ScifiMan1966

Thank you Any pointers and experience you can give would be greatly appreciated

Hi and Thank you Can you tell me why most would recommend the 200mm scope? What is the difference between a 150mm and 200mm as i what can you see and not see?

Hi Thank you The 200mm one what was the make and model? i never realised that temperature affected viewing? What do you ave now and what made you choose it?

How did you find the 12" skywatcher worked for you and what made you move form that to you current one? What are the model numbers?

Thanks for taking the time to put a few ideas, do you have any equipment yet or are you will waiting to take the plunge like me ?

Hi Dave Thank you, that's appreciated and also any knowledge you can put my way

Hi ****SORRY FOR THE LONG OPENING MESSAGE, HOPEFULLY I WOULD ANSWERED MANY OF THE BASIC QUESTON**** I'm from Essex and no not part of the towie brigade. I've had an interest in astronomy for so long now but gone to take it to the next level a few times over the years but then I would read, then see the conflict of ideas and I suppose like a lot of newbies and novices thought where do I go. I've seen people on here saying what should I do well for me the 1st thing is post and ask for your help I've been reading the difference between tripods and stands, then motorised and not but of course I am guided by you and your finer knowledge. Then the various different kinds of scopes where of course everyone has their own personal view which is the beginning of my journey and I am not fixed on one or the other, again looking for guidance. To answer the question of what would I like to do, well for me to start off with it would be nice to see the planets and moon as clear as possible, obviously based on budget, size and locality, I'm not looking to do astral photography but like others maybe in the future or if there is a combined option maybe a little earlier. To answer those points, I've seen people say up to £100 or in that vicinity as a starting budget then up of course, for me I think from £200+ up to say £400 or nearby. As for size and portability, I imagine would be good looking from an open upstairs bedroom window and then at other times in the garden, so I'm not that worried about weight, so as long as it can be moved I'm fine. My garden is surrounded by other homes but all of the main street lights go off at midnight allowing a better level of darkness, I've seen planets by eye the moon clearly and of course many stars quite clearly after midnight just by sitting in the garden but would like to take that further. So yes it would be nice to see deeper into space but for now I'm happy to look at the moon hopefully the best I can, planets and stars and so on, I'm not expecting massively deep space yet but of course if there is a happy medium scope that shows planets and deep space great. I'm not stuck on motorised as I do see people saying they can be a pain but then if otherwise I'm happy to look at one. So in closing budget say up to £400, I cant see the for sale part of the forums because of the rules yet, realise I should go to a decent shop and dealer, not overly worried about size as I am happy to move and it will bit at home for now. So yes a total beginner with a little bit of research but then looking for the great knowledge and experience that you all have. Look forward to reading your replies and hopefully very shortly taking the plunge.