What to buy? - Page 2

elusiver · #21 28-07-2005, 01:49 AM

i think u scared lacey off

el

janoskiss (Steve H) · #22 28-07-2005, 01:54 AM

Kearn,
Stars with these binos show flaring in one specific direction.
The triplet objectives are meant to reduce chromatic aberrations, and from what people say, they should do a good job too.
The binos I got have clearly been butchered by someone. Maybe it's been around the block a few times... repair/resell. Geez! This would all be so much easier if I could walk into a shop and have a look at what I'm buying first. Now I've got to explain what's wrong and try to get a refund at a distance 1000km.

janoskiss (Steve H) · #23 28-07-2005, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elusiver

i think u scared lacey off

Sorry Lacey!

To answer your question (properly): Get the 90x600mm refractor on AZ3 mount from AOE + the 1.25" erect image 90 degree diagonal. That's just under $400 and will fit with your requirements. Get the 90x900mm if you are willing to go just a little over $400, and want better performance at higher magnification for observing planets. Dobs are not really convenient for daytime use, and big cheap binos, ... well you know what I think of them at the moment.

fringe_dweller · #24 28-07-2005, 02:04 AM

Ahh! ...ummm ok Steve, never seen that before - i see, one or both of the triplets may be out of wack?!!?? Bino's collimation and related problems seems like some secret black art to me. Is there any info on the net on how to do this stuff yourself? i have never seen how to's on this subject myself. Its not exactly the same as refractors coz theres usually prisms involved in the set up i guess.
anyway good luck with it all mate!

Kearn

iceman (Mike) · #25 28-07-2005, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Stars with these binos show flaring in one specific direction

My 11x70 Saxon binos show this abberation on bright stars, too. I can't see Jupiter as a disc, without flaring.

janoskiss (Steve H) · #26 28-07-2005, 06:00 PM

Maybe my expectations were too high after reading some very positive reviews and comments. But in any case the binos I got have been tempered with, and the plastic fittings around one objective are damaged. Good thing is that Lee (Andrews) agreed to a refund, which I very much appreciate. I sent them back today. I don't think I'll be buying large binos anytime soon. I prefer crisp colour-free view with one eye than a mediocre view with two eyes. I have to admit though that Omega Centauri did look pretty impressive through the 20x80s.

asimov (John) · #27 28-07-2005, 06:20 PM

Lacey...Do yourself a favour and save up for the ed80..

I know it's more than your stated $400 But For quality reasons....anyhow, heres a link to a review for the ED80

http://whizzospace.com/astro/orion80ed-review.htm

Lacey · #28 28-07-2005, 06:57 PM

Ahhh.......Guys?........

asimov (John) · #29 28-07-2005, 07:03 PM

This happens every time lol....differences of opinions!

If that's what you were referring to Lacey with your latest post?

Tell us your thoughts so far.

Lacey · #30 28-07-2005, 08:17 PM

Ok......After such an astronomical amount of information I have altered my wish list...being budget up to $500 (I know your crying) forget bird/land watching, basically I would like to see the bones on the moon (from when the cow didn't make it over). Good brand, not too big that I can't move, not too tech that I can't operate. I would have to purchase (if required) a tripod with it as there is not even a camera shop here, and Big W only sells flimsy ones.

Dare I ask what you think of the:
MEADE ETX-70AT COMPUTER GUIDED TELESCOPE ($350)
someone told me about it, can only find a 90 model on bintel ($900)???

RAJAH235 · #31 28-07-2005, 08:18 PM

Lacey, Please don't read too much into all the goings on in here. You can get too much info. thrown at you too quickly. My advice, 1; Save up for awhile. 2nd; If you don't already have them, then goto a 2nd hand shop & TRY BEFORE YOU BUY,(PM me for a how to, if not sure), a good pair of 7 x 50 mm bino's. Shouldn't pay more than about $50.00. 3rd; Contact, (www.bintel.com.au), for a 'Chandler' brand, large version, not the small 1, Planisphere, ($22.00?). 4; You'll also need a red LED torch, so you don't ruin your night vision. Armed with just these 3 simple bits of gear, get out as often as you can & learn what the sky/constellations looks like & how to navigate your way around. 5; Contact a local society/club & have a look at what is available that will suit your needs. Ask lots of questions, & take notes. They won't mind.
When you think you know,,,, buy a 12" DOB......

..... Just kidding...... not really.
Just take your time at present. The Universe is not going to disappear just yet!
HTH. O.K.

L.

GrampianStars (Rob) · #32 28-07-2005, 08:27 PM

http://www.adelaideoptical.com.au/im...inith66apo.jpg
the baby Zenithstar would be a perfect starter
and later wound be a great guide scope
from Adelaide Optical

Lacey · #33 28-07-2005, 08:34 PM

This is where it's tricky...My closest club is Bundaberg 225km away then Brisbane 600km away.....Gladdy doesn't even have a camera club! ...So I am relying on you guys!!!

asimov (John) · #34 28-07-2005, 08:34 PM

How much is it?

asimov (John) · #35 28-07-2005, 08:51 PM

Lacey, may I establish something with you....Are you positive you only want to spend a maximum of $400 or are you willing to save to get something that will give you really great views? That would help us out a lot...then we can narrow down the search dramatically..Have a think about it..

janoskiss (Steve H) · #36 28-07-2005, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lacey

Ok......After such an astronomical amount of information I have altered my wish list...being budget up to $500 (I know your crying) forget bird/land watching, basically I would like to see the bones on the moon (from when the cow didn't make it over). Good brand, not too big that I can't move, not too tech that I can't operate. I would have to purchase (if required) a tripod with it as there is not even a camera shop here, and Big W only sells flimsy ones.

"not too tech": You'll probably want to stick to Dobsonian mounted reflectors, or alt-azimuth mounted (i.e., camera tripod style with slow motion) refractors.

"bones on the moon": I guess you mean you want to get as much magnification as possible. Here you're always limited by the atmosphere to somewhere between 150 & 300x, depending on conditions. You'll need a long focal length refractor of at the very least 80mm aperture or a Dob (read on).

"Good brand": The only really "good brands" are the ones that cost several thousands of dollars up. Pretty much all affordable scopes are no-names, or branded no-names made in China or Taiwan by factories that sell to the well known companies like Celestron, Orion, Meade etc.

"not too big": If I had your budget I'd get a 200mm Dobsonian. It's big enough to show you heaps but small enough to easily move by yourself. At $399 from Andrews, you can spend the extra $100 on accessories. (You will probably want a collimating tool of some sort for starters.) Hey, 7 months ago I did have your budget. And I did get the 200mm Dob. And I don't regret it one bit. A tremendous telescope for such a small investment. Especially at a dark site, it's mindblowing fun! (but some people think I'm weird.

) BTW: Dobsonian refers to the simple alt-azimuth mount. No need for tripod.

Quote:

Dare I ask what you think of the:
MEADE ETX-70AT COMPUTER GUIDED TELESCOPE ($350)

Never looked through one, but I believe 70 stands for 70mm aperture, which is rather limiting. You're probably spending more on the goto with that one than on the optics.

RAJAH235 · #37 28-07-2005, 09:10 PM

Lacey, Parts of what I said are still relevant. If you can't afford exactly what you want, now, SAVE. Binos, Planisphere & red LED torch will tide you over whilst learning/saving.
Do you really need it for terrestrial viewing? Something special in mind? Astronomical t'scopes don't really lend themselves to terrestrial viewing. They are not designed as such. This is where the compromise factor comes in. Remember, the first rule is "APERTURE WINS". So basically, if you want to view the night sky, buy the biggest DOB you can afford. See all previous posts for info. But I, personally would recommend at least a 8"/10".
Just to throw more info. at you, DO NOT skimp on the Eye Pieces. You get what you pay for. Get 'plossl' types at least.(1 1/4"). I'm going to recommend 'MEADE' Super Plossls here, but they are fairly expensive. Others may/will disagree, but I like them. I cannot afford, nor do I want 'NAGLERS' 'PANOPTICS' etc etc. I just don't like the 2" view.
Lacey, Can you see that it's all a personal choice? All we can do, is supply you with the basic info. YOU have the final say in what you buy.
Geoff,(Phil), likes the Orion ED80. It's probably the best Allround choice for what you want. It's good for Terrestrial & Astronomical use, & the mount is good.
HTH a bit more. Good luck with your decision..

Regards, L.

ps. If you opt for Astronomical only, then re-read my previous bit re; 'APERTURE WINS'. L.

asimov (John) · #38 28-07-2005, 09:14 PM

Originally Posted by Lacey
Ok......After such an astronomical amount of information I have altered my wish list...being budget up to $500 (I know your crying) forget bird/land watching, basically I would like to see the bones on the moon (from when the cow didn't make it over). Good brand, not too big that I can't move, not too tech that I can't operate. I would have to purchase (if required) a tripod with it as there is not even a camera shop here, and Big W only sells flimsy ones.

Damn...my apologies, I didn't even see that post. I agree with janoskiss. A 200 mm dobsonian. The GS brand is apparently the best quality for low cost category.

GrampianStars (Rob) · #39 28-07-2005, 09:38 PM

Lacey
FRASER at TRILOBYTES has a pretty good run down of what to look for
also a run down of sites to buy

janoskiss (Steve H) · #40 28-07-2005, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrampianStars

FRASER at TRILOBYTES has a pretty good run down of what to look for
also a run down of sites to buy

Yes, they're a good read, and most of it still relevant, but some of the info is getting old. Nowadays you can get good scopes for very little money, thanks to the economic boom in China.