ScouseSpaceCadet

It's very difficult Sarah. Astronomy just isn't cheap. It's up to you really. If they say it is in perfect condition with all the parts including eyepieces then £45 is OK. They are about £80 new. Another option is binoculars. A reasonable binocular can be bought new for around £50 plus a book. Views of vast expanse of sky through binoculars can even be quite overwhelming if you're somewhere dark. Great for camping trips.

All true, but if the mount is horrible then that puts people off. Also EQ mounts can be tricky for beginners. Mr Biscuit had the benefit of his own suite of mounts to try his optics on, so not really a true test of a good beginners scope as it's the whole package that matters. Especially if finances are really tight. If Sarah is able to pick up the 60mm f10 on an az mount and with eyepieces for £45 then hopefully that will be a nice and very cheap intro without skinting herself.

Ahhh soz I didn't notice. One is 60mm aperture, the other is 70mm. Still if you want to look at the moon and stars then the 60mm for £45, if you're on a very tight budget and the seller is trustworthy then yes.

For £45 the BK607A72 is worth a punt if it is immaculate. http://skywatcher.com/product/bk-707az2/

You don't need a moon filter. The moon isn't so bright in a small telescope. The eyepieces supplied with the telescope linked are adequate to get you started. A barlow lens you can buy sometime in the future. A barlow is basically a tube with an extra lens or two that sits in the telescope focuser (presuming a 2x barlow) & doubles the magnification of an inserted eyepiece. The next mini dobsonian up is this: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/beginner-telescopes/skywatcher-heritage-100p-tabletop-dobsonian.html It comes with a red dot finder instead of an optical finder, the same two eypieces and a 2x barlow.Watch the video.

Hi Sarah, besides other undesirable features the mount will drive you both nuts... I appreciate the budget is tight. If you can't stretch to a bit more or would prefer to spend less then: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/beginner-telescopes/skywatcher-heritage-76-mini-dobsonian.html A table top mount, so best used on a sturdy garden, or picnic table.

Individually we all have different interests, circumstances and disposable income, however, faced with the same predicament, I would buy the Starfield, sell the Bresser and for now keep the C9.25. The f7 Starfield will be easier to manage and is more versatile than the f13 Bresser.

Don't forget to employ your Scouse butler. 😁 That kit will sparkle daily, rest assurred!

There's an excellent condition & bargain priced 32mm plossl in the classifieds... (shameless plug *cough*). 😁

I had the same problem but simply hand tightening the nose piece really tight into the body sorted it.

Thanks. Even better, they're free. The father in law is buying them for a Chrimbo pressie. He normally gives me £20. He best cough up the difference!

After reading the last 'cold feet' thread I meant to buy a pair but forgot... Just ordered. 👍

Same here. I'm knackered today. Daftly believing the over optimistic early hours forecast I stayed up late to catch A1 Leonard... 🙄

If this is the gold standard then expect a neatly folded pile of clothes & a note left on Formby beach. Does FLO deliver to Brazil?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TalentCell-Rechargeable-6000mAh-12000mAh-Lithium/dp/B0713T4XT9 Pick up a molle tactical bag & velcro straps to keep it dry. https://www.firstlightoptics.com/astronomy-cables-leads-accessories/lynx-astro-silicone-power-cable-21mm-dc-jack-to-21mm-dc-jack.html https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adm-replacement-saddles/adm-dual-dovetail-adaptor-for-az-gti.html

Regarding the Ascent, if you want to keep expenditure to a minimum and have an achromatic beating 102mm f7 telescope, then yes it is great for the price. Build quality is up there with some of the more expensive variants. The only difference I can see is the fpl51 glass rather than fpl53. They're internally baffled with a nice 2.5" rack and pinion, 10:1 fine focuser. The tube finish and rings are the same. If you can justify the expense, of course go for the fpl53 FLO Starfield, Altair EDR, Tecnosky or TS Optics Photoline to squeeze every ounce of performance from the aperture and focal length aided by the fpl53 glass. I wanted the best new 100-120mm refractor possible with a maximum budget of £500 and I'm happy I have it. Regarding collecting, after much research the TS Optics 125/975 is calling out to me...

Awww. Cheese based presents. Romance is not dead. I'm fillin' up 'ere. 😳

Which is why this year she decided to buy her own. I must try that!

Don't spare the expense. Get yourself something nice. You deserve it! 😁

That's great John. Our school despite the size of it, the ferocity of both students and the teachers (some of them were swines), did have a swimming pool in the grounds and its own outdoor pursuits centre in Ambleside, so not all bad. Also plenty of flat playing fields for no holds barred massive fights with the Catholic boys school next door. A very popular music & drama teacher was done for kiddie fiddlin' when I left so being talentless I dodged a bullet! I only encountered posh kids once, during my five years in the Kings Regiment ACF during an inter unit competition we were billeted with Merchant Taylors (posh private school) CCF. They were scared to death of us rough uns from Kirkby AND we won the competition. 👍😁😉

Ahhhh. For a bit I thought there was some serious gaslighting going on! Thanks for clarifying. 😁

I'm confused but no probs that's usual. The 4mm is a keeper for me. It is that good, I really don't feel the need to try another after previously trying three other 4mm. The 6mm ortho I like but if the 6mm SLV is miles ahead then that will be on the pressie to self list.

My 2000 pupil comprehensive didn't have a single telescope. Looking back all the spare money probably went into arts and sports. The small, rather infamous (back then) town has spawned several famous actors, a pop band or two and footballers. Sadly if one couldn't act, play an instrument or kick a ball one was thrown to the lions! (Who would probably burn you with a magnifying glass... 🙄)

Very nice Spock. I've been eyeing up the 5mm. I hope you do a review. 😀

Ay up! 😉