small budget - big sky

rausch713 · Guest

Celestron PowerSeeker 50 Astronomical Telescope 21039 -39.99

Tasco 350x 60mm Novice Refractor Telescope Special Edition 30060403 -44.95

Meade Telestar NGC-60TC Telescope 70% OFF w/ Computer Telescope / Spotting Scope 70207 68.00

What are some advantages of each? Does one have a better mount or better optics. Is the Meade computer worth the extra money or should I save the difference in case I want a better scope in the future?

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5384

Hi

All minimal choices - try for something with more aperture, since telescope size, in terms of lens or mirror diameter is the primary factor in telescope performance. Amuch better option and still quite affordable is the Meade Telestar, especially if you want a computer.
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rausch713 · Guest

That is a little above today's price range, but I could certainly save up for it. The computer on the mount is probably not something I have to have.

Based on the hours I have spent reading on this website, I think the most important feature I want, while staying in my price range, would be a sturdy mount that I can adjust with out losing the star I was looking at/for. Using a 25x hand held spotting scope my biggest problem now is staying on target. Until I moved to the city I would just lay on the ground and look up. So the spotting scope that I just picked up for $10 has really peaked my interest because I didn't know I could see so much detail on the moon. It is kind of neat - far better than 10x binos, but much less steady.

What about:
Celestron PowerSeeker 114 EQ Astronomical Telescope 21045 119.95

Meade 114EQ-ASTR F/8.8 4.5" 114mm Equatorial Reflector Telescope w/ Autostar Suite Software, Red Dot Finderscope, two Eyepieces, Tripod 149.99

Of course the less money the sooner I can buy it.

I am also considering that I have wanted a telescope for the past 15 years. If I get one and love it, then I will likely upgrade - I don't want too much invested in the first one to prevent me from upgrading anytime soon. I would be willing to wait a little longer for something in the $130-$150 range, if, instead of the 12-18mo that I expect to get out of the $40 scope and can get 5-8 years before needing to upgrade.

Here is the one that I really want:
Celestron Star Hopper 10 Dobsonians Telescope 10110 w/ FREE Shipping

But I want to make sure I enjoy this before I invest that amount. It appears that I would need additional eye pieces and other accessories as well. I want everything at once with this first purchase.

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5384

Hi

Go with the Meade on this one - the Powerseeker mount is not as stable.

If you are going to go this high, though, you really should consider going right into a Starhopper in a 6" or 8" if money is an issue. Either is a much better choice than a 114mm beginner's telescope.
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rausch713 · Guest

One last question (maybe).

Meade 114EQ-ASTR F/8.8 4.5" 114mm Equatorial Reflector Telescope w/ Autostar Suite Software, Red Dot Finderscope, two Eyepieces, Tripod 149.99

or

Meade 4.5" Telestar Newtonian Reflector Telescope w/ AutoStar GO TO Computer 60%OFF 70121 DS2114AT-TC $149.99

So I think the 114EQ-ASTR will teach me how to find things while the DS2114AT will help me to like the night sky easier by finding things for me.

Thanks for your help, Joanie!

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5384

You are very welcome.

The first decision to make on a telescope is whether to buy a computerized model or a manual model.

A computer does make navigation easier for a beginner and most are relatively simple to get set up and aligned. This is the most practical option for a light polluted area, since learning to navigate manually is tough to do when you can't see a lot of guide stars. Meade and Celestron both make good computers. If you like computers and are technically inlcined, this is the way to go.

On the other hand, you can buy a bigger scope for your dollar with a manual scope, since you are not buying a computer. Learning to navigate the old fashioned way takes more initiative and effort and it is slower, but in many ways more enjoyable. In fact, it is one of the aspects of astronomy that I enjoy the most. It is also quite practical if you observe from a dark or mildly light polluted site.
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