Beginner, and need help in buying telescope.

[Dojo89]

Hi. i was just wondering what would be a good brand of telescope to buy. i live in sydney region, and prce range im to too sure about.if anyone can help me, greatly appreciated

[norm]

Hi Dojo89

Welcome to the forum. Will need you to answer some questions first:

1. Budget
2. is portability important (able to lug it around easily, put it in a car)
3. Viewing preferences (planets, nebulaes, DSO's etc)
4. Any long term goals (ie, astrophotography)
5. Have you been to any viewing nights at astro clubs
6. Where abouts in Sydney to you live (this may help choosing a club nearby)
7. Do you have binoculars?
8. Want wizz bang goto options (scope that finds things for you) or happy with a push to type scope and learn the night sky.

The above will assist others in helping you spend your money !!!
Seriously its a baseline to help you.

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

Welcome to IIS!

I am sure that many people will jump in and offer suggestions...after they get back from viewing the eclipse!

I will say before you spend any money, you should check out a few scopes at an astronomy club or find some IISers who are willing to show you a few things first...ASNSW, Astronomical Society of NSW and NSAS, Northern Sydney Astronomical Society to name just two of several in the area...

There are several different scopes available in a variety of price ranges and depending on what you want to do with the hobby (visual, astrophotography) and where you are likely to view from along with your projected budget would help people offer more helpful advice.

Different scopes have different strengths and weaknesses but I am sure that there is one out there that will do what you want it to do! After all, the best scope for you is the one that you will use (often).

I am happy to show you the scopes that we have at our house...we live in East Lindfield and have scopes that range from the type available at D*ck Smiths to a decent sized reflector...

Feel free to send me a personal message and we can trade details if you are interested.

Enjoy the hobby!

[Dojo89]

1. $500 to $1000 not quite sure how much they would generally cost. so im guessing i could cost up to as much as a new electric =P 2. must be able to be lugged around and put in a car. 3. i guess planets. dont think i could see nebulas with my price range. 4. dont have any life long goals at the moment. well just learn the sky and see some amazing things.5. nope. i dont know how to get to one.6. i live in merrylands.7. nope.8. learning the sky sounds fun.

[acropolite (Phil)]

500-1000 will buy you some very good equipment. The best performance for your dollar will be a dob (dobsonian mounted Newtonian reflector). $500 will buy an 8 inch Dob and some accessories. Add a few dollars and you could get a 10 inch and some accessories, depending on your car size still transportable. For a budget of $1000 you could also get a 12 inch dob but transport may become an issue. Dobs also come in Truss designs, e.g. Meade Lightbridge and will allow a bigger scope in a maneagable size, at the expense of increased setup time. All will allow you to see planets, galaxies and nebulas how much you see is dependant on the aperture of your scope, there's no substitute for aperture, and the darkness of your viewing site. If you're prepared to wait there are often good second hand scopes for sale.

[Jaala]

Thanks this is helpful to me too I don't have any equipment but would love to get some.
I'll have to look up the astronomical society too

[Dojo89]

oooo. ok cool, but where would you find second hand scopes?

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

You can get a really nice new scope for that level of spend...

A nice 80 mm refractor and decent mount...very portable and easy to use...looks like what yout expect a telescope to look like can be used day or night. Could also be used later for astrophotography if you are interested (with an improved mount).

A nice 8 inch reflector dobsonian mounted nice beginner scope will allow you to see some Deep Sky Objects (DSO)...looks like a "cannon"...requires a little learning with collimation (aligning the mirrors)...

Alternatively there are also a number of "pre-loved" scopes or sale in the buy sell below...several would fit that price range.

Be careful not to spend your whole budget on the scope and mount...there are some extra accessories that you will want too depedning on your scope type...red torch, start chart/map etc.

Good Luck!

[Dojo89]

ah, ok. lol, i thought that a telescope would cost similar to an electric guitar so i didnt know the price range

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

Looks like several people posted at about the same time with similar advice...

Do try and see some different scopes before you spend your money...

Ask around, the group here are pretty nice and helpful and would be happy to show you their stuff!

[Dojo89]

ahaha, ok thanks a lot =]

[norm]

Dojo89

There's a couple of 10inc Dobs in the IceinSpace Trade section. Could be worthwhile sending a PM to some of the sellers and see if you can haggle a bit further.

You are also close to Andrew Communications in Greystanes drop in and sus out what they have (not necessarily buy).

Finally I think Macarthur Astronomical Society or Western Sydney Amateur Astro. group maybe your best bet.

But like what others have said, check some scopes out before committing.

[Miaplacidus (Brian)]

Actually, electric guitars and scopes pretty much encompass the same price range, from Samick or Yamaha through Ibanezs, Fenders and Gibsons, to custom Paul Reed Smiths.

Binoculars, club membership, "Australian Astronomy 2007" from your favourite bookstore (or online here?), then a dob. Probably.

Good luck,

Brian.