I've had a general interest in astronomy for a while now, but I have not been able to get myself a scope due to lack of $$$ and conflict between the possibly of getting a microscope . I was looking through my local camera shop (which also sell telescopes) and saw this mini dob. Well it kind of looked like a toy, but all the reviews I read are quite impressive! So for $100, would this be a suitable telescope that would allow me to view the basic (brighter) attractions of the sky?
Thanks Everyone!
Hi Josh,
To be honest, for $100 you'll be better off buying your self a half reasonable pair of 10x50 binoculars and some star charts.
That little scope, once you subtract the secondary mirror from it's aperture, is the equivalent of a 50mm scope, and remember you will be viewing through only one eye.
The binos are actually 2 50mm refractors, and you'll be viewing with both eyes, giving you a wonderful depth of field. You'll be surprised how lovely the night sky looks through binos.
Thats exactly what i started with and had the binos for around 2years before i even thought of buying a scope. Still heaps and heaps of things to see with the binos and at the same time you are learning the night sky and where everything is at a "further distance". Which makes it easier when you buy the scope to find objects in the night sky
Im trying to save up for my first car... so I really do not wish to spend heaps, I may be able to scab a bit from mum and dad??- Im willing to spend (maybe) $200 but I would prefer not. I just saw this scope, liked the price, read some nice reviews and wanted your opinion.
Josh, the truth is this is not a good scope for anything but low power, like 12X, only. I've got one that I've made into a large finder scope.
The eyepieces it comes with are aweful. I use an old Celestron 25mm Kellner eyepiece. For the quick glimpse one does with a finder, this set-is OK. But it still shows problems when viewing bright objects like Jupiter.
Any higher power, and the problems cheap spherical mirrors become really appaullingly aweful.
You really are better of getting 7X50 binoculars. To hold them steady you can either rest them on something like a post, or you can get a binocular-tripod adaptor. You can get the binos and adaptor together for less than $100, and the binos will be much more versatile for the money.
The other alternative is that you keep your eyes peeled in the classifieds section for a decent scope for your money. Even if you just manage to get the OTA (optical tube assembly, the scope without a mount) of a good reflector, you can make your own dob mount. I did this for a 4.5" reflector at my wife's school, and I'm doing it now with a mate with an 8" f/4 rich field scope. We got this scope for $290 without a mount, new.
ok this scope sounds to be useless... thnx for all your opinions! I think the closest astronomical club is a good hour and a bit from me!
Hi Josh,
If you're really interested in trying astronomy, my humble advice would be to save for your car and then drive the hour and a bit to attend the Astronomical Society you speak of.
I recently joined one and it's the BEST way to work out what you want.
Astro Societies usually have public viewing nights, sections for beginners,
loan telescopes and people who will fall over themselves to help you.
You can check out all the different telescopes people have and seeing you'll already have your car, you can save for a scope while you're learning.
In my astro society there are people who travel from way up victoria to attend meetings in Melbourne.
Hope this helps,
Molly.
Don't bother with this thing. A 76mm Newtonian is a fail, due to its tiny primary mirror + the central obstruction which reduces contrast, resolution and light gathering to those of an even smaller instrument, plus these micro dobs are impossible to use unless you have a *sturdy* table or stool to place it on. You could make legs for it, but thats extra cost and effort.
If you want a telescope in the $200 range, Andrews has a Skywatcher 114mm EQ Newtonian for $199 and a 130mm for $249. Haven't personally experienced these scopes first hand, and I recommend you talk to someone who has used these scopes before taking the plunge.
Yeah, I think I will have to go up and see that astronomical club. Those sky watchers on Andrewscomm seem alright < checking out reviews online as I type
Thanks Alot guys!
I've just found a Meade Ds 2070 go-to telescope
that I can get rather cheaply (under $150) in as new condition. Would this be an ok scope to start of with. I know it will be hopelss at faint stuff, but would it be good for looking at the moon, planets and other bright objects?
Why don't you place an ad under the 'wanted' section stating your requirements. You might be pleasently surprised at what pops up.
I know you are keen to get your mits on a scope. Don't rush it. Believe it or not, even 7X50 binos will show up galaxies at a dark site. I've spoted them through a little 6X30 finder!
Here is what I did to a cheap 4.5" reflector with a very poor equatorial mount. The mount cost about $50 to make with all components sourced from Bunnings (other than the Teflon, which for this little scope, a flat piece of PVC would also work the scope is so light:
The Large Magellanic Cloud and the Andromeda Galaxy are best seen through binoculars.
I always have a pair on hand when I'm meteor spotting. Using them to see if they've left a trail behind them.
Just put an ad up now . Yeah I really like the idea of building a scope mount and just geting the scope. Yours turned out real well.
This meade though does seem alright for the price...or should I wait?
. I was looking through my local camera shop (which also sell telescopes) and saw this mini dob. Well it kind of looked like a toy, but all the reviews I read are quite impressive! So for $100, would this be a suitable telescope that would allow me to view the basic (brighter) attractions of the sky?
