level and start a little higher and learn how to start from a higher level. I did order some 20x80 Bino's as well and ill be using them for months to come but I have come into a small amount of free spending money that I would love to spend on a new scope. Does anyone have any suggestions or could point me into the right direction of a supplier? I have been ordering the stuff from ozscopes at the moment.

[Poita]

Personally I'd grab the ED80 triplet in the classifieds at the moment, I think it is a cracking deal. I'd also like you to do so, as it would stop me from replacing my perfectly good ED80 doublet with it :)

If portability is key, an ED80 is a great starter scope, and you don't really outgrow it, just repurpose it. It can become a good imaging scope for DSOs later, or as a guide scope for a monster truck like a huge newtonian or SCT etc. if you go down that path later. In the meantime it is ultra portable and easy to use and will give lovely crisp views.

Almost any mount/tripod will handle the ED80 with ease, and they make a great base for something like the mallincam if you want to see the DSOs in colour. It will hold its resale value too, if you don't like it, you will easily get 80% of your money back on it.
Hell, if you don't like it *I'll* buy it from you in a couple of months for 80% of that price :D

There are so many ways you could go, I'd recommend joining one of the groups listed here and get to a viewing night and get your eyeballs on some scopes.

[Intergage]

Currently looking at Seqas.. Apparently a fairly local group that I might go out a couple of times with. Thanks for your insight, everyone has different oppinions on different scopes I should be starting with.. Most of my viewing (at the start) will be in a fairly populated area, so lots of light but I can see some of the more major stars with my naked eye from my room so that should be fine for the time being..

Once again, thanks. :)

[Intergage]

I just gave one of the committee an email asking a couple of questions.

They observe only around the corner from me... Thanks of the tip, lots of help! :)

[acropolite]

Matt, your idea of going to a local group is the best idea, I think the group you mentioned has hire telescopes for very cheap rates. I'm sure that once you look through something of a decent size you'll begin to understand the importance of aperture, the old adage size does matter applies. A good starting point is an 8 inch newtonian ( usually on a dob base). An 8 inch dob is readily moveable, affordable and will give excellent views. If you dont have enough money for a reasonable size scope, wait and save rather than rushing in.

[Vegeta]

I agree that a dobsonian 6-10" will be a great choice as their small, easy to use and the smaller ones (epecially the truss tube models) are quite portable. some good Australian retailers other than ozscopes would be telescopes.com.au, myastroshop.com.au and Bintel.com.au. hope this helps and clear skies to you

[Waxing_Gibbous]

I'd opt for a 6-8" Newt on an Alt/Az mount. Much more convenient than a Dob. at that aperture and you'll see a great deal more than with a small refractor.
A 6" GSO or Skywatcher scope on an AstroTech Voyager (or similar) mount should come in at around $6-700 - a bit more for a Go-To - say $900.
Although OzScopes has a good reputation for after sales service, they are in fact the most expensive supplier around. Either Bintel or Andrews should be able to undercut them by around 10-15%!

[dannat]

While I agree with peter about the alt/as option , a 6" dobsonian mount reflector is much cheaper, have seen them for 329

[Waxing_Gibbous]

True enough.
But 'you' can use the Alt/Az mount with another scope as well - making it ultimately a little cheaper than a Dob.

For me, the conveniance of the alt / az set-up outweighs the price difference. I hate lugging Dob. bases around. They always wind up falling on my foot! :mad2:
Also, I find most of them to be too easy to move in both axes.
Could just be its almost always windy here, but an alt / az (usually) has much more stiction, eliminating almost all vibration.
Just my preference.
YMMV.

[mozzie]

hi matt
i will not add to all the advise that has been given as a dobsonian in my opinion is the way to go....which on and what size is for you to look at and budget too..i see you are in brisbane have you driven to underwood and seen ron at sirius optics.. www.sirius-optics.com.au/ plenty off correct advise..hope this can help...