deep sky on a budget

hawk8 · Guest

Hello,

I have a pair on Nikon 10x50 AE binocs that I use on camping trips. I'd like to supplement bino viewing with a telescope that's portable. I was looking at the Meade ETX 80 BB. Are there any other models that I should consider?

Thanks

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5171

Hi

If you are serious about deep-sky, that is too small and optics are not up to the job. Be well worth it to sacrifce some portability to get more performance. I'd at least step up to the Celestron Nexstar 4SE - much better optics and still quite portable. Another good option in a portable scope is the Nexstar 102SLT[/url]
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hawk8 · Guest

Thanks.

I see that both of these are computerized models. Any non-computerized models that would meet the performance standard, while still offering some portability to go on camping trips?

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5171

Hi

Sure, just a matter of finding one with with an alt-az mount. Equatorial mounts are a pain to transport. About have to take the whole mount apart. Problem here is selection. Most decent scopes in this price range come with equatorials, not alt-az. Better off staying with a computerized model to get the more compact mount.
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Guest · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:48 am Post subject:

Thanks.

I'm trying to balance the performance/portability choices with an eye on price, so I have to make some compromises. With that in mind, I'm wondering if a model like the Meade DS-2114ATS-LNT would fit. It has a 114 aperture, the alt-az mount, and some computer capability. Any thoughts?

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5171

Hi

That will certainly work, though if you plan to travel, a reflector is not as good a choice as a refractor or a Mak of the same size. Reflectors have mirrors which can easily get knocked out of alignment while traveling. Can be done, but be careful.
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Guest · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 11:29 am Post subject:

Thanks.

Yes, I forgot about the relector issues. I realize I'm dropping further in aperture here but how about the Bushnell Northstar Maks? They have a 1250x90mm and a 1300x100mm.

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5171

Hi

Sure, the Nortstar Mkas will definitely work. Optics are surprisingly good and the optical tubes are well made. The Northstar computer, though, lags behind the Meade or Celestron in terms of performance and capability. Still, if budget is a concern, these would be good options for a travel scope.
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hawk8 · Guest

Thanks.

The more I think about it, the more it makes sense to go for performance--seems that that's really what we all want. Your origingal recommendations, the Celestron Nexstar 4SE or the Nexstar 102SLT, seem to be the right way to go. I'll just save a few extra bucks per week over the next few months and then I'll have the budget for either. In the meantime, I'll make do with the binos (see you on that board--I've got some questions for that side).

A final question--do I need another power source, besides the batteries, to run the computer and motor drives on these models?

Also, thanks for all the help. There's a wealth of information on this site. No other online optics retailer provides as much information and support as you folks do.

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5171

Hi

You are so very welcome. Glad to help.

All of these will run on batteries, though Celestron does offer an AC adapter (currently out of stock). Go ahead and take these camping and bring extra batteries.
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