Beginner's Scope Group Test in Kelling

[Kai]

Okay change of plans (I can do as i started it ) i have decided to move to price point up to £200.

Will this make it a better test , i hope so

Please can you post if you can help with a tester scope

[Whippy]

I'll be bringing the Mercury 705 anyway, but IF the missus finds a cheap enough TAL1 secondhand (we've both seen them go for less than £30!), I'll bring that along as it glides under the £200 ceiling easily. Don't hold your breath though. What with the other two I'l be bringing, I think I'll be the one getting looks from the organisers about 'selling', not Steve FLO!!

Tony..

[FLO]

Thinking some more then i still think £150 is reasonable (we are not testing additional accessories this time) and its easy to keep pushing the price point upwards to just add another scope in.

You are probably right, it's just that an extra £50 does make quite a difference to what is available.

The <£150 budget includes some good starter scopes:

Skywatcher Skyhawk 1145PM

Celestron FirstScope 114 EQ

Skywatcher Mercury 705

Skywatcher Startravel 80 (EQ1)

I'd be happy to fill in any gaps if needed

You could always do the £150-200 group test another time...

<edit> One or two of the new Celestron Astromaster series could also be included ... if they arrive in time.

[MartinB]

I will bring a Tal1. £175 but that includes a very solid mount and pedestal. Be warned though - you'll all want one!!

[FLO]

The Tal 1 is a superb scope, and very under-rated.

[Whippy]

I will bring a Tal1. £175 but that includes a very solid mount and pedestal. Be warned though - you'll all want one!!

I do! Well, L'missus does anyways..

Tony..

[Stardust]

I've got a Tal 1 that I've got to sell on my sisters behalf so I'll probably bring it along. Mind you I'm half tempted to have it myself, very good scope for the price and the eyepieces aren't bad either.

DAve

[Kai]

The more the merrier