The search continues

[Michael]

Please excuse my ignorance, but after trying a reflector with the option to buy for my 13yo son, I have noticed that the image in the eyepiece wobbles around like it is attached to a rubber band whenever the telescope is touched or the eyepiece is adjusted. Is this an attribute of these scopes or is something wrong?

[seeker372011 (Narayan)]

Relax, its pretty normal.Remember you are observing at very high magnification so every little touch is...well..magnified

a characterestic of a good mount is how quickly these vibrations are dampned down

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Hi Michael, is it possible for you to post a picture of the scope and mount. Often the problem likes in the quality of the mount and not the scope itself. If it is one of the light EQ1/2 mounts then there might be better, more user friendly options available.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

How long does the wobble last before it settles down?
You won't enjoy using this scope if it does this too much.

[Michael]

Thnx again guys. I think I can see where u guys r coming from. Here r some quick pics just taken they were a bit big so i ziped them up. Cheers.

Mic.

[acropolite (Phil)]

Michael if you haven;t already purchased, it would be wise to post the asking price and check out other options such as Dobs which may be more suited than the eq mount pictured.

[Michael]

Also jjjnettie it shakes for about 4-5 seconds.

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Hmmm....EQ2.....what's the asking price?

[Michael]

The asking price is $150, however the brackets on the tripod need to be replaced as they are cracked and it can't be extended. I'm thinking it might all be too much trouble. You guys have almost talked me into Dobs. I've seen a new Sky Watcher SW680 8" for AU$453. I'm also going to hook up with an astronomy club(if I can find one in Perth), and see if I can have a gander through some of the hardware there to make some comparisons. I'm pretty sure I can get some good advice there too.
Cheers,
Mic.

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

I hate to say but I told you so when you first asked about this scope. Cheap EQ mounts are wobbly and an exercise in frustration. The 8" SW Dob is a very nice package, and the Dob mount is sturdy. The scope itself is a long way ahead of the 4.5" ito what it can show you. Good luck with your decision.

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Seriously think about the 8" Dob, or even a 6". It might be a bit more but a dob will provide you much less aggravation in use.

[Michael]

Thanks again guys, I'm pretty sure I'll give this one a miss. It's a pretty steep learning curve for me. The more I look the more I get excited about the hobby and seeing the thrill from my son. I really have had no experience in this field and the information available is a bit overwhelming sometimes. We appreciate your patience with us.
Cheers.
Mic.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

While you are making your decision, take your time its a big purchase, concider going out at night with some binoculars and a star chart and start learning the night sky.
Theirs plenty of beautiful objects out there to find with binoculars.

[ving (David)]

while i can recommend th 8" (as i have one) if you find it a bit expensive the 6" will show you a heap of stuff too