Buying on a Pensioners Budget.

[Typhoon Season (Noel)]

I have previously had a SAXON 114mm which was manual and extremely fussy to align simply because you had to take the "Sighting Scope" out for moving and stowage. This caused enormous waste of time every time I used it. I would end up setting up for longer than I was viewing (really). Otherwise, SAXON make quality gear. I sold the Scope simply for reasons of reality. I cannot afford a motor drive but am wondering about STAR TRACKER scopes, yes, I know they are not a big name brand but fit my limited budget. They are sold by Dick Smith's Stores for $239.00. The Sighting Scope is Plastic Lenses but the rest are all glass (I believe). As it stands, I have a pair of Bushmaster 20x60 AstroBinoculars and a pair of TASCO 12x32 Binoculars that seem to do me quite well for just looking and enjoying. I do want to get another scope though and would appreciate any advice in the bounds of my affordibility please.

[higginsdj]

Get a small dobsonian instead. You can get a 6" dob for less than $400 brand new, second hand you should be able to get one much cheaper.

[renormalised (Carl)]

Hi Noel and welcome to IIS

Just as an idea of what you might get...how much can you afford to spend. I know what it's like being skint on cash (being a student myself), but if you can save a little each fortnight for awhile, you'll be able to get a better scope than what you would otherwise get if you go out and just grab one.

I would stay away from any Dick Smith or department store "bargain" cheaper. They're more problems than they're worth and you'll soon tire of them. Your binos are plenty good enough for now, until you save for a decent scope. If you can put away enough money to save up about $500-$600, then you'll be looking at a good quality scope, like a Bintel or Skywatcher 8" Dob, which are as easy to setup as you can make it Just take it outside and point it at wherever you want to

[Brian W (Brian)]

Hi Noel, I am also a pensioner. I started with my eyes, moved up to a used set of binoculars, then a 4.5" Orion short tube reflector and I now have an 8' LightBridge.

Might I suggest that large aperture is not needed for this passion but quality is. I had a chance to try one of the department store cheapies and I could not even assemble it.

A six or eight inch dob mounted reflector that is pre owned will be easy to use, will not break the budget and will with the occasional new accessory give you many years of pleasure.

Brian

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

Try looking a waiting for a bargain of some second hand items on the classified section of iceinspace. Only buy something that has photos though.

[stephenb (Stephen)]

Hi Noel, Welcome

As has been mentioned, please stay well clear of any Dick Smith, or any "Department Store" which sells telescopes. They only sell the absolute lowest of rubbish telescopes.

I would not recommend you try to purchase through an on-line telescope store because if you have any issues , and need to return it, you are up for shipping costs. Having said that, Dobsonian telescopes are pretty trouble free and most issues can be resolved over the phone, or on this forum!

I know you're in Adelaide, but try to stick to a dedicated telescope store such as BinTel (www.bintel.com.au) or Andrews (http://www.andrewscom.com.au/) These two stores have shopfronts and very helpful staff who know their hobby.


Regarding what type of telescope, I agree with renormalised. Try to aim for a 6" Dobsonian ($349 at Andrews)

Don't buy any telescope which has an "equatorial" mount. Stick to a Dobsonian or "alt-alzimuth" mount. They're easier to use for beginners.

Regards

Stephen

[omnivorr]

Hi Noel, I'm a pensioner.. and been up a few dry gullies entering this hobby... What are your skies like? urban light-polluted/ rural dark ..?? Is $250-ish your limit $$-wise just for now, or can you add to it over a few months ?? .....a $350 6" Dob (+50 del') is good value, but if your skies are lousy for star hopping.. then saving longer for a low-end 'GoTo' might serve better.. (ie, $800/900-ish)

.....there is no end to how far your interest might go, once you've enjoyed some success and acquired a taste for it... but bad advice can lead to bitter aftertastes too....

It sounds like you're off to a good start with the noccies.. and previous scope experience.. have you formulated any particular area of interest to direct your progress towards ? Planets, Deepsky Objects.. or still open to it all??

Originally Posted by Typhoon Season

I have previously had a SAXON 114mm which was manual and extremely fussy to align simply because you had to take the "Sighting Scope" out for moving and stowage. This caused enormous waste of time every time I used it. I would end up setting up for longer than I was viewing (really). Otherwise, SAXON make quality gear. I sold the Scope simply for reasons of reality. I cannot afford a motor drive but am wondering about STAR TRACKER scopes, yes, I know they are not a big name brand but fit my limited budget. They are sold by Dick Smith's Stores for $239.00. The Sighting Scope is Plastic Lenses but the rest are all glass (I believe). As it stands, I have a pair of Bushmaster 20x60 AstroBinoculars and a pair of TASCO 12x32 Binoculars that seem to do me quite well for just looking and enjoying. I do want to get another scope though and would appreciate any advice in the bounds of my affordibility please.