Quote:
Originally Posted by rmcpb
Extras you NEED: - Join an astro club and go to the observing sessions. The experienced members will be your best assets.
- Red torch - just some cellophane over a normal torch will get you going.
- Planisphere - the big Chandler one is great.
- Collimating equipment - either a cheshire eyepiece or a laser collimator. Either one will get you going.
- Stool - to allow comfy viewing.
Extras you may THINK you need: - Better eyepieces - the ones that come with the scope will keep you going for quite a while till you learn to observe.
- A Telrad - now this is a toss up whether its an essential or nice to have.
- Filters - most filters people buy spend most of their time in the box and not on the scope. The only one that may be useful would be a variable moon filter to make observing the moon more comfy.
- Atlases - good sky maps can be found for free on the web for a while till you have time to look around.
I would say, so long as you can collimate it, find your way around the sky and are comfy then you will go a long way quickly. All the other accessories will come in time.
Cheers |
Rob (rmcpb) and I tend to "race" to post similar advice!
With respect to which Dobsonian mounted reflector to get, I'd suggest that you get out and see some at Astro Shops (there are some good ones around) and or at some viewing nights (clubs, socieiteis, IIS folks).
The specifications as you noted originally are very similar but there are some differences (maybe small) in the execution of those specifications...many of those differences like many things in astro gear will boil down to personal preference. Once you see a few up close and personal you will be in a better position to choose.
Good Luck!
