Need help on choosing a telescope!!

[Thebreadshop]

Hi guys, im new here i literally just made this accounts minutes ago. 

I'm planning on buying a telescope I have no prior experience with telescopes at all and i'm absolutely fascinated with seeing space.

I personally would love to be able to see other nebulas and deep space if thats possible, but just seeing the planets in our galaxy would be fine,

So i was thinking of purchasing the Orion skyquest xt6 (my price range is around 300~ I would love to spend less though) 

I was just wondering if theres any other telescopes that could be as good or even better for the price.

[ronin]

For DSO's you will need the 6" and if possible an 8".

From what you say drop the "just planets only" idea, there are just 8 in the solar system and the majority of them don't count. You have Jupiter. Saturn and Mars in reality.

The 6" is a nice size, easy to haul around and will show a good number of DSO's.

Much will depend on the light pollution that you have.

You may find that Skywatcher scopes, their 8" dobsonian, cost less then Orion, so perhaps search and find out the cost of them. That extra 2" seems little but in effect it nearly doubles the amount of light collected and that for DSO's is relevant. But the 6" is a nice size.

Check for clubs for wherever you are.

[NotSoSuperNova]

I agree with Ronin but would consider just getting a set of binoculars and learning the night sky as an alternative. It'll get you used to being out at night if you're not already and learning the constellations and major markers is a great bases to build upon in whatever area you progress to. Who am I kidding though, buying the telescope is part of the fun right? +1 for the 8" Dob 

[RT65CB-SWL]

Hi 'Thebreadshop' and welcome to SGL.

A six inch is a great starter scope. If you can afford a bit more, go for either eight or ten inch if you plan on keeping something long term, (yep! it is called aperture fever). All I will say at the moment is... don't rush into it, and take your time. If you can visit a few star-parties and join a local society/club, do so. See what is in use, ask questions.

In UK/GB, 'SkyWatcher' dobsonians are very popular, whereas I believe 'Orion' are popular in USA.

[rowan46]

welome to sgl I think you have found about the best scope for that price Zhumell's come in at 8" so cost more and skywatcher don't sell their traditional dobs in the usa only the flexitubes so I think you have hit on about the best have a look at ebay or astrobuysell.com as they may have a second user 8" at the same price

[happy-kat]

Other considerations are, storage location and observing location. Level ground and/or stairs involved?

Telescopes and their mounts are a lot bigger and heavier than the shop image looks.

[Jim Steele]

I'd advise to get the biggest scope money and space permits

6 or 8" should show plenty of objects for a beginner if you have space for it. F8 should give some really nice planetary views.