Should I get a telescope?

Norman Soh · Post by **Norman Soh** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 7:40 am

Hi all,

I'm interested to begin this journey in astronomy. And I want to start right.
So... how do I start?

Should I get a telescope, and where should I get it from? Some megastores seem to be selling them. Should I get one from there? And what should I look out for? :?:

Post by **acc** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 10:48 am

Hi Norman do check out SingAstroWiki for a start http://www.singastro.org/web/mediawiki/ ... /Main_Page

Meng Lee · Post by **Meng Lee** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 4:59 pm

Hi,

If you want a full package 80mm ED with Porta mount + finder + eyepieces, just let me know, its S$1350.

Norman Soh · Post by **Norman Soh** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 8:15 pm

Acc,

Thanks for the link. Will take time to read through.

Meng Lee,

One thousand plus is way off my budget for now.

Is that the lowest price for a decent telescope?

If so, WOW!

kayheem · Post by **kayheem** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 8:20 pm

Norman Soh wrote:One thousand plus is way off my budget for now.

Is that the lowest price for a decent telescope?

If so, WOW!

First off, do not buy a scope from those mega stores. Read the FAQ for beginners.

A good combo would be a 2nd hand 5" SCT or MCT on a Manfrotto tripod and Junior geared head (Model 410) The used 5" MCT is going around $400.

Kay Heem

Norman Soh · Post by **Norman Soh** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 8:31 pm

Kay Heem,

So glad I asked first. I have not bought yet. Those scopes must be lousy right? No wonder they're so cheap. Compared to the prices I'm hearing of here. *Gulp*.

Secondly, your second sentence was all Greek to me except for the $400 part, which I still find a bit ex, but at least fathomable, perhaps in 4 instalments. Are you the one selling, or is there some kind of second-hand store in this forum?

kayheem · Post by **kayheem** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 8:46 pm

For starters, take a look at these:

http://www.singastro.org/viewtopic.php?t=32
http://www.singastro.org/web/mediawiki/ ... _Singapore

Yes, there is a buy and sell column in Singastro:
http://www.singastro.org/viewforum.php?f=12

There are good scopes being sold in Singastro. However, not all will be suitable for newbies. Read up on the first article and familiarize yourself with the different types of scopes. Then, tag along the observation sessions for a hands-on. There will be many seniors' who are willing to teach during those sessions.

Once you are aware on the different scope types with their pros and cons, revise your budget accordingly.

Kay Heem