Ladynat999

On a separate note, can anyone recommend a good beginners book for astronomy? 

17 hours ago, Nyctimene said:

A very good decision. I'm using it's smaller brother, the 130 P Flextube, as a very capable grab-and-go scope, and am always astonished at it's optical quality. Good to hear, that it will be in stock at FLO within a few days. Fix the helical focuser's slop with some centimeters of plumber's PTFE tape (just wrap it around the moving part), adjust the RDF finder during the day, using a very distant target, that you center in the scope, then align the finder. Have fun (it seems, as if you are affected with the astro virus as well as your partner)

Stephan

Thanks for the advice - rothervalleyoptics are having this scope back in stock next week so looks like the best option for Xmas however I'm keeping an eye on FLO. 

I had a crappy 2nd hand scope decades ago but it was enough to see Saturn's rings which made me want more. 

I think it's a fantastic hobby for either solo or for couples (or parents and kids). Absolutely can't wait, just hope he likes his present! 

Hi, 

I've decided on the heritage 150p - for the extra £50 it seems well worth the upgrade on the 130.

Ive found somewhere that is expecting an order next week so fingers crossed - thanks everyone for the advice! 

I don't like spending ££££ on things I don't know anything about as I hate wasting money!!!! 

Hopefully by the new year we will be able to marvel over the night sky (that's if we get any clear night's) 

Thankyou

Which is best out of these? 

Skywatcher Heritage 114P Virtuoso Telescope

Skywatcher Skyhawk 114 Telescope

Skywatcher Heritage 130P Flextube Dobsonian Telescope

The 130p I'm guessing, but that one isn't in stock and it would be a shame to miss out for Xmas. Still, if the difference is massive, I'll preorder.

I appreciate there are better ones out there, but I don't want to wait til Feb and £299 unfortunately is too far over budget atm

Which is best out of these? 

Skywatcher Heritage 114P Virtuoso Telescope

Skywatcher Skyhawk 114 Telescope

Skywatcher Heritage 130P Flextube Dobsonian Telescope

The 130p I'm guessing, but that one isn't in stock and it would be a shame to miss out for Xmas. Still, if the difference is massive, I'll preorder.

I appreciate there are better ones out there, but I don't want to wait til Feb and £299 unfortunately is too far over budget atm

Thankyou all!!! Very helpful! 

Thanks everyone. 

I see jessops have celestron PS1000 newtonian reflector in stock - is this one rubbish? 

1 hour ago, Tiny Clanger said:

Hello in Nuneaton ! You are between my true home (Brum) and my current one (just outside Leicester)

To the surprise of absolutely no-one who reads these threads, I'd suggest you pre order a SkyWatcher heritage 150p dob. for around £200.

It is easy to store (it closes down to half length), not too heavy to easily carry, simple to use , and is well thought of as a 'grab and go' device even by folk with more expensive instruments. It was my first serious telescope 6 months ago . and I love it.

I previously used a jones-bird celestron 114 eq which I inherited , and the difference is like going from a plastic disposable camera to a Nikon DSLR. Don't waste your money on a j-b , it will be a disappointment.

Heather

Is this the flexitube one?

I've seen this one in stock online.....£229.

Is this worth it?

Dorr Danubia Delta 30 114mm Catadioptric Reflector Telescope

Thankyou for the replies everybody, I realise after reading back my post I was very vague. 

Basically, the more I research the more confused I am about which telescope to choose! 

I was originally set on celestron astromaster 130eq, then further research led me to skywatcher explorer 130 EQ2, but after reading posts on here I read about Dobsonian mounts which led me to different scopes and more confusion!!!! 

If Xmas is impossible, which it probably is, I still want a scope at some point soon but I just don't know which the best would be for me for a) ease, enjoyment and the best view of planets and nebula in a fairly light polluted area. 

I would occasionally take this to my mums in Wales which has far less light pollution. 

Hi, 

I want to buy my partner a telescope for Xmas and have done some research but every telescope I choose seems to be out of stock. 

Could anyone please point me in the right direction? I want the best scope for under £200 to see moon and planets etc. I live in a town so there is light pollution. 

Thanks