FreeLists / az-observing / [AZ-Observing] Re: amateur telescope

["Bill VanOrden" <beevo1@xxxxxxx>]

Barb,

My advice for what it's worth (about $ .04 at this time)

Go to star parties and look through some of the small to medium sized scopes
there.

Be aware that small size does not always equate to cheaper.  Some of those
little scopes are really really expensive!  Small in size does not always
mean poor views, I have a Meade ETX125 and will likely keep it forever or
until it falls apart.  Big scopes have issues all of their own, namely
lifting heavier components and higher costs as a general rule.  I think the
best starter size for a scope (IMHO) is an 8" f6 reflector.

My 5" ETX is a Maksutov design and provides exceptional views for its size.
The scope you mentioned on EBay is also of this design, so the optics of the
90mm are going to be excellent provided it is in good condition.  The name
of the game is light gathering, the larger the mirror or lens the more
light.  The more light, the easier it is to see many objects.  I would
personally suggest something larger than the 90mm scope.  It is a fine scope
but you are likely to find you would want something with more light
gathering and magnification after using it for a little while.

As far as scope suggestions, my feeling run in this direction....

8"f6 reflector, the Orion 8" Dobsonian mounted scope with or without the
computer system can be had reasonably and is likely to be something you will
not outgrow easily.  Try here:
http://www.telescope.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=105076&itemT
ype=PRODUCT&iMainCat=4&iSubCat=8&iProductID=105076  I have used one of these
and find the pointing accuracy to be nothing short of incredible for its
cost.  At a total cost of $600 plus shipping you are getting a lot of scope
for your money.  You can go in steps also, buy the scope and then add the
computer later if you desire.  Some people like the computer and some don't.
I would rather look AT things instead of spending my time looking FOR them.

3" to 5" Maksutov.  The ETX scope are quite good if you stick to the Mak
design, 90mm, 105mm and 125mm. http://www.meade.com/etx/etx_mak.html (get
the UHTC coatings, they really do work, I have looked through two identical
sized ETX's one with and one without the coatings.  You can see the
difference. My ETX125 (5") complete with Autostar computer, tripod w/case
and the standard 25mm eyepiece cost me about $1100 by the time I got done
with all the shipping, taxes etc.  I find it to be an excellent purchase
with incredible views for the size.  Orion has a similar system:
http://www.telescope.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=5243&itemTyp
e=PRODUCT&iMainCat=4&iSubCat=10&iProductID=5243

Bear in mind the purchase of the scope (at least new) will leave you with
one or possibly two eyepieces, you will likely want to add additional
eyepieces and accessories, so budget a little more money for these things if
the scope you get does not come with them.

Astromart, an internet astronomy penny saver (my description) is a wonderful
venue to buy and sell stuff without the uncertainty of the bidding process.
I have been buying and selling stuff there for 4-5 years and have yet to
have any problems with he items or the people.
http://www.astromart.com/classifieds/list.asp?classified_group_id=1&view_btn
=View+All

I have a 8" f6 reflector, a 90mm Mak, and a 125mm Mak that I would be more
than happy to let you look through if you want to get together some time.

Beevo (aka Bill VanOrden)
Tempe


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