SingAstro

Hi,

I am new to this forum and astronomy.
I started to read on some book and some of your experience in first few steps to start this hobby. Many of recommendation for beginner is to get a reflector telescope with at least 5" (130mm) of aperture.
However, i have tight budget. So alternatively, i was searching for telescope with smaller aperture and lower $. I have come across the Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ in science center currently selling at $400+. I think is resonable pricing although it is not considered low. At first i was looking for AstroMaster 130EQ but it is about double of pricing. (With just additional 0.5" of aperture, i think it is not worth)
May i get your advice whether this is good for beginner? Some of the spec as following. Thanks.

Aperture : 114mm (4.5")
Focal length : 1000mm (f/9)
Build-on starpointer
Mounting : EQ-2
Eyepieces : 20mm, 10mm
Limiting stellar magnitude : 12.8

Hi Choudc!
Its pretty a good price for a 4.5" telescope for $400+ for a start. When i first started astronomy like 10 yrs ago. My first scope is Celestron Firstscope 114 at around $1k from science center too.

It has good light gathering compare to smaller refractors. Its pretty light and overall set up is easy.

If you are buying this set, you might want to look around for a barlow. The eyepiece given is good for start but if budget allow get better eyepieces (you can look around for 2nd hand EP in the forum, we do have good deals onces in awhile). A good finder with mag is good, i tried those red dot finder and find its pretty lousy in finding items.

As its a reflector with open tube and mirror, you will need to learn collimation to bring sharper view and you might be abit irritate with dust setting on the mirror. Because of the tube, condensation might form when you use out in the field.

To conclude, its a pretty value for money scope. If budget allows do try get a 2nd hand 5" MCT as they offer even better views and pretty small to carry around. If you got any question feel free to pm me.

Hi Bergkamp_,

Thanks for your advice. I will take note all the disadvantages you have highlighted.

I can understand that the collimation cannot be avoided for this type of telescope, i will learn how to do it when i finally get my one.
My friend recommended me 5" MCT as well, but i think it is too costly for me as beginner to consider. I need to know whether i can keep the passion to this hobby or the telescope will end up collecting dust?

Actually besides science center, is there any local agent with shop selling telescope in singapore? So far i only learn there are some selling online.

http://staropticsscientific.com/
http://www.astrobargains.com/index.htm
http://www.mcgill.com.sg/shop/default.p ... 3dd4796ac5

Well, they might have "shop" in their house for some of the venders here.

I brought telescope from staropticsscientific and mcgills b4.
For the prices, you can contact them to see if price can be nego.
A 2nd hand 5" mct is priced not very far from the price u are offering for the 4.5".
I personally feels the 4.5" reflector is very gd for a start, but if ur passion still goes on you will get a 5" mct someday or even apo scope.
Invest abit more now and it can last you longer.

Hi choudc, i have a 5'' mct if your interested pm me. as i am currently saving for something even smaller.
come with EQ-2 mount, diagonal, ota, no finder.
slow-mo controls, good condition
very goood for planets