Bausch & Lomb Criterion 4000 - Advice?

Hello All -

I'm new to the forum and hopefully someone out there can give me some advice. I am thinking about purchasing a Bausch & Lomb Criterion 4000 telescope. I don't know much about them but, the used price is within my budget (under $400). I've looked all over the net for information and there doesn't seem to be much out there.

Would this be a good telescope to purchase or can someone recommend another for about the same price? I'd like something compact (a SCT), if possible.

Many thanks - Steve

Would this be a good telescope to purchase or can someone recommend another for about the same price? I'd like something compact (a SCT), if possible.

Many thanks - Steve
-----

Steve:

I think Don pretty much covered it with regards to SCTs, there are much better scopes than the B&L 4000 and they can be had for a reasonable amount.

Is this to be your first serious scope?

jon

Steve,

I own one. I think you can get a much better quality telescope in a reflector on Astromart.

Demetrios

As the other guys have pointed out, there are much better scopes to be had for the money. The Orion 127 Mak comes to mind. I have only viewed through one, but it had very good optics considering the price.

Also, occasionally a C8 shows up for right around that price. Of course you would need a mount.

Finally, as Jon pointed out. The 10" Asian dobs are a lot of bang for the buck. Very easy to use and setup. Much more so than the 12" I have now. Though not as compact as an SCT. When you factor in the mount needed for an SCT the 10" dob to me personally is easier to setup and use. Pack the base out, then carry the tube out. Then you are all set. In fact, the 8" versions can be packed out in one trip by a fit person without trouble. It doesnt seem that way when looking at them, but I find them to be much more "portable" than a comparable SCT. Dont get me wrong, I love SCT's for some reason. But a dob is much quicker to setup in my opinion.

Thank you all for your advice. I purchased a Celestron Nexstar 4 from RONALD LAIESKI here on AstroMart. For the price, I just couldn't pass it up. I owned a Dob many years ago and will, more than likely, purchase another one in the years to come.

Thanks again for all your advice. This site is THE BEST!!!

Steve