July 9, 200718 yr I've been into astronomy for a long time, but I don't know muc about telescopes, I know I want to buy one and my price range I'm looking for is $350-$400, maybe a little more. I want to deep star gaze and see planets pretty well so I think a reflector is the type of telescope I'm supposed to get, not quite sure though. I'm just wondering if anyone has a telescope or knows a good place to buy them online at. Thanks for the help.
July 9, 200718 yr I am a big astronomy enthusiast. The first question I'd ask is: do you know how to find deep space objects without a autostar type thing? If so, the best thing for you might be an 8 inch Dobsonian reflector. An Orion Skyquest Classic goes for $370, which is in your price range. If you don't know how to find DSOs on your own, then you can't get a scope worth your time in that price range. I like deep space stuff and planets, but at the time I purchased my scope, portability was a big must for me along with the fact that I don't know how to find stuff on my own, so I ended up getting an ETX 125(5 inch Mak-Cass). If I would have known better I would have purchased an 8 inch LXD55. (LXD75 now) Look on astromart.com for used stuff. It sells at 50% cheaper than new stuff at times. Beware though, they charge a user fee to join, but if you find something worthwile, then it is well worth it. Most amateur astronomers treat their equipment with great respect, so you have nothing to worry about on faulty equipment if you buy used.
July 9, 200718 yr Author QUOTE(RibbieRubarb @ Jul 9, 2007 -> 05:36 PM) Be honest with us... Your neighbor's hot and she keeps her windows open. lol you got me, she's down the hill from me so I need something stronger than binoculars to see her. QUOTE(southsida86 @ Jul 9, 2007 -> 06:41 PM) I am a big astronomy enthusiast. The first question I'd ask is: do you know how to find deep space objects without a autostar type thing? If so, the best thing for you might be an 8 inch Dobsonian reflector. An Orion Skyquest Classic goes for $370, which is in your price range. If you don't know how to find DSOs on your own, then you can't get a scope worth your time in that price range. I like deep space stuff and planets, but at the time I purchased my scope, portability was a big must for me along with the fact that I don't know how to find stuff on my own, so I ended up getting an ETX 125(5 inch Mak-Cass). If I would have known better I would have purchased an 8 inch LXD55. (LXD75 now) Look on astromart.com for used stuff. It sells at 50% cheaper than new stuff at times. Beware though, they charge a user fee to join, but if you find something worthwile, then it is well worth it. Most amateur astronomers treat their equipment with great respect, so you have nothing to worry about on faulty equipment if you buy used. i probably don't know how to find deep space objects since i've never tried, thanks for the website too.
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