Re: buying an inexpensive scope...

tkuniok@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
> You might want to visit the Meade Factory Outlet website, which is on
> ebay.
>
> http://stores.ebay.com/Meade-Factory-Outlet_W0QQsspagenameZL2QQtZkm
>
> Or www.meade.com
> then click on the "Factory Outlet" link.
>
> For $63, there's a 60 mm refractor on an equatorial mount. That seems
> to me to be a step up from the Celestron Powerseeker you mention.
> Those things on an alt-azimuth mount with either no slow motion
> controls or just an altitude slow motion control are going to be an
> exercise in frustration. BTW, you'll also see some telescopes fitting
> that description on the outlet site above. I would not recommend them,
> but at least you could get frustrated for less by buying through the
> outlet site rather than at retail prices. ;-)
>
> Between a three inch reflector and a 60 mm refractor, I'd pick the
> refractor because it's more intuitive to use. Line up the tube with
> your eye on the small end and the big end pointing at what you're
> interested in, and you're in business.
>
> Up your budget up to between $120 and $165 and your choices on the
> outlet site expand to include some [apparently] decent-aperture
> reflectors, including some with autostar capability. Never owned any
> of those, but they certainly seem pretty inexpensive, and with a good
> capability/price ratio. [Again, just going by the specs].
>
> But I would also consider the suggestion of others to join an astronomy
> club [or at least show up at some free star parties if you can find any
> in your area]. Then you can talk to folks who have first hand
> experience using various telescopes. And, yes, some clubs do have
> loaner programs, and that would be a great way to get your feet wet and
> decide if you want to make a more serious investment in the hobby.
>
> TK

I live in Bloomington, IN and have occassionally gone to the
observatory on the IU campus. It is free to the public on Wednesday
nights. They have a 12" refractor scope that is amazing, but I'm just
looking for something cheap that does a decent job. I'm not looking
for deep space objects or anything like that. Mainly, just doing some
planetary observing...

what about something like this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Meade-114NT-Optical-Tube-05114-00_W0QQitemZ7554404099QQcategoryZ28181QQcmdZViewItem

and getting a mount and tripod at a later time? what kind of costs am
i looking at if i were to purchase an equatorial mount and tripod
later? or would you suggest other accessories?

.