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li.peng · Post by **li.peng** » Fri May 06, 2011 9:37 am

Beginner here. Did some reading on telescope and would like to get a 6" or 8"(if budget allows) newt c/w alt-az mount/tripod. Wanted a alt-az mount because I figured EQ is too complicated.

Would like to use it for planet and comets viewing.

Any recommendations on scope to get will also be appreciated. Thanks.

Robin Lee · Post by **Robin Lee** » Fri May 06, 2011 11:01 am

What's your budget？ (since you mentioned "if budget allows")

li.peng · Post by **li.peng** » Fri May 06, 2011 11:20 am

I'm looking at 800 for the whole set. BTW, how useful is a GOTO for a beginner?
I would like to think that the money is better off spend on getting a scope with a better spec.

shirox · Post by **shirox** » Fri May 06, 2011 12:13 pm

A couple of months back i was like you, looking for a beginner scope to start off. Got myself a 2nd hand starblast 4.5 and sold it off shortlly.
Not sure for others, but i think a Mak is not too bad for planets and light observations.
Like the ones from Skywatcher comes packaged with EQ mount, Diagonal and some entry level eyepieces.
By getting this you can straight away enjoy your sessions with the scope.
Slowly you can invest in better eyepieces to enhance the views.

Goto functions are good to have and very convenient especially when you don't really need to know where the objects are and the GOTO just slew there for you.
Some alignments are required so you might wanna find out how to do it. (Still very much a beginner myself so can't advise much)

Maybe if you want, you may try purchasing this book Gary recommended me:

Backyard Astronomer's Guide

This book is available at kino taka and contains loads of information that you can use as a reference before you proceed with your purchasing decisions.

cheers

andeelym · Post by **andeelym** » Fri May 06, 2011 12:39 pm

A GOTO mount, allows you to learn some brighter stars which are easier to spot and use them for alignment. Most goto mounts requires 2 to 3 stars for accurate alignment and some can rely on just 1 star, which requires some finetuning later which is easier to do.

That is a good book to start off and if you wanna save some dough, buy it from Amazon.

li.peng · Post by **li.peng** » Fri May 06, 2011 3:22 pm

Yes, I was looking at the Vixen R130sf which would be my ideal type with the porta 2 mount. Either this or the Skywatcher 150mm AZ4.

Also, was considering Skywatcher 150 f/5 with the EQ 3 but felt was a little on the heavy side.

Am planning to get the backyard astronomer's guide sometime this month. But would like to see if anyone has any nice scope for let up to this beginner here.

Robin Lee · Post by **Robin Lee** » Fri May 06, 2011 4:46 pm

li.peng wrote:I'm looking at 800 for the whole set. BTW, how useful is a GOTO for a beginner?
I would like to think that the money is better off spend on getting a scope with a better spec.

For me, GOTO is indispensable since I do quite a lot of sidewalk astronomy. It helps me to navigate to the desired objects while still be able to pay full attention to the audience. Furthermore, it kinda shows a lower threshold for newcomers that they don't have to put a lot of effort into learning the art of navigating before they can enjoy the wonders of the universe. Of course, it's highly recommended for every enthusiast to master this art.

Have you looked into dobsonian? For your budget, you might be able to get an 8".

Gary · Post by **Gary** » Fri May 06, 2011 5:07 pm

@li.peng: Will you be mainly observing at home, near your house or prefer to travel to dark sites in various parts of Singapore? Do you drive? How important do you rate portability?

I recommend a used and properly collimated 5 inch MCT and use the money you saved from buying a 6" or 8" scope for some decent eyepiece(s) and/or finder if you want to stick strictly to your $800 budget.

Without the need to do frequent collimation, it will save you time to enjoy on looking at planets and comets. The cooling down issue of the thick glass in front is not much of an issue here in Singapore and nearby countries.

This will also set you up for an easy binoviewing experience in the future. Bought an inexpensive 2" MCT to SCT adapter for my Mak and now I can use 2" accessories on it - focal reducer, SCT mirror diagonal, 2" eyepieces.

orly_andico · Post by **orly_andico** » Fri May 06, 2011 5:15 pm

actually you can snag a C8 for $350 to $400 USD. This will leave you (after shipping) with a couple hundred $ for an undriven GEM mount. Or.. did the Vixen Porta that Joyce was selling, actually sell? I believe that was $175 and it can carry a C8.

shirox · Post by **shirox** » Fri May 06, 2011 5:43 pm

Shipping charges has increased but USD has dipped by alot. and yes its good time to buy from states now.