It' kind of fun being the noob... But... Embarrassing
Well, I'm Paul, from Cairns. I'm a teacher and I don't actually own a telescope.... yet... But I am in the throws of either selling or swapping my ride on for a scope. In fact the ride on is in the paper not next weekend, but the weekend after (just giving enough time for a swapsie if someone is interested).
Now I'd LOVE to do my research. But I find it so difficult to overcome the power of advertising vs actual facts.
Now firstly, I'll have up to $2000 (maximum) to spend on a scope.
I already have a decent camera and I can get adapters as required to fit the scope. I have used a 1300mm manual lens for the camera with some surprising shots.
So - with $2000 I know I can get a decent motorised scope, but will it be good enough to capture some photos of perhaps planets like Venus, Saturn, Jupiter? (Do many people use Uranus jokes?). Maybe a decent cluster of stars on the camera too?
But here's the clincher. I have a pretty decent laptop that I'd also like to be able to attach. But.... Is there a) a point or b) possible for this price?
Plus - are there any really decent areas to set up in Cairns (that I haven't already thought of) or is it trips to the Tablelands for the best viewing?
I have always had the 'scope' bug... But never actually acted on it. And until recently I lived on a really good block of land perfect for night watching. But instead I purchased a ride on lawn mower
We went to Charleville at Christmas time last year and really enjoyed the show they put on there too. So we're looking forward to starting a show of our own - but family and friends only invited
Anyway - thanks for reading and not totally smashing me out telling me to do 'research' before asking questions... Because research is what I'll do after I'd had some neutral input
Really loving the site too - lots of awesome photos. Looking forward to joining in more as I begin to understand what on Earth I am doing
Cheers
Paul