Stargazing Equipment Recommendations? Anyone?

Question

I am taking astronomy this semester and am finding it rather fascinating. I would like to know if anyone has any recommendations for a good telescope or binoculars (suitable for stargazing)...at a budget price. Thanks...

I was thinking around $200-$300 range.

Answer 1

It depends on what you mean by "budget." You can get a decent binocular for around $100 and a decent telescope for around $250. Anything less than that will be a toy.

A good size of binocular for astronomy is 10x50, and I'd recommend these:
http://www.telescope.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=307&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=5&iSubCat=37&iProductID=307

A good telescope for a serious beginner is a Dobsonian reflector with 6 inches aperture or more, such as these:
http://www.telescope.com/jump.jsp?itemType=CATEGORY&itemID=9
http://www.skywatchertelescope.net/swtinc/product.php?class1=1&class2=106

Buy from a store specializing in telescopes, either locally (look in the Yellow Pages) or online: Orion, Astronomics, Anacortes, High Point, OPT, etc.

Answer 2

Before even considering binoculars or a telescope get familiar with the night sky (it always helps where to find what you want to see). Consider downloading a shareware planetarium program, purchase a planisphere (sometimes called a star finder) join an astronomical society or other astronomical group and THEN consider binoculars or a telescope.
Depending on where you live binoculars are far more user friendly for a starter. I have a pair of binoculars mounted on a short camera tripod. If I am in a dark night sky place I can stop the car, set up the binoculars on the bonnet and begin to observe. If the interest is short lived binoculars can have other uses as well.
Congratulations on your choice of interest.

Answer 3

7X50 binoculars are often recommended for astronomy. I have 10X50, but 10 power makes it harder to hold them still enough to get a good steady view without mounting them on a tripod.

The sources are good beginner telescopes. That company has lots more telescopes. I suggest getting at least a 4 inch (100mm) or larger telescope.