First telescope

[Andy350]

Please forgive me for not using the search function. The reason is, my wife couldn't order me one as a surprise, but the one she found is out of stock. 

I live in Stroud, Gloucestershire. The garden is fairly good for gazing as there is minimal light pollution, I would like to be able to planets and other far distant objects (sorry I'm really a newbie!). 

This was the one that we were going to order, don't want to spend more than £200 at the moment, if there is a way I can take photos from my phone would be good. 

Skywatcher StarQuest 130P Newtonian Reflector Telescope - Rother Valley Optics Ltd
https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-starquest-130p-newtonian-reflector-telescope.html

[Pixies]

For £200, the scope that is often most recommended here is the Skywatcher Heritage 150p. However, it might not be the best one to attach a smartphone to, as the focuser is a little more flexible that the usual solid-tubed dobs.

Because of the current supply shortages of new scopes, your best bet might be to keep an eye on the Astro secondhand market - perhaps for the biggest dobsonian you can find/afford. The For-Sale section here is very safe and reliable. Astro kit is usually well looked after.

[wastedyears1981]

Hi @Andy350,

We have just got the Skywatcher Heritage 150P Dobsonian as a Xmas present and its a very well made piece of kit. The flex tube enables it retract saving storage space and making transport a little easier. The base is nice and strong with some good weight to it and doesn't feel flimsy. 

However, UK being the UK, the weather hasn't given us opportunity to use it in anger. Everyone I have spoken to have all spoken good things about this scope including some of the YouTube reviews.

[Andy350]

Thanks for the recommendations. Regarding the Skywatcher Heritage 150P, are there designed to be used on a table, as it doesn't have a stand? 

[Andy350]

Are there any opinions on this one? I do like the idea of a Reflector with a stand. 

https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-explorer-130p-reflector-telescope.html

[fifeskies]

If you are new to astronomy an EQ mount can be a bit awkward.

A dobsonian is an alt az mount and far simpler to use.

The eyepiece position changes as you move an EQ mount, and will end up under the tube in certain directions, with a dobsonian  it stays in the same position.

The 150 flextube version is a very good starter scope

Nice and compact for easy storage when not in use.

 

Supply of telescopes is very poor at the moment due to Covid interupting supply

 

Sky-Watcher Heritage-150P Flextube Dobsonian Telescope | First Light Optics

Video review here     Sky-watcher Heritage 150p Flex Tube Dobsonian Telescope - New for 2020 - YouTube

 

 

 

If you prefer the fixed tube version

Sky-Watcher Classic 150P Dobsonian | First Light Optics

This can be used direct on the ground due to the longer tube.

[Andy350]

OK, that sealed it for me, I think I'll go for the fixed tube as I want it to be on the ground really. 

Thanks everyone again for your help with this. Will let you know when it's ordered. 

Andy

[Jasonb]

Not to put the cat among the pigeons but for what it's worth I have the StarQuest 130P and while it is an EQ mount, it can also be used as an Alt-AZ mount. In fact, I haven't used it as an EQ mount yet. So that does give you both options. That said, the aperture is bigger with the 150P and I've heard nothing but good things about it.

[Ricochet]

32 minutes ago, Andy350 said:

OK, that sealed it for me, I think I'll go for the fixed tube as I want it to be on the ground really. 

Thanks everyone again for your help with this. Will let you know when it's ordered. 

Andy

Bear in mind that although a full size dob sits on the ground, it is still too low to stand at to observe. You should factor in the cost of purchasing some sort of height-adjustable chair. I use a drum stool with my dob, but ironing chairs and specialist astronomy observing chairs are also used. 

[wastedyears1981]

9 hours ago, Andy350 said:

Thanks for the recommendations. Regarding the Skywatcher Heritage 150P, are there designed to be used on a table, as it doesn't have a stand? 

It does need a flat surface but nothing a sturdy foldable camping table wouldn't sort. I like that its lower down meaning you can look at objects whilst sat down in a comfy chair. 

[ChrisMit]

Good answers and useful for me also...

I have just got a Celestron AstroMaster 90AZ.........used for a couple of days and think I may be better off returning/exchanging for something that offers better images of planets (to start for my 7year old). The Skywatcher as above seem good option......I did look at this before my purchase but nothing around before late Jan.

Would you agree this a good switch and worth the wait etc...

thanks 

[fifeskies]

You will see a lot more in one of the 150p variants than you see in the AZ90.

I actually had a 90mm Celestron as my very first telescope , like you I very quickly realised that as nice as the views were with it I really needed something a bit more powerful.

A 150mm gathers about 2.7 times as much light as the 90mm (so things are brighter , important to help get the best from nebula) , and also has improved resolving power (so you can see finer detail).

Jupiter and Saturn will be a lot better with a bit more power (especially as they move higher in the sky over the next few winters)

 

Do not ignore the advantage you get from better quality eyepieces , I bought an X-Cel eyepiece for my original 90mm and it made a fair difference compared to the stock supplied lenses, and eyepieces stay with you as you upgrade.

 

I actually was lucky enough to get a 200p locally second hand as my big step up from my 90mm

 

 

Edited December 29, 2020 by fifeskies

[ChrisMit]

Thanks a lot........may do the switch now and use the next few weeks to swot up on February skies.....

[Tiny Clanger]

How did I miss this opportunity to lavish praise on the heritage 150 dob ?

Let's make up for the omission now . I bought one as my first proper  'scope, it is great. I simply don't have storage for a solid tube dob , but the 150p is easy to store, easy to carry, and fits on one car seat (secured by the sea belt) . I've  made it a 'shroud' from 3mm closed cell foam and duct tape, added some plumber's ptfe tape to the focusser, and made it it's own little table from some reclaimed wood  (my low garden table is very heavy cast iron, I got tired of moving it around)

I like the simplicity of the thing, and the fact that most of the money went into the mirror. I've since added better eyepieces and a different finder to improve the views and the ease of use . You will probably want to do the same, whatever you buy, do not expect the telescope package you buy to be the end of expenditure, however much you spend !

Heather

[ChrisMit]

Thanks a lot........I expect the my questions on improving will follow once I get my hands on one. Looks like 5/6 weeks but sounds like it will be worth wait. 

[Andy350]

19 hours ago, Tiny Clanger said:

How did I miss this opportunity to lavish praise on the heritage 150 dob ?

Let's make up for the omission now . I bought one as my first proper  'scope, it is great. I simply don't have storage for a solid tube dob , but the 150p is easy to store, easy to carry, and fits on one car seat (secured by the sea belt) . I've  made it a 'shroud' from 3mm closed cell foam and duct tape, added some plumber's ptfe tape to the focusser, and made it it's own little table from some reclaimed wood  (my low garden table is very heavy cast iron, I got tired of moving it around)

I like the simplicity of the thing, and the fact that most of the money went into the mirror. I've since added better eyepieces and a different finder to improve the views and the ease of use . You will probably want to do the same, whatever you buy, do not expect the telescope package you buy to be the end of expenditure, however much you spend !

Heather

Hi Heather, trying to find one will be next challenge, will see what I can pickup in the new year. 

Thanks for your helpful comments. 

Andy

[Tiny Clanger]

1 hour ago, Andy350 said:

Hi Heather, trying to find one will be next challenge, will see what I can pickup in the new year. 

Thanks for your helpful comments. 

Andy

You are welcome, I hope you manage to get a 'scope soon.

I had email exchanges with FLO to find out exactly what happens if you order something which is currently out of stock . Short version is , because of the way their payment system works , your credit card is billed as soon as the order is placed. FLO give precedence for whatever 'scopes come in by date of order, but if you decide to cancel your order before the stock arrives , for any reason, they will refund your payment. Obviously you then lose your place in the queue for the 'scope !

I asked them to give an idea of if they expected I'd be lucky with my order, i.e. if they had many orders for it before mine , and if they anticipated getting sufficient 'scopes delivered .  I added that I appreciated any reply would be a best guess. They gave me the information I needed, so I ordered the 'scope.

Days later, neurotically watching the 'out of stock, due xx to xx working days' message on the 'scope page I was a bit concerned that the lead time took an upward jump. I inquired  about it, and was told the number of pre-ordered items had exceeded the expected delivery, so the lead time had increased for any new orders, but mine had the expected delivery from when I placed my order.

A really smart system. I've bought smaller items from FLO since, and noticed the stock count online has instantly decreased by one . Other retailers seem to be more a physical shop with an online presence added as an afterthought, and their stock reports are a tad vague by comparison. 

Heather

[Andy350]

Thanks Heather.  In the end I ordered from Rother Valley Optics, it was confusing at start as I was advised that the item was out of stock post order, since then I have been advised that I should receive this week, will also add the 2x barlow lens and moon filter.

[Tiny Clanger]

3 hours ago, Andy350 said:

Thanks Heather.  In the end I ordered from Rother Valley Optics, it was confusing at start as I was advised that the item was out of stock post order, since then I have been advised that I should receive this week, will also add the 2x barlow lens and moon filter.

Bet you are looking forward to that!  Which 'scope  dd you go for in the end ?

I ordered my heritage 150 from RVO and collected it because It was almost as cheap for me to go up the M1 and collect it as to have it delivered, plus (back in the lax late part of lockdown #1) not only was I stir crazy, but my car seriously needed a longer run than 10 min.s to the supermarket once a week.

RVO have a shop ( not actually trading for visitors at the time, just click & collect !) not far off the motorway south of Sheffield. I parked outside, called them and they bought the 'scope out and put it in the car boot in a socially distanced way. 

Since then I've inquired about perhaps half a dozen things following their website instruction to contact re low stock situation, and every time the item has been out of stock.

Heather

[Andy350]

18 minutes ago, Tiny Clanger said:

Bet you are looking forward to that!  Which 'scope  dd you go for in the end ?

I ordered my heritage 150 from RVO and collected it because It was almost as cheap for me to go up the M1 and collect it as to have it delivered, plus (back in the lax late part of lockdown #1) not only was I stir crazy, but my car seriously needed a longer run than 10 min.s to the supermarket once a week.

RVO have a shop ( not actually trading for visitors at the time, just click & collect !) not far off the motorway south of Sheffield. I parked outside, called them and they bought the 'scope out and put it in the car boot in a socially distanced way. 

Since then I've inquired about perhaps half a dozen things following their website instruction to contact re low stock situation, and every time the item has been out of stock.

Heather

Really looking forward to it arriving.  I went for the Skywatcher Skyliner 150P Dobsonian with the Rother Valley Optics ND96 Moon Filter 1.25" and Antares x2 Twist Lock Barlow Lens 1.25", this will be my first ever telescope, never even used one before!!!!  I just hope there are enough manuals to get me setup.

Andy

[fifeskies]

It is a nice easy telescope to use , I am sure you will soon get the hang of it.

An excellent first choice , welcome to the slippery slope of buying telescopes.

[Tiny Clanger]

41 minutes ago, Andy350 said:

Really looking forward to it arriving.  I went for the Skywatcher Skyliner 150P Dobsonian with the Rother Valley Optics ND96 Moon Filter 1.25" and Antares x2 Twist Lock Barlow Lens 1.25", this will be my first ever telescope, never even used one before!!!!  I just hope there are enough manuals to get me setup.

Andy

I can't guarantee this is the most up to date manual, but reading this now might get you ahead of the curve

https://www.apm-telescopes.de/media/manuals/skywatcher/en/25.pdf

Unpack, assemble the base, attach the tube, mount the finder, line up the finder on a distant object in the daytime so it accords as accurately as possible with the view through the telescope (I explained exactly how to , step by step on here for an RDF not long ago . If your 'scope has an optical viewfinder it is the same process) then ... welcome to the club !

Like the rest of us, you just need clear skies !

Heather

PS I was given the much recommended book 'Turn Left at  Orion' for my birthday, and can say it is genuinely a very well set out and informative read, strongly tilted towards the practical astronomy side .

[Andy350]

1 hour ago, Tiny Clanger said:

I can't guarantee this is the most up to date manual, but reading this now might get you ahead of the curve

https://www.apm-telescopes.de/media/manuals/skywatcher/en/25.pdf

Unpack, assemble the base, attach the tube, mount the finder, line up the finder on a distant object in the daytime so it accords as accurately as possible with the view through the telescope (I explained exactly how to , step by step on here for an RDF not long ago . If your 'scope has an optical viewfinder it is the same process) then ... welcome to the club !

Like the rest of us, you just need clear skies !

Heather

PS I was given the much recommended book 'Turn Left at  Orion' for my birthday, and can say it is genuinely a very well set out and informative read, strongly tilted towards the practical astronomy side .

Thanks Heather, this is really useful.  Even pointing to Dobsonian looks complicated ! 😅

[Tiny Clanger]

2 hours ago, Andy350 said:

Thanks Heather, this is really useful.  Even pointing to Dobsonian looks complicated ! 😅

Nah, it's easy peasy, it's just difficult to explain a 3D operation in a 3D (plus time, so really 4D  ) situation simply in writing .

Essentially, forget all the stuff about altitude and azimuth to start off with , just swivel the dob base and tilt the tube , using the (properly lined up ) finder to get the Moon (or whatever easy target presents itself  on the night from your location)  lined up with the open end of your 'scope tube, put the 25mm eyepiece in the focus tube, twiddle until focus is achieved, look through and (if it is the full Moon) get blasted back by the dazzling light and recall why you bought that filter 😀

Heather

[Spile]

I would also recommend setting it up in the daytime by focusing on distant trees and antennas. Use one of these to align your finderscope and see the difference between the 25 and 10mm eyepieces. Usual warning about not pointing at the sun here.