Quote:
Originally Posted by AppleGecko
Dear Geoff
Thankyou for your advice. The telescope u advised looks great, but can it see planets and how much is it.
Thanks, Brent
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Hi Brent,
Yes that sort of scope can certainly observe planets because they are bright objects (at least the nearer ones are) and this will not challenge the more restricted aperture it has. Bear in mind that the optics of a refractor in this price range are not top-class but are still adequate. The same applies to the mount which is a wobbly AZ3, but will give much greater portability.
Andrews has the short-tube SW102 on sale for $399
http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm
Now Starkler's point about the wobbly AZ3 mount is a very good one. It takes forever to settle down and focussing is very very difficult because you cannot touch it without causing the image to leap around everywhere. I overcame that on mine by fitting an electric focusser drive, but that will cost you another $105.
So to sum up:
- OK for planetary viewing and can see fainter objects if you have dark skies
- restricted viewing in urban skies but still plenty to look at eg double stars
- frustrating to focus because of flimsy mount
So it is suitable as a starter scope for a budget, with reservations.
Now with the dob as you know you get more aperture for the money, and a more robust mount which will enable you to focus more easily. However you must collimate these scopes, and the gear for that will cost about $90-140 extra.
There are some of these here in IIS For Sale listings from time to time. Currently new 150mm dobs under $400 are
http://astronomyalive.com.au/Telesco...Astronomy.html
http://www.myastroshop.com.au/produc...asp?id=MAS-063
http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-co...-guansheng.htm
The last being the best price, $299. To sum up
- better on faint objects
- easier to focus
- must be collimated regularly
- not as portable
Hope this assists
Cheers