what should i look four ?can i get one in the two-four hundred dollar range?.where should a guy buy it,on-line or from a store?want to get good view of planets and solar system.
2006-06-12 19:05:05 · 4 answers · asked by do little 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
My personal reccomendation for a beginner with limited funds would be to get reflector on a dobsonian mount. That is the type You move yourself. Motorized mounts are very nice but they are costly. Of most importance make sure the tripod and mount are sturdy. Since a telescope is used to magnify - it will magnify the slightest movement and make the image blurry. Incidently a Telescope does not magnify. it only collects light to make the image brighter. it is the function of the eyepiece to magnify. I would suggest that you go to the website www.Astronomics.com. They have been in business a long time and are very dependable and helpful. They stand behind what they sell. I have purchased scopes, eyepieces and filters from them over the years and am completly satisfied. They have a site "how to choose a telescope" Which you can download. If You have further questions You can call them toll free and talk to someone who can help You. Astronomy is a facinating hobby or even a lifetime occupation and the sooner You begin the better. Also if there is an astronomy club in your area they are usually quite happy to share their knowledge with others. They usually have "star parties"or viewing sessions and are glad to have visitors. This would give You a chance to look through different types of scopes before investing in one.
2006-06-13 16:36:13 · answer #1 · answered by M31 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The most important thing in a telescope is the aperture - get as big a lens or mirror as you can manage. You can get a 6" Dobsonian telescope for $260 from Orion Telescopes and Binoculars (see 1st link below).
In your price range, I'd advise you to avoid goto (computerized) scopes.
Whatever you do, buy from some place that specializes in astronomical telescopes. Avoid camera stores, Walmart, sporting goods stores, etc. They carry overpriced junk. A name brand is no guarantee of quality - some very respected companies make junk telescopes for the low-end market.
The Yahoo Telescopes group (2nd link) or cloudynights.com are good forums to look for more information.
2006-06-13 03:57:43 · answer #2 · answered by injanier 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say you should go for an 8 or 10 inch dobsonian refector, and go for a reputable brand, like Celestron or Meade. Meade produce what's called a LightBridge, which is a highly portable 'dob' which gives you a big scope that's easily transportable due to it's design (some assembly req'd, but it's simple)
Avoid department store scopes: buy from a specialist store and you'll get the right advice.
2006-06-13 02:05:51 · answer #3 · answered by Xraydelta1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
~For $2-400.00 you should be able to get one that will let you watch your neighbor take a shower. To get a good look at the planets, plan on spending some money.
2006-06-13 02:09:23 · answer #4 · answered by Oscar Himpflewitz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋