telescope for amateur

[doctorbenny]

So I ve been looking thru nightvision cam an binoculars at the night sky decided its time to invest in a telescope, I'd rather spend the little extra if it's worth it thinking 150 300 at very top end any suggestions? Only be using it in house or garden I'm abit of a random gazer like to look at lots of things what could I expect to see with a price range like that? An would be nice to film or take pictures but if that would jeopardise quality or distance think I'd be alright leaving photo part. Thanks

[JamesF]

It's awkward to get a setup that works for both visual and astrophotography, so I think you're making a good choice to leave the AP bit out, especially as it really doesn't come cheap unless you put an awful lot of effort in.

In that kind of price range I'd say any of the Skywatcher Heritage 130P, 150P or 200P dobsonians would be excellent choices. At the bottom end of your budget the 130P is very hard to beat, and the 200P dobsonian would really give you some excellent views with the increased aperture. As well as the price you should also consider the space you have to keep it when not in use and how easy you need it to be to move to where you'll use it. You don't want something that's too heavy for you to move or so big that you're always tripping over it because there's nowhere suitable to keep it out of the way.

James

[wookie1965]

Sound advice once again from JamesF you wont go wrong with the 130p but if you want a bit more aperture and you have space get the 150p.

[doctorbenny]

Yes I'm thinking the 150 p just the size of it have to see if I can make room any one know dimensions when setup roughly? Thanks for fast replys

[JamesF]

At a rough estimate I'd say that if you point the tube straight up then it will be a little under 1.5m tall, and the base is around 45cm diameter. That's my best guess though. I don't have one to measure from.

James

[wookie1965]

JamesF is right here is a post i found

[doctorbenny]

I might just have the room for the 150 p any advice where to buy it? If any one knows of any shops in Lancashire that sell them that would be great if not a trusted internet site will do. Thanks for help guys

[JamesF]

First Light Optics, the forum sponsors, have a good reputation and fair prices. There are other places that I'm happy to purchase from such as Rother Valley Optics, 365 Astronomy, Modern Astronomy (these are the ones that immediately spring to mind; there are surely others). I'd generally avoid camera shops and places that don't specialise in astronomy kit.

James

[rowan46]

we have a supplier review section if you would like to choose your own as well as our sponsor who also get good reviews

http://stargazerslounge.com/forum/90-supplier-reviews/

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/

and here is one in stockport if you want to go and see one

http://www.telescopesandbinoculars.co.uk/acatalog/NEW_BRANCH.html

[doctorbenny]

I shall go an have a look at the 150 p at the shop so can see size of it then find best price using these recommendations thanks