Re: Selecting a telescope

Peter Clarke wrote:
I am looking to buy a telescope but never having had one before, I am uncertain what size (aperture) telescope to get. I would like to see some images of planets, constellations etc taken from a selection of telescopes in order to see what one gets for the money. Does anyone know of any web sites containing images along with information about the telescope used.
I am presently thinking of something around 6" or 8" reflector.
Also, how worthwhile (for a beginner) are the computerised GoTo systems, they sound good but add a lot to the cost.
Thanks



Hi Peter,

Starlord will jump in here quickly with a link to his FAQ, and you should take a look at it.

To look at images on the internet taken of planets and stars won't do a lot for you, because they are usually either long exposure or summed composites of short exposures. Some comparatively small (but very expensive) refractors produce breathtaking photographs. If you were to look through one of these scopes you'd be impressed by the sharpness of the view and the high contrast, but you still wouldn't see anything like a long-exposure image.

Your best bet would be to find a club in your area and attend one of their public viewings. Where are you located?

As for goto, two astronomers will have three opinions. It's ultimately a trade-off. Some people would prefer to put the extra money into aperture, and find things manually. There's one mindset that argues that such training is good for you as you get to know the sky better. Others, on the other hand, argue that aperture makes no difference if you can't find anything to look at. Personally, after a long time in the first camp, would now grudgingly admit that goto is awfully convenient, but only on a telescope with an aperture big enough to show you something. Having goto on a three inch scope is a waste of money, IMHO. If I were just starting out, I'd likely go for an Orion 8" intelliscope.

Good luck - Chris
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Selecting a telescope
    ... uncertain what size telescope to get. ... of any web sites containing images along with information about the ... As for goto, two astronomers will have three opinions. ... Some people would prefer to put the extra money into aperture, ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: ETX70 vs. 900mm refractor?
    ... > camera lens matters. ... displays of images requires more explanation. ... The general conclusion that telescope makers have drawn since not long ... factors being equal, e.g., aperture, a longer focal length will produce ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: Selecting a telescope
    ... If you can take the time and have the patience, a GOTO can help you to learn where the sky's fainter denizens are, but also learn where they are manually, so when you've run out of power, you're not at the end of an observing session, so invest in one good book for beginners on how to find things in the sky. ... You do know that no image, no photograph, captures what you'll see through a telescope, so you can't use those to get an idea of what you'll see. ... I would like to see some images of planets, constellations etc taken from a selection of telescopes in order to see what one gets for the money. ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: Selecting a telescope
    ... I have a DSC setup on my large dob (push-to rather than GOTO). ... But I still think that, for most beginners, the money would be better ... spent on more aperture or other gear. ... uncertain what size telescope to get. ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: A telescope
    ... isn't going to see 14,000 objects in the sky through a 125mm aperture telescope, ... even if there wasn't an earth in the way, and a glaring Sun or Moon in the sky. ... >> I wouldn't recommend investing in GOTO unless you don't have easy access to ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)