Need help buying first telescope

[jeremy_swinarton]

For a while now I have been looking at buying my first telescope. I am looking for something cheap and lightweight, hopefully around 300 dollars or less CDN. For a while I was looking at Dobsonians, but I would like to try astrophotography and when I found out it had no equatorial mount or setting circles, I decided I should look for something else. Does anyone have any recommendations for a beginner? Thanks a lot!

 

[Saiph]

For a true beginner, I still recommend the dobs, especially for that price. <br /><br />Then if you're interested in astrophotography, i'd look for messier objects, make sketch and logbook, and once your familiar with the sky, telescopes in general, and the various equipment (eyepieces and such)...then I'd save up for a 'scope useful for astrophotography. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p align="center"><font color="#c0c0c0"><br /></font></p><p align="center"><font color="#999999"><em><font size="1">--------</font></em></font><font color="#999999"><em><font size="1">--------</font></em></font><font color="#999999"><em><font size="1">----</font></em></font><font color="#666699">SaiphMOD@gmail.com </font><font color="#999999"><em><font size="1">-------------------</font></em></font></p><p><font color="#999999"><em><font size="1">"This is my Timey Wimey Detector.  Goes "bing" when there's stuff.  It also fries eggs at 30 paces, wether you want it to or not actually.  I've learned to stay away from hens: It's not pretty when they blow" -- </font></em></font><font size="1" color="#999999">The Tenth Doctor, "Blink"</font></p> </div>

 

[jeremy_swinarton]

I think I'll take your advice. I was looking at the Orion XT6 (6" Dobsonian). It was really lightweight, and inexpensive, and it came with free starry night software. I think I buy that one. Thanks for your help!

 

[Saiph]

No problem.<br /><br />The other reasons for a dobs. vs equatorial is expense. You'll be able to get a larger (thus more powerful) aperture dobsonian, with it's easy handling characteristics, making it a great introductory design. Telescopes ideal for astrophotography (even introductory ones) are much more expensive. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p align="center"><font color="#c0c0c0"><br /></font></p><p align="center"><font color="#999999"><em><font size="1">--------</font></em></font><font color="#999999"><em><font size="1">--------</font></em></font><font color="#999999"><em><font size="1">----</font></em></font><font color="#666699">SaiphMOD@gmail.com </font><font color="#999999"><em><font size="1">-------------------</font></em></font></p><p><font color="#999999"><em><font size="1">"This is my Timey Wimey Detector.  Goes "bing" when there's stuff.  It also fries eggs at 30 paces, wether you want it to or not actually.  I've learned to stay away from hens: It's not pretty when they blow" -- </font></em></font><font size="1" color="#999999">The Tenth Doctor, "Blink"</font></p> </div>

 

[jindivik]

i've been looking at that scope too jeremy, i'm considering buying that one, or the XT8 dobsonion, not sure which one yet (i have a while to save up)<br /><br />i have a question<br />does anybody know where i can buy online using a visa electron card? (in the UK) thanks <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />

 

[Saiph]

It looks like I'm the only one around today...and unfortunately I can't be of much service for finding online transaction details. I'd be suprised if Orion or Meade don't have online options though. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p align="center"><font color="#c0c0c0"><br /></font></p><p align="center"><font color="#999999"><em><font size="1">--------</font></em></font><font color="#999999"><em><font size="1">--------</font></em></font><font color="#999999"><em><font size="1">----</font></em></font><font color="#666699">SaiphMOD@gmail.com </font><font color="#999999"><em><font size="1">-------------------</font></em></font></p><p><font color="#999999"><em><font size="1">"This is my Timey Wimey Detector.  Goes "bing" when there's stuff.  It also fries eggs at 30 paces, wether you want it to or not actually.  I've learned to stay away from hens: It's not pretty when they blow" -- </font></em></font><font size="1" color="#999999">The Tenth Doctor, "Blink"</font></p> </div>

 

[nevers]

If found out Orion does not ship Internationally. It's at their website under Customer Service and then International Orders. It appears there are dealers in the UK. Here's what I found:<br /><br /><font color="yellow">"We do not ship products internationally. Orders with international billing addresses, shipping to the US, can require additional time for name and billing address verification. If there is any problem with your order, please contact us.<br /><br />We have international dealers, but not all dealers carry all Orion products."</font><br /><br />United Kingdom <br /><br />The Astronomy Shop<br />1 Tone Hill<br />Wellington<br />Somerset<br />TA21 0AU<br />Email: info@scsastro.co.uk<br />Web: www.scsastro.co.uk<br />Phone: +44 (0) 1823 665510 <br /><br />Broadhurst, Clarkson & Fuller<br />63 Farringdon Rd.<br />London, United Kingdom<br />Email: telescopehouse@telescopehouse.co.uk<br />Web: http://www.telescopehouse.co.uk<br />Phone: [44] 017-140-521 <br /><br />Widescreen Centre<br />47 Dorset Street<br />London W1U 7ND<br />Website: http://www.widescreen-centre.co.uk<br />Email: call@widescreen-centre.co.uk<br />Phone: 020 7935 2580 <br />Fax: 020 7486 1272 <br /><br />Widescreen Centre<br />18 Lady Bay Road<br />West Bridgford NG2 5BJ<br />Website: http://www.widescreen-centre.co.uk<br />Email: call@widescreen-centre.co.uk<br />Phone: 0115 945 5459<br />Fax: 0115 945 5362<br /><br /><br />Hope that helps...

 

[flick003]

www.telescopes.com