Best Telescope?

[Guardian]

I'm seriously considering getting us a telescope, and I'd appreciate some advice from folks who have one?

We've all been working VERY hard in my family, and I'd like to get us something we'd all take pleasure in for Christmas. I had a nice telescope years ago, but it was stolen, and I miss it. We had some good fun with that thing, and it was the focal point of some great extended family get togethers. We're also in a perfect location in that there's almost zero light pollution.

Anyone know what would be the best type/model of telescope to get at about $500.00-$600.00 retail? Once I've settled on a make and model, I'll try to find it used (pawn shops, craigslist, etc.) but after searching on-line, I'm not sure exactly what to look for in that price range? Lot's of sales pitches disguised as "happy users"

Any suggestions from stargazers would be very much appreciated. :)

 

[mkrnhr]

Hello Guardian,
I don't know the prices in the US. Before I ask some friends, do you know if you want to observe only through the eyepiece (great for a get-toghether) or also install a camera from time to time? Because not only the telescope diameter counts (usually a 20 cm diameter is sufficient) but also the mount. For usual eyepiece observation an alt-azimuthal mount is sufficient but for astrophotography (especially in long-exposure) you'll need an equatorial mount (usually more expensive). A telescope is the funnier thing ever when we cannot sleep :)

 

[Guardian]

Hello Guardian,
I don't know the prices in the US. Before I ask some friends, do you know if you want to observe only through the eyepiece (great for a get-toghether) or also install a camera from time to time?

That would be really nice, but I don't know if I can afford that feature? The telescope will be primarily for people here to get together and have some fun. This is my possible solution to the "cabin fever" we all got last winter. We can be snowed in for weeks when the roads are impassable, maybe on the generators, and we do get on each others nerves now and again.

I think a telescope would provide great group fun (that's not competitive like games) and it won't use much (if any?) electricity, during the time when it gets dark really early.

 

[mkrnhr]

Then IMHO a Schmidt–Cassegrain telescope with an alt-azimuthal mount would be sufficient (planets, nebula, and even galaxies when the sky is dark just with binoculars). 20cm of diameter is usually sufficient. Maybe other members would have other propositions. I don't know for example if Newton telescopes are less expensive than Schmidt–Cassegrain. Will update if additional info.

 

[Guardian]

Then IMHO a Schmidt–Cassegrain telescope with an alt-azimuthal mount would be sufficient (planets, nebula, and even galaxies when the sky is dark just with binoculars). 20cm of diameter is usually sufficient. Maybe other members would have other propositions. I don't know for example if Newton telescopes are less expensive than Schmidt–Cassegrain. Will update if additional info.

THANK YOU Mkrnhr!

 

[John G]

The Dobsonian (Newton) telescopes are cheaper than the Schmidt-Cassegrains and the Orion Skyquest Dobsonions are used by an observatory I go to for outside viewing in addition to their big telescopes. For 500-600 you can get a 10-inch Orion or 8-inch one with a bunch of options . There are cheaper types of Cassegrains but I have no idea how good they are.

 

[mkrnhr]

Yes, Dobson telescopes are great and cheap. Usually they were home-made but apparently they are being commercialized now. Exemple: _http://www.meade.com/lightbridge/specifications
I don't know though how easy they are to use.

 

[Ca.]

Yes, Dobson telescopes are great and cheap. Usually they were home-made but apparently they are being commercialized now. Exemple: _http://www.meade.com/lightbridge/specifications
I don't know though how easy they are to use.

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[RobertB]

You can pick up a good sized Dob on astromart.com, where amateur astronomers buy sell trade.
Telescopes are purpose-built.
Refractors and Scmidt-Cassegrains are for stellar/planetary observation.
Dobs are light-buckets built for the deep of space.
A good Dob is extremely easy to use, taking the quickest learning curve.
But, remember: If a scope is too much of a pain to take out and enjoy, it will soon be gathering dust. This happens when we suffer from aperture fever. The bigger the scope, the more time & effort to set up, but the deeper into space we can get. And 3D space is built that way, revealing much more of the universe than a simple doubling of size would imply.

 

[dorkmatter]

I know this thread is old, but did you ever make a purchase?

The advice about the Dobsonian telescopes are spot on as well as Astromart being a good place to shop. I would also add that E-Bay would be another place to shop.

The Dobs and some reflector type of telescopes are perfect for beginners and seasoned astronomers as well. They gather a substantial amount of light and make viewing of celestial bodies and planetary both enjoyable, not to mention great views of the moon.
A 6" to 10" diameter would be recommended as a "starter" scope.

Funny, most kids seem to always get that 60mm Tasco refracting telescope which is the wrong scope to start out with and because of its limited FOV and low light gathering capabilities, (along with poor optics). They can be extremely frustrating to use unless you know what you are doing and have a good drive to use it with.

I recall getting that Tasco when I was young. I didn't have a clue to what I was doing but I was amazed to find Saturn one night. I spent a few more weeks searching for Saturn and never found it again with that scope.

Anyhow, as "time" progressed I found myself upgrading scopes and after a few years had some really phenomenal instruments to play with. Buying used was the way to go.

As Jack Horkheimer would say "Keep looking up"

 

[Guardian]

I know this thread is old, but did you ever make a purchase?

No, other things came up that were needed more than a nice toy.

The advice about the Dobsonian telescopes are spot on

Yup, that's the one I'm planning on getting one day. :)

 

[RobertB]

Yes, scopes are purpose built. I once had a 25" Dob I built, and the eyepiece was 10 feet off the ground when looking straight up. I've had some refractors (a 4.5" Orion), but settled on a 16" Meade Reflector for my Astrophotography. Another consideration is portability and light pollution. 10-12" aperture is about the limit for city dwellers, 40" for dark rural (which is an endangered phenomenon). May your skies be clear and dark, and your pocketbook well-endowed.