Skywatcher 130 x 900 EQ2?

[hex1 (Phil)]

I've been looking over this site for a few months after I realised I wouldn't mind giving this astronomy thing a shot, but I really am not committed enough just yet to buy a proper expensive telescope, so I thought I'd ask what you think of this telescope for a complete newbie to the game and one interesting in dipping his toe in to test the waters first. I found this one at the Andrews Communications site (http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm) and my limited knowledge leads me to believe it would be an acceptable first telescope for someone like me.

In case I picked a complete catastrophe (v. likely) I'd appreciate it if you could recommend something for a cautious utter beginner like me, preferably under $300.

[PCH (Paul)]

Hey Phil, welcome to IIS

like all skywatcher scopes, - that one is a pretty decent scope and one that you'd probably be quite happy with it I'd say. The mount may just not be all that good though. So another thing you could consider would be either a dob mounted scope (where you'll get more aperture for your money), or a good pair of binos as mentioned in the adjacent thread (also from a newbie like yourself!). You'd get pretty good binos for $300, - although you might want to shell out for a stand as well as they can get quite heavy after about 15 seconds or so

But either way, Andrews is well regarded as offering value for money.

Cheers,

[hex1 (Phil)]

Okay, thanks, I'll have a glance at the bino-thread. Do you have any concrete dob-mounted telescope to recommend? I was looking at them but I'm afraid my neighbours will get worried when I begin installing gun-turrets... Seriously though, they all seem far more expensive and I just can't tell the difference, is the stand just that much better? Are there any hovering around the $300 bracket? I'm also sort of worried how heavy these things may be. A massive thanks for the advice, without this site I'd probably end up with Fisher-Price My First Telescope™ or something.

[Jen]

hi there Phil to IIS i have a skywatcher scope just 1 up from the one you are looking at and i am new to all this too and i really love my scope i think it is a great scope to start with and let me tell ya one you see those beautiful things up there in the heavens above trust me your gonna want a bigger scope
Let us know what you've got after you been shopping cheers

[riggit]

I know this thread was opened a few months ago however I just wanted to point out that Andrews Com has the Skywatcher 130 at a brilliant price right now, I just picked one up for my first scope. Great quality for the price, well worth it. Considering the cusrrent exchange rate I have no idea how he does it.

[Starkler (Geoff)]

I wouldnt buy that one as I hear that it has a spherical rather than paraboloid mirror. Images wont be as sharp as they should be.
Of 130mm reflectors the 650mm focal length one is the one to go for.

Edit: I guess for $200 you cant complain and is still a better choice than one of those jones-bird short tube newts.

[saturn c (Leo)]

ive had a go at that model at a meet in brisbane . i think you will be pretty happy with it ! greaat veiws!