Re: Which Telescope?

On Oct 3, 12:51 pm, DSt <dste...@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi all,

I'm looking for a little advice. I'm currently obsessed with the night
skies, the origin of our Universe, and everything going on in our
Solar System - but I want to experience some of it first hand. To that
end, I'd like to purchase a telescope.

It might also be worth finding your local astronomical society. Most
welcome new keen members and as well as lectures some have nights
where you can use the societies telescopes or even borrow surplus kit.
Observers these days are in fairly short supply and some groups like a
minimum of 2 people at isolated premises.

At the very least you will get a chance to look through a few other
telescopes before making your choice, and you may well find someone
local who can help you if you decide to buy a secondhand one. Prices
are often lowest in February after the novelty of Xmas presents has
worn off and the reality of cold clear winters nights begins to bite.

I've had a look at a few telescopes, but there is a huge range in
price, and I have no idea if I'll be able to do what I want to do (see
what I want to see) within my budget.

I don't know what kind of magnification I'd need to be able to see
much, and therefore don't know how much I need to spend to be able to
do so (have a look at Mars, see Saturn's rings, anything else that's
interesting and visible from the earth).

Any suggestions? For instance, would I be able to see much with the
"Meade EQ114 Equatorial Reflector"? It's a cheap entry-level
'scope...or would I need to spend a bit more?

My budget would probably be £200...enough?

It is a bit tight. The usual advice for a samll reflector is 6" and
3-4" for a refractor. David Knisely's telescope FAQ although US
biassed is worth a look at (as are the webpages of TelescopeHouse and
David Hinds).

http://www.astronomytoday.com/astronomy/tbfaq.html

You might well be better off saving up for a bit longer and joining a
club to get access to scopes without initially having to buy one
outright. Astrofest in London is worth a visit (also in Feb) to see
most of the gear on display.

Would a second-hand scope be a good idea?

It might well be. The savings are worthwhile if you know what to look
for. Most of mine over the years have been second hand preferring to
buy more aperture over a mint cosmetic finish.

Regards,
Martin Brown

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