telescope

[Linc Robinson]

Hi my name is Linc,I am interested in buying a telescope i will be a first time user.Have done some research but still very confused on what to buy could someone pls offer some assistance on a good beginner telescope so i can the most out of it. Thank you Linc

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

G'day and Linc.

How transportable do you want your scope to be? Will you want to carrying it in a small car? Do you want goto or are you happy to find things yourself? Do you have a budget you are working to? Don't forget you will need eyepieces as well as the telescope.

[astromark]

You are doing the right thing in asking...
There are many questions. Biggest is not best. Practicality must rule your choice. A large automated motor driven with 'go-to' might be just what you think you want... Unfortunately these larger scopes are not easily transported and can be troublesome to set up. I would advise you to find a local astronomy group and go visit them at a star party. You need to be familiar with what is available and what compromise you are willing to take.
Just starting out in astronomy? then a 10x80 pair of Bino's would be a great starting point. Some clear sky and the time to view... welcome

[xelasnave]

Welcome Linc from me to Iceinspace.
Get a 12 ich dob, if that is too much get a 10 inch dob, if that is too much get an 8 inch, ...or go for what you can afford in a dob... they are cheap very good for viewing and if you want to go for astro photos realise that is really for practical purposes a new hobby.
But you will end up with a few... if you get into the hobby... try and go to a club meeting so you can have a peek and a bit of hands on...
Binos are good and you will always use them no matter how many scopes you end up with... getting under a dark clear sky is important to get the best out of whatever you get.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy this wonderful hobby

alex

[Ric]

Hi Linc and welcome to IIS, you have joined a great community and I'm sure that with all this knowledge we should be able to assist you in your choice of scope.

Cheers

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Hi Linc,
Welcome to IIS!
I'd highly recommend a Dobsonian mounted scope too.
They have big aperture and give terrific views of the night sky and are simple and intuitive to use.
For a newbie, a scope on an equatorial mount can be frustrating and confusing to use. Maybe best to steer clear for now.

I bought my dob from Andrews Communications.
www.andrewscom.com.au/

[mlcolbert]

Linc Hi!

I'll add my tuppence worth!

1. spend some time looking into the various astronomy magazines at your local newsagent, listing the major ones without prejudice they would include;

Astronomy (U.S.)
Astronomy Now (U.K.)
Sky at Night (U.K.)
Sky and Telescope (U.S.)
Australian Sky and Telescope (Aust)
Sky and Space (Aust)
New Scientist (U.K.) also has astronomical related articles.

2. After checking out the magazines, see which stores are advertised for you locally, drop in, talk for a while, see the equipment on display etc AND

Then have a look at some of the publications, such as the atlases etc.

3. Obviously, spend some time surfing various fora and websites, again to see what's out there.

4. Talk with us; tell us what your interests are and you will find many to make practical suggestions about affordable reasonable quality instruments. You'll also get to know our interests and preferences, ask about them too. An example, I prefer to work with film and not digital or ccd imagers, why? That's what I appreciate and grew up doing. Why am I putting together an instrument which is based on a refractor? Because I've had a reflector and wasn't impressed with it in comparison to refractors. I could, as some others, go on about this for many pages / hours, but you will understand what I mean) Talk with us.

5. The other suggestions such as star parties are a great idea, again some members of the forum could direct you to the nearest amateur group. Just remember that there are many possibilities to follow your interests and many passionate enthusiasts both here and internationally to link up with.

michael