Questions from a newbie (:

[bleujos]

@ fizzy - Thanks for the advice, but yeah, if I were to bring it out, I would probably have someone to ferry me around. And about obs session. Where can I find them? :O

@ weixing - 18kg is a lot of weight o.o thanks for the advice.

one more question. would the Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope be better than the XT8?

[andeelym]

Personally, i would suggest an SCT or refractor for the sake of portability and storage.

What happens if there are great skies but the person is not free to bring you out? Its also quite heavy to lug around to a multi-storey carpark unless you take it apart properly.

With regards to maintenance, not sure of this dob is open or not, at least SCT and refractors are closed, so you dun have to worry abt dust going into the scope.

And dun think that it has GOTO. The function is useful if you are not too familiar with the skies and just have to know some bright stars position and the GOTO can bring you around better. Personally i like iOptron's GOTO as it has one-star alignment. Very useful if you live in HDB congested areas where you dun have the full sky view for 2 to 3 star alignment from other GOTOs. Pros, please correct me if I am wrong. I am quite a newbie myself.

[weixing]

Hi,

one more question. would the Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope be better than the XT8?

In terms of performance, the XT8 will be better than the XT6 as XT8 had a larger aperture than XT6. XT6 will be lighter than XT8, but not by much as the main weight is from the base which is the same for both model.

Anyway, you may want to check out the Orion StarBlast 6 Astro Reflector Telescope. In term of performance, it'll not be as good as XT6 in planetary and lunar, but it can give a wider FoV (Field of View) and it's a lot more portable than XT6.

Good luck and happy shopping.

Have a nice day.

[bleujos]

@ weixing - thanks. but i am still considering all of the telescopes available. cant really decide on one.

I've heard that Schmidt-Cassegrains are portable yet powerful. But because of that, it is very expensive. Are there any recommendations for any telescopes for that kind?

[bleujos]

Personally, i would suggest an SCT or refractor for the sake of portability and storage.

What happens if there are great skies but the person is not free to bring you out? Its also quite heavy to lug around to a multi-storey carpark unless you take it apart properly.

I finally know whats an SCT. Schimidt-C. Now I am interested, because I've heard it packs a punch + it is very portable. However, meade's SCT are very very expensive. A considerable one would cost up to 2000SGD. Definitely out of my range for a first time telescope. Any idea for something that hovers around 1k or so?

[andeelym]

I finally know whats an SCT. Schimidt-C. Now I am interested, because I've heard it packs a punch + it is very portable. However, meade's SCT are very very expensive. A considerable one would cost up to 2000SGD. Definitely out of my range for a first time telescope. Any idea for something that hovers around 1k or so?

You might want to look for a used scope. At least it does not break the bank if you just want to try out if this is a hobby that you want to follow thru. Used scopes are usually as good at least for the optics as owners will take care of their scopes. You might get some scuff marks and scratches on the exterior but that is cosmetic.

Meade is expensive, you might want to start out with a 6" of other brands.

[bleujos]

Okay. Will check it out

[antares2063]

+1 to the suggestion posted by fizzy123,.. dont jump straight into buying a telescope first...dont forget that once u own a telescope u will also need a large enough size Dehumidifying Cabinet to keep your optics dry.

Sg weather and humidity levels are 70-80% ...very easy for fungus growth..

Why not join us for some observation session in the forum first? Rcj may be conducting one in east coast park area soon =) (waiting for more stable weather)

[bleujos]

Thanks for the advice.