Quote:
Originally Posted by marlboroack
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That reflector telescope is rubbish. Wouldn't waste my time with it.
If you are starting out then you want an 8" Dobsonian at the minimum. A Dobsonian is easy to set up and you will be viewing great objects right away. The problem with equatorial mount reflectors like the one above is that they just don't capture enough light to see anything useful. A good amateur astronomical reflector will cost you at least $1500 whereas a larger Dobsonian will cost you a quarter of that.
With telescopes, the rule is the more light it can capture, the more you will see.
If you want a computer controlled scope then you want to go for either a Dobsonian with a go-to mount that guides you to a celestial location or a tracking telescope like the Meade LX90-ACF 10".
If you join an amateur astronomical society then you will be able to try out alot of telescopes and pick which is right for you. Most people will advise you to start with a Dobsonian.
Another consideration is you need somewhere dark. I'm not talking about your suburban back yard at night, I am talking about outback 100km from the nearest lit city, it is in truly dark places that you will get the most from a scope. There are some designated dark spots around the world.
A great forum if you are starting out is Cloudy Nights
http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthrea...reads.php?Cat=
a better forum is
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/index.php?home
however IceinSpace is very southern hemisphere centric.
The number one bit of advice I can give you is DO NOT BUY A CHEAP REFLECTOR TELESECOPE and don't go with an equatorial mount. It will end up in the cupboard never used.