Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeremy Parker
So, perhaps, I should look at buying a good apo refractor?
I prefer something that you can grab and go instead of a heavy cumbersome scope.
What would be a good size refractor that you will not need to upgrade in the foreseeable future. Prefer to invest in one that will keep me happy for the next few years and costing less then $1500?
Any good models and recommendation.....aperture size, focal length, mount???
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Probably the best thing you could do is to go along to a club's field or observing nights, as has previously been suggested, and take a look at what members are using and then consider what you want to do. It may save you some "beginners pain", in the long run.
It is particularly important to check out the various options to see if they actually meet your expectations. I have found that often people have higher expectations than modest equipment can provide. And that would be the worst outcome, as it may turn you off a truly excellent hobby.
Another point to remember it isn't just a scope that you need to consider, as the mount is also important.
As a grab-n-go telescope, I use an Orion 80ED refractor, with Televue eyepieces. The telscope itself is very reasonably priced, from Bintel, and has excellent optics, for the price. I had it mounted on a Skyview Alt-Az mount and that mount was just too painful to use effectively, even with the Dual-Axis JMI drives. I am awaiting the new Meade LX80 mount, which appears to be the best option for a mount to suit this particular telescope, to maintain it's grab-n-go capability.
Cheers Peter