Opinions please :)

[LukeSkywatcher]

Firstlight Optics also have the 130P for £175. It's worth opting for the P version (parabolic mirror) and and if you want to add the motor drive at a later stage it's only £31 more,

One thing - If you are looking at Ebay don't what every you do get a Seban or similar scope..... stick with Skywatcher, Celestron or similar brand that are featured in mainstream dealerships

Honestly, if the 130P is on budget brand new from FLO and a motor only costs £31...................................why even bother going second hand on the bay?

Least with FLO you know the scope is new and any problems that can arise (but normally dont with FLO), they have your back and sort it out ASAP.

I'd go for a new scope and forget ebay.

Just my opinion.

[rowan46]

I read that thread too a few weeks back and was then confused about whether it was Parabolic or not. In the end, I didn't want to take the chance and went with the principle to get the best possible optics. There must be some reasons why the SW costs nearly 40 pounds more.

Although the optics appear the same the skywatcher is built better. there is very little plastic on the skywatcher and of course the

finder is better

[Scott]

this is just my opinion and i stress just my opinion. for your budget you are not going to get a setup capable of imaging so if its going to be visual then i prefer a dob. my first scope was the 200p on eq5 (no drives) so apart from some basic webcam imaging its a purely visual scope unless i get motor drive. i've since bought a heritage 130 dob for holidays and find it so easy to use. sure the light capturing capability in the 200 is much better but for ease of use i'd grab the dob every time. hth

Scott

[ollypenrice]

I rather agree with Scott that for visual use more optics on a simpler mount (ie a Dob) would give better views and you would not need to polar align.

I would also avoid non specialist suppliers. Telescopes are not like most things you buy and a firm like FLO will look after you.

Olly

[Warren Parton]

Well guys after all the great advice i am happy to say that today i purchased a motor driven Astromaster 130 EQ. I am very happy with it and at £97 it was a bargain.

The next step (After reading up on and building my understanding) will be to purchase some quality lenses.

So any suggestions?

Thanks again to all

[rowan46]

I hope you enjoy your new scope. As to lenses if you want to spend Bst explorers from skies the limit have a good reputation as being very good eyepieces for a resonable price

[John]

Congratulations on the scope !

What sort of budget do you have for eyepieces ?

[Special K]

I hope you enjoy your new scope. As to lenses if you want to spend Bst explorers from skies the limit have a good reputation as being very good eyepieces for a resonable price

I second that, as well. £47 currently and quality is very good. Many sizes to choose from.

great you have settled on a scope!