Any amateur astronomers here?

[Muleya]

I've long been interested in astronomy, but have never owned a telescope...my dad has a small reflector that I've used some (but he's in KS, a bit of a drive from VA)...otherwise I've just done naked eye and some binocular astronomy. I am thinking of getting a telescope now. But there are just so many options, I was hoping to get some advice.

I'm thinking of spending $200-$300. I know some of the pros and cons of reflector vs refractor, but would love some input. Also, any value in the computerized ones that will actually find objects for you...there's a Meade in that price range that I've found.

What about accessories? I've seen people talk about upgrading to Barlow lenses (for the eyepiece, I assume)...what's that all about and is it worth it?

A couple of other things that might be helpful...I've got young daughter's and I'd love for them to take interest in astronomy, so the telescope should be kid-friendly. Also, we live in the middle of a city of about 44,000, so we've got some light pollution to contend with. We do some camping, though, so portability would be nice.

Thanks!

[jamie d]

Big beginner telescope thread at the TDPRI

I would get in contact with the local Astronomical Clubs for mo' betta advice.

Clubs are a great place to meet folks and gain experience.

Might find a better used 'scope for your price range at a local club.

Big list of astro. clubs; US and worldwide


jamie

[Muleya]

Thanks for the links...I actually learned a lot on the TDPRI thread and some links there.

There is a local club, but to be honest their website doesn't seem all that "friendly"...maybe spending time on web-site design and marketing is not their thing! Anyway, we'll see, maybe I'll check them out sometime.

I've also realized that I prolly need to increase my budget, which I can...it's just the same fund that I use for guitar gear, so I was hoping to hold on to some of it.

I think I'm leaning towards the Orion 8" Dobsonian...I wish it was more portable and more kid-friendly, but it's seems like the most affordable way to get started that will allow for some growth as an astronmer..plus that leaves me some $$ for a lens/filter set! Besides, I can just get a little step ladder for the kiddos.

[RickT]

I dabble in a bit of astronomy. I find it challenging and relaxing, especially when sharing the views with family and friends. My main telescope is an 8" Meade LX200 with the computerized drive. I purchased it several years ago during the Mars "frenzy". While still more than I wanted to spend, I get did a lot of bang for the buck. However, it is a beast of an instrument.

The best telescope is the one you'll use the most. And, in fact, when first starting out, you may find a good pair of binoculars will be far more useful and budget friendly than even a mediocre telescope.

Drop me a line off line with any questions you have regarding astronomy.

RickT

[sirmyghin]

My Pop Music teacher last year was an amateur astronomer with a good scope. He recommended this

https://www.galileoscope.org/gs/

His comments were better than most 'cheap' couple hundred dollar scopes and they cannot possibly have made them for what they are selling them. You have to build it yourself. I am not into the stuff, but for what its worth I would trust this guys opinion, he is so into this stuff he did engineering for a bit (and then went to music) so he could try to be an astronaut and get into space.

[Muleya]

Nice photo, Rick...I'm assuming it's a composite? Sounds like a really nice scope you've got.

I ended up getting an 8" Orion Intelliscope...it's a dobsonian mount with a push-to computer. I've had it a little over a month and have enjoyed it...on the few nights that we've actually had clear skies!! But I've enjoyed great views of Saturn and it's moons as well as a few DSOs...and I had a couple evenings with good moon viewing. I've already wished I had a motorized mount, but I wanted an 8" aperture and couldn't afford one that big with a motorized mount! If my interest sticks, I may check into getting a 6" Go-To scope later.

[jamie d]

Saw this info on Space.com

jamie

[Muleya]

Unfortunately, that triangle is behind trees from my house!!!