Any astronomy buffs?

[calbear2000]

Looking to buy a nice telescope for a Christmas present.

Both giver and receiver of gift have never owned telescopes, but are interested in astronomy. Do you recommend a reflector or refractor type?

Thanks!

 

[iwearnosox]

I'd box up a rock and tell them it's from the moon, they'd never know. Then spend the cash on yourself. 😀

 

[ScoobMaster]

Astronomy is an interest of mine, but as far as telescope recommendations go, I have no wisdom to give. 🙁

HOWEVER..... I CAN recommend going over to Phil Plait's (The "Bad Astronomer") website and inquire in his forums:

Bad Astronomy Bulletin Boards
Bad Astronomy Homepage

I am sure someone there has personal experience to share!

 

[calbear2000]

Thanks Scoobmaster... doing a search on those forums now.

 

[calbear2000]

If anyone else is interested, here is what I found after searching through the forums Scoobmaster linked:

http://www.weatherman.com/purchase.htm

Very good telescope buying FAQ

 

[bernse]

Got a 10" Dob myself. Nice scope, but a bit big for lugging around... I had apature fever at the time though!

 

[calbear2000]

Originally posted by: bernse
Got a 10" Dob myself. Nice scope, but a bit big for lugging around... I had apature fever at the time though!

Nice... how much did that cost?

 

[Descartes]

I would check Cloudy Nights for reviews, and also Astronomy Forums. I would personally recommend Orion due to their quality and relative cost, but to each their own. The reviews will give you a better idea.

I have an Oberwerk 12x60 binocular that I just bought; I'll be doing some observation with at the local star party this Friday. They have a 16" reflector that astronomy club members can use, and I have an 8" dob too. Saturn will be at opposition shortly, and I'm getting some quality observations of Saturn as it is in the early morning sky.

 

[Descartes]

Originally posted by: calbear2000

Originally posted by: bernse
Got a 10" Dob myself. Nice scope, but a bit big for lugging around... I had apature fever at the time though!

Nice... how much did that cost?

You can get a quality 10" dob for well under $1k. Check Orion for examples. StarMaster is considered the premium large-aperture dob these days, but they come at a price 🙂 Imagine what you could see with a 16"+ scope though.