Jeanway 0 Posted April 30, 2004 At this point any advice would be welcomed. I don't want to make an uninformed purchase. How much is too much to spend? Can you buy one on-line? Is that a good idea or not. Can you test drive one somewhere? What about the computerized models? Isin't that kind of cheating? HELP! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
starsinmyeyes 0 Posted April 30, 2004 (edited) Jeanway I posted this in another thread. Hope this helps. It takes a long time to research which scope will suit you. Camera shops are not really the best place to buy one. You need to be sure that you can trust they sell good quality scopes with a guarantee that you can go to them for help or service. See below about authorised dealers. Meade has a questionaire that you can try to see what size and type of scope may be suitable for you and your situation. There are other brands like Celestron, Televue, Takashi ...... There is a invaluable book called 'Starware' by Phillip Harrington which also has a questionaire and all sorts of wonderful advice and cautions when purchasing. I strongly recommend this book! Borrow it from your library or state library as it is quite expensive to buy ( AUS$90 in 1999) before you buy anything! Sky and Telescope magazine has a site Sky and Telescope which has articles and questionnaires to help you decide on the telescope you want factoring in your budget. There are many factors to think about: level of interest budget type of mount sturdiness of mount (this is where most scopes fall down- as the mount is unsturdy and vibrates rendering the scope useless!) quality of optics viewing only or astrophotography as well portability ease to set up in the dark parts you will not lose in the dark! viewing planets mostly/deep sky objects or both computer control or not dobsonian/german equatorial mount schmidt cassegrain/schmidt newtonian/refractor/reflector........ I wouldn't buy one just on the spur of the moment as you will regret it. It took me three years of steady research, talking to other amateurs and taking opportunities to look through different types of scopes and sizes of scopes to finally decide. To test drive different scopes find a local person with a scope or local astronomical group. Look through their scopes at different objects- planets, deep sky objects like galaxies, clusters and nebula. Ask about the factors I listed above. You will see a range of scopes in action and get to feel how they work and if you will be comfortable with it. Ultimately it will be your decision because everyone will favour a certain telescope over another. This is a great site for understanding telescopes Adelaide Optical Also has a great page to give you an idea of what you see with different scopes and different sized scopes What I Can See Through the Telescope Also a great Jargon Decoder I did my research online using these sites listed here, Sky and Telescope magazine, astronomy group and the Starware book. When I found the telescope I liked, I found the company website eg: www.meade.com then found listed authorised dealers near where I live or in my case- another state. From there I emailed/phoned the dealer questions which I still had. The purchasing of the telescope was done over the phone. I don't recommend ordering online. Only because you don't get a feeling about the company or get to ask questions. I do strongly recommend only purchasing from an authorised dealer. Ask the dealer the arrangements they have in place if anything does need repairing or replacing somewhere down the track. One final word: If the telescope offers the option for a better/or ultra high coating on the optics take that option. This will add to the cost but it is worth it. Also ask if there is a case/bag to purchase for that telescope model (especially if you are going to transport it). Helps keep the scope in good nick and protects the optics. If you are still unsure or if want to ask questions just post here or email me. Buying a telescope is bamboozling. I've been there and done that! Edited April 30, 2004 by starsinmyeyes Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WEAREBORG4102 0 Posted April 30, 2004 The best telescopes are mail-order.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
A l t e r E g o 9 Posted April 30, 2004 (edited) Jeanway go with starsinmyeyes advice, I would. I have an old rickety 4in refractor I bought at a yard sale for $75. I have managed to get it to be still long enough to view the Andromeda galaxy for about 2 seconds but hey I saw it! Edited April 30, 2004 by Alterego Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
