Looking for a good quality telescope.

[de8212]

What are some good sites to find out info on buying a telescope? Prices, brands, etc?

de

 

[SoylentGreen]

What do you want to use it for?

How dark are the skies by your house?

If not, how far do you need to travel for dark skies?

Will you just be a casual observer?

 

[iamme]

Originally posted by: Kiyup
What do you want to use it for?

How dark are the skies by your house?

If not, how far do you need to travel for dark skies?

Will you just be a casual observer?

i'd like to know too.

1. To look at the stars and planets, i guess.
2. Skies are pretty dark. I can see lots of stars at night, just looking up. No street lights around.
3.
4. Casual observer

 

[SaigonK]

I actually have one for sale..PM me if youre interested...

 

[iamme]

is star gazing fun? i've never looked at the stars through a telescope before....

 

[de8212]

What do you want to use it for?

How dark are the skies by your house?

If not, how far do you need to travel for dark skies?

Will you just be a casual observer?

It would be a gift for my dad. His Bday is Feb 14. He likes astronomy, etc. I'd like to get him something nice.
Lights won't be a problem. I work about 15 - 18 miles out of town out in the middle of nowhere. Could use it up there because it is very dark.
Not sure of my budget. But I don't want to get him a cheapie.
Suggest away please.

de

 

[mrCide]

im no expert but, stay away from local stores sellin scopes like walmart/kb/any toy store/etc.. tasco/bushnell are rated as crap.

meade/orion/?celestion? or somethin cant remember if thats even a brand, anyway, beginners i see people recommend dobsonian scopes.. check out www.telescope.com

good luck and dont spend too much on your first, you might not enjoy it.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Originally posted by: iamme
is star gazing fun? i've never looked at the stars through a telescope before....

I have been interested in astronomy since I was 5. There are societies all over the country who would be glad to introduce you to the amateurs world.

BTW deB212,

What is your price range?

 

[iamme]

i noticed one of the telescopes said you can hook a 35mm camera and take pics. can i hook up my digital camera?

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

If you have the bucks, look at an 8 inch Meade catadioptric.

 

[iamme]

I went through the Product Wizard at telescope.com, here's the least expensive one they have: Apex? 90mm Compact ?Mak? Telescope

is this any good?

 

[Zebo]

To passive for me. Buy a motorcyle instead.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Originally posted by: Carbonyl
To passive for me. Buy a motorcyle instead.

I have one of those too.

BTW, this year brings the closest and best viewing opportunity of Mars in your lifetime.

 

[de8212]

Hayabusarider
Tried to find the 8 inch Meade catadioptric @ telescope.com but couldn't. Price range depends. Let's start with 500 - 1000.
de

 

[zoiks]

peeping into the next door girls room shouldnt require a telescope.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Originally posted by: de8212
Hayabusarider Tried to find the 8 inch Meade catadioptric @ telescope.com but couldn't. Price range depends. Let's start with 500 - 1000. de

Give me a few. Meebe I can find a link or two. The Meade is too pricy, but that does not mean you cannot get something fine in that range. BRB

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: Hayabusarider

Originally posted by: Carbonyl
To passive for me. Buy a motorcyle instead.

I have one of those too.

BTW, this year brings the closest and best viewing opportunity of Mars in your lifetime.

Dirt bike?

Don't get me in a new hobby please. I have to have the best then my wife complians. Then I have to dip in my secret stash to buy things.

 

[SoylentGreen]

I hate to say it, but 500-1000 isn't much.

You'll want to get some eyepieces as well.

Get him a nice 8-10" dobsonian with some eyepieces.

You usually get 2 eyepieces with a lot of telescope purchases, so get a barlow lens since that effectively makes 4 different magnifications that you can observe at.

A moon filter, since it's so bright...

You can go with other colored lenses later to bring out features in planets for the most part.

Meade
Celestron
and others make plenty of DOBS.

Meade had a special with 99 bucks for a bunch of nice eyepieces with a scope purchase. I don't know if that's still in effect.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Originally posted by: Carbonyl

Originally posted by: Hayabusarider

Originally posted by: Carbonyl To passive for me. Buy a motorcyle instead.

I have one of those too. BTW, this year brings the closest and best viewing opportunity of Mars in your lifetime.

Dirt bike? Don't get me in a new hobby please. I have to have the best then my wife complians. Then I have to dip in my secret stash to buy things.

Carbonyl, you are kidding about the motorcycle right?


Anyway de, I am going to suggest you check out this site
Good tips for beginners. PM me if you wish. Be a few days, but I will have off and will poke around to see what is out there in your price range that suits your needs.

 

[iamme]

i was reading a beginner's astronomy site, and it said it might be good to start off with a good set of binoculars. is this true?

 

[de8212]

Can anyone comment on this one?

Where is a good online place to buy telescopes? Coupons, rebate, any other discounts?



de