Blitz's questions

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #1 20-01-2005, 10:14 PM

Ask your questions Blitz!

BLiTZWiNG (Trent) · #2 20-01-2005, 10:20 PM

Well, I'm looking into buying a telescope (first time user), and I'm wondering what is good and where from.

I was considering a reflector due to the low level of suburbian light out here in the country.

The more I read, the more I learn at the moment. So what do the good people here recommend?

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #3 20-01-2005, 10:24 PM

As I said before, different people will recommend different scopes.

As far as dollar per inch goes, a dobsonian reflector is the best shot.

A Dobsonian Mount is a simple construction and easy to use. It is basically a box which allows you to move the scope in any direction with ease.

BLiTZWiNG (Trent) · #4 20-01-2005, 10:30 PM

Oh, and where was this place to buy from in Sydney? Do they have a website?

Was just reading some more about the base types too. I think the only thing I'm not exactly clear on still is eyepieces. I may figure out some questions to ask about those soon.

I guess now it's just a matter of what brand's make good equipments and so forth. A dobsonian reflector is still looking like the way to go.

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #5 20-01-2005, 10:31 PM

This is the scope That is available for $399

www.gs-telescope.com/dob.htm

It is the second one down the page. GS-680 8"

wavelandscott (Scott) · #6 20-01-2005, 10:31 PM

Blitz,

Welcome!

What do you want to see?
moon, planets, DSO, birds, neighbors...

Do you want to do photography?

Do you want mobility?

Do you want "high tech hands free" or lower tech "roll up your sleeves and get dirty"?

How much money are you willing/able to spend?

Depending on what you want to see and how you want to see it will determine what is best for you...

There are many many choices...and many of them are great!

The trick is to match your interests and needs to the right tool...

I am happy with my 8 inch Dob...it fits my needs and skill level but I want a night time visual scope that my 2 children can't tear up easily but can enjoy too. I don't want batteries and I don't mind an occassional tinker...

Good Luck...it is truly an addictive hobby...

BLiTZWiNG (Trent) · #7 20-01-2005, 10:34 PM

I take it you have or have had one of (or something similar to one of) these?

I like the fact that it's 8". I didn't think I'd be getting anywhere near that under $500.

Oh I see a Plossl eyepeice. Those are meant to be the bees knees pretty much are they not?

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #8 20-01-2005, 10:35 PM

Eyepieces are just as debatable as the scope itself.

Again, depending on what you want to see as wave said "sky? neighbours?"

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #9 20-01-2005, 10:37 PM

Plossl's are good but there are better ones . . . . at a cost!!!

BLiTZWiNG (Trent) · #10 20-01-2005, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wavelandscott
Blitz,

Welcome!

Thanks

What do you want to see?
moon, planets, DSO, birds, neighbors...

Moon, planets and deep space.. general interest here, so I think DS is going to be important. I don't want to look at my neighbours. I see them too close as it is :p

Do you want to do photography?

Possibly in the future if I like what I see.

Do you want mobility?

I think it's important, but it's not the highest priority.

Do you want "high tech hands free" or lower tech "roll up your sleeves and get dirty"?

As a computer tech / programmer, a bit of hands on doesn't bother me, as long as I know what I'm doing.

How much money are you willing/able to spend?

I'd like to keep it around $500, but of course that depends on what I see!

Depending on what you want to see and how you want to see it will determine what is best for you...

There are many many choices...and many of them are great!

The trick is to match your interests and needs to the right tool...

I am happy with my 8 inch Dob...it fits my needs and skill level but I want a night time visual scope that my 2 children can't tear up easily but can enjoy too. I don't want batteries and I don't mind an occassional tinker...

Well it looks like Ken has found me a nice 8" dob, so that could be where I start.

Good Luck...it is truly an addictive hobby...

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #11 20-01-2005, 10:47 PM

It helps to write a message in there Blitz.

BLiTZWiNG (Trent) · #12 20-01-2005, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ballaratdragons
It helps to write a message in there Blitz.

I did actually, it's just hard to make it stand out... I replied to each section of his post, starting with -'s.

EDIT: How's that, i coloured my replies... =)

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #13 20-01-2005, 10:57 PM

Oh yeah! Sorry.

If you want to get into Asro Photos you will need tracking and you can expect to start around $1000 for medium size and quality. Up around $2500 for spectacular and up it goes.

If you choose to step up, you can always trade-up in some shops or keep the Dob and get a 2nd motorised beasty.

BLiTZWiNG (Trent) · #14 20-01-2005, 11:08 PM

this gs-telescopes, they are a manufacturer by the look of it?

They will sell direct to me?

If not, is there somewhere online that I can see these scopes along with prices?

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #15 20-01-2005, 11:27 PM

That website is the Manufacturer Guan Sheng in Taiwan (the best Asian scope makers) but you have to get them through dealers, the factory doesn't direct sell.

Try https://www.bintelshop.com.au/Product.aspx?ID=6739

This site is for Bintel in Sydney.

It is the same scope as available at $399 at Andrews.

BLiTZWiNG (Trent) · #16 20-01-2005, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ballaratdragons
That website is the Manufacturer Guan Sheng in Taiwan (the best Asian scope makers) but you have to get them through dealers, the factory doesn't direct sell.

Try https://www.bintelshop.com.au/Product.aspx?ID=6739

This site is for Bintel in Sydney.

It is the same scope as available at $399 at Andrews.

Ah yes, Andrews... I bought my very first CB radio from them almost 15 years ago...

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #17 20-01-2005, 11:33 PM

Hey Blitz,

I did a quick surf and the best price I found in Australia for a motorised scope ready to unpack, set-up align and go is:

Celestron 8" GoTo Reflector $1750

Optex 5" Maksutov Cassegrain $1250

The Celestron sounds good value, but that maybe later on.

BLiTZWiNG (Trent) · #18 20-01-2005, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ballaratdragons
Hey Blitz,

I did a quick surf and the best price I found in Australia for a motorised scope ready to unpack, set-up align and go is:

Celestron 8" GoTo Reflector $1750

Optex 5" Maksutov Cassegrain $1250

The Celestron sounds good value, but that maybe later on.

Thanks! I think I can see that I should leave any thought of photography to some later stage... it's not a simple add-on situation by the look of it.

I think I will go with the 8" GSO dob, as it sounds like pretty good value for beginning astronomers (this includes my gf and our 5yr old). I found Andrew's web site but... it seem's they have no ability to handle online orders?

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #19 20-01-2005, 11:46 PM

Just telephone Lee.

Tell him you are enquiring about the "Guan Sheng GS680 Dobsonian Telescope".

Tell him I sent you (Ken from Ballarat). Probably won't get you any more discount though.

I am considering opening a scope shop in Melbourne selling the same scope at the same price but that will be a while yet (if I go ahead).

The scope comes with 4 Plossl eyepieces, and a pair of Binoculars.

BLiTZWiNG (Trent) · #20 20-01-2005, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ballaratdragons
Just telephone Lee.

Tell him you are enquiring about the "Guan Sheng GS680 Dobsonian Telescope".

Tell him I sent you (Ken from Ballarat). Probably won't get you any more discount though.

I am considering opening a scope shop in Melbourne selling the same scope at the same price but that will be a while yet (if I go ahead).

The scope comes with 4 Plossl eyepieces, and a pair of Binoculars.

Thanks Ken. You've been a great help. I'll call Lee sometime tomorrow I thinks.

I feel like I've learnt a heck of a lot tonight =)