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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Which Telescope to get

I got a nice email on a budding new Astronomer who desires a scope...

"Hi Joe,

I want to get into this hobby and would like to attend a star party. I have never own a telescope and in the process of doing research of purchasing one (probably a used one).
My choice was the Meade ETX125PE. But now I'm leaning towards the Celestron 6SE. Both are grab and go with go-to which is what I prefer. I dont much about telescopes
and what I can see or not see. But I have always looked up since I was a kid and always wanted a scope. Now is the time =]. Thanks

Sai"

Welcome to the Chicago Astronomer and for your interest in the skies. You are most welcome in joining our Chicago Astronomer Star Parties when the weather warms up in March.

Let's take a look at the scopes you have selected....

ETX125PE




Celestron 6SE


Although both scopes are...ok and will serve well, I always recommend a dob for a beginning astronomer.

The ETX is nice with 4" aperture and super portable. Makes a lot of noise while tracking, but I find it soothing - almost like a washing machine. It's a decent scope with good optics.

The Se with a 5" aperture is a one arm set-up which I personally do not like. Also, when the batteries die, one cannot slew the instrument around manually - a problem that one of our members has discovered. All slewing must be done with the key pad - which takes some time.

Between the two - I would choose the ETX and the extra 1" of aperture won't make that much of a difference.

But....I would look into a dobsonian scope....for bigger aperture, cheaper and more bang for the buck.

[Paulie pchris00]

Jan 15, 2013 16:38:58 GMT -6 Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe said:

Both are grab and go with go-to which is what I prefer.

I think beginners are drawn to go-to scopes thinking that the scope will show them dozens or hundreds of objects the first night out. This is highly unlikely. You're not going to see much with a go-to scope unless it's properly aligned. To be properly aligned, you'll need to know a few bright stars.

The prime advantages of a Dobsonian as a first scope is that you get more bang for the buck, and are forced to learn the sky. Anybody not willing to put in the time learning the sky is likely to be disappointed with the views in a go-to scope, anyway.

Don't get me wrong, go-to scopes have their place, but they shouldn't be used in place of a working knowledge of what can be seen on a given night.

Let us know how the search for a telescope goes, and good luck.