Planetary telescopes for beginners

[soots]

I have been searching for a telescope that is good for observing planets and I haven't had much joy in the advice department. I was wondering if any of you stargazing loungers have any good telescopes I could maybe buy!

Thank you, Soots.

[rowan46]

welcome to sgl what sort of budget are you looking at?

[sunshine185]

Hi, can you give a price budget you have?

[soots]

Between 150 to 250, not much but it's tough working in a kitchen

[rowan46]

how firm are you on price if you could stretch to this First Light Optics - Skywatcher Skymax 127 SupaTrak

if not then this one

First Light Optics - Skywatcher Skyliner 150P Dobsonian

the skymax is a great scope for planets as having a long focal length it takes magnification very well

the dob has a larger apparture so will give a brighter image however being a shorter focal length in proportion to its apparture (f ratio) it will give a wider view and not magnify as much it is the better all round scope but the skymax may just shade it on planets

[soots]

Would you say these are relatively portable?

Thanks for the help.

[rowan46]

it depends on what you mean by portable. if you want to carry them on your back no. if you want to put them in a car they should both fit in the boot both are easy to take out the house to the back garden

[soots]

Would i be able to carry it maybe one kilometre comfortably enough, maybe half a kilometre