Re: We're New

Hello Jeff,

While I will have to agree with previous posts regarding aperture and
advising hooking up with a local astro club, I'm thinking that there are
not many clubs meeting regularly or with many members at this time of
year anymore (cloudy and cold).
I am suprised that no one has recommended you pick up a copy of the
recent (Dec) 'Sky and Telescope' magazine. They review a list of
inexpensive scopes (all under $300) for beginner budgets. If I recall,
one of the top recommendations was Orion's 4.5 inch Dobsonian reflector,
the 'Skyquest XT4' ($199). Now, for a mere $60 more you can go from the
15.8 sq. in. of light grasp in the XT4.5, on up to 27.4 sq. in. of light
grasp with the XT6 (6 in. Dodsonian). That still leaves you something to
get a better viewfinder than the next to worthless toys these models
come equipped with (a Telrad or red-dot finder for example).
What everyone is telling you here about aperture being what you want
for DSO is absolutely true ? the more the better. Even in a very dark
sky you are going to have a rather limited catalog of DSO to choose
from with anything less than an 8 inch primary mirror. If you can pony
up another $100 or so (figuring shipping charges), the XT8 will push the
light grasp up to 50.2 sq. inches of mirror surface!! That said, the
next feature a beginner would want to consider would probably be the
portability and ease of set-up and use of your kit. With the Dobsonian
reflectors you will get both.
What I should mention also, is that you are going to want at least one
really good quality eyepiece. The scopes mentioned here all come with
two plossls that aren't all that bad,, but,, you will want something
better soon. A high quality, wide field EP (70° or more apparent
field). 'Meade' and 'Tele View' are two brands. They are expensive
(starting at around $200), but, worth it. I have a Meade 4000 Ultra
Wide, 8.8mm, with 84° apparent field of view, and I love it ? you
can get lost in that thing!
Aside from price & aperture the best scope will be one that you are
most inclined to use most often and that usually equates to ease of
portability and set-up.
Keep in mind that larger reflectors require considerably more
cool-down time for the mirror mass to get acclimated from indoor to
outdoor temp. differentials. That can speeded up a good bit by
installing a cooling fan accessory.
Also, last but certainly not least, if you do not already have a
good book (with charts) to get you started, that should be your first
purchase.

Wishing the best,
Mark

.

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