View Single Post
  #1  
Old 22-07-2013, 10:10 PM
Outcast's Avatar
Outcast (Carlton)
Always gonna be a NOOB...

Outcast is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Cairns, Qld
Posts: 1,289
First Scope Decision - Opinions?

Now, I know that this question is going to throw up a lot of opinions but, I would like some advice before I spend my hard earned.

Fairly new to stargazing although, thanks to the advice on this forum, I purchased some good binoculars (10x50) a few years ago & have spent some time enjoying night sky views (between clouds & rain storms) up here in Cairns.

I have read a large number of articles & posts on first scope purchases. After careful consideration of what is important to me, I have decided that a short tube refractor on an Az/Alt mount is the scope that I am likely to use often due to simplicity & portability. I know this might not open up the entire heavens to my eyes but, no point in having a large aperture scope, if it never gets used.

So, my question is this: I have a budge of approximately $1000 (dependant upon wife mood at any given time) & have been looking at two refractors:

Scope A: Skywatcher SW120 Achromatic on Az/Alt mount

Scope B: Stellarvue SV80ED with an Az/Alt mount to be purchased

Post Script: Scope C: Meade 5000 series 80mm APO that just popped up in the classifieds

I have read about Chromatic Aberration associated with Achromatic scopes but, how bad is it likely to be? Should I go for the larger aperture, lower quality scope or for a little bit more money (but within budget) go for the smaller aperture but, better quality?

Thoughts, opinions, advice please

Last edited by Outcast; 22-07-2013 at 10:21 PM.
Reply With Quote