I am looking to purchase my first astronomy telescope. My budget is $1000 USD. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

$1,000.00 USD for a first telescope is quite a challenge since you don't give any idea of your experience level, enthusiasm, or what your local skies are like; and all of these are factors.

Seems like nothing is ever very easy!

First, keep your expectations in check. No telescope, not even the Hubble, will show you the detail at the eye-piece that photos will show you. Your eye just doesn't work that way. Most deep sky objects, for example, are dim and do not show detail until long-term photos are done. Color is also very hard to come by. Second, stick with reflectors (either Newtonian or Schmidt-Cassegrain) unless your only real desire is planets and comet hunting. Having said that, read on.

If you are interested in just "looking" at the sky, but you don't really want to learn about the sky --lots and lots of people are in this category and it is nothing to be ashamed of-- then spend your money on a "goto" reflector either of the Newtonian or Schmidt-Cassegrain variety (the latter is more common). You will wind up with smaller optics, but it will be transportable (unless you live in a dark sky site) and they are relatively easy to set up.

If you are willing to learn about the sky you have two choices. First is to get a telescope with an equatorial mount and setting circles. Both the Newtonians and the Schmidt-Cass come this way. Coupled with a good set of charts, and an accurate alignment system, these can be a joy to use. And, you *will* have to learn about the sky...what's up when, and roughly where to look. A good set of setting circles should put you close or dead on your object and the equatorial mount will make it easy to track objects as they move across the sky. Good equatorial mounts are not cheap and a bad one --i.e., unstable for the size of the scope-- will frustrate you no end.

The second choice is to get an alt azimuth mount, most often the Dobsonian type is indicated. This allows a much larger set of optics; however you *absolutely positively MUST learn the sky.* And by this I mean, you will have to learn where things are and then star hop (move from bright star to dimmer star) to find exactly what you are after. This takes a good set of charts, and great patience, and many people simply do not have either.

Keep in mind that larger scopes are less transportable, take longer to set up, and take longer to cool down. If you live in the country or other dark sky site this is less of an issue; but if you have to travel to set up, then it really will be an issue.

Personally, I use a 10" dobsonian mounted Newtonian with which I am very happy. I have no interest in deep sky photography, but I do enjoy finding and recording deep sky objects.

Note, however, that other responders use different set ups with which they are happy. So, before you drop your dollars, do a little research. If you can find an astronomy club nearby, GO GO GO!! Set what others are using. Most people will be delighted to let you do a little viewing so you can see what the options are.

HTH

Charles

Answer 2

You should do fine with $1K. I'd recommend a Schmitt-Cassegrain reflector. I don't think $1K will get you into a fancy GPS go-to scope, but you should be able to get into the 6" (Maybe 8") aperture range. You'll be disappointed with anything smaller than 4.5". For your budget, you'll have to decide what's more important, optics or bells and whistles. I say go for optics, as large as possible, with coatings to improve light transmission.

You'll most definitely want an "Equatorial" mount with setting circles and a clock drive. Then all you need is some practice and a set of star charts with celestial coordinates (Designations). For shopping ideas, try Orion Telescopes at www.telescope.com

If you could wait another year, save another $1K, you'd be pleasantly surprised at what you'll be looking at. I spent $3K+ on my first scope back in 1993, before the advent of go-to hardware. It's still solid as a rock. I can find lots of stuff faster than the fancy GPS units, and there aren't as many things that can go wrong with a simpler scope. Just be ready for a bit of learning curve while you get used to doing the polar alignment and using your charts and setting circles.

Answer 3

Well, it depends on what you want to do with it... whatever the case, get one with a computerized equatorial mount, preferrably one with a lot of celestial objects pre-programmed into it already. A refractor or reflector are both good for live viewing- a refractor gives you a slightly sharper image for the dollar and more magnification, but the image isn't as bright at those higher magnifications. A reflector gathers more light, but the image isn't quite as crisp. A schmidt-cassegrain is the best of both worlds and is perfect for astrography, but given it's more advanced design, you won't be able to get as large an aperture at $1000 as you would with a reflector.

Answer 4

I suggest looking at Meade.com. Any of the Meade ETX line are excellent (compact, highly transportable) 'scopes.
In your price range the ETX 90PE @ $699 or the ETX 125PE @ $999 are great choices -- the latter since it has a 125 mm diameter give much better resolution.

Happy stargazing.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

Keep it simple if this is your first telescope. I suggest the one in the source, or one like it. Much less than $1,000.

Answer 7

look for one under $1000.00 us and dont use it for perving neighbours windows 50 blocks away

Answer 8

any one you like thats alot of money, have fun