New telescope

gmw · Guest

Hello -
I am trying to decide on a telescope to purchase as someone new to this. My dad has an older telescope that is good for seeing the moon but not much more. His is also VERY hard to find other objects in the sky and they just look like bright dots in the sky. For my purchase I would like to be able to see planet details such as Saturn rings but I would also like to get pictures of other star clusters, etc. (if this is possible) with my Digital SLR. I have read the faq's and other info you provide but am still confused as to what I need. I have about an $700 budget so I want to get the most telescope for my money without overkill. It would be nice to get some accessories. I will need to transport the telescope to get away from light pollution. I saw the new Meade ETX-80AT but don't know if it is sufficient for my goals. I also saw the Meade ETX-90AT and ETX-90PE. Would these be that much better for the big jump in price? After finding your site I see you also recommend the Bushnell brand such as the GoTo Northstar line. Any help would be greatly appreciated! thanks...

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2005 5:07 pm Post subject:

Hi

Yes, it can be confusing with all the different designs and accessories. If you want to do astrophotgraphy, though, it does narrow the field a bit. Astrophotgraphy requires a motorized mount, either a motorized mount without a computer or a motorized mount with a computer.

If you are willing to take the time to learn how to navigate manually, you can put your money into a larger telescope. When all the dust has settled, it is still basic telescope size (aperture) which most affects telescope potential. $700 will get you a nice 6" scope on a motorized mount such as the Meade 6" LXD75 EC, http://www.opticsplanet.net/meade-lxd75-n-6ec-newtonian-telescope.html and still have some money left over for some eyepieces. No computer here, but a nice scope and mount.

If you opt for a computer, you will be looking at a much smaller 90mm ETX AT, http://www.opticsplanet.net/meade-etx90ec.html which has a better tripod, more aperture and a better software program than the ETX80. If you are willing to settle for a lighter mount, less potential for accessorizing, and less sophistication in the software, the Bushnell 5" Northstar, http://www.opticsplanet.net/bushnell-northstar-5-maksutov-cassegrain-telescope.html is one to consider.
_________________
----------------------
Your personal optics expert
Joanie (Jne) K
http://www.OpticsPlanet.com
Phone: (888) 263-0356
Fax: (847) 574-6820