Entry level telescope, options?

[Necuno]

I'm thinking about getting myself a telescope for stargazing.

Of course I don't have endless funds and would like to know what are my options looking at an entry level one.

Lets say I have a budget of 1-4k would that be good?

Thanks

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

http://telescopeshop.co.za/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_2&products_id=604

 

[semaphore]

I believe you want night vision for your actual needs

 

[Necuno]

http://telescopeshop.co.za/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_2&products_id=604

View attachment 139696

 

[Compton_effect]

Takealot had a pretty decent offer today on the Celstron Firstscope - a tabletop scope perfect for entry level use - for R600
Sadly - also sold out.

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

Takealot had a pretty decent offer today on the Celstron Firstscope - a tabletop scope perfect for entry level use - for R600
Sadly - also sold out.

Don't bother with those, I've tried them. The tripod is flimsy and the aperture is crap for anything else other than the moon. You want something with decent power that does not move about every time your eye goes near it...

 

[Rickster]

Im sure the one for R686 000 on that site is perfect for your needs.

 

[AstroTurf]

http://telescopeshop.co.za/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_2&products_id=666

or at a push

http://telescopeshop.co.za/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_2&products_id=662

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

http://telescopeshop.co.za/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_2&products_id=666

or at a push

http://telescopeshop.co.za/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_2&products_id=662

Would rather go for the 8" for a few hundred bucks more. The 2" increase in aperture from a 6" makes a huge difference. Pity they're sold out but I would contact them...

 

[Necuno]

@mike

Thanks I'll see if I can track that one down

 

[Mystic Twilight]

I got an Orion StarBlast 4.5 if you want to buy second hand. The larger the aperture the better, just be careful it doesn't become a pain in the ass to carry as the scopes get pretty big, and relatively heavier for smaller guys like me .

 

[Humberto]

My first telescope is a Celestron Astromaster 90AZ. After reading up a bit, I decided to get a refractor because they are much easier to use than a reflector. After all these months I'm afraid the novelty has worn off somewhat and I rarely star gaze anymore, so I'm glad I did not spend too much.

 

[lived666]

My first telescope is a Celestron Astromaster 90AZ. After reading up a bit, I decided to get a refractor because they are much easier to use than a reflector. After all these months I'm afraid the novelty has worn off somewhat and I rarely star gaze anymore, so I'm glad I did not spend too much.

in other words, the hot neighbour down the road moved out?

 

[AstroTurf]

in other words, the hot neighbour down the road moved out?

She moved from across the city to down the road...

 

[kolaval]

I'm thinking about getting myself a telescope for stargazing.

Of course I don't have endless funds and would like to know what are my options looking at an entry level one.

Lets say I have a budget of 1-4k would that be good?

Thanks

Had the same idea, and wanted to do astrophotography.
Abandoned it when I realized the 'cheapies' aren't suited for taking long exposures, and I cannot spend R20k+ on a scope out of curiosity.

 

[dabean]

Had the same idea, and wanted to do astrophotography.
Abandoned it when I realized the 'cheapies' aren't suited for taking long exposures, and I cannot spend R20k+ on a scope out of curiosity.

Astrophotography is a never ending money pit. R100k+ is a more realistic budget. WorldWide Telescope is chock full of better images than I could ever take.

I think having a GoTo scope with tracking is important to have a good experience. With that you can get a planet nicely focused at high magnification, then go inside to call whoever wants a look without having to redo the entire process again. I've kept Jupiter in the eyepiece at 230x magnification for 5 minutes or more before it starts to drift out of view.

Planets are by far the easiest and best views you'll get with backyard scopes. They're bright so aperture and light pollution don't matter as much, and can be breathtaking even with smaller scopes.

 

[kolaval]

 

[kolaval]

I think having a GoTo scope with tracking is important to have a good experience.

As you said, a neverending pit.
Alt-Azimuth isn't going to cut it.
With the GOTO you need an german equatorial mount if you want to do long exposures(which I assume you would inevitably want to try)

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

Astrophotography is a never ending money pit. R100k+ is a more realistic budget. WorldWide Telescope is chock full of better images than I could ever take.

I think having a GoTo scope with tracking is important to have a good experience. With that you can get a planet nicely focused at high magnification, then go inside to call whoever wants a look without having to redo the entire process again. I've kept Jupiter in the eyepiece at 230x magnification for 5 minutes or more before it starts to drift out of view.

Planets are by far the easiest and best views you'll get with backyard scopes. They're bright so aperture and light pollution don't matter as much, and can be breathtaking even with smaller scopes.

Yep, astrophotography is a different kettle of fish. Had some thoughts about it and immediately discarded any thoughts of it after doing a final tally of what's required. Sure you could get an 8" Dobsonian with GoTo for less than R15,000, but you still need various accessories as well. I would honestly rather spend the same sort of cash on a bigger mirror, and be content with with still shots...

 

[marine1]

Really need to sell my stuff, dont use it anymore