Please need help choosing the right telescope

eric002244 · Guest

Hi recently I have decided to purchace a telescope. Now I am 19yrs old and I have never owned one before. I did a bit of research and I found one that is in my budget. I'm not looking to spend alot of money,just something average. (http://www.binoculars.com/products/Meade_114EQ-AST_Short_Tube_EQ_Reflector_31198.html). It's a Meade 114eq ast. Now if this is the right choice,with a few months of study and the proper books can anyone tell me what kind of things I can exepct to see.

Guest · Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 2:06 am Post subject:

Hey , before you buy, you really should check out from the library the book "nightwatch" by Terence Dickinson. It has a first telescope chapter that you should really look at before you spend any money.

Also, you should find a star party near you and go. You can check all kinds of scopes there and take a look thru them. Lots of folks there to help you out also.

The scope you mentioned is ok, but a bit small. The basic beginner scope is a 6" dobsonian. $200 dollars. DO NOT get anything with a .965 eyepiece size. 1.25 is ok...if you end up getting an 8" or bigger scope, make sure it has a 2" eyepiece adapter.