Quote:
Originally Posted by FJA
I'm planning to come to Australia next year and I am thinking of either bringing a small telescope, around 9 or 10cm aperture, with me, or buying one in Sydney when I arrive.
It'll be for looking at bright DSOs and the Milky Way, as well as the Magellanic Clouds.
What are your recommendations? Budget will be up to $300.
Cheers
Faith
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Hi Faith. The answer depends on where you're going and how you plan on getting around. If you're heading into one of the large cities and will not have a car (or access to one), you will have to contend with city lights. This means that the DSOs you will see will be more limited.
On the other hand, if you will have access to a car and can get out to some rural or semi-rural locations, your options open up considerably. You haven't mentioned any camera equipment so I assume you are interested in visual observing - which places less emphasis on a sturdy mount and more emphasis on aperture. Your camera tripod will be of some use but unless it is fairly strong, won't hold much of a scope. That becomes more pronounced as the weight and length of the scope increases.
Have you considered a good pair of binoculars? Many have a mounting point which can allow you to attach them to a tripod. A pair of 10x50s would give you access to many good southern objects and have the added attraction of being easily transported.
If you make contact with an astronomy club or group in the locations to which you propose to travel, I have no doubt at all that you will be made welcome and have plenty of options offered to you for loaned equipment and viewing locations. Most amateur astronomers are going to have a spare scope lurking in the back of their cupboard or shed they will happily lend to you. I think that is the place I would start.
Peter