isolli

Hi Philip, what tripod is this, if I may ask? I assume you are happy with how stable it is, aren’t you?

Ags, thanks for the advice on eyepieces for fast telescopes! Elp, yes, wheels would not help on this hike (and with 10 kg, I would think twice before going). The Orion ShortTube seems like it is a step up from entry-level quality, while more affordable than the lightweight ED refractors that are often recommended.

Ha ha, thanks! When you say that the SkyScanner is tough on eyepieces, I assume this holds true for low-power ones, correct? High-power eyepieces, which zoom in on the center of the image, should do fine, shouldn't they?

I would like to observe from a site that requires a 10-15 minute hike. I have handled a friend's Heritage 130P, and it would be too heavy to carry comfortably. As a beginner (upgrading from binoculars), I am looking at budget options. I have ruled out a Mak, as they are more expensive and probably harder to aim. Any ideas for a lightweight setup? I welcome suggestions, but I've considered the following 2 options: The Orion SkyScanner (100/400 Newtonian on a tabletop Dob, but can be mounted on a tripod as well); The Orion ShortTube 80-A (80/400 refractor in its "astro" configuration, with 90-degree diagonal). Is there anything that the ShortTube would do better than the Newtonian, besides offering the possibility of terrestrial observation? Refractors are sometimes praised for their crisp, contrasty images, but I'm not sure... The SkyScanner is cheaper but the ShortTube has better eyepieces. However, for the price difference (€130 vs €180), I could afford an additional eyepiece (either a zoom eyepiece, or a wide-angle in either 6mm or 24mm).

Binoculars are definitely a good option but if you're looking for a telescope, I would suggest looking at the Orion range, depending on your budget: The Orion Skyscanner, one of the best options under 100: https://uk.telescope.com/Telescopes/Orion-SkyScanner-100mm-TableTop-Reflector-Telescope/rc/1306/p/109943.uts The Orion Starblast 4.5, bigger (so more light gathering) but more expensive at 175: https://uk.telescope.com/Telescopes/Orion-StarBlast-45-Astro-Reflector-Telescope/rc/1306/p/109946.uts As others said, you will need to share more (budget, location, desired targets) for more specific recommendations.

Wouldn't the same be true of a coma corrector?