Looking for an excellent telescope, any suggestions?

Question

I'm looking for something top of the line, or close with great resolution that will work with Starry Night Pro. I'm willing to spend a lot so price isn't really an issue.
Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Meade and Celestron are the big names in telescopes for serious amateur astronomers. See the first 2 sources.

The starry night web site says it supports numerous telescopes, and mentions the popular Meade LX200 by name. That is a good high end amateur telescope for $2,699. See the 5th source.

But there are WAY more expensive options if price really is no object. See the 3rd source. Their cheapest telescope is $14,100, and that does not include the mount, which is an extra $9,400. We are talking professional level equipment here.

The 4th source is a retailer for many kinds of telescopes, including Celestron and Meade. Their most expensive telescope is a "Takahashi FET-200 Observatory System" for $197,000! Needless to say, that it not a portable telescope.

Answer 2

There are many different paths to take, so without knowing more about what you want it's hard to get specific.

For a large telescope that's still portable, look into a good truss-tube dobsonian. Starmaster is one of the best, and can be had with a go-to system. Not sure about software compatability, but you could ask.

In a catadioptric, the Meade RCX line looks pretty good.

If you want a refractor, TMB, TEC, Takahashi, Stellarvue, and William Optics all have excellent apochromats. Or look for a used Astro-Physics scope on Astromart. Any good mount will work with Starry Night; Losmandy is good without being too expensive.

Answer 3

There are a number of 'scopes you might consider if price is no object. The first is Orion Atlas 11 XLT EQ-G GoTo Schmidt Cassegrain, which combines a giant 11" Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with the beefiest GoTo mount in its price class. In my opinion this is a “do-it-all” instrument that can take you places no other comparably priced telescope can go — quickly, accurately, and easily. Starry Night is included in the price. $2,700 to $3,000.

The second is the Celestron CPC 1100 XLT GoTo Schmidt-Cassegrain, which combines 11" Schmidt-Cassegain optics with an innovative GoTo fork mount for a great price. StarBright XLT high-performance coatings provide vivid images. The NexStar GoTo system offers computerized pointing to 40,000+ astronomical objects. The internal GPS and new SkyAlign technology make quick work of the initial alignment. You just aim the scope at three bright stars or planets in the sky, then -- presto! - the telescope is oriented and ready to hunt for celestial treasures. $3,000

Celestron also has the Celestron CGE 1400 Schmidt-Cassegrain with StarBright XLT. This 14" is identical to the one above, just a whole lot larger. $6,400 to $12,000

For what I call the serious *casual* amateur there is the 12.5 Inch Truss Design Dobsonian Telescope by Discovery Co. This ranks as one of the finest casual observers telescopes in the business. Discovery makes dobsonians as large as 24" I am not sure how casual such a beast could be said to be, but they do make them! The 12.5" runs about $2,400 at http://telescopes.com

HTH

Charles

Answer 4

Archie - i do no longer bear in mind responding to an till now question, yet i'd harbor some severe reluctance with appreciate to this scope. The aperture (60mm) is inadequate to ascertain any however the brightest objectives. The mount (aluminum tripod) is probable inadequate to hold the equipment sturdy. The magnification is incomprehensible, exceedingly with the so-referred to as Barlow, which will basically create a huge fuzzy photograph extremely of a small one. The declare of an 11.4 fee cut back is questionable. The business enterprise isn't indexed and is consequently a difficulty. i'd wait and spot and save your money to purchase something like an an 8 inch Dobsonian. sturdy success and sparkling Skies.

Answer 5

Get a reflecting telescope with a high aperture, i.e., the square diameter of the lens that determines how much light enters. Magnification should be moderate. After all, magnification isn't everything.

Answer 6

Try the link below. Many good choices there.
My favorites are the Refractors (also known as dioptrics); Refractor telescopes are excellent for Lunar and Planetary viewing as they offer very crisp and sharp images.

Answer 7

well: the best " Telescope would be Vivitar 50x100xRefractor"
yes because it comes with an Tripod ! plus Ido own one ok ?

Answer 8

try the "binolcular & telescope" section on www.shopallstoresonline.com - great place to look