2006-09-16 20:28:18 · 5 answers · asked by Dr_R_sanchez 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
I would stay away from Meade unless you really know. Their lower end scopes are pretty cheaply made.
Orion Telescopes www.oriontelescopes.com is the place to go.
The bigger question is what type of telescope you want, and that depends on what you want it for.
Basically two types (with several exotic variations thereof):
Refractor: look through the end, basically two lens sets front and back.
Reflector: look through the side, uses a parabolic mirror at one end to concentrate light at magnifying eyepiece
A refractor is great for moon and planets, but a good one is pricey and the cheap ones are not worth it
A reflector is probably better if you want to see deep sky objects (nebula, galaxies, etc) in addition to moon and planets.
Over all, I would look into a Dobsonian at Orion. Sturdy, relatively inexpensive and easy to use. if you really want to see deep-sky objects (and that means getting to dark skies), get 8" or larger, f/6, f/7 maybe (lower f stop better for wider field of view for deep-sky or higher number for increased magnification for moon, planets)
2006-09-16 21:06:53 · answer #1 · answered by Brendan G 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hi, well I have two.. a very expensive Meade Cassegrain ETX telescope, it aligns and gives you a tour of the stars. Cost me $1500 dollars. Views are good.
BUT I also have a 12" Dobsonian telescope I bought used on craigslist for $300 and I find I use that one MUCH more. Reason being, its easier to set up, easier to use and simple to operate. It has a larger arperature for more light, so distant objects are easier to see. Also, if you learn where things are in the sky, you wont need a computer to show you around. Like I know " The Orion nebula is in Orion's right left leg "
TWO things I recommend....
USE www.wunderground.com a free weather website and will give you current star / planet locations.
BUY a green laser ( $75 ) it makes finding and aligning super easy.
2006-09-16 21:38:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Meade is good. I have also heard good things about Orion and Celestron.
Defineatly don't just go out and buy any old telescope. Don't buy anything small either. Small telescopes can't show you a great number of things.
I like reflectors. They give you a lot of aperature for the money and have the eyepiece in a more comfortable position. Do not neglect collimation though.
2006-09-17 03:40:21 · answer #3 · answered by Dan C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nicely, you have already have been given a good start up with the binoculars. i could advise in case you have not already which you go previous the Moon and take a glance at diverse the brighter deep-sky gadgets. The fairly enormous open clusters like the Pleaides and the Beehive are maximum appropriate. in the present day of year the nights don't get incredibly dark, yet in spite of that i've got had good fulfillment looking down globular clusters in Hercules, Ophiuchus, and Serpens, although by binoculars they are merely faint fuzzies. A small refractor will prepare you the optimum constructive factors on the planets, yet different than the Moon not something's going to coach authentic component. for this reason it fairly is greater appropriate to save the money in the direction of a stronger scope.
2016-12-15 09:17:20 · answer #4 · answered by mcgeehee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best telescopes are made by a company called Meade. They have a huge price range and they're the best. This site might help http://meade.com/productguide/index.html
2006-09-16 20:36:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋