half decent telescope
- Thread starter wedrum
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I know there are a few more advanced users on here who can probably help, but I would suggest keeping an eye out for Tal telescopes.
They are Russian, and like most stuff from Russia, may not be cosmetically great, but are pretty bullet proof and good optical quality for the money.
Most come with an equatorial mount though which takes a bit more getting used to.
They are Russian, and like most stuff from Russia, may not be cosmetically great, but are pretty bullet proof and good optical quality for the money.
Most come with an equatorial mount though which takes a bit more getting used to.
There isn't much good choice at the low end of the market, they hold their value pretty well.
If you want best bang for your buck I'd suggest you go for a Newtonian reflector telescope, you'll get a higher aperture (larger mirror), which picks up more light and gives a larger image. Refractors (the other main type) generally give you a clearer image, but the mirrors are smaller and they're more expensive. The other choice to make it with mounts. The two main types are equatorial and dobsonian. Equatorial is generally better, but a lot harder to master. Dobsonian mounts are very simple to use and allow easy control for anyone new to telescopes. Dobsonians also tend to have a slightly larger aperture (mirror) for the same price.
http://www.astrobuysell.com/ is a great site to find second hand telescopes, it looks awful but there's loads of good deals there. Also, https://stargazerslounge.com/ is a fantastic forum for finding out more about astronomy and telescopes. They're really helpful and friendly to newbies. I highly suggest you repost this over there.
For your price range, second hand, you're probably looking at a Skywatcher Explorer 130 or a Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ if you want an equatorial mount. If you want a dobsonian, it'll most likely be a Skywatcher Skyliner 150P for a dobsonian. The 130 and 150 in the names of those 3 telescopes dictates their aperture (size of the mirror). Those 3 are all about the same price but as you can see, the dobsonian has a slightly larger aperture, as previously mentioned.
If you need any more help, just give me a shout!
If you want best bang for your buck I'd suggest you go for a Newtonian reflector telescope, you'll get a higher aperture (larger mirror), which picks up more light and gives a larger image. Refractors (the other main type) generally give you a clearer image, but the mirrors are smaller and they're more expensive. The other choice to make it with mounts. The two main types are equatorial and dobsonian. Equatorial is generally better, but a lot harder to master. Dobsonian mounts are very simple to use and allow easy control for anyone new to telescopes. Dobsonians also tend to have a slightly larger aperture (mirror) for the same price.
http://www.astrobuysell.com/ is a great site to find second hand telescopes, it looks awful but there's loads of good deals there. Also, https://stargazerslounge.com/ is a fantastic forum for finding out more about astronomy and telescopes. They're really helpful and friendly to newbies. I highly suggest you repost this over there.
For your price range, second hand, you're probably looking at a Skywatcher Explorer 130 or a Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ if you want an equatorial mount. If you want a dobsonian, it'll most likely be a Skywatcher Skyliner 150P for a dobsonian. The 130 and 150 in the names of those 3 telescopes dictates their aperture (size of the mirror). Those 3 are all about the same price but as you can see, the dobsonian has a slightly larger aperture, as previously mentioned.
If you need any more help, just give me a shout!
Yeah, it's brilliant, it was my first telescope. I sold it when I got a fantastic deal on a Skywatcher 300P Flextube, that's what I currently use.
200p great scope, 300p GOTO still manageable by one man, my 400p GOTO is a nightmare to move so it's in a permanent postion with my other big scope.
I got both my big scopes at cracking prices, nearly new, the previous owners had to build them every time they wanted to use them. In some cases the bigger the scopes the less they get used.
I got both my big scopes at cracking prices, nearly new, the previous owners had to build them every time they wanted to use them. In some cases the bigger the scopes the less they get used.
Soldato
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Resurrecting this thread than starting a new one, but the missus threw me this weekend as has asked for a telescope for Christmas!
We are moving to the country and I am pleased as have always secretly wanted one. So now I can justify the outlay.
Budget is up to £500, though will go over if there is something worth going over for.
We are moving to the country and I am pleased as have always secretly wanted one. So now I can justify the outlay.
Budget is up to £500, though will go over if there is something worth going over for.
Soldato
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Just bought a Meade LightBridge Mini 130mm Table Top Dobsonian Telescope.
£185. Hope she likes it, I think I am more excited than her about doing some stargazing.
£185. Hope she likes it, I think I am more excited than her about doing some stargazing.
No idea if this is any good - but currently £46 delivered:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/vjd/Cele...m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=VMA54T47NWWAB2021M4N
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/vjd/Cele...m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=VMA54T47NWWAB2021M4N
pretty pointless thread w/out telling specifically what the use is for. if it's for stargazing you should be asking on an astronomy forum, not here, there's plenty of places w/ some very experienced and helpful people. each type of telescope has its plusses and minuses, you should ask for advice on a dedicated site or you will end up w/ something "half decent" instead of decent.
Associate
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It's good for a starter scope. Get her outside with some bins (binoculors) to start practicing star finding.
A star chart would be useful for her and a red light head torch so she/you don't ruin your night vision. You'll also want a collomitor.
I cheated with my scope and bought one with a computer that does all the hard work for you.
It's good for a starter scope. Get her outside with some bins (binoculors) to start practicing star finding.
A star chart would be useful for her and a red light head torch so she/you don't ruin your night vision. You'll also want a collomitor.
I cheated with my scope and bought one with a computer that does all the hard work for you.
Which one ?
Associate
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Decent guide I always use with my scopes. Really does come in handy.
Sky & Telescope's Pocket Sky Atlas https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1931559317/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Me5oybF9SHHQP
Think he means collimator, pretty much allows you to set up the scope (align mirrors etc) to get the best out of it although brand new shouldn't need any adjustment for a good year.
Cap collimator or Cheshire are both fine for this.
Had to hold myself back from buying this the other day. Tempting me though
.https://www.firstlightoptics.com/reflectors/skywatcher-explorer-300p-ds-neq6-pro.html
Associate
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I check collimation before every use. Only takes 2 mins.
This guide will be perfect to guide him through the year:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/2017-Guide-Night-month-month/dp/0008186634
https://www.amazon.co.uk/2017-Guide-Night-month-month/dp/0008186634
Associate
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Looks fine.
Always keep your scope pointing down that way nothing can be dropped down the OTA. Always keep the dust cap on when not in use too. If it didn't come with one, buy one. Only a tenner or so I think.
You don't need the goto. It does make life easier though. Just enter a planet/star in the hand controller and it will find it for you. There is a nifty little program called Stellerium which is worth a look. See here - http://www.stellarium.org/
Always keep your scope pointing down that way nothing can be dropped down the OTA. Always keep the dust cap on when not in use too. If it didn't come with one, buy one. Only a tenner or so I think.
You don't need the goto. It does make life easier though. Just enter a planet/star in the hand controller and it will find it for you. There is a nifty little program called Stellerium which is worth a look. See here - http://www.stellarium.org/
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