Newbie finally found his firstscope - thanks

[Lorinser]

Hi guys, I'm a beginner looking for my firstcope refractor, prefer 80mm and above. Anyone here selling?
Must be in good working condition of course.

[Jim McGill]

Hi Newbie,

Would you like to try out the ED80mm APO refractor from Sky-Watcher? It's currently on offer at $970 only.

Do contact me at 9108-1059 if you're keen.

Thanks,
Jim McGill.

[acc]

Hi Lorinser
I will recommend that you read the telescope buying faq at http://www.singastro.org/viewtopic.php?t=32 if you have not already.

Can I know why you are looking for a refractor specifically? They are rather limited in aperture and will be a disappointing introduction to astromnomy. For something more portable, but just as affordable and with decent aperture and good optics, I would strongly recommend the 127mm Mak availabe from McGill instead.

cheers
cc

[Lorinser]

Hi ACC,
Thank you for your advice. I fully understand your good intention for me to get a good scope for a start but I don't intent to part a grand or more initially, coz I'm not sure if this will be a long term hobby.
So to begin with, I'm looking for a used and good condition (affordable celestron or equivalent) >80mm refractor for terrestrial and astronomy viewing. I have a lot to learn.
End of the day, I can still keep the scope as souvenir without burning a hole in my pocket !!!!!

Hi Jim, thank you for your offer. I'll keep that in mind.

[kayheem]

Hi ACC,
Thank you for your advice. I fully understand your good intention for me to get a good scope for a start but I don't intent to part a grand or more initially, coz I'm not sure if this will be a long term hobby.
So to begin with, I'm looking for a used and good condition (affordable celestron or equivalent) >80mm refractor for terrestrial and astronomy viewing. I have a lot to learn.
End of the day, I can still keep the scope as souvenir without burning a hole in my pocket !!!!!

Hi Jim, thank you for your offer. I'll keep that in mind.

Hi,

The problem is, if you do not get one that fills your needs (i.e. allows you to see what you want to see), then you will be turned off very quickly. E.g. getting the 80mm short tube is relatively cheap, but you may be disappointed if you try to view Saturn with it.

What I would suggest is that you join some of the observing sessions e.g. with WeiXing in Tampines and try out the different scopes first. If cost is you top consideration, you may want to look at the Skywatcher 90mm MCT.

Kay Heem

[kohjb]

As with most advice to newbies joining astronomy, the first piece of equipment to buy should be a relatively good pair of binoculars. So do you have one already ? Getting the telescope can be phase 2, when you know more of the skies and what you find interesting, and can then make the right choices on what to invest in.

Anyway, if you can disclose your budget range, I'm sure folks can give more tailored advice ?

[Lorinser]

Thank you guys. I'll join some observing sessions before I decide further.
My budget is up to S$500 for a decent used scope.

[kayheem]

Thank you guys. I'll join some observing sessions before I decide further.
My budget is up to S$500 for a decent used scope.

I think there is a used ETX-90RA floating around that is within that budget. Look around before you decide.

Kay Heem

[acc]

Oh thanks for the reminder Kay Heem. Airconvent (Richard) is selling his ETX90RA for 350.

Lorinser, the ETX90RA is a great little scope with excellent optics. If I were you I would buy this scope in the blink of an eye and before someone else buys it... Ultimate in portability. In fact I had one of these for more than a year before I decided that my interest in astronomy is here to stay and began to burn ever larger holes in my pocket...

[weixing]

Hi,

Oh thanks for the reminder Kay Heem. Airconvent (Richard) is selling his ETX90RA for 350.

It is a fine scope, but I don't really think it is "firstscope" friendly... especially that "basically useless" finderscope. Anyway, I suggest you get a stick on red dot finder if you buy this scope. But at this price, I don't think you can get any scope better than this...

Have a nice day.