can anyone help?

[bonzodave]

hi all,im new to astronomy and are thinking of buying a skywatcher explorer 130 but as there a few different models in that range im not sure which one would be best for a beginner,can anyone help?

[mt01]

the "m" model

[paul schofield]

It all depends on what you want really. Do you require the electric motor or do you need it ? I had the 130p and it was an excellent scope also a motor can always be added at a later date. Given the choice I would go for the 130p again as the mirror is parabolic and focuses light to the same point. Im not sure how many versions there are of that scope, 130. 130p and 130m I think. Anyway I would go for the 130p again. Have you not thought of a Dob ??? for around the same price you can get a 150p mmm food for thought I suppose. Good luck with your choice.

[sytra]

I have the 130m, good little scope just let down a bit by the mount.

[dtr42]

think the 130p has the parabolic mirror but the 130m has the ra drive [better for tracking planets etc] parabolic mirrors are better but maybe not in the 130mm range

[Catweazel]

Yeah, it really just depends on whether or not you want the motor drive. If not, the 130P is a really nice starter scope

[bonzodave]

thank you to everyone who has given feedback,think i will go for the 130p,does anyone know any good sites to buy telescopes?

[Tribal-Wolf]

The site at the top of this page lol

[paul schofield]

First light Optics, Harrison Telescopes, Rother Valley Optics, Sherwoods Photographic, Harpers Photgraphic, Green witch etc etc. the list is endless but these mentioned are very reputable. I would start at FLO they are great.

[bonzodave]

cheers tribal wolf

[bonzodave]

cheers paul,will give flo ago