rwilkey

I would advise that you get used to using the supplied eyepieces first, they are not bad and are included to get you started. Give it a few months and then consider new eyepieces, once your eyes have been trained to observe, you will then appreciate the quality of better eyepieces.

It shouldn't do that, I think it is defective, but email FLO and they will advise and change it if defective.

Hi Nigella, if you were an observer, you would probably understand. As Ian says above!

It's a small world, you are certainly among friends Dylan!

Hi Dylan, it's so cool that you followed in your step-dad's footsteps!

Hi Dylan and welcome to SGL. I am sure I met you at the Salisbury Star Party in 2009 and have a photograph of you with your step-dads telescope. I remembered you because your name is Dylan and Bob Dylan is my favourite artist, so here's the photo, also on my website at: http://www.swindonstargazers.com/members/salisbury2009.htm

In my opinion if you want a starter telescope then a refractor is the best way to go and I would avoid reflectors and EQ (equatorial) mounts. Refractors are more expensive because they use lenses instead of mirrors Around your price range I have found the following: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/evostar/sky-watcher-evostar-90-660-az-pronto.html This will make an excellent starter telescope. I hope this helps.

Hi George and a warm welcome from me too just down the road, glad you found us. Best wishes and clear skies!

I agree with you, however, I bought all mine at the early US prices from Agena Astro, they were a real snip when they first came out.

This is always the most difficult of choices. Two initial thoughts when looking: a) Always buy from a recognised astronomy supplier b) Never buy a 'children's' telescope, they are usually made of plastic and are so poor they don't work basically. My recommended supplier are 'First Light Optics' in Exeter https://www.firstlightoptics.com/beginner-telescopes.html I would recommend the Sky-Watcher Heritage-100P,, as mentioned above. The concept of these table-top telescopes which have mirrors instead of lenses (often called Newtonians), are that they are fixed on what is called a 'Dobsonian' mount, which is like a rocker box that allows you to point up/down (altitude) or left/right (azimuth). You will need to put this part together as it comes in a flatpack - it is quite easy. The more traditional telescope (a refractor) with the long tube, lenses and tripod, which everyone pictures when thinking of telescopes will be well out of your budget at around £300. The one on the beginners page is much too complicated for children of your ages because it has an 'equatorial' (EQ) mount, which even some adults struggle to master, the Dobsonian has an alt/az (AZ) mount which is much easier to use. Note the eyepiece and focuser on the Dobsonian are near the front of the scope, whereas on a refractor they are at the back, so this will be a new concept to you. With the Dobsonian telescopes above you will need a good solid picnic table or similar to sit the telescope on. Larger (adult) Dobsonians sit firmly on the ground. One good thing about First Light Optics is that they have an unequalled returns policy, if your child simply does not get on with the new scope you can exchange it or request a refund within a month of purchase, howerver, there is a Chistmas extension on this time scale I hope this helps.

For the price, in my opinion the 16mm eye relief you get on BST Starguiders is around the best you could expect to get, though others views may vary.

Hi Scouser, I totally agree, you have summed it up in a nutshell. Well done, I couldn't put it into words, so thank you!

Hi Stu, I bought the ExSc first in my steady road to upgrading, so have a fond attachment to this one. But had the opportunity to buy the 31T5 when I saw it for half price on this forum, so went for it. I always find different ep's give you different experiences of the night sky, so am happy to hang on to similar focal lengths and quite often do!

I prefer the 1.25"s as they are easier to transport and are much lighter, but the views in my Nagler 31T5 and my ExSc 30mm are stunning and I cannot argue with these two beasts, but generally speaking I like the ergonomics and versatility of the smaller eyepiece.

In f/5 and similar scopes the 32mm Panaview is soft at the edges but absolutely stunning on-axis. It was the first upgrade I ever bought for my 200P and led me down the 82º route, just like Bingevader above.

Hi Chris, That's not far, I used to drive through Corsham frequently on my way to Bath. Your nearest astronomical society is https://wasnet.org.uk/ I am a member, they have monthly observing sessions in a dark sky spot - The Red Lion in Lacock - do give them a try, they meet once a month at Seend. Best wishes

Hi Chris, a warm welcome from me too, also in Wiltshire, where are you? Clear skies!

I have the 35mm Panoptic and find that pretty good with the eyeguard extender and I find that helpful, eye relief about 24mm, though I don't know what the exit pupil is.

You are so right! I love Cassiopeia and what it offers. Well done!

Hi there and a warm welcome from me. Clear skies!

The Baader Hyperions do not work well in f/5 scopes, the view gets fuzzy towards the outer 10%.

I stick by my Naglers, tried 100º, but didn't like them, the T6's and the T5's are unequalled in my view:

I find different ep's give different experiences and am always finding something new in their performance.

I have about 43 ep's, mostly Pans, Nags, EX Sc and BST Explorers

Not good in very fast scopes esp. Newtonians, in my f/5 they were very poor in the last 10%, not recommended.