Choosing a Telescope

[crumpet]

Hi there!<br />I'm getting a telescope at some point in the next month, finally, having said I was going to get one for x many years.<br />So, that said, I have a choice to make. I've shortlisted two, both in my price range. I just have no idea which one to get.<br /><br />The first one is the Bresser Mars Explorer 70, which has:<br />1) 70mm Aperture<br />2) 700mm Focal length<br />3) Adjustable german Equatorial Mount<br />4) aluminium Tripod<br />5) 90 degree mirror diagonal<br />6) 1.5x erecting lens for daytime use of the scope<br />7) 2x Barlow Lens, 20mm and 24mm eyepieces<br />8) Accessory Tray<br /><br />And second up is the Meade NGC 60 Telescope , which has the following features:<br /><br />High-quality Meade Optics With 93% more light collection than 50mm models, the 60mm lens of the NGC-60 gives you better detail and clarity in all viewing situations. Coated lenses reduce light-loss and improve the overall viewing experience. Go To Computer Control Just select any one of 1,400 objects from the telescope's control panel. The computer then gives you exact coordinates and directs you to move your telescope manually into position so you can view it. Superior Altazimuth Mountings Provides smooth motions in altitude (up/down) and azimuth (left/right) modes to give you precision in locating objects. Field Tripod and Accessories View your images comfortably and appropriately with a full-range of included accessories. The aluminum full-length adjustable tripod with accessory tray, along with the 1.25” diagonal mirror, provide a comfortable 90-degree viewing position for all users. The included 5 x 24 viewfinder lets you locate objects before you view them, while two premium 1.25” eyepieces let you change magnification to suit your subject. <br /><br /><br />I know that the 70mm appeture will let in more light than the 60mm one - but is the second one a better telescope, or less quailty but more cost because of the computer thing on it? And is the GOTO computer thing actually any

 

[nevers]

Hi Crumpet - <br /><br />I would have to agree with Crazy. Neither 'scope will be what you expect. If I were gonna pick one, even though I've never heard of the brand, I would go with the Bresser. Why? Because I would stay away from the "GoTo": it will be more frustrating then you can imagine. Both 'scopes will come with cruddy, more then likely plastic eyepieces. It's a long story to tell people about telescopes. Thom...?!?!?!?!?! Where's your "So you want to buy a telescope" thread?<br /><br />If I were going to get a 'scope like the ones you've selected, and to stay in the same budget, I'd pick this 'scope: Orion 70mm. Everything about it, especially the mount and accessories will be much better quality.<br /><br />But like Crazy is suggesting: a few more bucks will get you a much better telescope. You'll be more then likely to be very impressed with what you see and you will probably stick with the hobby rather then be disappointed and forget about it. A larger 'scope for a little more will be able to see many more objects and you won't run out of things to look at so fast. There will much more clarity and definition to the objects you find. A mirror (reflector), verses a lense (refractor) will give you so a much better view of bright objects like the planets and the moon.<br /><br />Stay away from "GoTo" until you've learned the sky and become more experienced.

 

[nevers]

Also - check out this: Orion ShortTube 4.5" EQ. It's at Orion's Clearance Section. I've ordered plenty of things from the clearance section and have never been disapointed. <br /><br />Here's Thom's "So you want to buy a telescope" link: Click here<br /><br />Hope that helps somewhat. Maybe some others have some good suggestions too. Keep us posted and welcome to SDC! Stick around...it'll be a fun ride!

 

[bbrock]

Crumpet<br /><br />I coulden't pass this up. No, I'm not going to give you a different opinion. Crazy and NEVERS are correct. My first scope was a Meade 70mm. I could look at the moon and just barely make out the rings of Saturn. So much for what you will accomplish. <br /><br />Ass a rule, always go with the highest aperture you can afford. I also suggest looking at Orion Telescopes. These are good quality scopes for the money and excellent customer service. Dobsonian Scopes are the easiest to use and the Orion XT scopes are a good choice. <br /><br />Last of all. I also agree with Crazy on this point. If there is no choosing due to funds, I personally would forget the telescope and instead buy a Celestron SkyMaster 15 x 70 binoculars. You still have the 70mm and the price is around $100. You will see a lot of deep sky objects at low magnification with very portable equipment. ------ And learn the night sky before investing in a higher aperture telescope. <br /><br />Clear Skies<br />Bill

 

[heyscottie]

A have to agree with the other posters!<br /><br />Get yourself a 4.5" Newtonian or Dobsonian from Celestron or Orion. These are still pretty cheap, and can give you decent views of most objects out there. I've had my 4.5" Celestron scope for over 5 years now, and I still haven't seen everything with it that it is capable of.<br /><br />Failing that, by all means get a good pair of binoculars and a good book like "The Monthly Star Guide" by Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion.<br /><br />The problem with the 70 or 60 mm scopes is not so much that they are total pieces of junk, but that they lead to disappointment and disillusionment. If you bought a telescope that really couldn't show you too much, you'd probably stuff it under your bed and forget about it. And it might be years before you decide to try something better.<br /><br />It's a little like buying tools. The only day you are happy with the cheap tool you buy is the day you pay for it.<br /><br />So, by all means, wait a little longer if you have to so you can get something you can grow into...it's worth it!<br /><br />Scott

 

[bbrock]

Very well stated. -- I like the tool analogy. I might use that sometime! <br /><br />Bill

 

[heyscottie]

Thanks -- I stole it from alt.rec.woodworking, the only other newsgroup I frequent.<br /><br />Scott