russ_watters said:I always disagree with the alt-az recommendation. For following a planet, an EQ is a big help.
russ_watters said:I always disagree with the alt-az recommendation. For following a planet, an EQ is a big help.
My dad bought me my first scope (an alt-az) for Christmas when I was a kid and after using it once, we both agreed it was a mistake and he got me a free upgrade.davenn said:Thats true in most cases
but for a beginner an equatorial mount is a nightmare to use ;)
Dave
Vixen scopes have an excellent reputation for high-end quality, but it probably makes their beginner scopes more money than they are worth. That scope costs a lot of money for what you are getting. Orions are the Chevy of telescopes and for a beginner, it is a good bang for the buck, so that is what I recommend. Plus, you'll want to save some money for accessories.NATURE.M said:Of the options I listed what can you recommend/or any feedback??
a.Vixen Optics R130Sf w/ Porta II Mount
b.ORION SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope
What age? I think I'll do the same.russ_watters said:My dad bought me my first scope (an alt-az) for Christmas when I was a kid ...
Not sure. 14 or 15, maybe.mheslep said:What age? I think I'll do the same.
A telescope is an instrument used to magnify distant objects in the night sky. It works by gathering light from a distant object and focusing it onto an eyepiece, which then magnifies the image for us to see. This is possible due to the use of lenses or mirrors that help to gather and focus the light.
There are three main types of telescopes: refracting telescopes, reflecting telescopes, and catadioptric telescopes. Refracting telescopes use lenses to gather and focus light, reflecting telescopes use mirrors, and catadioptric telescopes use both lenses and mirrors.
When looking to buy a telescope under $500, it is important to consider the aperture size, which determines the amount of light the telescope can gather, and the focal length, which determines the magnification power. You should also consider the type of mount, as well as the overall size and weight of the telescope for portability.
Yes, you can see planets and galaxies with a telescope under $500. However, the quality and clarity of the images may not be as high as those produced by more expensive telescopes. With a telescope under $500, you can still observe the moon, planets, stars, and some galaxies, but they may appear smaller and less detailed.
Setting up and using a telescope under $500 can vary depending on the type and model of the telescope. However, the general steps include assembling the telescope, aligning the finder scope, and using the eyepiece to focus on an object in the night sky. It is important to carefully read the instruction manual and practice using the telescope to become familiar with its features.