sHiMoZu

The minimum of 50 posts to access the classifieds was done to discourage traders buying up all the good stuff and then reselling it at a profit on a certain internet auction site.

I was looking for this 'elusive' sections as I want to buy a used telescope but when I found out that you had to have 50 posts before you could view it, I felt a little downhearted as it meant that I had to be more patient when it came to buying my telescope. But I do agree with this rule completely as it is in place for our benefit and it has also led me to do more research as to what equipment is best for me rather than buying something on the whim and later regretting it.

The forum itself is perfect! Everything is laid out in well defined sections which makes it easy find the topics/subjects that appeal to you and I have found many pinned posts very useful. But ultimately, the forum is what it is due to the members and contributors who give up their time to share their knowledge with others

This is definitely going to be my first scope.. I'm tempted to buy it from Jessops (currently priced £265) but am trying to be patient as I might find a decent used one on ebay for much less and then I can use the savings made on better EPs for it. If I dont find anything by Mid October then I will pay Jessops a visit

This is an excellent guide to what can actually be seen rather than what you think you will see when you buy a telescope. I have yet to look through a telescope and this article has certainly given me a realistic impression of what I might see through it when I get one. Hubble quality views? one can still dream eh?