i want a great telescope that is not that expensive.
2007-12-26 03:38:16 · 6 answers · asked by nickmaster96 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
you need a telescope with at least a 6'' aperture for a reflector telescope or a 3'' aperture for a refractor telescope.
'aperture' is the width of the lens, and the wider it is, the more light you will collect-so the image will be clearer.
Alot of telescopes are sold by the magnification size-this is pointless, as even if it has large magnification, the image will not be clear if the lens is not wide enough: at least 6'' (reflect). or 3'' (refract.)
Good makes:
meade
orion optics
If your budget is limited, you should strongly consider a second hand scope. This would be way better value for money than a cheap new one.
2007-12-26 04:23:18 · answer #1 · answered by NONAME 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The ultimate determinant of how great a telescope is comes down to it's aperture (width of the opening of the tube). The wider it is, the more detail it can show at a given magnification. I'm not sure what your $ limit is, so just go for the widest aperture for the money.
2007-12-26 11:44:22 · answer #2 · answered by bradxschuman 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A 6 inch newtonian dobson mount is your best value.
If you want something more profession with bells and whistles at least at 8" Cassie with fork mount and the ability to use GO TO or clock drive and mount a CCD sensor.
It will actually give the same mag and brightness of the 6" and cost 2x the price but it's a more serioius instrument and still reasonably portable.
2007-12-26 15:56:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best buys in telescopes are Newtonian reflectors on Dobsonian mounts, such as these:
http://www.telescope.com/control/category/~category_id=dobsonians/~pcategory=telescopes/~VIEW_INDEX=0/~VIEW_SIZE=1000000
http://www.skywatchertelescope.net/swtinc/product.php?class1=1&class2=106
I've tested most of the scopes on these pages and, more than anything else on the market, they offer good quality optics on solid, east-to-use mounts.
2007-12-26 12:47:08 · answer #4 · answered by GeoffG 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A Parks Optical 6" reflector is an excellent and affordable entry into stargazing. Scopecity.com. Clear skies!
2007-12-26 13:54:40 · answer #5 · answered by Thomas E 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what you want to use it for. For a beginner doing astronomy a Dobsonian reflector is easy to use and low cost. See the source.
2007-12-26 14:09:15 · answer #6 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋