Best telescope for a beginner?

[fatal291]

Well I'm about to get a telescope but of curse I don't want to get one of the "basic" telescope. I see the ones at WalMart that are like $200 at max, they connect to the computer and stuff from what it says on the box. I am pretty advanced when it comes to the computer so that wouldn't be a problem .<br /><br />Should I get that one? I'm not just going to be gazing at the stars I plan on doing a lot of stuff with it like research and depending on the view I get most likly more stuff. What brand do you suggest? I don't have a credit card so I can't order any from online.

 

[tfwthom]

Wal-mart is not a telescope store!<br /><br /> So You Want to Buy a Telescope <br /><br /> Ten Tips for First-Time Telescope Buyers <br /><br /> Choosing Your First Telescope <br /><br /> Budget Scopes <br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1" color="#3366ff">www.siriuslookers.org</font> </div>

 

[tfwthom]

Couple other points:<br /><br />If you are thinking of something other then a basic scope you better plan on well over $1k and closer to $2k.<br /><br />The computers on those Wal-mart scopes are toys.<br /><br />The Wal-mart scope is not going to be research grade, you will be lucky just to see the stars.<br /><br />I deal with Anacortes http://www.buytelescopes.com/ but most the major players are the same, they take money orders. <br /><br />There is always Astromart http://www.astromart.com/ for used equipment. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1" color="#3366ff">www.siriuslookers.org</font> </div>

 

[yoda9999]

Yeah sounds like you should get a 6" or 8" Dobsonian. Those are low maintenance telescopes and only around $500 more or less. But you can't do astrophotography on those because they don't have motors. If you think you might want to do astrophotography in the future, and are willing to spend a little over $1000, get an 8" Schmidt Cassgerain.