complete beginner with a query

[Dom]

Hello - I've always been interested in astronomy but, what with an NHS job (sob!) and lots of kids, I haven't been able to justify spending money on a telescope - so astronomy for me has been books and photos from Hubble.... However, with my 40th b'day rapidlyapproachingmy (tolerant/patient) wife has set me a budget of £450 to by a 'scope. Time at last to get cold and wait for a gap in the clouds...I'm really keen on looking at planets - but what really interests me is looking atdistantobjects -galaxies,clustersetc. So I'm guessing that a reflector rather than a refractor, and I'm also advised that size really does matter. Taking all into consideration I've come to a telescope called Skywatcher flexitube dobsonian. It has a 10 inch mirror and comes with a couple of eyepieces (I think they're 10 and 25 mm - but I'll have to check).So - does anyone have experience of this kind of telescope? It it a good buy? will I need to buy other eyepieces and equipment? Any drawbacks?The other option is a smaller Newtonian on a tripod-type stand.Any suggestions gratefullyreceived.many thanksdom

[scotastro]

Hi Dom welcome to SGL.

If you are only interested in visual observation not imaging then a 10" reflector is just what you need. The Skywatcher reflectors are well made, I have used several of the solid tube versions and all of them gave great views.

Posts on SGL gives good reviews of the Flexitube too.

Useful extras would be a 32mm wide angle eyepiece as it will make finding objects a little easier and show more of the larger ones. A variable (polarising) moon filter which will reduce the glare of the Moon.

Happy 40th in advance.

Mike

[ZOG]

If you're buying the scope for visual use only then a dob is the way to go. All your money goes into the optics and not electronics. I have the 12" version of this scope and I love it.

[Talitha]

Hi and welcome to SGL, Dom. If you want to go 'deep sky diving' large aperture is the way to go. Will portability be a factor, though? Aside from funding and clouds, that's the main obstacle Amateurs face.

[DanDare]

Hello Dom and welcome.

Carol has mentioned portability and unless this is an issue then a dob sounds like its going to be the 'scope for you!

Roy

[centroid]

Hi Dom, and welcome to SGL.

Yep, the Dob gives the most aperture per £.

10" is a good starting point, or bigger if you can afford it.

Dave

[CELESCOPE]

Hi Dom welcome to SGL

Rog

[Ferox]

Welcome to SGL Dom.

[Dom]

thanks for your responses guys - and the warm welcome to SLG - really helpful.Portability isn't really an issue as my wife has an aptly named Galaxy. And no, if I get into imaging, this will mean buying more kit and therefore much less to spend on the 'scope - so, for now at least, it's just about finding, looking, wondering.When I buy the 'scope (later in the year) I'll report back

cheers!dom

[ron.s.g]

Hi Dom and welcome,

enjoy your scope whichever one you buy,

regards ron.s.g

[Stephen Green]

Hi Dom welcome to the SGL :sunny: :sunny:

Stephen

[phillc]

Hello Dom and a warm welcome to SGL

phillc :wave:

[trudie]

Welcome from me too.

Trudie

[Sam]

Welcome to SGL Dom, you can't go wrong with a Dob, I look forward to you first observing report!