Whats the best OTA telescope that I can buy for under $1000? 80-102 I plan on using it for just viewing now,and then astrophotography later
2007-07-01 14:59:35 · 6 answers · asked by comethunter 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
a refractor telescope
2007-07-01 15:04:40 · update #1
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2007-07-01 15:36:18 · answer #1 · answered by Scott B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best value in a refractor OTA in that range is probably the Orion 100mm ED refractor - http://www.telescope.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=54904&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=apo+ota
You can get a 6" achromat for less but that will be less suitable for astrophotography. But considering that everybody starts out in astronomy thinking he's going to do photography, and maybe 5% actually do, you might be better off putting your $1000 into a 12" dob.
2007-07-01 16:52:18 · answer #2 · answered by injanier 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are many things you must think about. How serious are you into Astronomy? Are you primarily looking for Lunar/planetary observations, or are you wanting deep sky objects (M, NGC, IC, Hubble Catalog, etc.).
What type of sky do you have access to? Are you in the urban or rural area?
These are all factors when choosing a telescope. You also mentioned photography. Film or Digital? This too makes a difference in the type of scope you purchase. If your serious about photography/imaging then you may want to consider the expense of a rigid mount with an accurate clock-drive. This would be in addition to your OTA expense. The drive would be extremely important for photography.
Focal reducers are another consideration for photography. As you have seen there are many things you must consider before recommending a telescope to purchase. Please evaluate your needs then ask the question again. You will get some exceptionally informed responses.
2007-07-01 17:07:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anthony W 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I you plan to do photography I would probably go for a Meade ETX-125PE since de actuators and computer are good enough for decent photography aside from the fact that they have a somewhat affordable CCD's and they have a direct link to your laptop for remote operation. It is pricey but in the end you'll save in add ons later on. This is a reflector telescope.
For refractor telescopes you are spending a lot of money for dimmer picturs albeit more durability. . . but the Stellarvue SV102ED is a good option. or maybe the Meade LXD75 AR5-AT
2007-07-01 15:10:34 · answer #4 · answered by ΛLΞX Q 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get the biggest aperture you can for the money on a equatorial mount, Either a Schmidt-Casengrain or Newtonian reflector. If you really think you will do astrophotography, I would not reccomend a Dobsoian mount., even though it would enable you to get a bigger mirror
2007-07-01 17:12:23 · answer #5 · answered by steve b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well a Newtonian with a counter balance mount, star finder and clock drive would be the best option
But a Cassigranian might be easer to work with and have less vibrations.
But you'll get more bang for the buck with a Newtonan and more light gathering power.
2007-07-01 17:26:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋