hey

[james]

i want to buy a telescope but i dont know waht to get

i want one thats good for deep space viewing like seeing galaxies, clusters etc etc, but i dont know whats what.

anyone that know good telescopes from price range 600$-1200$, in sydney area please tell me.

[seeker372011 (Narayan)]

Hey james, good you got here from UT


before the LX 200 people jump in, i'd suggest you consider an 8 inch dob from Andrews, its easily the best value for money

look around this forum lots of people here have bought dobs from Andrews and are happy with the purchase.

If you want to get into astophotography of course it is a different story

[james]

ok im at andrews site in the dob section which 1 out of these are the best for money

http://www.andrewscom.com.au/images/...nian/gs580.jpg
Guan Sheng GS-580-LTD
$299.00 AUD

150mm x 1200mm reflector on a dobsonian mount.



http://www.andrewscom.com.au/images/...00x1000dob.jpg
Skywatcher 200X1000
$499.00 AUD

200mm x 1000mm reflector on a dobsonian mount.



http://www.andrewscom.com.au/images/...nian/gs680.jpg
Guan Sheng GS-680-LTD
$399.00 AUD

200mm x 1200mm reflector on a dobsonian mount.



http://www.andrewscom.com.au/images/...nian/gs880.jpg
Guan Sheng GS-880-LTD
$649.00 AUD

Guan Sheng GS-880-BK7-CRF
$699.00 AUD

250mm x 1250mm reflector with 2" Crayford style focuser on a dobsonian mount.


http://www.andrewscom.com.au/images/...nian/gs980.jpg

Guan Sheng GS-980-LTD
$999.00 AUD

Guan Sheng GS-980-BK7-CRF
$1249.00 AUD

300mm x 1500mm reflector with 2" Crayford style focuser on a dobsonian mount.

[slice of heaven]

gs680

And Hi James

[james]

hey

so the gs680 is good , but ive been reading that telescopes under 500 bucks is worthless , or is it for the otehr type on the tripod?

[jackenau]

Welcome James. I suppose you are kind of like right at the "telescopes under 500 bucks is worthless" but not always true. The dobs definately the way to go for a quick entry into viewing. I have found the bigger ther better. But as they get bigger you loose the portability factor unless you are using it in your own back yard.

May I suggest you read back over the forums to get some ideas on what you can expect to see, cost, where to purchase from, physical size of scopes, problems people have experienced with some of their purchases, or have felt that have not met their expectations, or for the other have exceeded their expectations, before proceeding with your purchase.

A lot of people will recommend you try before you buy, by attending star parties, or the local club etc, but in most instances you can make a reasonably clear decision based on what people have experienced through their input here.

Probably the most important thing is not to over expect based on pictures you view in magazines etc.

And more importantly ask questions if you need guidance!

Ken M

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

The Guan Sheng Dobs are all exceptional value for money; all you need to decide is what size suits you best. Most photons per $ you will get from the 8" (200mm) at $399. But a bigger scope will show you more things, so take your time until you know what's best for you.

[iceman (Mike)]

Hi James.

You're from blacktown, there's a few other sydney members here who might be able to show you through their scopes.. in addition, if you want to make a little trip north, we're having a star party on May the 7th on the central coast.. if you can make it up, you'll get to look through LOADS of different telescopes, from 4" refractors up to 20" dobs, and everything inbetween, motorised LX200's, LX90's, 10" and 12" GSO dobs, etc.

It really is the best way to ensure you know exactly what you're getting and what you'll be able to see, and the differences in what you see in scopes of different sizes.. including whether you like the idea of pushing the scope around, or want something motorised to do it for you.

The old rule "telescopes under $500 are useless" isn't really true anymore when you talk about the 8" GSO dob. it's a really great scope for a great price. If you talk about refractors, or anything on a tripod, then the rule still is true.

btw how did you hear about us?

[seeker372011 (Narayan)]

James, if you are from Blacktown, you could also come along to the Western Sydney Amateur Astronomy Group observing nights at Linden and that will give you an opportunity to look through a few scopes before making up your mind

otherwise as Mike suggests why not come along on 7 May to the Central Coast where you are likely to see far more scopes of different kinds

[ving (David)]

hi james.
I can personally recommend the 8" gs dob as that is the one i have and its great. but if you can afford the 10" then the extra light gathering is worth it. basically if you are getting a dob there are 2 roads for you

1. get the biggest you can afford and save for some good EPs later
2. buy a 8" and get a range of EPs to go with it.

welcome aboard.

[james]

i heard about you guys from seeker on another forums.
also what the addys of both places try to attend atleast 1 of them or both if i dont have to work, also how much is it to get in, and for the cebtral coast is there trains there or i get of at bondi and catch a bus?

[iceman (Mike)]

James,

The central coast is about 1 - 1.5hrs north of sydney. If you're not driving, you'd have to catch the train to Gosford and get someone to pick you up there to take you out to the star party, or get a lift with someone who is also coming from sydney.

Check this thread for all the details about the star party.

[james]

is there a fee involved
also
theres a 80% chance i can come with my mum's friend husband who like this stuff also

[iceman (Mike)]

There's no cost for the starparty, but if you come to the BBQ, bring your own meat + drinks.. All is revealed in the thread.

[james]

ill be attending im jsut gonna close my shop of earlier then expected.

[MiG]

Another thing to narrow down your choices: get one that fits in your car. I bought the 10" one because the 12" was too long.

[Moonman (Michael)]

James,

I am presently going thru the process of having a GS 8' DOB shipped to tassy. This particular unit comes highly recommended by others on and off this forum and the dobsonian mount is definitly the quickest and easiest to use and can be retro fitted with all kinds of digital guidance and tracking devices as your need and budget grows or explodes whichever happens first.

Definitely go for an 8" as you will only get limited viewing satisfaction with smaller apertures and you will find yourself wanting to move on very quickly anyway. I know this from recent experience.

Happy Star Hopping

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

I would go 12" Only cos I want one LOL.....

[acropolite (Phil)]

8 or 10 inch dob's probably the go, if it were me, since they're both quite large, I'd go for the 10 inch because as Mig stated (and he's always right ) it will fit in an average car and aperture really does make a difference.

[james]

thanks guys for all the replies, in my mind its a choice of 8" or the 10" but ill check it out at the star party =).