Recommend me a cheap telescope 200-300

[slatr]

Can anyone recommend me a cheap telescope, around $ 200-300?

All the sites I have read so far say to stay away from dept store brands.

 

[pontifex]

do you have any requirements for the scope?

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=38&threadid=1984392&enterthread=y

 

[slatr]

Thanks Pontifex, that link is very helpful.

I am still very new to this. I barely know enough about the subject to even ask questions.

What I would like is an entry level, easy to use set up. One that I could hook my digital slr up to in some fashion would be great.

I have really low expectations as far as what/how far I can see. I just don't want to go so cheap as to have fuzzy optics on relatively close objects such as the moon.

Based on my readings and your link, I am looking very closely at the lower end Orions.

Originally posted by: pontifex
do you have any requirements for the scope?

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=38&threadid=1984392&enterthread=y

 

[pontifex]

i haven't gotten into astrophotography, but i know you will need to buy some kind of adapter to attach the camera. you'll also most likely want a scope that does tracking (moves in time with the object in the sky so its always in the scope's view.)

 

[jlbenedict]

For a little bit more than $300, you can get an 8" dobsonian reflector from a few different manufacturers.

Dobsonian reflectors are among the easiest to use; its just a matter of push/pull on the tube and manuever it where you want to view. No complicated gizmos are needed.

In addition, dobsonians (dobs for short) are priced with the beginning astronomer in mind. You get alot more aperture for your $$$ by going with a dobsonian reflector.

Dobsonian Reflectors

 

[jlbenedict]

Originally posted by: slatr
Thanks Pontifex, that link is very helpful.

I am still very new to this. I barely know enough about the subject to even ask questions.

What I would like is an entry level, easy to use set up. One that I could hook my digital slr up to in some fashion would be great.

I have really low expectations as far as what/how far I can see. I just don't want to go so cheap as to have fuzzy optics on relatively close objects such as the moon.

Based on my readings and your link, I am looking very closely at the lower end Orions.

Originally posted by: pontifex
do you have any requirements for the scope?

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=38&threadid=1984392&enterthread=y

Photography on a scope is not going to happen at the $300 price point. At the minimum, you will need an Orion Skyview Pro EQ mount, that will do tracking. It comes standard with manual tracking and is upgradable to computer controlled (GO-TO) tracking. Prices start at right under $400, for the standard mount.