Hello, fellow gazers!
New guy here, asking the age old question for the bazillionth time.
I've done my best researching the topic, reading through previous posts and watching several hours of youtube content, so I have formed something of a baseline understanding of it.
But first, a little background information:
I've always been fascinated with astronomy and all things space, however for some reason that is beyond me, it has never occurred to me that I could buy a scope and take a look for myself.
I was recently introduced to this world by a friend of mine, who out of the blue showed me pictures of Jupiter and Saturn through his scope. I didn't even know he had one.
I have a good understanding of what is to be expected from someone's home telescope, so instead of being underwhelmed, expecting a Cassini photo, I was in awe.
That basically set me on the path of research that inevitably led me to this wonderful forum. Reading through previous topics everyone seems extremely friendly, patient and open to explain in great detail. Several youtubers warned that astronomy enthusiasts love talking about their gear, so it didn't come to as much of a surprise. Before stumbling on this website however I first discovered a local forum from my country (Bulgaria), however that was absolutely not the case. Reading through "beginner telescope" topics there everyone was being an absolute "elitist" with quotes like "if you're not spending at least 800 pounds (adjusting for currency here) you better quit altogether". It was a quite discouraging, however after seeing all that many of you have had to say, I see that it was also not true.
On to the matter at hand.
Researching types of telescopes, sizes, ratios and what not I've managed to narrow it down a bit.
I'm pretty much set on a refractor. Not only because it "looks like a telescope", which it does btw. The collimation, acclimation and general characteristics of reflectors don't appeal to me as much.
As for budget, I believe I could stretch it to 200 pounds, maybe 250 tops.
Target objects - idk really, I haven't tried anything to know what I prefer. I live in the capital so light pollution is definitely a problem when considering DSOs.
Size doesn't pose a problem. I have space to store it and I'm a big enough man to carry a meter long telescope and tripod. I was really surprised that size was such an often mentioned issue in other discussions.
As far as mounts are concerned. I believe I would prefer an AZ mount, but that is flexible. I checked out some tutorials on EQs and they are really not that complicated and have some clear benefits.
Also completely uninterested in photography at this point. I just want to observe.
Here are several telescopes I've been eyeballing and some questions I have about them:
1. Skywatcher Evostar 90/900
2. Skywatcher Evostar 90/660
3. Celestron Astromaster 80
4. Skywatcher 705 and 707 on the lower end of the spectrum, however as most everyone says, if you can get the bigger aperture, get it.
I understand the difference between the 90/900's f/10 and the 90/660's f/7-ish.
I've been reading up on Barlow lenses and Focal Reducers, of which I see the former being much more prevalent.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but a 2x Barlow would effectively make the 90/660 into a 90/1320 of sorts. In that case would the 660 have more versatility with just that extra Barlow?
Also, does the Barlow lens hinder the quality in a way? For example would a 90/500 with a 2x Barlow be inferior to a 90/1000? If so, in what way? Color? Resolution?
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the listed scopes (especially the first 3). Your experience with them, the positives the negatives, what they are good at and what they aren't. I understand that in this price range for each "+" you have to sacrifice something else. I would like to have a better grasp of the compromises that I'm making. Are there any others that you would recommend?