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First Scope

ajaxrichie

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ajaxrichie

ajaxrichie

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Hi folks, just to start off im a 100% newbie, and am getting into this astonomy bug. Ive done a bit of research on scopes and I am thinking of getting a skywatcher 130 for my first one. Its within budget Jessops have it for £139 at the moment. I see other 76 scopes on ebay for around £50 but id rather spend a bit more and get something that seems a bit more up to the job. My aim in life is to see the rings of saturn and the orion nebula, which im sure this scope is most capable off. Ive also seen some celestron scopes but i think i prefer the skywatcher. any comments before i take the dark plunge would be most appreciated

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Zuben Elgenubi

Zuben Elgenubi

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Hi and welcome to SGL!

The Skywatcher 130 is a good first scope - very popular, and not just with beginners to the hobby.

I would recommend though that you buy a telescope from a specialist astronomy retailer, for example First Light Optics who sponsor this forum (other astro retailers are available!). If you had any issues with the scope then a specialist retailer will be much more able to help sort it out.

Jessops - fine for cameras and photography equipment, but I wouldn't buy a telescope from them as it's not their area of expertise. 

Also, FLO are slightly cheaper  :smiley:

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/reflectors/skywatcher-explorer-130.html

Hope this helps.

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swamp thing

swamp thing

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First of all, welcome to the stargazers lounge :)

TBH I find the little newts on EQ mounts too wobbly for any really good observing to be done. They wobble around at the slightest touch and drive me insane. Trying to focus one of these jellies as it wobbles about is an exercise in patience no one should have to endure.

Stability is of utmost importance IMO.

This is the scope I would pick.

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/dobsonians/skywatcher-skyliner-150p-dobsonian.html

A little higher in price than where you were looking I know but worth it.......oh yes.

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happy-kat

happy-kat

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Do you have a preference for mount type?

The Heritage 130p is also in budget but comes on a dobsonian mount, very quick setup and easy to use.

That 130 at Jessops does not have a parabolic mirror, but being only a beginner too not sure how big a deal this is.

This variant does.

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/reflectors/skywatcher-explorer-130p.html

What do you hope to see more of or is it a bit of everything?

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Charic

Charic

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ajaxrichie.........Hi. post #3 recommends the Skywatcher Dobsonian 150P  These telescopes  come in multiples of 500, so the next being 200P then 250P and so  on to about 350PX i think. many people have their budgets, and its a great start for us to offer some guidance, however, the budgets are often  not enough to achieve the satisfaction you so desire. Rather than say yes go for it! we`d rather you explore  the options offered here, and also check out  the dearer options, ending up with better quality right from the start. I`m using an 8" and is described as the Uk`s most popular, and I can see why. Its unlikely, I will need anything bigger, unless this one is damaged or stolen? Its main use is for observation, NOT astro-photography?  I would recommend to you an 8"  (200P)  reflector telescope on a Dobsonian mount as your first telescope. I know this is out of you present budget, but as time passes and you study and learn more, it all makes sense.

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ajaxrichie

ajaxrichie

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Richie Update : After reading many reviews and after a facinating visit to the Manchester Astronomical Society I have ordered a Skywatcher Explorer 130m on an EQ2 mount.

I was going for the 130 explorer but with the discount voucer code from Jessops that was posted on here last week ive managed to get it for £148. Speaking with the guys at the Manchester Society I have established it will do all I want to at the moment (clear skies permitting) I will hopefully pick it up on Monday Afternoon

Just about to download Stellerium on my tablet.

Are there any other essentials I should think of investing in apart from a warm coat and a flask !! ie red light torch etc

Many Thanks for all advice so far it really is much aprecciated 

Amy other Gazers in the Manchester area on the forum ?

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esxste

esxste

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Hi Richie,

I was given the Skywatcher 130 for Christmas by my partner (I was given no choice, but was assured research had been done!)

I can't compare to other telescopes, as before now I'd never looked through one! That said, I'm finding the SW130 is showing me the things I want to see. In little over a week and a half I've managed to get some great views in of the moon and Jupiter. With Jupiter for example, I could see the 4 big moons, and 2 bands of clouds, but no great spot yet. I caught a nice view of the Orion Nebula. I managed to locate andromeda galaxy, but it was mostly just a grey smudge!

As someone mentioned before, the EQ2 mount can be quite wobbly. At first it seemed like the slightest breeze would make it shake. After reading some tips on SGL I found that a nice heavy bag of sand on the accessory tray does help stabilise the mount well, so I recommend that.

I'd love to know how you get on with the eyepieces supplied, and how good you think they are.

Good luck!

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

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bomberbaz

bomberbaz

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Its making sure that the mirrors of your telescope are all correctly aligned. This is a popular guide to collimating a Reflector telescope http://www.astro-baby.com/collimation/astro%20babys%20collimation%20guide.htm Looks difficult, but once mastered, there'soon longer any fear!

my point exactly, I was tired when I made that post, sorry :-D
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