Buying a Telescope- Newbie

For people new to astronomy who want to ask those questions that they were afraid to ask. Receive helpful answers here.
baskarram
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2007 9:19 pm

Buying a Telescope- Newbie

Post by baskarram »

Hi All,

I m a newbie, and thanks to the administrator for letting me in.
I want to decide on a telescope and so where is the best place where i can have a feel of it?
like somewhat an Observatory session with few models? (Am i looking for too much????)

Thanks in advance,
Baskar
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yanyewkay
Posts: 251
Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2007 1:08 am

Post by yanyewkay »

check out the upcoming Lyrids Star Party thread. Think there will be quite a number of scopes set up that night. 19's (today) the last day to register, quick!
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acc
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Favourite scope: Mag1 Instruments 12.5" Portaball

Post by acc »

Hi Baskar
Do check out our wiki site too http://www.singastro.org/web/mediawiki/ ... _Equipment
We do it in the dark...
Portaball 12.5"
Takahashi Mewlon 210
William Optics 110ED
...and all night long!
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Airconvent
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Post by Airconvent »

The Science Centre astro shop is the best place.
It has a wide collection of scopes on display and recently Albert has even stocked up on Orion scopes and accessories.
He is very helpful, so if you need advice to buy something, do drop by the science centre. currently he is having a clearance sale in anticipation of a new range of stuff from celestron...
The Boldly Go Where No Meade Has Gone Before
Captain, RSS Enterprise NCC1701R
United Federation of the Planets
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hommel
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Location: Upp Serangoon/Tampines
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Post by hommel »

Yes Astro Scientific is very well stocked. Or you can try Astrobargains too., I suggest you try attending a few local star parties and then decide whats best for you.
baskarram
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2007 9:19 pm

Post by baskarram »

hi all,

thanks for the replies. I m planning to visit Science Centre tomorrow(21st). let me check out few things and then come back. Hope I can find Albert there..

Regards,
zentan
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon Apr 23, 2007 12:43 am
Location: Singapore

Post by zentan »

hi all,

like Baskarram, i'm new too, and like him, im interested in getting my own scope for some viewing pleasure.

however, budget may be a little bit tight for me if i were to get a new scope.

can someone guide me to what size of scope shd i be looking at if i wan to be able to see at least some planets and stuffs?

i read on the SingastroWiki and some 2nd hand scope guide but none mention what is good for viewing what....

just wanna try out on this hobby so i dun wish to spend too much yet, and dun wish to get some lousy 2nd hand scope which will dampen my interest....

thanks in adv -)
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Meng Lee
Posts: 1233
Joined: Wed Mar 28, 2007 1:36 pm
Location: NTU, Woodlands

Post by Meng Lee »

Hi, you can consider the Mak 90 that I am selling. Great optics typical of Mak telescopes and small enough for you to bring anywhere. I can let you test the scope out before considering buying and offer you advice.

http://www.singastro.org/viewtopic.php? ... highlight=
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weixing
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Favourite scope: Vixen R200SS & Celestron 6" F5 Achro Refractor
Location: (Tampines) Earth of Solar System in Orion Arm of Milky Way Galaxy in Local Group Galaxies Cluster

Post by weixing »

Hi,
hi all,

like Baskarram, i'm new too, and like him, im interested in getting my own scope for some viewing pleasure.

however, budget may be a little bit tight for me if i were to get a new scope.

can someone guide me to what size of scope shd i be looking at if i wan to be able to see at least some planets and stuffs?

i read on the SingastroWiki and some 2nd hand scope guide but none mention what is good for viewing what....

just wanna try out on this hobby so i dun wish to spend too much yet, and dun wish to get some lousy 2nd hand scope which will dampen my interest....

thanks in adv -)
Have you seen through a scope before?? If no, I don't recommend you to get one now. Try to join a few observation session and look through the scopes of various aperture. Know what to expect or you may feel very disappointed after you get your scope especially you are on a budget.

Have a nice day.
Yang Weixing
:mrgreen: "The universe is composed mainly of hydrogen and ignorance." :mrgreen:
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chrisyeo
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Joined: Wed Oct 08, 2003 9:11 pm

Post by chrisyeo »

zentan wrote: i read on the SingastroWiki and some 2nd hand scope guide but none mention what is good for viewing what....
Was hoping that someone would be able to contribute an article about the most popular scopes in Singapore (5" MCT, 8" SCT, and Dobs). If you find something like this helpful, just let us know on the forum and I'm sure someone will help answer your questions.

In the meantime, skytonight.com and astronomy.com have good articles on what you can see with beginner scopes. Do check them out.

Cheers,
Chris
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