What's a good telescope for <$1000?

[ManSnake]

I would like to buy a decent telescope that I could use to see the planets, it would be best if the telescope is good enough to see Saturn's rings. Do any of you know of a good telescope for less than $1000? If yes, where to buy? Thanks!

 

[StattlichPassat]

If you can find one for under $1000, Meade makes some of the best stuff for the consumer market. You could also look into building a much bigger and fancier Dobsonian ("Dob") telescope for a half or a third of that and get the same or better results. Check out vendors in Sky & Telescope Magazine if you're interested in building your own. They were selling completed Dobsonian 10" telescopes for $470 at McDonald Observatory in Ft. Davis, TX when I was there a couple weeks ago. I thought that was a steal! :Q I think Dobs would appeal to any astronomers on this board as you can build it yourself, customize the finished product, and pick out your own parts to use of course. I'd do it if I had the money.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

You might want to try this link out if you are new to telescopes, or havent bought one in a while

Scope Review

You might consider a good used scope (yes there are some out there), because you can get more bang for your buck. Sky and Telescope is a good resource. Might try Astronomy and of course google for what is out there.

As NightFlyerGTI said, you get more inch per dollar in a Dobsonian than other types, but that is because there is no mount, or at least no equatorial mount. That makes it difficult to keep a small object, such as Saturn in view as the Earth rotates when you are looking at it with typical maginification. Just something to keep in mind. IMO, Dobs are much better for observation of diffuse nebulas at relatively low power. In this, apeture is paramount, and that is where they shine.

Refractors in this price range are unsatisfactory for most use unless you get a REAL bargan on a used one.

Newtonians offer relatively large apeture with an equatorial mount that works well.

Dobs can be good

Catadioptrics are a good compromise between reflectors and refractors, and that is what I have.

Again check out the link and if you have any questions PM me.

 

[JellyBaby]

Just go to your local observatories (at colleges, etc.). They have much better scopes. Spend the money on chicks instead.