Recommend a telescope for a beginner?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Knavish
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    Beginner Telescope
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for beginner telescopes, focusing on affordability and suitability for new hobbyists in astronomy. Participants share their experiences and suggestions regarding different types of telescopes and considerations for purchasing.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests looking for a telescope under a hundred dollars to inspire interest in astronomy.
  • Another participant advises visiting an astronomy club and attending star parties to gain firsthand experience with various telescopes before making a purchase.
  • A third participant mentions specific beginner telescopes from Celestron and Orion priced around $130, recommending the addition of a 2x Barlow lens for enhanced planetary viewing.
  • A later reply proposes a six-inch or larger Dobsonian mounted Newtonian reflector from Meade or Orion, suggesting it as a good value for around $300, emphasizing the quality of the mount.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the ideal budget and type of telescope for beginners, with no consensus reached on a specific recommendation.

Contextual Notes

Some suggestions depend on personal experiences and preferences, and there are varying opinions on what constitutes a suitable telescope for beginners.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in starting astronomy as a hobby, particularly those seeking budget-friendly options for telescopes.

Knavish
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Slightly off topic, but could any of you recommend a telescope for a beginner? I would love to make this a hobby. I don't want anything too fancy (within a hundred dollars?), just something to inspire me. I have free time this summer.
 
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Before you go buy a cheap scope you should find an astronomy club in your area and go to one of their star parties. At a star party you will be able to look through several scopes and talk to people about their experiences with cheap scopes. You may want to save up for a better scope instead.
 
Both celestron and Orion make similar beginner's reflectors for about $130: http://www.telescope.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=5135&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=

You'll also want a 2x Barlow lens to double the magnification for planetary viewing.

Jupiter is only up for about another two months and Saturn one month before going behind the sun - then you'll need to wait until winter to see either. You will, of course, be able to view the moon with it, and there are a number of clusters and nebulae that are viewable with it.
 
Knavish said:
Slightly off topic, but could any of you recommend a telescope for a beginner? I would love to make this a hobby. I don't want anything too fancy (within a hundred dollars?), just something to inspire me. I have free time this summer.
I would recommend a six (or larger possibly, depending on your budget, but not smaller) inch, dobsonian mounted Newtonian reflector, from either Meade or Orion. Its about as inexpensive as you'll get for what is still a very good scope (in large part because of the mount). About $300 or so.
 

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