Help with buying a telescope

[sonnyjim (Andrew)]

Hi to all,
I have been researching for quite a while into various types of telescopes and mounts, and am interesting in buying my first telescope.

- I would prefer if it had capabilities to view some deep space objects with reasonable detail, as well as the planets and the moon.
- It would also be good if it had 'goto' or other navigation aid, as i don't have time at the moment to go through a lengthy learning process to view only a few objects.
- Portability is also important as I would probably be taking it to various locations.
- Support for some astrophotography would also be nice, however is not integral.

I have read about the Meade ETX-90PE2, the Celestron Nexstar 4 or 5 SE, the Celestron Nexstar 130 SLT, and also the iOptron Smartstar A Series. I have found these at prices ~$AU1000, which is around what i intend on spending.
Some have had mixed reviews, while others i cannot find any information about.

Does anyone have any recommendations about other telescopes which may be suitable, around the $1000 price range (or cheaper)?
And could anyone provide any impressions about these telescopes in terms of what they are able to view etc.?

Thanks for any help.

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

My first recommendation is that before you spend any of your hard earned money that you visit an Astronomy Club or viewing night in your area to get a feel for the different types of scopes available. A night out will also help you get a realistic idea of what scopes in your price range can do and see.

There are forum members all around Australia, New Zealand (and even the rest of the world) who I am sure would be tickled pink to show you their Astro stuff if you are in their area.

Some clubs will even have loaners so that you can try one out before you buy.

There are also some good retail stores in Melbourne (I think that is where you are) that I am certain would be happy to show you their wares too.

The budget that you have outlined can get you a nice scope, but the bells and whistles add up fast...It is helpful if you can have a good idea about what you want to do with a telescope so that you can best identify which features you are willing to trade off.

There is no doubt that aperture rules in terms of visual astronomy...that is, bigger scopes see more objects and more detail in those objects than smaller scopes. However, as size increases portability goes down...

For almost every advantage for a particular scope type there will be trade offs...knowing clearly what you are willing to sacrifice in terms of these advantages/disadvantages will help you make the best choice for you.

No doubt, a lot of people will chime in with comments...some in agreement and some conflicting...in the end, the best scope for you is the one that you will use and use often...

Good Luck in your search...and welcome to a wonderful hobby!

Clear Dark Skies...

[mozzie (Peter)]

great reply scott thats right astronomy is all about how much you have to spend,how portable is your scope for you some people are lucky enough to view in ther back yard and others travel some distance


mozz

[sonnyjim (Andrew)]

Thanks for your responses, they are greatly appreciated.
You make some very reasonable suggestions, i think it will be best to try some different telescopes out.

Any impressions/suggestions about the Meade ETX-90PE2 or Meade ETX-105PE? (or any of the other telescopes i have suggested)

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

Originally Posted by sonnyjim

Any impressions/suggestions about the Meade ETX-90PE2 or Meade ETX-105PE? (or any of the other telescopes i have suggested)

Sorry, I don't know anything helpful about either of those scopes...I am a reflector/refractor kind of guy myself. If I don't understand how it works, I try to avoid it.

Good Luck to you and enjoy the hobby!

[sonnyjim (Andrew)]

No worries. Do you know much about the Celestron Nexstar 130 SLT or the iOptron Smartstar A Series telescopes?
Or, what scopes would you recommend for a beginner, in the <$1000 price range? (preferably computerized i.e. 'goto')
Thanks.

[Paddy (Patrick)]

Originally Posted by wavelandscott

My first recommendation is that before you spend any of your hard earned money that you visit an Astronomy Club or viewing night in your area to get a feel for the different types of scopes available. A night out will also help you get a realistic idea of what scopes in your price range can do and see.

No doubt, a lot of people will chime in with comments...some in agreement and some conflicting...in the end, the best scope for you is the one that you will use and use often...

Good Luck in your search...and welcome to a wonderful hobby!

Clear Dark Skies...

I couldn't agree more. It will really help to get an idea of what to expect and what you are likely to do if you can get to look through a few different types.

[Ian Robinson]

Originally Posted by sonnyjim

No worries. Do you know much about the Celestron Nexstar 130 SLT or the iOptron Smartstar A Series telescopes?
Or, what scopes would you recommend for a beginner, in the <$1000 price range? (preferably computerized i.e. 'goto')
Thanks.

You can do without GOTO. The more electronics and code required to drive a telescope the more things that can go wrong.

KISS.

This way you'll actually learn your way around the sky.

Spend your $1000 on a nice dob or Newtonian on a basic RA driven equatorial mount - better value for the dollar. APERTURE APERTURE !!! More the better.