Is this a good deal/investment for absolute beginner

[Kungfuthug]

8" Bosch and Lomb Dynamax Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope.

3 Eye pieces and a Barlow Lense one 30mm, one 19mm televue Wide Field and one 18mm one B&L Camera Adapter and one Canon T-Ring and one ext tube

Tripod and attatchment

Excellent Condition

$300

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

That does not sound like a bad deal at all. I have had a (Celestron) 8" SCT for almost 20 years now, so they can serve you for a long time. With the EPs on offer the price is awesome, I would say

[Kungfuthug]

How old would a telescope like this be?

Is there any tips on inspecting before buying?

[Earl]

I have a thought in the back of my head that these had some optical issues. but dont take my word on that is my head is a jumbled mess at the best of times

Id do some googling and read up reviews i think thesre are an 80's scope.

[Earl]

http://www.telescopebluebook.com/sct/bandl.htm

[Earl]

http://www.cloudynights.com/topic/364155-bl-bausch-lomb-8000-or-80001/

[John]

Hello and welcome to the forum. Although the price is low the B&L schmidt-cassegrains have a very checkered reputation in all honesty.

Have a look at the excellent (and free !) guide to used SCT's by Rod Mollise and he covers everything thats out there:

http://skywatch.brainiac.com/used/

Page 145 and onwards refers to the B&L SCT's.

[Earl]

http://www.cloudynights.com/topic/249449-criterion-dynamax-8-schmidt-cassegrain-telescope/

[Earl]

Personally speaking from a quick look, is consider it a collectors piece more than a user.

A new 8" is goign to give much better views.

[Kungfuthug]

Ok. Maybe I'll pass on it. thanks.

[Peter Drew]

+1 for the pass!.  

[Gazabone]

From experience, there's more to go wrong with a SCT. I bought an 8" Celestron from eBay that turned out a complete mess although cosmetically it looked great. A point of light when focussed turn out to be a straight line, out of focus, instead of a donought shape (0) it was a distinct figure 8.

Having said that the two other SCTs I have are brilliant so the only advice I would give is try before you buy.