What telescope should I buy?

[Pluto749]

Hi, I am a beginner I am wondering what telescope should I buy. It will be my second one, my first one was about £50 and I could see the moon very well with it.

Things I am looking for in my next telescope.

1) Not more than £240

2) Gives clear view of Jupiter, Mars, Moon, Saturn

Thank you.

[scitmon]

If its just the planets you are interested in, something with longer focal lengths will be better.  Perhaps push your budget slightly to a https://www.firstlightoptics.com/maksutov/skywatcher-skymax-127-ota.html ?

[spillage]

As you are observing and not imaging I would have a look at the second hand market for maybe a 8 or 10" dob. But it depends on your circumstances.

 

Sorry...And welcome to SGL.

[Adam J]

14 minutes ago, Pluto749 said:

Hi, I am a beginner I am wondering what telescope should I buy. It will be my second one, my first one was about £50 and I could see the moon very well with it.

Things I am looking for in my next telescope.

1) Not more than £240

2) Gives clear view of Jupiter, Mars, Moon, Saturn

Thank you.

Within that price range this is a nice scope for planets with a 1200mm focal length:

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

However push to the 200p if you can, its not too much more.

Adam 

[Pluto749]

2 minutes ago, scitmon said:

If its just the planets you are interested in, something with longer focal lengths will be better.  Perhaps push your budget slightly to a https://www.firstlightoptics.com/maksutov/skywatcher-skymax-127-ota.html ?

HI, which mount and tripod would you recommend for this telescope?

[Adam J]

3 minutes ago, Pluto749 said:

HI, which mount and tripod would you recommend for this telescope?

I was assuming your budget was for the scope + mount + eyepieces etc. Hence my recommendation of the dob (you don't need a separate mount). 

[Pluto749]

4 minutes ago, Adam J said:

I was assuming your budget was for the scope + mount + eyepieces etc. Hence my recommendation of the dob (you don't need a separate mount). 

Sorry, I was actually replying to "Scitmon"

But I have a question for you too, how long in terms of length (cm) do you think that telescope is that you recommended?

[Adam J]

1 hour ago, Pluto749 said:

Sorry, I was actually replying to "Scitmon"

But I have a question for you too, how long in terms of length (cm) do you think that telescope is that you recommended?

It is large that is the advantage of the skymax over a dob its more compact, I would think the dob is about 1.2 meters long. 

The disadvantage of the Skymax is the low field of view, it really is a planet specialist. So not much good at all for larget DSOs.

But if you really just want to view planets and the mount is in budget get the Skymax. 

Adam

[scitmon]

1 hour ago, Pluto749 said:

HI, which mount and tripod would you recommend for this telescope?

That's really down to personal choice and budget.  For just observing, an AltAz mount would be easier to use,  then you have to consider if you want a mount that locates and tracks objects for you?  Again, if its just for planets which are easy to locate, then tracking mounts are probably an unnecessary cost.

Examples of both: 

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/sky-watcher-az5-deluxe/sky-watcher-skymax-127-az5-deluxe.html

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/sky-watcher-az-gti-wifi/sky-watcher-skymax-127-az-gti.html

 

As others have said, if you think you might want to look at fainter deep sky objects, then a larger aperture reflector would be a better all rounder.  My recommendation was based purely on your desire to only look at planets.  Also consider the portability of your options, the best telescope is the one you will use the most so if a large telescope may put you off getting out your telescope, it might not be the best option. 

 

[dweller25]

2 hours ago, Pluto749 said:

Hi, I am a beginner I am wondering what telescope should I buy. It will be my second one, my first one was about £50 and I could see the moon very well with it.

Things I am looking for in my next telescope.

1) Not more than £240

2) Gives clear view of Jupiter, Mars, Moon, Saturn

Thank you.

Another vote for a 6" Dobsonian.

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

Within your budget a 6" Dobsonian will give you the best performance and value for money for looking at the planets AND deepsky objects like the Orion Nebula.

[RT65CB-SWL]

I'll add my 2p's worth. Go for a 6" or 8" Dob.

1. find a level surface.
2. place base of Dob on level surface.
3. no polar alignment.
4. enjoy the view. 

Mak's are great for Lunar/Moon and the planets, but for your second 'scope, it maybe a tad intimidating. Below are a few downsides...

1. they require 30-40 minutes cool down time.
2. you need to buy of make a dew-shield.
3. they do have a narrow field of view, which can be a headache if mounted on an alt-az mount.

<--- my ETX105 on a EQ mount.

 

Unfortunately no 'scope does all, so that is why many of us SGL'ers have more than one.

<--- and with my TeleVue Ranger on a alt-az mount.

[fiestazetecmk2]

200p dobsonion. Fabulous scope.excellent veiws. Does most things.there are plenty of owners on here.