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choosing a telescope
Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2008 10:36 pm
by kenshin
Hi
I'm currently looking for a scope and not sure for a beginner which one
can I go for.
Currently I've shortlisted 2 scope
1) Firstscope 80 EQ
2) Celestron NexStar 114 SLT
from astro science centre. thanks.
Regards
Ken
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 12:56 am
by weixing
Hi,
Firstscope 80 EQ
I think this is the long tube, F11 version. If yes, should be ok, but I would recommend you to get at least a 4" for Refractor for use in Singapore if your budget permit.
2) Celestron NexStar 114 SLT
I look at the specification and download the manual. The focal length is 1000mm (39 inch) and F-Ratio(focal length / aperture) is F8.77, but the tube length is very short... only (480mm) 19 inch. If this is the scope you mean, I'll recommend you to avoid this scope. The review for this type of scope is not that good.
Have a nice day.
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 4:29 pm
by kenshin
Hi WeiXing
Thanks will look ard tml at Astro (science centre) and check out with Albert.
BTW what will be the price like for a 4" refractor. Thanks
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 4:34 pm
by Sam Lee
Agree with weixing. Both the scopes are not that great to start with.
You can get a good SCT at a relatively cheap price. I recommend the Celestron C5 or C8 for a start.
Pairing it with a Manfrotto tripod or a portable mount will give you a good head start.
It is highly advisable that you join in one of the observation session posted here so that you can get more information from the 'gurus' before making any purchase. That way , you will know what you are spending for.
Regards,
Sam
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 6:02 pm
by weixing
Hi,
Hi WeiXing
Thanks will look ard tml at Astro (science centre) and check out with Albert.
BTW what will be the price like for a 4" refractor. Thanks
What's your budget?? The price of a 4" refractor vary a lot depend on quality and brand. Also, what's your primary observation interests?? Lunar/Planets or wide field?? Do you need a very portable scope??
Anyway, I may be going to Astro on Sunday late afternoon, can meet you up if you are free.
Have a nice day.
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 6:24 pm
by tungkian
if u're interested in a 4 inch refractor on a CG4 mount, astrobargains can get the celestron C4R in for less than 700! cause it's on clearance in the US now..i think only 200+ USD..
but it's LONG...you can take a look at astroscientific...they sell for ard 1300 there..i think more...cause got GST..
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 6:40 pm
by weixing
Hi,
if u're interested in a 4 inch refractor on a CG4 mount, astrobargains can get the celestron C4R in for less than 700! cause it's on clearance in the US now..i think only 200+ USD..
May be if OTA only, but with CG4 mount?? It's a real bargain if really at US$200.
Have a nice day.
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 7:59 pm
by tungkian
yeap..US having a clearance on the C4R...cause they have this new 102 mm XLT refractor...i think it's the same..except mount paint white..haha..and XLT..
Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2008 4:04 pm
by kenshin
weixing wrote:Hi,
Hi WeiXing
Thanks will look ard tml at Astro (science centre) and check out with Albert.
BTW what will be the price like for a 4" refractor. Thanks
What's your budget?? The price of a 4" refractor vary a lot depend on quality and brand. Also, what's your primary observation interests?? Lunar/Planets or wide field?? Do you need a very portable scope??
Anyway, I may be going to Astro on Sunday late afternoon, can meet you up if you are free.
Have a nice day.
Hi WeiXing
My budget is around $800. Will be using mostly to see deep sky object and planets if possible. As for portablitiy should not be an issue.
I will be going down to Astro on Sunday as well. If you are ok we can meetup hehe...
Regards
Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 2:22 am
by Sam Lee
Hi ,
Check out Buy and Selling Marketplace here in Singastro.
Offering for C8 OTA at a good price. Getting that and a decent mount (possibly a Vixen porta mount for a start) will be likely close to your budget.
The C8 has large enough apertures for dim objects (deep sky) and also planet viewing.
Regards,
Sam