My First Telescope
I’m writing this post in hopes it might give a little insight to a first time telescope buyer like myself. My two sons (ages 6&8) were starting to showed some interest in astrology so I thought it was time to buy a “decent” telescope which we can use now and still grow into later. After finding astromart.com and getting a lot of very good advice, the first thing I discovered is there isn’t one telescope for everyone. There are several types, brands, at various cost levels. I didn’t know beans about what I was getting into but the advice I received definitely helped me with my choice.
I decided on an 8” Newtonian/Dob. I was either going to get the Celestron Starhopper or the Orion XT. Ironically, the Astromart site put me in touch with my neighbor (2 miles away) who just recently bought a 10” Zhumell and invited me over for a viewing. (Thanks Barry.) I was impressed with the view and the quality of the scope. I guess the metal focus knobs and all the extras for the price really sold me.
My 8” Zhumell arrived 5 days ago and I’ve had it out three times. I couldn’t be happier. It’s kind of compared to seeing pictures of Hawaii....but it’s nothing like actually being there. Sure I’m not going to see the quality of images like those shown in Sky & Telescope but I’ve already seen images that made me and my family say WOW.
I’m writing this post in hopes it might give a little insight to a first time telescope buyer like myself. My two sons (ages 6&8) were starting to showed some interest in astrology so I thought it was time to buy a “decent” telescope which we can use now and still grow into later. After finding astromart.com and getting a lot of very good advice, the first thing I discovered is there isn’t one telescope for everyone. There are several types, brands, at various cost levels. I didn’t know beans about what I was getting into but the advice I received definitely helped me with my choice.
I decided on an 8” Newtonian/Dob. I was either going to get the Celestron Starhopper or the Orion XT. Ironically, the Astromart site put me in touch with my neighbor (2 miles away) who just recently bought a 10” Zhumell and invited me over for a viewing. (Thanks Barry.) I was impressed with the view and the quality of the scope. I guess the metal focus knobs and all the extras for the price really sold me.
My 8” Zhumell arrived 5 days ago and I’ve had it out three times. I couldn’t be happier. It’s kind of compared to seeing pictures of Hawaii....but it’s nothing like actually being there. Sure I’m not going to see the quality of images like those shown in Sky & Telescope but I’ve already seen images that made me and my family say WOW.
