Everywhere I have looked you can get an 8'' or 10'' Telescope for like no less than $2000.00. I was thinking more along the lines of $1000.00 maybe. Payment plans would be really helpful.
2007-05-07 02:36:55 · 7 answers · asked by gangstaboi102987 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
To get a lot of telescope for not much money, you need to consider a Dobsonian. This is a Newtonian reflector on a simple altazimuth (tilt & swivel) mount. You can get a 12" dob for $1000 or less. Orion. Meade, and Zhumell are good brands.
If the idea of a totally manual telescope puts you off, consider an Orion Intelliscope. These have built-in aiming computers that guide you to objects. I think the 10" is around $800. The one thing you have to give up to stay in your price range is motorized tracking. I and thousands of other dob users can attest that you really don't need it.
2007-05-07 06:03:36 · answer #1 · answered by injanier 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You did not specify where you live and what kind of telescope you want. There are many online places where you can purchase a decent telescope.
Orion, Meade and Celestron are the leaders in low-cost amateur telescopes.
You can buy an optical tube only for around 400-500USD, or a complete Dobsonian for just a little more. Orion Telescopes also has an add-on allowing you to get positions from dobsonians; it is caled "push-to".
You can get a telescope on equatorial mount for around 1000USD, and a GOTO telescope for maybe 2-300 more.
Orion sells directly from their web site (www.telescope.com); Meade and Celestron sell through a network of dealers, see
www.optcorp.com
www.telescopes.com
www.astronomics.com
These apply if you live in US; Canada, youmay have to pay a little more for shipping; I don't think there is a customs fee for gooda manufactyred in US. I heard that these may cost almost twice in Europe, due to larger shipping costs, sales tax/valuea added tax and customs. For other places, I have no idea.
2007-05-07 10:32:25 · answer #2 · answered by Daniel B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get a 10" Zhummell Dobsonian for $500 and a 12" one for $999 at http://www.telescopes.com
Of course that's a dobsonian. If you wanted something with astrophotography capability, you need something on a german equatorial mount or computerized fork mount (with a wedge).
Your options are:
Brand New:
Zhumell Tycho 10" reflector: $999 at http://www.telescopes.com
Celestron C10-NGT Reflector: $1199 at http://www.telescopes.com (this is the better choice in my opinion. The tripod looks a lot more stable than the Tycho)
Celestron C-8S Schmidt Cassegrain: $1049 at http://www.woodlandhillscamera.com
If you buy a used one of course you'll get a lot more for your money. You can find used telescopes at http://www.astromart.com and http://www.cloudynights.com
Never pay by wire transfer and don't buy it from anyone who says they are in one country and turn out to be in another one.
2007-05-07 22:59:39 · answer #3 · answered by minuteblue 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This special type of telescope is manufactured and marketed by Descent-O-San from Tokyo. It has special adapters for watching the descent oft he space shuttle, and you can even watch the descent of some groups from mount Everest.
2007-05-07 11:00:16 · answer #4 · answered by Dr. House 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree, Orion Telescopes. Their web site is the source.
2007-05-07 09:51:45 · answer #5 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
orion telescopes are a good value. if its aperature you want, then i would sugests getting a newtonian reflector. they are great for visual observing. if you want to do photographic work, then i would suggest getting any scope on a german equitorial mount. maybe a small refractor. good luck and i hope you find something you like!!!!!!!
2007-05-07 09:42:44 · answer #6 · answered by Bones 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a used one.
2007-05-07 11:40:03 · answer #7 · answered by cosmo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋