Scope for a Newbie. Advice please!

[Duckie]

Hi all

It's my partners birthday approaching and they've always had to interest in 'what's out there', fascinated by anything surrounding moons, stars, planets etc. So I thought maybe I'd encourage this hobby and get them a scope. However, I have NO idea where to start, I know there are lots to choose from, different types, sizes etc.

We live in the country so general nice clear skies, it wouldn't have to be fancy as it would be a first scope but do want it to be half good. Looking to spend no more than £70 ideally for a scope that is easy to use and not much maintenance.

Any help on what to look for, best spec to keep an eye out for or any links would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

[eriksters]

umm... this?

http://www.telescopeplanet.co.uk/national-geographic-76-350-dobson-telescope

[John]

Hello and welcome to the forum

It's quite difficult to recommend a scope that will provide some nice viewing experiences for under £100 to be honest but this newish scope from Skywatcher has had some positive feedback on here and is just a bit over your budget:

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/beginner-telescopes/skywatcher-heritage-100p-tabletop-dobsonian.html

It's very simple to operate and sits on a firm table top. There is a little video on the above linked page which shows you what you get.

[Grogfish]

A pair of 10x50 or 8x40 binoculars may be a different choice with the budget you're thinking of. Perhaps these Helios 10x50WA:

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/helios/helios-naturesport-plus.html

Or I'd be tempted to give Matt Frost at Sherwoods Photo a call (http://www.sherwoods-photo.com) - they have a big selections of binoculars and I've always found him helpful.

Try to save a few pound for a sky chart (the Philips series are a standard starting point - you could probably get one from the library to start with!), or even an app like SkySafari Plus for his/her phone. A book called Turn Left at Orion gets excellent reviews, but it's £20 in it's own right.

[happy-kat]

As you live in the country I expect you already have binoculars so if you so I would perhaps get a planisphere and Turn Left at Orion book and see if the interest takes you further.

[glynnlondon]

Maybe worth looking at second hand at that price the site below often has scopes about that price range 

http://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/

Also worth checking on astroboot which sometimes offer refurbished scopes in your price range

one here of a decent starter (skywatcher explorer 130) scope at £79

http://www.astroboot.co.uk/AstroBoot/telescope-and-astronomy-stuff.html?highlight=AB8445#AB8445

[Duckie]

Thanks for all your replies guys. I shall take a look at all your links when the partner is not in the same room!

Thanks for the links on second hand one Glynn, I didn't think of that!

[damnut]

Hi Duckie,

Good advice above, you would be amazed at what you can see with decent bino's . And the two books are a great start. Whilst you are at it download a planetarium program for your partner. Plenty out there but try stellarium its great and free, to be found here :-- http://www.stellarium.org/  ..

It would also help if you went to a local astro group so that you can see what others have and what may suit you, to be frank with your budget you   may be better off looking at the used  market. You will get a bigger bang for your buck. The above skywatcher 130p for £79 is a great start.

What part of the fatherland are you in?

[Duckie]

Thanks for the info Damnut. I would like to spend more money but as it'll be his first one I don't want to go too crazy and if he decides it's something he'd like to get more into then he can upgrade in the future.

I'm originally from Cardiff but currently living in Llandrindod Wells

[damnut]

Hi Duckie,

Stick to your budget  and don't let us make you spend more than you want, don't forget binos if you cannot find a scope that suits. You have great skies in Llandindrod, which really helps. I am from Nwales so an ex pat now, though back home for Easter!!

Hwyl!