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Greetings from a novice in Rutland

kreekineez

By kreekineez
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kreekineez

kreekineez

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Hi everyone - I have just joined the SGL following an earlier phone conversation with a member of the team at FLO. Until now I have only 'dabbled' and tried some very basic 'gazing' using a Meade 4.5" followed by a Celestron Nexstar 102. Whilst both got me interested neither telescope did enough to help me appreciate this fantastic subject so I want to be bold hence my discussions earlier today with FLO. I was initially enquiring about a Skyliner 250PX Flextube but they suggested that I ask on SGL for more advice before committing. 2 other telescopes that I am interested in are the Celestron C8 SGT XLT and the Sky Watcher Explorer 200 PDS HEQ5 Pro. Whilst I really enjoy photography, my prime challenge will be to understand how to use the telescope to its full ability, and more importantly appreciate what's up above. I may try some AP later on hence the reason why FLO suggested against the 250PX. Most of the time the telescope will simply be lifted outside into my back garden as we are lucky to be fairly rural and blessed with great skies...weather permitting. I would however like the option to be able to transport the telescope if opportunities arise to join any local groups once I have learnt the basics. So can anyone help me? I am serious about getting serious hence my decision to buy a good quality telescope that will last a while. i would like something that can be considered relatively portable especially in and out of my garden, and whilst initially I want to study how to use a telescope and learn/appreciate the skies above, in due course I may try my hand at some very basic AP using my existing Canon EOS DSLR. So I hope to hear from some of you soon and would really welcome and appreciate any advice - however frank it may be.....!! Many thanks

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HIP3802

HIP3802

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Welcome to SGL kreekineez! I have the 250PX Flextube Dob - it is an excellent scope for viewing, but is not really suited for photography. For photography, amongst other things, you will need the ability to track an object in order to get long exposure; the 250 is a dobsonian scope and only alows for very short tracking (and so short exposure for photography). The 250 is also quite a large scope; a fit and healthy person wouldn't have too many problems moving it around as the tube does separate from the base and, being a flex tube, it does collapse down to reduce size and make it easier to move.

I have no experience of the other scopes you mentioned - but no doubt others will be along to share their experiences and offer advice.

Martin

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JamesF

JamesF

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Welcome to SGL

I don't think it's particularly unfair to suggest that it's quite hard to find a single telescope that works well for visual use and AP. For visual use the 250PX would be great, but with the exception of solar system imaging using the GOTO version, it's going to be tough imaging with it. The C8 may be suitable for AP with a focal reducer, but I'm really not sure how well that would work with a DSLR. The 200PDS on the HEQ5 may be the best compromise of the lot.

For what the C8 costs, or thereabouts, I'd be tempted to go for a 200P dobsonian for visual and an ED80 on a HEQ5 for imaging and keep the two separate.

If you're interested in imaging though, before buying anything I'd have a read of Steve Richards "Making Every Photon Count". It should give you a much better idea of what you might be looking for and perhaps even give you some ideas you'd not thought of.

James

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Bernard254

Bernard254

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Hello, welcome to the lounge, I am currently considering upgrading to the SW 200PDS, the plan was to put in it on a EQ5, but earlier posts have steered me to a HEQ5 (once I have convinced the wife) let me know how you get on if you do get one

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kreekineez

kreekineez

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Many thanks for your replies and all the great advice, which I really appreciate. The more I read and research I wonder if the AP side may be too specialist and possibly too expensive..... I love gadgets and already have a couple of other expensive hobbies/interests. I don't think I will be able to get away with buying 2 telescopes to start with even though the total cost may be the same as what I originally planned on spending, so if I was to ask advice on getting the best mount and scope to get me hooked and good enough to last for a few years at least what would anyone suggest is the best option? I will order the MEPC book as suggested. One more question does anyone thin the Celestron SkyScout is worth getting for a beginner (with grandchildren to educate in due course....!!) Thanks again

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Obi Wan Ken00bi

Obi Wan Ken00bi

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I had the same dilemma a year ago. I decided on getting a good mount ( CG-5 GT, although your heq5 is even better) and a 'too' light scope for the mount so I could always move into AP (a 6 inch reflector). After some nice AP and viewing, i'm still very happy with the setup, although in the future i'm gonna upgrade to a 8 inch.

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JamesF

JamesF

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Many thanks for your replies and all the great advice, which I really appreciate. The more I read and research I wonder if the AP side may be too specialist and possibly too expensive..... I love gadgets and already have a couple of other expensive hobbies/interests. I don't think I will be able to get away with buying 2 telescopes to start with even though the total cost may be the same as what I originally planned on spending, so if I was to ask advice on getting the best mount and scope to get me hooked and good enough to last for a few years at least what would anyone suggest is the best option? I will order the MEPC book as suggested. One more question does anyone thin the Celestron SkyScout is worth getting for a beginner (with grandchildren to educate in due course....!!) Thanks again

I don't think I'd spend my money on the SkyScout to be honest. Especially given that there are quite reasonable telescopes to be had for a similar price. My seven year old daughter is doing fine finding her way around the constellations with a little help from me and once you can manage that the rest isn't that hard.

It's hard to judge what works well for children though. A GOTO system can be worthwhile, especially if you're learning your way around yourself and finding things can take time. I think there's a lot to be said for a GOTO dobsonian or GOTO alt-az telescope when younger children are involved. Given a few other bits and pieces either of those could potentially be used for imaging solar system targets, so you have to opportunity to at least partially realise your ambitions there.

James

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Rich MedRev

Rich MedRev

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Hello and a warm welcome to SGL from me :grin:

I would be inclined to look towards a similar set-up to mine which is a Dob with digital encoders, which create a push - to scope.

A great aid to assisting finding DSO's but you dont need power and you can disengage and star hop with ease.

To be honest I rarely use the push-to these days but to begin with it will help.

it is always better to invest in bigger and better optics rather than electronics as the views are seriously better in a bigger scope.

+1 for Steve's book, I have just finished reading it a third time in a month and all is nice and clear to me for AP, apart from where I'm getting the funds from!

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