beesy

Neil! Thank you for all of your help too! I just ordered the

Thanks John! I have quite a few USB battery backups and would like a dew heater that can attach to one of them. I'll be on the lookout for something like that... I will order a dew shield at least but which notched version should I buy? AZ-123 or AZ-132

Thanks Neil! Are the Astrozaps flexible plastic better than a flexible foam shield? Two models appear for the 9.25. The notches seem to be the only difference between the two. Both are US $41.50. Janet

Hello John, Thank you for the timely response and encouraging words! I'm about to jump in... I'm still considering Amazon because Celestron wants another US $54.00 shipping and with Amazon Prime, shipping is free but the biggest reason is Amazon has a phenomenal and extremely easy Return policy. I'm not totally sure but it might just be worth the "extra" US $165.00 for my piece of mind. I'm not "planning" on returning it but you never know... Instead of a homemade choice, can you recommend a dew shield or dew shield+heater model? I'm lucky to be in an area that has less light pollution (although right now we have lots of smoke due to the many forest fires in my state of Montana) so I believe that I will have some wonderful viewing opportunities. Ultimately I would like to try some astrophotography (Ok delusions of possible future skills at this point in time! LOL!). Going to start out with a cellphone as I've read about a lot of actual successes. So many possibilities! If you still have your review photos somewhere I'd love to see them. Dang Photobucket for changing their policy from free to paid. Messed up so many posts! Thanks again, Janet

Neil, Your Advice is Much Appreciated! I'm hadn't even planned on ordering a case yet...just to be sure until I decide that I'll keep the telescope I decide on purchasing. I'm pretty excited reading all of the discussions and seeing the photos of what others have viewed with the 9.25 and less expensive models as well. What a fun hobby it is going to be!

Hello John, I want to thank you SO much for your review of the C9.25 and all of the other suggestions and information. Even though your Review and posts are 2-3 years old and the corresponding photos no longer appear, I am very close to ordering the C9.25 based on all of the information within this thread. I have to be honest. I have absolutely zero experience with telescopes but have always been interested in astronomy yet never followed through. After experiencing the recent Solar Eclipse here in America (on August 21, 2017) it has totally sparked my interest and now I want to jump in and get a telescope that I can grow with. I do not believe that I will lose interest (even with some frustration) and will spend the amount of money it takes to own the C9.25. I could be getting in (initially) way over my head but feel I will be able to handle it in the long run. I have been reading, reading, reading and learning. I also have a cheat sheet but the acronyms drive me nuts sometimes. (Haha! Oh well...maybe a short trip anyway!) Amazon here in the States has the C9.25 for US $2199.00 and it includes an Accessory Kit (5 Celestron Plossl Eyepieces, 1.25in Barlow Lens, 1.25in Filter Set, Accessory Carry Case) or Celestron is offering the C9.25 on their site for US $1979.00 but not with the accessory kit. Would you (or anyone else in this thread) suggest that I purchase the C9.25 with the free Accessory Kit or go for Celestron's deal (saving US $220.00) and purchase maybe a 2" EP plus something else? All, pease don't fault/flame me for jumping into this. I know some will call me crazy or just plain stupid especially that I have no experience, haven't joined a local club, tried out any other telescope (except for one, model unknown) etc. but believe me, i will/can learn. Thanks in advance for all of your help! Janet