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Started by joe broadway, 12/12/2006 01:38PM
Posted 12/12/2006 01:38PM Opening Post
Hi, I am relatively new to telescopes...and this forum. I need help choosing what telescope to get. These are the Orions that I am looking for. My main ambition is to have a telescope I can see the main planets with (well) and I would like to be able to look into deep space. I am not at all concerned with terrestrial objects. I have done quite a bit of looking around and this is the best I can come up with, I just need some advice from some people who know more than I do. Thanks!

http://www.telescope.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=382&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=

http://www.telescope.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=288&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=

http://www.telescope.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=106597&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=

http://www.telescope.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=111184&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=4&iSubCat=13&iProductID=111184&relateInfo=3&add=yes&RS=1&keyword=#tabLink



Posted 12/12/2006 02:29PM | Edited 12/12/2006 02:31PM #1
Erik, if I were you, I would go this route...

http://www.telescope.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=238462&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=4&iSubCat=9&iProductID=238462

The Orion XT6 Dob is much larger than the scopes you have chosen, and the "aperture rules" rule applies here... specially for DSOs

The longer focal length will help with the planets, and also will make collimation easier on you.

This is just considering the price range of the scopes you have chosen previously... (I'll take it you are on a tight budget)

Clear skies! wink

Ivan Gastaldo 8)
Coconut Creek, FL

Ivan's Observatory
Lat 26N 16' 48" Long 80W 10' 48"
[COLOR="Red"]Personal Website:[/COLOR] http://www.ivangastaldo.com

CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky - Moderator
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Posted 12/12/2006 06:50PM #2
Is the dobsonian going to be stable on the ground, what are my options for steadying the scope on uneven ground?
Posted 12/12/2006 08:36PM #3
Eric
The other thing you should consider is the limitations of your scope in the location(s) you choose to view. In Burnsville you will be limited quite a bit to the Solar System, star clusters, and a few nebula, and several of the M-objects. Quality viewing of DSOs will require venturing away from home. www.mnastro.org is a local astronomy society that would be of great assistance to you in your quest. Please spend some time with them before making any serious equipment decisions. The clear sky clock http://cleardarksky.com/c/Minneapoliskey.html?1
indicates that the best viewing is to the north. Check out the blue areas. Although, even areas in yellow can often yield decent viewing under excellent seeing and transparency. Study the chart carefully, it yields a lot of information that is pertinent to your area.

I Yam What I Yam!