Hi everyone,
I've been looking for a first telescope for about 6 months. The more I look the more confused I am. Apologies for starting yet another "my first scope thread".
Firstly, I don't want a dob. I know that for cheap stargazing it is the best option (aside from binoculars), however I'm pretty aware that the telescope will more be looked at than looked in. If I will look at anything, I"m guessing the Moon and the planets will be viewed most. Will attempt to look at some of the messier objects. Not sure what i'll see. Not big on deep space (mostly because I don't want to drag around a monster). Has to fit into my little sports car for away trips.
Second, I imagine I'll likely be looking at things out my window in daytime rather than viewing the sky. So I really need something that won't flip the image upside down (or if it does, is there a way to add another mirror to flip it right-side up). So i'm confused if I should be looking for a relecting or a refracting telescope?
Third, i'm currently unemployed and have only a limited budget. I want to spend less than $400.
I have been checking out Andrews and Bintel (i used to look at a site with GSO scopes, but I can no longer find it), so I've figured I'll stick with Skywatcher.
I looked at
http://www.telescope-simulator.com/i...d=45&Itemid=57 but it seems to indicate I won't see anything with any of these scopes (however reviews talk about seeing details on jupiter, the rings on saturn, and polar ice caps on mars) .. what might I see or not see?
Here's what I'm considering.
Refracting:
102 x 500 AZ3 package $399
90 x 900 AZ3 package $249
90 x 900 EQ2 package $299
80 x 400 AZ3 package $269
Black Diamond 90mm x 900mm AZ3 A$349.00
Reflecting:
130 x 900 EQ2 $399
Any help?
ALso, i'm unsure about the mount, i don't mind fidling, but the idea of an EQ mount seems appealing (or am I too cheap to consider such a thing as I won't be spending enough $ to get anything workable) ??
Let me know.
