2006-08-17 12:28:30 · 4 answers · asked by john s 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
It would take at least 3 hours to type all the variations of scopes and equipment would work best for you. I've tried to do this several times in the past, and have never gotten so much as a thanks, let alone a best answer.
I will tell you bluntly, the best way to learn about astronomy and what equipment to buy is to join an astronomy club. Membership fees are low (about $15/year), you can check out scopes/equip from the club for free, and there's many people around you to help.
Google/Yahoo "astronomy club (your closest large city)".
Good choice Michaelsgdec! I've owned mine for 2 years. Only thing I don't like is the "push/pull" main cell collimation.
2006-08-17 12:41:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on your level of expertise. Orion makes a line of excellent reflecting telescopes on Dobsonian mounts for good prices. www.oriontel.com. Extreme newbies will find the XT 4.5 to be an excellent deal, and is a good quality reflector with a spherical mirror. If you have more experience and reasonably dark skies, then the XT6 (f/6, 6" parabolicmirror) and XT8 (f/5, 8" parabolic mirror) are both excellent scopes. I owned an XT8 and it gave amazing views. If you are more experienced, you can't go wrong with the Celestron series of Schmidt-Cassegrains, whether with go-to or without. The 8" SCT is a tried and true workhorse of the amateur astronomy world.
Of course, if you have a LOT of money to burn, then Takahashi and Televue both make premium apochromatic refractors at a premium price. William Optics makes excellent quality refractors from 66mm to 80 mm apertures for under $1000, but you will need to get a sturdy mount. The benefit of the Dobsonian mount is that it is rock-solid and easy to use.
2006-08-17 12:37:04 · answer #2 · answered by gadjitfreek 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on what kind of viewing you're most interested in. For solar system viewing, what's known as the refractor type of telescope is best. If you're more interested in deep space viewing (stars, nebulae, other galaxies, etc.,.) then a reflector is best.
2006-08-17 12:35:49 · answer #3 · answered by Chug-a-Lug 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm considering this one http://www.telescope.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=382&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=4&iSubCat=8&iProductID=382
2006-08-17 12:36:12 · answer #4 · answered by Michaelsgdec 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋