Also, try www.astrobargains.com
They claim to be selling the Celestron FirstScope 76 (this is the same tube as the Astromaster 76EQ) but on a Dobsonian mount, for $165 NEW.
That IMHO is a better deal than a questionable EQ mount. The success of the Orion Starblast has shown that a small Dobsonian is not a bad idea.
I need opinions and suggestions
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orly_andico
- Posts: 1616
- Joined: Sun Aug 09, 2009 11:14 pm
- Location: Braddell Heights
- Contact:
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Bergkamp_
- Posts: 1581
- Joined: Sat Oct 11, 2003 11:31 pm
- Favourite scope: Telescope that i can bring out
- Location: Singapore, Bukit Panjang
I believe bino can save ur money and do the same thing.
Celestron 76EQ with Eq1 mount, not the kind of scope worth starting with. I think a 4.5" newt will let u see more things.
By the way stuart, u taking the melon? i just msg u..
Celestron 76EQ with Eq1 mount, not the kind of scope worth starting with. I think a 4.5" newt will let u see more things.
By the way stuart, u taking the melon? i just msg u..
Wee Ern aRmeD wiF Telescope reAdY tO taKe ovEr thE skY .. wIF jUst mY naKed eYEs .
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timatworksg
- Posts: 767
- Joined: Mon Feb 01, 2010 9:42 pm
- Location: Pasir Ris
Here's my 2cents....hehe!
Personally, any scope is great! Small or big, cheap or expensive! Alot will depend on various variables apart from aperture. I do agree that size matters (...blush**) but with the Singapore skies being unpredictable + light pollution, it can put an 8" to hardly any use sometimes. Will you see stars?...yes, clusters, doubles...lots! But some nay be fuzzies, faint fuzzies or possibly small resolved clusters. If it's a clear perfect night (hard to come buy) a small scope will show lots!!!
Consider other variables such as:
- Time into the hobby
- where you see yourself and the scope 1 month down the road. Getting something in a rush may leave you wanting more.
- An EQ1 or EQ2 mount may suit the scope you initially purchase, but when you get more familiar with the night skies, and you wanna get a bigger scope, the mount you originally bought may not hold the weight!! Also if you wish to dabble in Astrophotography for fun, the mount is a good investment!
- The kind of skies you have at your place as well as your viewing region. Good clear view of the mid to zenith or low in the light polluted areas?
- Do you see yourself setting up at home or indoors and out? Heavy mounts + scopes make the trip no fun in the long run.
- If you see yourself collecting different scopes and mounts then no prob. Have several to suit different uses.
- If you can afford it....Have fun!
- Visual observing only??....You can learn lots with a small aperture scope. We all crave resolved clusters, nebulas and what not's but it does come at a price for scope and mount!
Just some food for thought. I met several who went down this line. I myself, frankly, started this way several years ago, when all I wanted was the BEST! But in the end, never thought of variables as mentioned above and of course starting a family!
I had a C8....now sold as it was hardly used when I moved from my old place to a bigger home. The view I have now is great!! East to South from my balcony!!! BUT....low floor and I only have a small window of opportunity with the area above the light polluted horizon! Which means I am more a visual ob person now. When I have the time and in the mood, I pack lots, battery and counterweights, lug it up my next door car park roof top and set up there. Sometimes, the baby cries and I have to pack up everything and walk down! Such is life and priorities.
What I'm trying to get at here is, to look at it at the Hobby perspective! And don't let the glamour of things get in the way. Sometimes I find that the whole idea of a hobby is often lost the moment something significant and expensive gets in the way, then it suddenly becomes a Trend to be cool with it! I don't put down big scopes or those that have them, as I had one before, but as we grow into the hobby, you get into a niche and routine.
I will agree to holding back and saving a little more for something better. Eyepieces and a good mount are two worthy investments as they can go on forever with any scope! The size of the scope only shows you what it can from it's capabilities.
The BEST scope is the One you use the most! And this can be any scope! I mostly find myself using my 80ED on my GP mount at home and outside. When it's cloudy or I'm tired (mostly everyday..hehe) I use a cheap 10x50 bino.
Astronomy is a Great and Fun hobby! It's about learning the night skies and understanding them. The scope helps you see what you read about and wish to see....though you may not see them clearly (most nebula's are a grey patch...and not colorful like the pics you see) the Fun is in the learning and keeping those around you in awe as you explain how to see a black dark night sky!!
Lastly, the BEST scope overall.....the Eyes!! A scope needs them....! Overall Have FUN the best way and with what you can afford! It's YOUR Hobby.
Personally, any scope is great! Small or big, cheap or expensive! Alot will depend on various variables apart from aperture. I do agree that size matters (...blush**) but with the Singapore skies being unpredictable + light pollution, it can put an 8" to hardly any use sometimes. Will you see stars?...yes, clusters, doubles...lots! But some nay be fuzzies, faint fuzzies or possibly small resolved clusters. If it's a clear perfect night (hard to come buy) a small scope will show lots!!!
Consider other variables such as:
- Time into the hobby
- where you see yourself and the scope 1 month down the road. Getting something in a rush may leave you wanting more.
- An EQ1 or EQ2 mount may suit the scope you initially purchase, but when you get more familiar with the night skies, and you wanna get a bigger scope, the mount you originally bought may not hold the weight!! Also if you wish to dabble in Astrophotography for fun, the mount is a good investment!
- The kind of skies you have at your place as well as your viewing region. Good clear view of the mid to zenith or low in the light polluted areas?
- Do you see yourself setting up at home or indoors and out? Heavy mounts + scopes make the trip no fun in the long run.
- If you see yourself collecting different scopes and mounts then no prob. Have several to suit different uses.
- If you can afford it....Have fun!
- Visual observing only??....You can learn lots with a small aperture scope. We all crave resolved clusters, nebulas and what not's but it does come at a price for scope and mount!
Just some food for thought. I met several who went down this line. I myself, frankly, started this way several years ago, when all I wanted was the BEST! But in the end, never thought of variables as mentioned above and of course starting a family!
I had a C8....now sold as it was hardly used when I moved from my old place to a bigger home. The view I have now is great!! East to South from my balcony!!! BUT....low floor and I only have a small window of opportunity with the area above the light polluted horizon! Which means I am more a visual ob person now. When I have the time and in the mood, I pack lots, battery and counterweights, lug it up my next door car park roof top and set up there. Sometimes, the baby cries and I have to pack up everything and walk down! Such is life and priorities.
What I'm trying to get at here is, to look at it at the Hobby perspective! And don't let the glamour of things get in the way. Sometimes I find that the whole idea of a hobby is often lost the moment something significant and expensive gets in the way, then it suddenly becomes a Trend to be cool with it! I don't put down big scopes or those that have them, as I had one before, but as we grow into the hobby, you get into a niche and routine.
I will agree to holding back and saving a little more for something better. Eyepieces and a good mount are two worthy investments as they can go on forever with any scope! The size of the scope only shows you what it can from it's capabilities.
The BEST scope is the One you use the most! And this can be any scope! I mostly find myself using my 80ED on my GP mount at home and outside. When it's cloudy or I'm tired (mostly everyday..hehe) I use a cheap 10x50 bino.
Astronomy is a Great and Fun hobby! It's about learning the night skies and understanding them. The scope helps you see what you read about and wish to see....though you may not see them clearly (most nebula's are a grey patch...and not colorful like the pics you see) the Fun is in the learning and keeping those around you in awe as you explain how to see a black dark night sky!!
Lastly, the BEST scope overall.....the Eyes!! A scope needs them....! Overall Have FUN the best way and with what you can afford! It's YOUR Hobby.
Wow. i didnt expect my so many replies! you people are really an amazing and friendly bunch. i have sort of decided to get the skywatcher newtonian. it seems good, and it is near the budget. Any more suggestions on scopes?
I do have another question, any astronomers in/near bukit timah? so i can hang out with you guys and learn more at the same time
I do have another question, any astronomers in/near bukit timah? so i can hang out with you guys and learn more at the same time