SingAstro

Thank you all guys, now I know I should go for brand instead of specs. I think they are definitely not from those reputable brand, probably from some China lense maker. Whew.. I always have the misconception that specs is more important

Can someone please recommend a brand that produce "good and cheap" scope that I can go for? Where can I get them?

Also, what is "collimate"?

Sorry for creating all the trouble.

Regards.

Hi,

Thank you all guys, now I know I should go for brand instead of specs. I think they are definitely not from those reputable brand, probably from some China lense maker. Whew.. I always have the misconception that specs is more important

Specification is also importance, it will "tell" you what the scope is best to use for. Some scope manufacturer also state the quality of mirror in the specification. Brand is something like a guarantee... it will guarantee the general quality of the scope, but it also come at a price.

Can someone please recommend a brand that produce "good and cheap" scope that I can go for? Where can I get them?

1. Celestron - Astro Scientific Centre. They have reduce the price of their entry level scope to a more reasonable price now. The quality of their entry level scope are same as Sky-Watcher... basically they are from same OEM manufacturer.
2. Sky-Watcher - Harlequin Astronomics (while stock last) or McGill - All my scope are Sky-Watcher and I found the quality of the scope are better than I expected... may be I was lucky.
3. Antares - Harlequin Astronomics. Similar to Sky-Watcher.
4. Get one from used market - cheapest of all. Best is that you can try it before you buy.

Also, what is "collimate"?

Comillation is the process of aligning all the optics in scope. All scope need collimation, but some need to be collimate more often than others. Reflector and SCT need frequent collimation. Refractor and MCT normally don't need user to collimate, they'll hold their alignment once collimated in factory, unless you drop them or "misuse" them.

Have a nice day.

Hi Weixing, excellent answers to the questions!

I think it can be use as spotting scope... it generate a image same as a refractor without diagonal... only it is not that portable and look odd when use as spotting scope.

U sure? I think you would have to contort/distort your body into awkward shape to use it as a spotting scope... The image would have 90 degree orientation!

Hi,

How come 2nd newt scope got erecting prism?

I think he mean erecting barlow.

U sure? I think you would have to contort/distort your body into awkward shape to use it as a spotting scope...

I wonder why you think you need to be in a awkward position to use it as a spotting scope?? Just use it the same way as you normally do.

The image would have 90 degree orientation!

I think you'll be seeing a correct image if you use a erecting barlow or a erecting eyepiece.

Have a nice day.