What to look/watchout for when buying a new/used telescope?

[Ekezial]

the subject says it all, HELP us Noobs/Newbies!

Thanks!

[VinSnr]

the subject says it all, HELP us Noobs/Newbies!

Thanks!

Simple. Some rules here :

1) Dun buy scope that says give u 600X power

2) Dun buy from Astro Scientific centre unless you have lots of cash to burn. Their stuff is normally more expensive than others.

3) Buy one that you can comfortably bring around. Big aperture is no use unless you can carry them

4) Check which design u need first. Each has its pro and cons. You need to know if you are buying for photos or visual

5) Before you buy any used scopes in Singapore, go to astromart.com and compare the prices in USD dollars. Factor in shipping and GST cost. That way you will know if the local guy is trying to pull a fast one.

That's all I can think off for now.

[kayheem]

There is a post on the different scope types earlier. Do a search and read through it first.

The important ones are mentioned by VinSnr. Get the biggest scope you are comfortable moving around. No point getting a 12" reflector on an equatorial mount where you get a hernia each time you try to move it.

If you do not drive, a 5" MCT/SCT on an altaz mount seems to be a good compromise between aperture and portability.

Take your time and try out different scope types during the viewing sessions before deciding.

Kay Heem

[ariefm71]

a good compromise between aperture, portability, and price is perseid's 8" truss dob. I recommend them heartily...
Search for perseid on this forum.

[Airconvent]

We have taken the effort to post some FAQs on this forum.
Its good if you can read through them to get a rough idea on what is out there and what you want.
Also, before deciding, join weixing at tampines this sat for his regular obs...
he's becoming one of the most active gurus here....heh

rich