should i get a telescope from walmart?

[fatal291]

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4183991<br /><br />http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5223438<br /><br />http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2684096<br /><br /><br />I see them at WalMart all the time, the reason I asked if they were any good is because I am not able to get them from off websites and stuff. I hope they are good quality, it will be my first telescope but i dont want a begginer scope to hold me back, I'd rather start off at a medium or advanced level. If they are not any good what are some good store retailers that carry telescopes?

 

[nexius]

Telescopes in walmart are pretty bad I think their only 114mm. Basically all you can see is the moon and some craters. Id save your money.

 

[gregoire]

You're much better off to purchase a good used scope, or binoculars, locally. Check with the nearest astronomy club, they can steer you in the right direction.

 

[tfwthom]

Buying a telescope from Wal-Mart makes about as much sense as ordering a pizza at a Chinese restaurant. You might get something that looks like pizza but it isn't the same.<br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1" color="#3366ff">www.siriuslookers.org</font> </div>

 

[SpeedFreek]

All the telescopes in the links are made by...<br /><br />Meade.<br /><br />Are they a decent make for someone starting up in astronomy? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#ff0000">_______________________________________________<br /></font><font size="2"><em>SpeedFreek</em></font> </p> </div>

 

[tfwthom]

Just because it says Meade (or Celestron, or Orion) doesn't mean it's any good. Those scopes are the bottom of the barrel, just a step above a toy. They all have their entry level scopes that ruin astronomy for the beginner. You get what you pay for in astronomy. Budget Scopes <br /> and these scopes are just a step above a toy but they do work. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1" color="#3366ff">www.siriuslookers.org</font> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

Go to a local astronmy club and try some out, so you will know what you are paying for.<br />Or find an astro-friend so you can try one out.<br /><br />Spending money on a scope without some hands !and eye) on experience is foolishm and will likely lead to disappointment, IMO.<br /><br />MW <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>

 

[fatal291]

I was looking at the Astronomy mag and most of the scopes were well over 3k.. I do not have that kind of money, I actually can't even afford the ones at WalMart.

 

[tfwthom]

Most astronomy clubs have loaner scopes. Join a club and borrow one. <br /><br />Our club doesn't have loaner scopes per say but someone will usually let you use one at a star party. I usually bring an extra scope. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1" color="#3366ff">www.siriuslookers.org</font> </div>

 

[CalliArcale]

Try Orion. I recommend a Newtonian for best "bang for the buck".<br /><br />www.telescope.com<br /><br />You may also want to ask around at local astronomy clubs. If you're lucky, somebody might be selling their old starter telescopes to make room for more monster scopes in their shed. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> <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>

 

[nexius]

I was looking at those Orions and im guessing the higher the mm of the lens the more money it is? Since the greater the lens size the more light it can draw in? I beleive it starts around like 114mm at walmart haha. which is like looking at the moons craters.

 

[toothferry]

these Orions are really good deals for a budding astronomers <br /> 130mm Reflector on EQ mount $229<br /><br /><br />or this 6" dobsonian for about the same price.. even better!<br />6" Dobsonian for $259<br /><br />and for an easy to use refractor, this one is CLASSIC, and sure to offer up really nice moon craters, plus cool views of jupiter and saturn.<br /> CLASSIC 90mm REFRACTOR, ALT-AZ $299<br /><br />

 

[MeteorWayne]

Excellent advice.<br />My 8 inch Orion dob is reasonably high quality, easy to use ("just push and peer") and sets up so fast it gets used a lot.<br />A lot of bang for the buck. <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>

 

[toothferry]

IMO, There's a better magazine for beginners than Sky and Telescope, and that's <b>"Nightsky"</b> especially written for newbees ..which happens to also be published by Sky and Telescope especially for them. <br /><br />It's an EXCELLANT read and very interesting. The beginning astronomer will probably learn a LOT LOT more than with Sky and Telescope, plus there are LOTS of beginner Tips and Tricks, but many of which the advanced amatures might feel belittles their skill level to clutter their magazines with. <br /><br />Anyhow, After a year of that then graduate up to Sky and Telescope, but you'll perhaps want to continue your nightsky as well.<br /><br />www.skytonight.com

 

[nexius]

what exactly do u need tips and stuff for dont you just point the telescope up to the sky at night focus it and observe ( or take pics with your camera with a long shutter time heh)

 

[toothferry]

not exactly. the magazines offer a lot more detailed information about what's going on in the night sky during that particular month. Also, Nightsky has great star charts, general instructions for observations. It serves to stimulate the appetite for getting out there and viewing.<br /><br />This months issue of Nightsky discusses how to make a homemade solar filter out of special film designed specifically for that purpose. How to observe the sun safely by projecting the image... top 10 questions for the month, like when should you clean an eyepiece.. and how. <br /><br />Check them out at your local newsstand and see for yourself.

 

[MeteorWayne]

Where are you going to point it?<br />What are you going to look at?<br />What is visible this month at the time you are observing? Where are those objects?<br />The sky changes all the time, planets, comets and asteroids move against the background stars, which rise 4 minutes earlier every day themselves.<br /><br />All those questions are why it helps to subscribe to at least one of these magazines, as well as the inspirationn mentioned above. <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>