I'm looking to purchase a telescope for my family. What's the best telescope for the money? GoTo is mandatory.

Question

My children are small, so I want to be able to find celestial objects quickly (hence GoTo is mandatory).

I don't need to view terrestial objects. I do want great clarity and be able to see at least major bodies (Jupiter, Saturn's rings, Moon, etc.) in our solar system.

My budget is under $200.

I've looked at these two:
Meade's Jupiter DS114-EC #40114RE
http://www.meade4m.com/4mshop/40114RE.html

Jupiter DS114AT-RE #40114AT-RE
http://www.meade4m.com/4mshop/40114ATRE.html

Thank you for your answers in advance!

Answer 1

Either one is just fine but if you're only going to be looking at the moon and solar system objects (e.i. the planets), you probably don't need the Go To feature. Everything in the solar system is bright and easy to find.. The Go To is only needed for finding dim objects. I would consider giving up the Go To for better optics. The eye pieces with these scopes are small. Standard eyepieces are 1 1/4 inch these are .96 " so they'll be tougher to look through. Do you have a college/science center that has an astronomy club ?? They could be the best source for help.

Answer 2

Your best approach is to actually try 'em out. You can do that by joining a local stargazing club and attending their "star parties". They'll gather at a predetermined spot with their telescopes, set 'em up and wait for darkness. They'll allow anyone with an interest to take a look through their telescopes and will explain the advantages and shortcomings of their instruments. Best thing about an astronomy club is, you don't have to be a professional astronomer and you don't even have to own a telescope to join! Astronomy clubs are among the friendlier and more welcoming of clubs anywhere. They love to welcome folks new to the hobby.

As for your 'scope - you can't afford much of a telescope on two hundred dollars - especially one with GoTo capabilities. You'll see that when you get to try a couple of 'em out at a star party. You'd do much, much better joining an astronomy club because some of them will have very impressive instruments and almost without exception will welcome the presence of small kids - whom you will have to take home and put to bed shortly after dark anyway. If you do this, you will spark an interest in the kids that'll last until you can afford a better instrument. The Meade scopes you've checked out are quite small, and you're liable to be disappointed in the view you'll get through them. Your kids certainly won't be impressed. I say that from experience. So - go join that stargazing/astronomy club and be patient.

Answer 3

in spite of the 1st poster's claims those are superb scopes, and you paid a competent cost for one What you will discover with it extremely is extra based on how plenty easy pollutants you're coping with, yet no less than you will see the moon and planets and a great bite of the messier products. yet you scope is on the small part, so do not assume to work out many galaxies or faint nebulae. I do have self belief those are able to astrophotography, in case you have a slr variety digital camera they make eyepieces that have t-mount adapters which could be related to a digital camera. Or in case you have a computer you may get a ccd imager that's in actuality a webcam made to extra wholesome in a telescope. you would be nicely stated to get some extra eyepieces and a barlow lens as nicely as a competent nebula filter out to help see issues in easy polluted skies.

Answer 4

Hi...

some years ago I was in your position. An expert suggested me start with a 700mm telescope. SO I suggest you the same. It will allows you see many things up there. Those big holes at moon will be seen clear.

Brands? There are many goods brands on market.

700mm telescope should be cheaper than $ 200.oo and you will get a good one.

The edge where you put your eye to see should have two lens:
1) To see on standind up position (your neck can get tired fast)
2) To see on seated position (this one is more confortable)

Good luck dude! hope that helps you!

Answer 5

I have done quite a bit of photos at night. If u live in a city the street lights will cause u problems. If it is very bright I think u will be disappointed.