Confused !!!

Started by Bayou Rebel, 12/14/2005 08:18PM
Posted 12/14/2005 08:18PM Opening Post
I’m looking into purchasing a telescope, my first, except the one I bought my son from wal-mart many years ago that never worked, anyhow I’ve been looking around and theirs so many reflector telescopes on the market that I’m just confused. :S I’ve looked on e-bay and the ones their selling, well lets just say I’m not to sure of their quality. I want a relative inexpensive one to get my feet wet; yet I don’t want one so inexpensive that it’s considered a toy. I’m looking for a little advise here and don’t know where else to turn except to you guys. Any help in pointing me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Darryl (La.)
Posted 12/15/2005 03:00AM #1
Here are two links with lots of good info on some small but good scopes. Good luck

Bob

http://www.astromart.com/articles/article.asp?article_id=93
http://www.astromart.com/articles/article.asp?article_id=217

R.A.C. Advisory Committee
NEAIC Co-Chairman
NEAF Advisory Committee

http://www.deer-pond-observatory.com
Warwick, New York
41.15984 -74.2541

[B]Takahashi MT 160

10" F4.5 Newt 8O
R200SS grin
Some kind of 127mm APO

Orion Atlas EQ-G
Losmandy G11 with Gemini
iOptron Mimi Tower
iOptrom Cube Pro

Meade DSI PRO II 8O
SBIG ST-10ME
Image Source 21AU04.AS

Posted 12/15/2005 11:44PM #2
The information provided by all who responded was very helpful. I am trying to stay below the $600.00 mark and have been doing a lot of reading within the forums. I think before I jump out on a limb and make a spontaneous purchase I’m going to continue learning the basics. I always thought that you bought a telescope and pointed at the skies and that’s it, however I see that there’s a lot of homework I must do before I make my purchase.

In my occupation as a state game warden I spend a lot of time at night in the remote areas of my district here in Southeast Louisiana and I find myself taking my 10 x 50 binoculars and staring at the heavens. I’ve seen a lot of neat stuff, but never really knew what it was I was actually looking at and in doing so I see I’ve been missing out on a major detail of this hobby. Yea it’s pretty to look at, but what am I looking at? Right now I really don’t know, but I assure you that after reading all the advice I’ve received through post and e-mails I’m going to study the rudimentary fundamentals of this hobby and then I’ll make my decision based all the information I’ve received and studied.

I ask that you continue providing me with the knowledge I need to start out in this most interesting hobby and any information or advice you have is still greatly appreciated and requested, so once again thanks to everyone and keep it coming!!!

Darryl
S.E. La.