Telescopes - what to buy?

[prim*rose]

We are thinking of getting a telescope this year but don't have $1000 to spend on a really nice one. Any suggestions for a cheaper (ie, less than $500) telescope? It will function as a school activity, but also for family stargazing as well.

 

Thanks!

Amy

[prim*rose]

bump

[jubilee]

Trivium Academy has a blog post here

 

I tried searching the old boards and couldn't filter through properly. Jean in Wisc. may also be able to help you if you choose to go this route. I know a tripod is recommended with purchase of binoculars.

 

hth,

[Jumping In Puddles]

The one I am planning to get, after much research, is the Astroscan telescope $199.00 and has stellar reviews and is portable.

 

Also, I can't recommend enough this book: Find the Constellations by H.A. Rey. It's outstanding!

[prim*rose]

Thank you both so much!

[Sue G in PA]

The one thing you DON'T want is a cheapo, dept. store model or those you find for less than $100 in some hobby store. Telescopes must be very sturdy and still in order to work properly so you want a good one w/ a sturdy base. We got a Dobsonian one year for Christmas and it is very good and it was less than $500 (maybe $300 or so?). I do recommend the Dobsonian's as starter telescopes.

 

This one is a lot like the one we have (we have a Zhumell), but I KNOW it was purchased much cheaper:

 

http://www.telescopes.com/telescopes/dobsonian-telescopes/zhumell10inchdobsonianreflectortelescope.cfm

[prim*rose]

The one thing you DON'T want is a cheapo, dept. store model or those you find for less than $100 in some hobby store. Telescopes must be very sturdy and still in order to work properly so you want a good one w/ a sturdy base. We got a Dobsonian one year for Christmas and it is very good and it was less than $500 (maybe $300 or so?). I do recommend the Dobsonian's as starter telescopes.

 

This one is a lot like the one we have (we have a Zhumell), but I KNOW it was purchased much cheaper:

 

http://www.telescopes.com/telescopes/dobsonian-telescopes/zhumell10inchdobsonianreflectortelescope.cfm

 

I was trying to stay away from toy store/dept store models, and thought people here might have suggestions :001_smile:. Thanks, I'll check out the link!

[Jean in Wisc]

Without knowing any more than you've already said above...

 

I usually recommend a Dobsonian. Several of our astronomy club members have the Orion Skyquest Classic. I would recommend you get at least the 6" or larger.

 

http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=dobsonians/~pcategory=telescopes/~product_id=09185

 

http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=dobsonians/~pcategory=telescopes/~product_id=09707

 

I recommend you also add a red dot finder which can make the difference between enjoying your scope and chucking it--you can actually find things. EVERYONE in my astronomy clubs has one on his scope. Here is an example:

 

http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=finder_scopes/~pcategory=accessories/~product_id=07228

 

You will also want a flashlight with a red light so that you do not ruin your night vision.

 

BTW, unless you already know a number of the constellations, I recommend you start there, then try finding some of the larger objects with binoculars. From there, try a telescope if you still want one. You can buy a green 5mw laser pointer from ebay for $20 which you can use to point out the stars and constellations.

 

I'd add more, but I just got home from an astronomy club board meeting and a night time viewing--we stayed until 11:30 when the clouds came in :( It is BEDTIME. Hope this still makes sense when I read it in the A.M. Oh--if you have more Q's you may need to send me a pm. I'm not on the boards as much as I use to be. But I'll try to check back here over the next couple of days.

 

Enjoy!

J

[Jumping In Puddles]

Without knowing any more than you've already said above...

 

I usually recommend a Dobsonian. Several of our astronomy club members have the Orion Skyquest Classic. I would recommend you get at least the 6" or larger.

 

 

 

What telescope do you have?

[Jean in Wisc]

What telescope do you have?

 

I have the Meade ETX125PE.

 

http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=1-600-603-571-592-4259

 

I spent a lot of time looking for the scope that would serve my needs:

 

 

• I couldn't see using a Dobsonian (the long tube on the base that sits on the ground) because I have a bad back.

   

• I wanted a computerized scope that would track (stay on the object as the earth turns) so that when working with large groups of people (we had about 100 people out at our last star party), I don't have to keep adjusting the scope after every couple of people look through it.

   

• I also needed one light enough that I could lift and place on top of the tripod without needing my hubby's strong arms (mine is only 15 lbs.).

   

• I preferred the Maksutov-Cassegrain--it has both the lens and the mirrors, has beautiful, beautiful crisp images, and never needs culminating; because it is only a 5", I knew I would need something that had the crisp clear image to make up for the lack of light gathering ability, and many people tell me that it has a crisper image that the other large Cassegrains at our club!

   

• My scope also has a goto, which may or may not be an advantage because it is easy to rely upon its computer to help me find the objects rather than my learning how to find them; however, I prefer the classical side of astronomy--finding the constellations, their lore, understanding the night sky with the naked eye or that which we can learn from our own study rather than the physics and facts of astronomy. So my goto fits my use.

   

• I replaced the worthless little plastic finderscope it came with with a telrad (red dot finder). I'd like to find another finderscope with low power that can be added to my scope without drilling holes. Still working on that. I'm also thinking of getting the gadget that allows you to use your laser pointer as a finderscope. Now that would be lush (LOL!).

   

• I like being able to put mine in its suitcase and pack it into my car when traveling. I've taken it on trips, and it is small enough to fit in with the luggage.

 

 

I've had wonderful customer service at OPT Corp.

 

I could give my opinion about Meade, but I don't normally talk that way about anyone. They DID get my telescope fixed last year after about 5 months of waiting...:glare:

 

I love my little 'scope :)

 

J

[Jumping In Puddles]

I have the Meade ETX125PE.

 

http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=1-600-603-571-592-4259

 

I spent a lot of time looking for the scope that would serve my needs:

 

 

Thanks for the thorough reply! Great information :cheers2:

[prim*rose]

Without knowing any more than you've already said above...

 

I usually recommend a Dobsonian. Several of our astronomy club members have the Orion Skyquest Classic. I would recommend you get at least the 6" or larger.

 

http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=dobsonians/~pcategory=telescopes/~product_id=09185

 

http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=dobsonians/~pcategory=telescopes/~product_id=09707

 

I recommend you also add a red dot finder which can make the difference between enjoying your scope and chucking it--you can actually find things. EVERYONE in my astronomy clubs has one on his scope. Here is an example:

 

http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=finder_scopes/~pcategory=accessories/~product_id=07228

 

You will also want a flashlight with a red light so that you do not ruin your night vision.

 

BTW, unless you already know a number of the constellations, I recommend you start there, then try finding some of the larger objects with binoculars. From there, try a telescope if you still want one. You can buy a green 5mw laser pointer from ebay for $20 which you can use to point out the stars and constellations.

 

I'd add more, but I just got home from an astronomy club board meeting and a night time viewing--we stayed until 11:30 when the clouds came in :( It is BEDTIME. Hope this still makes sense when I read it in the A.M. Oh--if you have more Q's you may need to send me a pm. I'm not on the boards as much as I use to be. But I'll try to check back here over the next couple of days.

 

Enjoy!

J

 

 

Thanks so much for the info! Btw, where are you in WI? We're north of Milwaukee and I would love to become part of an astronomy club :001_smile:

[Jean in Wisc]

Thanks so much for the info! Btw, where are you in WI? We're north of Milwaukee and I would love to become part of an astronomy club :001_smile:

 

Try here:

 

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/community/organizations

[chanda7]

For less than $500, you could get a really great telescope that could last you a lifetime.

 

I would suggest you try a couple of things before buying one. First of all, start learning the sky by using your naked eyes and binoculars. I'm not sure how familiar you already are with the sky, but you will save yourself a lot of frustrations by learning the constellations and "major" stars before getting a telescope. You can get a free printable map at http://www.skymaps.com. Night Watch by Terence Dickinson is a great book for beginners. It has more detailed maps of the sky that note major objects and which tool (eyes, binoculars, telescope) is needed to see it. You should also check out http://www.clearskyclock.com. It helps predict which nights are going to clear/steady and it has light pollution maps. If you live in an area with a lot of light pollution, you may find you need computer assistance on your telescope.

 

Second, find the nearest astronomy club that offers public star parties or other events where you can come and see the differences between various telescopes to see what will work best for you.

 

Going the naked eye/binoculars route also helps test how long lived your interest in astronomy is. You'll learn how good your viewing location is as well. You may discover an occasion trip to a local star party is enough for your family, or you may discover a lifelong hobby.

 

We bought an 8-inch Dobsonian this fall, and it is great! The kids (ages 3 and 6) have a short attention span with it, but I have gotten a lot of use out of it after their bedtime ;)