Hi all,
Ok, I've done my research, I've rubbed shoulders with some very knowledgable, extremely helpful IIS members (thanks guys
) and nicked some of their valuable viewing time looking through their scopes. In the end, I decided that the 12" GSO Dob was the scope for me, peering deep into the heavens in search of vast, glowing nebula and shimmering star clusters...
But now, it's back to reality. My budget for the next year or two is more the Tasco refractor down at the local Big W. Well, maybe not that bad, but I need to be more realistic and do what beginners should probably do... start at the beginning.
So given a budget of around $250 (I know...
), what are my options for a reasonable beginners scope? I've got the 7x50 and 10x50 binoculars, but the kids want a bit to see Saturns rings and I wouldn't mind viewing a nebula or two.
Am I being totally unrealistic? And if I do happen to fnid a 2nd hand scope at the garage sale down the road, what things should I be wary of?
As always, I appreciate your comments... thanks!