Opinion on Firstscope 102AZ or the Skywatcher Mak 127

AGMI · Post by **AGMI** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 12:36 pm

Suddenly last nite, i got this "enlightenment" and Poof! i dont wat a huge dob anymore.Im thinkin of some thing smaller like the fs102az or the skywatcher 127 mak .. now what?

Post by **VinSnr** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 12:48 pm

AGMI wrote:Suddenly last nite, i got this "enlightenment" and Poof! i dont wat a huge dob anymore.Im thinkin of some thing smaller like the fs102az or the skywatcher 127 mak .. now what?

Few questions : How many constellations can you identify when u look up the sky? How long have u started astronomy? How many "real life" scopes have you seen THROUGH before?

If the answer to all the above is "not much"....I think you should stop thinking of scopes at the meantime. Get a bino and learn the sky. And join more observation session before you decide on scopes.

AGMI · Post by **AGMI** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 12:52 pm

Few questions : How many constellations can you identify when u look up the sky

alot

How long have u started astronomy?

few months

How many "real life" scopes have you seen THROUGH before?

some

i mean learn the sky more like identify more objects Eg.nebulas and stuff like that. as for the constellations, that i know

kayheem · Post by **kayheem** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 1:28 pm

AGMI wrote:
i mean learn the sky more like identify more objects Eg.nebulas and stuff like that. as for the constellations, that i know

I think what VinSnr meant is that you may not have looked thru enough scopes and observed through them enough to actually know what equpiment you really want or need. To switch from a big dob to a smaller portable scope within 1-2 weeks is pretty drastic. Imagine if you had already got the 10" dob last week and now you are looking at something that is 4-5" aperture....wow!

I am not discouraging you from getting a scope. My concern is for you to get a scope you will be happy with and that you will use. If you have not read it, take a look at an article I wrote for the site which introduces the different scope types with the pros and cons of each.

Look through the equipment list and talk to the owners. Better still, look through the scope. Your decision should be based on (among other things) cost, aperture, portability, ease of use and your intended target (deepsky or planets)

Kay Heem

MooEy · Post by **MooEy** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 3:14 pm

hmmm...i can see the enthu in you, but astronomy is not something where u can just jump into it, buy a scope and become gd in it overnight.

depending on your location, i do advise that you join one of us guys in night ob together with ur parents(they might get worried if you go alone). after a few sessions then u decide on equipment.

in the mean time, i suggest getting books to read up on. those are cheap stuff that u will rarely need to upgrade on.

~MooEy~

AGMI · Post by **AGMI** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 3:17 pm

but astronomy is not something where u can just jump into it, buy a scope and become gd in it overnight.

yes i know that and

in the mean time, i suggest getting books to read up on. those are cheap stuff that u will rarely need to upgrade on.

ya i hav a book already

ariefm71 · Post by **ariefm71** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 3:46 pm

you should really start with a good 10x50mm bino. if die die must have a scope, better ask your parent how much is their budget, then divide by two, that will be a rough budget for your scope. The other half is for the tripod and a decent mount, and maybe one or two decent eyepieces.

AGMI · Post by **AGMI** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 3:50 pm

you should really start with a good 10x50mm bino

ya i hav a bino

Grievous · Post by **Grievous** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 3:51 pm

Ahhh...the joy of youth....earnest to learn...feel like im old already!

Anyway, AGMI. Not to be a sourpuss or something, but what the uncles say is true. There are much to see with a dob though you're opting for a more portable scope now. But on a good scale of time, try spending like 3-6mths for a newly aquired scope. In this time, try to bring your scope around the island joining us for sessions, in the meantime, learn with the uncles and aunts on the pros and cons of the different kinds of scopes out there.

After that period, if you really can't handle the scope to bring it around conviniently, THEN consider getting a scope for your size (and pocket). Astronomy isnt cheap when you're as obsessed like VinSnr or Ariefm. A sizable dob like yours can do wonders if you know where to look and a little guidiance from the Fellowship of Dempsey.

Its commendable that you started young and with a good sized dob! Some of us here like me started off with Tascos, 60mms, 0.965s and the good old naked eyes.

Remember, Astronomy is the oldest of all Sciences. Its a never-ending learning experience.

Try indulging in this obsession of ours with your own money. You'll even appreciate the musky smell of a new scope. Wanna sniff my FLT?

Ok, sounding like a bad uncle here.

Indugle, Interact, Share.
Charlie

carlogambino · Post by **carlogambino** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 6:52 pm

Wa lau, say until lidat...(uncle auntie) although I'm young, I always thought all of you as 'big brothers and sisters'.

I feel reading up on astro is very impt. I already read 20+ astro books(serious) from various sources. I read everything from astrophysics to observation to star testing to astro dictionaries. Most important, listen to the above advice. These guys and gals have been observing for years and are quite 'pro' already, one who listen will really benefit.

SingAstro

Opinion on Firstscope 102AZ or the Skywatcher Mak 127

Opinion on Firstscope 102AZ or the Skywatcher Mak 127

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