Quote:
Originally Posted by TechnoViking
Hi Jay, and Welcome!
Astronomy is the most mind expanding and exciting hobbies that i think you could ever get into. I'm still a newbie myself, and for the next 20+ years i guess i will still be a newbie, that's the joys of the universe you'll never know everything 
Telescopes, all have their pro's and con's and I don't want to sound like a downer but as soon as you bring astrophotography into the mix you need some very deep pockets, although in saying that I have seen some nice images produced with entry level gear, hacked webcams and home made mounts!
A Dobsonian would be a good starting point you can get 8 inch dob's for about $600, or you could invest in a goto dob like this one http://http://www.bintel.com.au/Tele...oductview.aspx
Some questions you also want to ask yourself before buying a telescope.
1. Am I in a light polluted area? Will I need to transport it to darker skies? Is the telescope transportable, and easy to setup with one person?
2. What do I want to see? Planets? Binary Stars?
3. What kind of Photography, Planets, Nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, stars or all of them?
4. Do I want to do more visual or more photography? or a mixture of both?
5. How much am I willing to spend
Some of these questions are hard to answer, but be 100% honest with yourself and the answers will help make the decision for you 
In saying all that I completely agree with Andrew, try and get to a Star Party, or join an Astronomy group, if you have facebook, search for groups in you area, have a look through some telescopes to get a "Feel" for what others use. Make sure you ask as many questions as you can, even write them down and rattle them off like a machine gun. This forum is fantastic for information, with so many helpful people more than willing to give advice, we were all beginners at one stage!.
Have a look at other new members posts in the beginners section, you will find a wealth of information about choosing the right telescope.
Good Luck and Clear Skies
James |
I would add another question:
6. How much effort are you going to put into learning/using what you buy?
If you think you just buy a scope and a camera, push a button and get great photos then you are so very far from the mark. Having a dodgy copy of photoshop won't help either. Most people dont make the most of what they have nor understand it.
There is no single solution. Different types of scope have pros/cons to match main areas of interest and usage. You can enjoy and learn astronomy at any budget (just avoid those cheapie scope from dick smith or aldi though). you can do astrophotography with any camera you have (you do not need a scope). the main factor is the "you" part. the gear wont do things for you if "you" don't contribute. but if you put in the effort you can gain so much from astronomy and there are many areas to contribute or just enjoy it.