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Telescope Opinions - Will I regret buying this one?
Posted on 12/7/18 at 10:56 am
Posted on 12/7/18 at 10:56 am
Looking for a decent intro telescope that me and my boys can use. I know very little so I think the computerized models are my best bet. Looking to spend about $400 on something I won't hate and can maybe upgrade lenses on and grow with through the next 10 years.
Celestron Nexstar 4SE
Celestron Nexstar 4SE
5
Posted on 12/7/18 at 11:03 am to RaginCajunz
computerized is definite way to go. That looks like a pretty decent for a starter.
Posted on 12/7/18 at 11:03 am to RaginCajunz
Honestly, I recommend an analog Dobson.
It's always fun to do the discovery. Look up where it is, how to find it, etc. Versus just hitting a button.
Plus you just might find something that nobody had found yet...
It's always fun to do the discovery. Look up where it is, how to find it, etc. Versus just hitting a button.
Plus you just might find something that nobody had found yet...
Posted on 12/7/18 at 11:14 am to RaginCajunz
A 4 inch scope doesn't do nearly as much for you as you'd think. The light gathering ability isn't that great. Some things that are already intrinsically bright (like the Moon) can still be fun to look at though.
If you want to see what a real scope can do, consider visiting a star party. Most of the amateurs will have far more capable scopes and will be happy to share the views, especially with young children.
If you want to see what a real scope can do, consider visiting a star party. Most of the amateurs will have far more capable scopes and will be happy to share the views, especially with young children.
Posted on 12/7/18 at 11:16 am to CptBengal
I saw some relatively inexpensive ones with the Dobsonian design. I'm ignorant enough to not know the true benefit. I gather they can gather a ton of light. I'm not sure if the trade off of the computerized location would benefit a total noob or not. My telescope experience was remembering our old red tube in the 80s and a spiral bound constellation book.
Do you think the benefits of the Dobson would outweigh my inability to find objects?
Do you think the benefits of the Dobson would outweigh my inability to find objects?
Posted on 12/7/18 at 11:24 am to RaginCajunz
Dude. Google sky is an app for your phone. Seriously? It's not like you're back in the 80s with a pen and paper.
Plus your boys will end up understanding more about how telescopes work. Plus Dobbies are easier to modify and upgrade.
Plus your boys will end up understanding more about how telescopes work. Plus Dobbies are easier to modify and upgrade.
Posted on 12/7/18 at 11:36 am to CptBengal
quote:
Plus your boys will end up understanding more about how telescopes work. Plus Dobbies are easier to modify and upgrade.
THIS! And you get a lot more for your money with a analog Dob. If your interest grows, you can upgrade later and you will know exactly what you want then.
Posted on 12/7/18 at 12:44 pm to RaginCajunz
I have this telescope. I don't like this telescope. The only way to move it around is by using the remote. And it is slow as hell. A lot of time I will find what I'm looking for in the sky and by the time I get it focused in, I'm needing to make minor adjustments to keep the object in view, which is really hard to do with the remote.
Posted on 12/7/18 at 1:59 pm to Styxion
I appreciate all the feedback.
I'm pretty well sold on a non computer guided version. Any recommendations in the $400 range on a dobsonian? The Orion XT8 seems pretty good.
XT8 on Amazon
The SkyWatcher 8 seems really good as well.
Skywatcher 8"
I'm pretty well sold on a non computer guided version. Any recommendations in the $400 range on a dobsonian? The Orion XT8 seems pretty good.
XT8 on Amazon
The SkyWatcher 8 seems really good as well.
Skywatcher 8"
This post was edited on 12/7/18 at 2:43 pm
Posted on 12/8/18 at 9:30 am to RaginCajunz
To be honest, I wouldn't spend that much on a 4 inch scope.
I bought a Zhumell Z8 dobsonian a couple years ago, and it's been great. Sure the computer and GOTO features are nice to have, but the light gathering capabilities of the 8 inch mirror will give you a much better viewing experience. I enjoy the manual tracking because it helps to learn to navigate the sky versus just pressing a button and waiting.
The only downside to my Z8 is the summertime humidity in South LA. I can usually only get half a hour or so before the mirror starts to fog
I bought a Zhumell Z8 dobsonian a couple years ago, and it's been great. Sure the computer and GOTO features are nice to have, but the light gathering capabilities of the 8 inch mirror will give you a much better viewing experience. I enjoy the manual tracking because it helps to learn to navigate the sky versus just pressing a button and waiting.
The only downside to my Z8 is the summertime humidity in South LA. I can usually only get half a hour or so before the mirror starts to fog
Posted on 12/8/18 at 10:45 pm to htcthc321
quote:
I wouldn't spend that much on a 4 inch scope.
I bought a Zhumell Z8 dobsonian a couple years ago, and it's been great. Sure the computer and GOTO features are nice to have, but the light gathering capabilities of the 8 inch mirror will give you a much better viewing experience. I enjoy the manual tracking because it helps to learn to navigate the sky versus just pressing a button and waiting.
The only downside to my Z8 is the summertime humidity in South LA. I can usually only get half a hour or so before the mirror starts to fog
This guy knows.
Don't get a 4 inch.
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