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Telescopes

Johnny Pneumatic

Master Poster
Joined
Oct 15, 2003
Messages
2,088
I'm getting a telescope. What ones would you recommend?
I want one that is uncomputerised, can be connected to video and still cameras, will pack-up into a case so it can be taken on trips.
 
Those are pretty hefty requirements - do you have a scope now? Have you ever had one?

I don't think there's a whole lot of point to being able to connect a video camera to a telescope (unless your neighbors are attractive nudists), as astrophotography relies on long exposures.

Assuming you are getting this for skywatching:

For a starter scope, spend $300 and get either a good set of binoculars (7x50, 9x63, or 10x70 are good choices; the largest would need a tripod for most viewing as they're pretty big), or an Edmund Astroscan (NOT the Bausch and Lomb look-alike - it has inferior optics). DO NOT get any scope that advertises it's maximum magnification - that's a sure sign of junk - nor should you get one from a deparment store. Neither of these choices will be suitable for astrophotography, as they aren't guided at all, but they're simple enough to avoid killing your interest. They're also pretty portable.

For a portable guided scope suitable for some astrophotography, there are some 4.5" Maksutov-Cassegrain scopes out there. They are compact and will produce nice images, but won't be as satisfying for use just with your eyes as they have pretty narrow fields of view.

Or you can just bite the bullet and get
really Obsessed! I'll totally be your best friend...

did
 

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