looking for a Telescope, advice needed

[proxy]

Hey guys, I need some advice as I am newer to telescope. I used to have one when I was younger but it was a cheap one. I am now looking at either the XT8 or XT10 Orion Dobsonian model. <br />My question is first off, what is your opinions on these models? <br /><br />Whats the difference between the standard model and the intelliscope if the object finder is seperate anyways? Like could I purchase the standard model and then down the road purchase the object finder? <br /><br />Is the object finder/intelliscope worth it?<br /><br />I live in the suburbs with minimal light pollution and my ideal use for it is going to be general...anything from looking at the sun/moon to planets and far off galaxy's.<br /><br />Thank you.

 

[MeteorWayne]

See the "will the XT8 do what I want it to do" thread, a few lines below this. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[proxy]

ok thanks, I was also wondering which eye pieces/filters would be good. Filters i decided on are so far; moon, sun and light pollution filter. Do I need a 2in eye piece and if so which one is good?

 

[CalliArcale]

I've just opened a thread for these kinds of questions, to consolidate them and their answers where folks can easily find them. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /><br /><br />Looking to buy your first telescope? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p><font color="#666699"><em>"People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint it's more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly . . . timey wimey . . . stuff."</em>  -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink"</font></p> </div>

 

[astromarks]

If you're going deep sky observing, a goto function will be useful.<br />Check this site to find the messier objects: Deep Sky and Messier objects

 

[astromarks]

Check the astronomy site of Ray Cash, it has some dobsonian DIY how to : Simple plans to construct your own Dobsonian telescope from six to ten inches in diameter.

 

[toothferry]

great suggestions Eddie.. Baader's filter will be on my to get list. BTW, do you still have your PortaBall dobsonian? (and if so how are you liking it still)