Which one should i buy

[beastmaster]

Hi

I'm new to this hobby. I have no idea which scope is best for me. Below are the list of them which I know of and are interested. Need expert advise of all bro and sis.

Celestron
PowerSeeker 127EQ
AstroMaster 130EQ
114LCM
NexStar 114SLT

I am leaning towards deep space observation and occasionally planetary, eclipse or meteor. Eventually to advance in deep space photography. Which of these to go for? OR any other recommendation?

Thanks in advance.

[Gary]

Hi Beastmaster. Welcome to the forum and the hobby!

Base on your requirement, it seems like you should a reflector which should give you better bang for the buck per inch of aperture which is important for DSO.

Do let us know more about your other requirements so we can give you better advice. E.g.:

- are you willing to travel to darker sites in singapore and other countries (e.g. malaysia) regularly?
- how important portability is to you?
- what is your budget?
- do you have private transport?
- do you have a good viewing location at home?
- is there a nice nearby location that is suitable for stargazing?
- why do you prefer DSOs more over planets/moon? what are the best views of planets/moon you have seen before and through what scope?
- have you join any star parties before and look through different types of scopes?
- are you a technical/geeky/DIY person?

In addition to reading the articles in singastro FAQs/Articles forum (viewforum.php?f=19), you may find this article useful: http://www.astro.sg/p/buying-telescope.html

Good luck and have fun!

[beastmaster]

Hi Gary

Thanks for your reply.

- are you willing to travel to darker sites in singapore and other countries (e.g. malaysia) regularly?
I do not foresee travelling unless with a group of enthusiasts
- how important portability is to you?
I do have my own transport, does that solve any portability issue?
- what is your budget?
$500 - $1000
- do you have private transport?
I do
- do you have a good viewing location at home?
Currently no. 2 years later maybe.
- is there a nice nearby location that is suitable for stargazing?
I am staying near Tampines Stadium, I believe there is.
- why do you prefer DSOs more over planets/moon? what are the best views of planets/moon you have seen before and through what scope?
I like the colors and pattern of those nebulas, galaxies. I do understand that I can only see grey scale unless I have the necessary add-on equipment.
- have you join any star parties before and look through different types of scopes?
I have not. Not so sure if anyone will be willing to.
- are you a technical/geeky/DIY person?
I believe so. The last thing I DIY is my PC,

[Davegn]

Hi beastmaster,

Welcome to singastro,
and welcome to the hobby.

- what is your budget?
$500 - $1000

Kinda low budget for a good 1st hand Telescope, you might wanna consider 2nd hand in singastro buy and sell forum. Many of the Telescope there are pretty good and well taken care of.

- have you join any star parties before and look through different types of scopes?
I have not. Not so sure if anyone will be willing to.

Feel free to join me @ bishan Park 2 if i m having a sidewalk event and when the weather is Clear.
You can feel free to join me @ Facebook for more info regarding when we will be having a sidewalk event.
We have two refrators (102mm and 80mm) over here which you can have a go.
We might be getting a 5" or 6" MAK or SCT soon, if we could find a good deal.

Or you could follow Gary at his page on twitter page for more info when he conducts sidewalk at Toa Payoh area.

[beastmaster]

Hi Dave

Thanks for your input.

You mean 500-1000 not enuff? 0.o

Eh those models that I picked are not good enuff? Maybe you can advice me which are good? So I can go do some compare n research.

I would love to hands on. Do let me know when you have outings and thanks for adding me in FB.

[Davegn]

Welcome.

500-1000 it enough for most of them you have listed.

[acc]

Hi bm where do you intend to buy your scope? For better value, it may be better to look out for the good deals that come up in the Buy n Sell forum. Be patient, don't rush and attend one of Gary's numerous sessions first.

[Clifford60]

Hi BeastMaster,

I suggest you start with the LightBridge Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope 10" first, big and not so expensive, HK$4600 excluding shipping & GST. Scroll down the webpage below to find the simple write out.
http://www.grandeye.com.hk/meade.html

The bigger the aperture, the more you will see. Refractors will give better contrast and is better for astrophoto, but you will pay a lot more for the same aperture when compare to reflector. To take astrophoto it takes more than a telescope, you will also need good tracking mount for long exposure and you will need to learn the technique as it is different from normal photography. So maybe when you are more ready, then you get into astrophoto.

Nevertheless, you should join the ob session before you decide which scope to purchase.

[Airconvent]

Welcome to Singastro beastmaster!
You may or may not want to buy but its always nice to drop by Astro Scientific at the Science Centre to check out the range of scopes on display there to get a feel on what's available in Singapore. Cheers

[beastmaster]

Hi All

Thanks for the input. Managed to chat with Dave a little. Headed back to do research again.


Omni XLT 150 and C6-NGT difference is only computerize mount and optics is power is equivalent right?

Then NexStar 6SE or C6-NGT is good?

PS: Think I am getting poisoned...