Telescopes

[Doctor_XXX]

Not sure if this is the forum for this, but...as most of the activity would happen OUTSIDE, this seems like a good shot.

To cut to the chase: What do I need to know, in looking for a telescope?

I'm a complete n00b when it comes to this, but, for some reason, I think it would be pretty cool to have something to check out the sky/stars/planets/etc. Ultimately, I'm also thinking it would be "fun" to capture some images, probably via a dSLR, or maybe a laptop.

Obviously, I have NO CLUE. Any tips for a n00b? Things to look for? Mistakes to avoid? Brands/prices to shoot for? Add-ons/accessories/specs/capabilities to get (or not)? Should I just forget about it, and stick to homebrew and video games? :cool:

HELP! Lay it ALL out there, guys!

[Trann]

A few quick thoughts...

Maybe start small and get a large pair of binocs. x50 or x70 are great for this. You get a wider field of view, making it easier to find what you want -- you'd be amazed at the difficulty involved in finding and tracking an object through a narrow field of view -- though you will want a mount of some sort for longer viewings (a heavy-duty tripod, not something light weight). There's plenty of docs out there on finding a good set.

Don't buy a scope from a department, game, or general hobby store. Find an astronomy store or order online from some place reputable. The store scopes are generally sloppily built foreign crap and you'll get frustrated with them fast.

Related to this: ignore magnification claims on telescopes. Sure, they sound good but the small aperture means you get faint images and a tight field of view.

The Go-To scopes are all the rage these days: set it up, dial it in on a few known stars, and it will drive itself to other sky objects. Cool factor 9 but perhaps the lazy man's way.

I firmly believe reflector > refractor. IMO.

And the biggest reward of all: the wider the aperture, the better. You want a "light bucket".

Maybe find a local astronomy club and hang around on a few nights to see what's being used and what you might like. Those boys are willing to share knowledge but their ubergeek scopes may be intimidating. 8)

[Doctor_XXX]

Maybe find a local astronomy club and hang around on a few nights to see what's being used and what you might like. Those boys are willing to share knowledge but their ubergeek scopes may be intimidating. 8)

Yeah, I've definitely heard the same thing from a few others...like you write, it can be a bit intimidating, so I was hoping a few of the PMC-crew would have some input, to at least get me up-to-speed on what to look for, etc. Thanks for the feedback! I think the wife & I will try to attend a few "meetings", to talk with the local experts, and maybe try out their gear.

We do have a (fairly large) telescope/camera store near us [ Oceanside Photo & Telescope (http://www.optcorp.com) ] but before I walk in there, completely uninformed, I was hoping to pick up some basics, and learn (at least) the questions to ask. We're getting there!

[Trann]

I'll throw out the caveat that I own neither a scope nor a pair of binoculars, although I've done lots of research on them over the years. It's still a low priority for me, especially considering that I can just step out on my deck and enjoy dark skies anytime (the nearest city is over 30km away), but it is definitely a reward purchase for the future.

[sunsetpizza]

Just do some basic research on the netwebs before you you go into the store.
My daughter - 5 - wanted a telescope last year for Christmas - I did a little research and learned a $40 scope sucked balls - you've got to spend $400 or whatever... like tools and maybe more so - don't but cheap. But leard first so you don't waste $$.

My neighbor caught wind (pun) of the request and gave her his shitty scope anonomously (from Santa). great guy really. It sucks but at least she got one from Santa!

BTW this year she wants a violin!1 - WTf - no way - she's 5 and a month. no way. the telescope that's been in the closet fore a year in MUCH quieter :D