Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Dec 8, 2012 12:59:14 GMT -6
A $400.00 budget for a entry scope
The Chicago Astronomer receives many requests of assistance in what type of telescope should be invested in for a first time buyer.
I like Dobsonians for an entry scope, but each person has their wants and desires.
Let's examine our latest inquiry....
Hello Joe,
I hope you are well. My boyfriend "-"and I have gone to a few star parties in the past though our busy schedules have not permitted us to attend lately.
I would like to buy "_" a telescope for Christmas but I wanted to ask you for your advice about the kind of scope I should get.
"_" would like to be able to look into deep space as well as look at the planets, and portability is definitely something that would be important.
What would you recommend: a dobsonian (though portability seems a bit limited with these), a refractor, or a reflector? I think "_" would like a computerized one that he can use with his starry night software. I have seen a couple of models online on Orion's website that are in my budget and seem good but I don't really know what I'm doing!
Orion StarSeeker II 130mm GoTo Reflector
Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope (but not computerized)
I do have a limited budget (about 400 dollars), so I suppose this also limits the type of scope we can get at this time. But he would be happy with a good beginner telescope since we don't currently have one and he really would like to use it in our back yard and to take on road trips.
Any advice or recommendations you could make would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks,
"--------"
Let's look into the two selected scopes....
Orion StarSeeker II 130mm GoTo Reflector
The first being a 5.1 inch Reflector scope with go-to - Averaging around $400.00
Decent scope with a respectable aperture. Comes with 2 1.25" Kellner eyepieces (25mm. 10mm) , but Plosells would be better. It can accept 2" eyepieces....which is nice. Comes with a red-dot finder which is marginally ok, but a Rigel or a Talrad would be better.
It hangs off a single arm, which I personally do not like...
I feel the connection between arm & Tube... is too fragile...and with some Single-arm scopes, one cannot manually slew the scope about...depending solely on the motors to move the scope to your object. Literally locked down. Sometimes, patience is tested while the scope takes it's time. And if your batteries fail you out in the field - and you have no fresh ones in your accessory bag...your session is over.This scope is light weight, which normally one would think is a good thing....but being so light, reviewers have stated that it shakes a lot - (something the single arm is notorious for.) I would be confident to say that on a breezy night, the shaking will cause frustration and slight vomiting.
It's not a bad scope, but I feel the views will disappoint the serious beginning Astronomer that not even to go-to feature can over come. For the casual enthusiast, it'll do ok...or for a second scope.
Now, let's look at what the Dob offers....
Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope
Slightly more than the $400.00 limit, but it's worth it, as you will see. With a generous 8 inches of Aperture, this will bring in the fainties very nicely and planets/Moon will amaze. No go-to here, but really...no need. An all manual scope forces the true Astronomer to learn the skies and master the "Star Hopping" technique to find objects. And with that full 8 inches of light gathering ability, finding the targets is easier and they will be brighter...meaning higher magnifications.
This scope, unfortunately, only comes with one eyepiece, (25mm Plossell) and you will need others to fill out the magnification range. I recommend a 17mm, a 10mm and a 2x Barlow - and if you can afford it...a wide field 40mm eyepiece. This scope can also accept 2" eypieces...which is good. 2" eyepieces offer better wider views. A host of other accessories will make urban astronomy much more fulfilling...but that can be later down the way.
This comes with the same red-dot finder as the first scope, which isn't bad, but there are better finders. A optical finder scope will become a certain desirability. (Shop around for the best deals on additional eyepieces and accessories. Send a note my way when you come across what you like and I'll give you my review...
)The low-stance-center of gravity, inherent with Dobs is very good, as it brings with it stability...and the extra weight (41lbs), will make viewing rock steady. Not too heavy and can easily be transported in the back seat. The Astronomer will need to manually "Push-to" the celestial targets and that's not bad. The Up/down & side to side or "Alt/Az mount" movement will get you anywhere you want - quickly, but will need to nudge the scope from time to time to keep up with the Earth's rotation. No big.
We use these type of Dobs at the Adler Planetarium...and for good reason....they are tough, take a beating and perform. (There is not a single-arm scope in our Telescope storage area...! )
The reviews, not surprisingly...are mostly all positive...and between the two scopes you narrowed down...I overwhelmingly select the Orion Skyquest XT8 for your fella. A truly manly and beefy scope. Let us know what you choose...pics of the scope when you get bit would be great! And of course...you will need to join the Chicago Astronomer crew during our sessions.
I only select the best for Chicago Astronomers...
