First Scope choice

[snotty]

Hi all,

My 21st birthday is coming and after much pestering from my folks I have decided what I want - a telescope. I have been to public observation days several times and have really enjoyed it and astronomy is something I can see myself getting into.

After doing some relatively extensive research (for a newb) I have a decision to make. I have max 400 to spend on a scope package. I want something that will keep me going for a decent length of time, is portable somewhat (so I can take it camping) and easy enough for a newb to use.

I have come up with these 4 scopes:

Skywatch 114mm reflector (EQ) w/ motor drive $335
Skywatch 90mm refractor (Alt/Az) $345
Powerseeker 127mm reflector (EQ) $399
Powerseeker 80mm refractor (EQ) $329

What would you recommend from these? Or is there something else you would suggest?

Thanks heaps for your help. Happy gazing!

[ving (David)]

hiya snotty!
welcome aboard

for $400 you could get a much bigger telescope like a 150mm or 200mm dobsonian mounted newt. it woud be more stable than what you have given us to choose from and you will see a hell of alot more
generally speaking the more aperture the more light gathering ability you get the more you can see.

theres a shop called andrews communications that has the scope i mentioned as does bintel and myastroshop.

hopethis helps.

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

I'm with Ving on this one...get a Dobsonian mounted reflector (as big as you can afford)...Bintel and others have pretty nice "packages" available that include some decent eyepieces that I think are in/near your price range.

If you are not familiar with Dobs or aren't sure about them, go again to a few more veiwing nights and talk to people about the pros and cons...

I think they are a good first point of entry into the hobby...

Don't forget that there are a few other accessories that you'll also want to get to get the most of your new "instrument"...you might want to save up a little bit more money (increase your budget just a smidge) this will make sure that you get a "real telescope" and not just a "teleToy"...

Good Luck!

[snotty]

My main concern with the dobs is portability. After internet and face to face research this is the only major draw back...

[ving (David)]

well you dont have to get a dob, but if you can transport one than its the way to go
i transport my 8" in my astra easy.

maybe a shorttube refractor then? the 90mm, whats the focal length on that?

[snotty]

900mm f/8...

Transport is not a huge huge issue. I live out in the sticks so get pretty dark sky just in my back yard, but do go camping fairly regularly and would like to take it when we go.

[ving (David)]

then the dob it is

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

The 8" Dob is just a bit over budget, but the 6" from Andrews at $350 would be a nice choice. Alternatively, for an ultra portable setup, look on the Andrews Used and Surplus page, see if they still have the 130mm f/5 parabolic mirror Newt for $199, and stick it on an AZ3 mount (<$130 from AOE). This would make a great second grab-and-go scope even after you "upgrade" to a bigger one.

I would stay away from EQ mounted scopes in this price range.

[Robert_T]

Hey Snotty, I don't own a dob and never have, but to satisfy your main requirements of ease of use and something that will keep you going for a while, it's clear a dob is what you need... those other EQ mounted things are more likely to lead you into frustration in use and won't show you nearly as much as an 8inch or even 6 inch dob - actually the 6in dob isn't really going to much less portable that those others when you factor in their tripods etc.

Just another view.

cheers,

[mickoking]

G'day snotty,

I concur with the others a Dob is the go. 150-200mm is a good size aperture and not too big.

[norm]

Dob - 8" Deluxe at Andrews $499. I know this exceeds the budget. Alternatively look into some binoculars.

[snotty]

Thanks for the help guys. Still not 100% on which direction to go but am looking forward to laying down some cash soon.

Amateur astronomy boards seem to be the nicest online discussions around, IIS doesn't let this hypothesis down.

Thanks again.

Here's to many clear skies.

[ving (David)]

even if we do seem somewhat biased toward dobs

[Gama]

Your best bet is to actually look thru the scopes your interested in.
Ring up your local Astro club, find out the next meeting out and test them for yourself.
But like the others your better off with a dob. You can always put some digital setting circles on it later for deep sky objects.

[Geoff45 (Geoff)]

The mounts on all of these look pretty flimsy. Go for a dob and get some experience looking through other scopes (also give their mounts a working over to see how steady they are). Upgrade later.