First scope

[billydean]

Hi my name is Dean but people call me Billy.I'm a beginner and looking to buy MY first telescope(emphasis on MY because I bought a celestron first scope for my six year old).

I'm looking for advise on a good begginer scope for around £100/200 as there so many I'm finding it difficult chose the right one.Any advice would be welcome as I don't want to make a mistake and want to get the most out of my limited funds

thanks Billy

[steppenwolf]

There is indeed a wide range of of telescopes available in this price range - this would be my shortlist:-

Skywatcher Skyliner 150P Dobsonian £199.00

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/dobsonians/skywatcher-skyliner-150p-dobsonian.html

A lot of telescope for your money - great for the Moon and planets and a Dobsonian is just so easy to manoeuvre

Skywatcher Startravel 102 (AZ3) £185.00

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/startravel/skywatcher-startravel-102-az3.html

A lot of refractor aperture for the money on a reasonably substantial mount

Skywatcher Explorer 130P (EQ-2) £165.00

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/reflectors/skywatcher-explorer-130p.html

A mid-sized reflector on an equatorial mount at a fair price

Skywatcher Startravel 80 (AZ3) £149.00

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/startravel/skywatcher-startravel-80-az3.html

A lovely, eminently portable little refractor on a good solid mount

Skywatcher Skyhawk 1145P £119.00

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/reflectors/skywatcher-skyhawk-1145p.html

A firm favourite with a good aperture at a very low price

Skywatcher Startravel 80 TableTop Telescope £100.00

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/startravel/skywatcher-startravel-80-tabletop-telescope.html

Now this is just a steal at the bottom of your price range!

Why are they all Sky-Watchers? You already have a Celestron and Sky-Watcher do have a great reputation for value for money.

[JamesM]

Hi Billy and welcome to the forum

Clear skies

James

[billydean]

Thanks for the reply I was looking at the skywatcher 130p just unsure whether to buy it.I'll have good look at your recommendations and do a bit more research before I commit.Thanks again for your advice it always good when someone with experience can guide you

[billydean]

Thanks for the welcome James

[swamp thing]

Hi Billy

Welcome to the stargazers lounge.

I'd go for the skyliner 150p myself.

[gingergeek]

Hi there and welcome to SGL. Steppenwolf has given you some good info to read there 

[ToxoLight]

Hi Billy and welcome to the lounge, You wont go wrong with a Sky-Watcher as your first scope, but I am a bit bias. 

[billydean]

Thanks for welcome guys I'm looking at Steppenwolf's list and to be honest I'd like to confident before I commit but its still the 130p so far

[purdo]

Hi Billy & Welcome to SGL.  Good luck choosing your scope, took me three months before deciding on a  200P Dobsonian after taking advice from the folk here.

[Jim Steele]

Hi Billy and welcome to SGL.

I would advise joining a local astronomy club since they'll be able to show you so you can try before you buy.

They are some great options as already suggested, a EQ mount is a great option if you have young kids since mine would knock a dob off target though I suspect the eq2 would be a little flimsy.

Best bet is to see one for yourself either in a shop or a local astro club

Good luck with your choice and welcome to SGL

[michigander]

Welcome to SGL, Billy!

Dana

[glowjet]

Hi Billy and welcome to SGL, good luck with your scope hunting, Steppenwolf has provided a useful list for you to ponder over, however, the largest aperture you can afford, should give you the best bang for your buck, the 150 Dob in particular being well worth considering. Try and find user reviews of the ones you are interested in, this may help you come to a decision. Whatever scope you end up with, enjoy  

[billydean]

Thank glowjet I never really considered a dob before.As I'm living I'm the Welsh valleys I'm only 5min away from almost complete darkness so I will be traveling with my scope.Would a folding table be steardy enough for a dob

[m37]

Hello to you and welcome!

[billydean]

Just been reading some reviews on the skywatcher skyliner 150p and I must say I think it's the one for me.Even though it's at the top end of my buget and it's bigger than I expected(you tube video) I think I can still transport it fairly easy to darker skys and be satisfied with its performance.Would you recommend waiting and saving for a 200p or is 150p a better option for starting out

[Pete Presland]

Hi welcome to SGL from Pete in Bedfordshire

[laudropb]

Hi Billy and welcome to the SGL. I have a 200p and its well worth the money, But I do not think it is easy to transport. If you do intend using a distant site perhaps the 130p is the better option

[billydean]

Laudtopb it's 5min drive then I'll have to carry it about 100m top and will be on a few occasions.Most of the time it will be from my garden

[billydean]

Thanks for your welcomes guys

[laudropb]

Then Billy go for the 200p and all its light gathering

[billydean]

I'll have to save for the 200p have you used the 150p is there a big difference between them is the 200p worth the extra money

[reddoss]

Welcome to SGL Dean/

[C7tsj]

Welcome to the forum.

Mark

[Charon]

Welcome aboard.