hoping to get 200mm, is this the best for a beginner?
2007-02-01 07:23:06 · 6 answers · asked by adehyett 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
I like Celestron. They have up to 14 inch reflectors.
2007-02-01 07:45:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Avoid Tasco at ALL costs, just for the run-of-the-mill retail market.
As a good general rule, the maximum usable magnification on a telescope is x20 for each 10mm of aperture (x50 per inch). For more ambitious observers, a refractor of 75mm (3 inch) aperture is the minimum required to begin serious work. Telescopes greater than 75mm in aperture are usually reflectors, because size for size they are cheaper to make than refractors. Popular sizes of reflectors are 150mm (6 inch) and 220mm (8 1/2 inch) aperture.
Don't forget the quality of the mounting. Toy telescopes have the simplest mounting called altazimuth.
Dobsonian mount are good but best for tracking objects is an Equatorial mount, which has a main axis that is aligned parallel to the Earth's axis.
Lastly, a pair of binoculars are very handy to quickly locate an object but ones greater than about x10 are difficult to hold steady.
Meade are best. Hope that helps.
2007-02-01 08:43:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. 200mm is quite large for a beginner scope but will gather lots of light. If the 'figure' is good and you can afford it then great! Look for a used scope and you may save a farthing or two. The hardest part for a beginner is finding and tracking objects. If you can't point to the Orion Nebula then finding it in a large scope will be difficult. You might consider starting with a really good set of binoculars. 10x100 or so.
2007-02-01 07:31:13 · answer #3 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I would recommend a Dobsonian. It's simple to use, and you get a lot of aperture for the money. Orion and Meade both make good beginner Dobsonian scopes.
The downside is they are not great for planetary observation, and the lower cost ones are totally manual, meaning you have to know where your intended target is in the night sky.
The upside, as stated above, is good value in light gathering (aperture) for your money. They are also easy to learn how to use, and great for sharing you interest with others, especially kids!
A great starter scope is an 8" (200mm) or a 10" (250mm) from either Orion or Meade, and they are available in your price range!
2007-02-01 07:57:04 · answer #4 · answered by demon1822 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check with your local Telescope supplier. See if they are aware of any astronomy clubs in your area.
You might find a club that is friendly to beginners and would help you with your decision.
Here in Southern Ontario Canada we have a Efston Science. During the spring/summer months they have star parties about once a month and invite beginners to come out try different models of scope so that they can better decide what to purchase.
You definitely should consider looking at a computerized GoTo scope that would help you to find/track objects.
2007-02-05 04:56:29 · answer #5 · answered by j_mcard1e 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Meade or Celestron
2007-02-01 07:54:48 · answer #6 · answered by Gene 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋