Absolute beginner. Best buy

[Longy717]

Hi I'm completely new to this and have a budget of around £150. Could anyone recommend a good starter telescope. Probably won't be another after this so I'd like it to be a good one but also not too difficult to use. I'm quite technical so not scared of trying something more advanced. There's that many different ones on the market. I've looked at the CELESTRON Powerseeker 114EQ Reflector Telescope - Black. There's one in curry's for £159. I'll look forward to any advice. Also if there are any good shops in my area. I live near Manchester. 

[Louis D]

Generally, the Sky-Watcher Heritage 130 gets the nod for best beginner scope.  It does exceed your budget by a little bit, though.

[Clarkey]

For that sort of budget I would seriously consider second hand. On Astro Buy and Sell there is a celestron 130 EQ with motor drive for 150 pounds which includes everything you would need to get started. I'd say this was a better bet. If you wait you may get a similar sized dobsonian.

[johninderby]

Rather than a cheap  scope on a cheap wobbly mount better to put most your budget into the optics. A dobsonian will deliver the best optical performance per £ spent by far as the mount it is on is simple and cheap to manaufacture but actually works well and is so simple to use.

The Heritage 130 mentioned above is an excellent suggestion and a favourite beginners scope for good reason.

Edited April 20, 2021 by johninderby

[Longy717]

6 minutes ago, Louis D said:

Generally, the Sky-Watcher Heritage 130 gets the nod for best beginner scope.  It does exceed your budget by a little bit, though.

Thanks for the reply. Yes is out of my budget. I could probably stretch to £170

 

[johninderby]

There is one on Astrobuysell at the moment.

https://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php?view=173435

Edited April 20, 2021 by johninderby

[Longy717]

Thanks for the replies. Not sure I'm keen on buying a 2nd hand one. I won't know what to look for in terms of any damage. 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00CYHSZCW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glc_fabc_TBT9XA7623ENY22JA88M

 

How would this compare? 

[Louis D]

Those mounts are wobbly and difficult to track with at high powers.  It has a three inch spherical mirror of fairly long f-ratio, so it is serviceable optically.  It will provide decent views of the moon and star clusters.

Remember that when buying new, you have to deal with missing parts, stripped threads during manufacturing, and possibly damaged returns sold as new.  With used bought from someone who has been using it, those issues have all been resolved.  It's easy enough for the seller to walk you through the use of the scope if picking up in person.  The seller can demonstrate that motions and image are in good working condition to you.

[Clarkey]

8 hours ago, Longy717 said:

Not sure I'm keen on buying a 2nd hand one

Most sellers are pretty trustworthy on ABS and if you pick-up or use paypal you will have some protection. Most astro gear is well looked after so second hand is often a good option. I think you will find most people on this forum have bought gear on the used market as it is more cost effective. Also, a lot of astro buff's change gear regularly.

[Carbon Brush]

Hi and welcome to SGL.
The best and most helpful astro forum in the UK.

Sorry to be blunt. But everything I am going to say has been said elsewhere on SGL, many times.
Please take the time to read the beginner help and advice section in particular.

If you want to buy new, there is one type of company to use. A specialist astronomy retailer. Not Currys, not Amazon, not Tesco, etc.
Astro shops can advise you on the pros and cons of various scopes, mounts and eyepieces.
The 'washing machine & baked beans' people can tell you the item costs £149.99 or £139.99, etc.
Many of us have laughed at scopes, incorrectly assembled for display in the likes of Currys.
If you don't know about scopes, you need good advice. Otherwise you could easily buy something for landfill next year.
So look at First Light Optics, Rother Valley Optics, 365  Astronomy, Widescreen Centre, Northern Optics and the many more who are in the UK.
Apologies to all the other good honest astro retailers not mentioned.
Take a look at the 'supplier review' section on SGL.
The astronomy retailers want to sell you equipment on an ongoing basis. Not just today. They want you to come back next month/year for a book, another eyepiece, a filter, etc.

For a used scope. The two best places to buy are the classified section on SGL, and UK ABS. Both show good traceability for the sellers.
In particular hare on SGL, you can see what a seller has contributed to the forum.
Avoid ebay like the plague unless you know what you are looking for. There is a lot of new and used rubbish on there
Much of my kit has been bought used from SGL or UKABS with very good results.
My own opinion is that SGL is the best place.

Keep asking the questions,

David.

 

[Longy717]

https://www.microglobe.co.uk/skywatcher-heritage-130p-flextube-parabolic-dobsonian-telescope-p-8387.html?

 

Does this include everything I need? Looks hollow. 😂 

[Orange Smartie]

I have the big brother of this scope, the 150p - a very capable instrument in a small package. I don't think they have stock though, a story you may find repeated at every telescope website.

[Louis D]

1 hour ago, Orange Smartie said:

 I don't think they have stock though, a story you may find repeated at every telescope website.

Yes, I think 2nd (or even 3rd or 4th) hand equipment may be the OP's best bet to get something decent at an affordable price now.

I've even known astro sellers to throw in some basic eyepieces they have lying around unused with scopes that didn't come with any once they find out the purchaser is a newbie and has none.

[RT65CB-SWL]

Hi @Longy717 and welcome to SGL. 

I agree what other SGL’ers say about the SkyWatcher Heritage models (i.e. 130 & 150).

If you are not in a rush, then I would recommend you read this article first... https://www.firstlightoptics.com/beginner-.html

Edited April 22, 2021 by Philip R

[Longy717]

On 20/04/2021 at 21:28, johninderby said:

There is one on Astrobuysell at the moment.

https://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php?view=173435

I've sent them a message 

[Longy717]

On 20/04/2021 at 21:20, Clarkey said:

For that sort of budget I would seriously consider second hand. On Astro Buy and Sell there is a celestron 130 EQ with motor drive for 150 pounds which includes everything you would need to get started. I'd say this was a better bet. If you wait you may get a similar sized dobsonian.

https://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php?view=172984 is this a decent one? 

[Stu1smartcookie]

Just going to Wade in with my honest opinion . So far it just  looks like you are desperate to buy a scope , (understandable ) but you are restricted by budget and you haven’t really stopped  to consider the purpose of your first purchase . What do you want to see ? You could buy a small refractor (ST80 ) on a simple alt az ( up down left right) mount which will let you see wide field views of the sky  .  Do you really want an Equatorial mount for your first scope ?  Most people have pointed you to a heritage 130 . It’s no accident that these scopes are well received . Please do not be put off buying second hand . The thing about our hobby is people look after the equipment they own .. and in most cases add various items to improve it . Ie adding a different finder , maybe a collimation tool etc . I think a lot of people , myself included have made bad decisions in buying equipment on a whim . I really do understand your wish just to get a scope , but , honestly , with your budget you are limited . Please take the advice offered by the good people above on this thread . Even if you think a heritage 130 is not for you after using it for a while , it will still have a high resale value . 
And I will give you the same advice I was given .. the mount is more important than the scope ! This is another reason why the heritage is a good buy . A Dobsonian style mount is sturdy and will serve you well . On the case of the heritage , the scope is also decent . 
I wish you good luck . 
stu 

[Kimboman]

Hi it all depends on what you want to do.Lots of people buy a telescope and are disappointed with what they see.

I would recommend a pair of  binoculars 10x50 0r 15x70 and a tripod get to know the constellations you can  get great views of the moon which is our nearest and best to view object.

If you get the bug and lots don't you can then look at telescopes like the Dobsonium which are very good    the photo shows 8x40 bins  .

10x50 are good starters hope this helps

[Longy717]

5 minutes ago, Stu1smartcookie said:

Just going to Wade in with my honest opinion . So far it just  looks like you are desperate to buy a scope , (understandable ) but you are restricted by budget and you haven’t really stopped  to consider the purpose of your first purchase . What do you want to see ? You could buy a small refractor (ST80 ) on a simple alt az ( up down left right) mount which will let you see wide field views of the sky  .  Do you really want an Equatorial mount for your first scope ?  Most people have pointed you to a heritage 130 . It’s no accident that these scopes are well received . Please do not be put off buying second hand . The thing about our hobby is people look after the equipment they own .. and in most cases add various items to improve it . Ie adding a different finder , maybe a collimation tool etc . I think a lot of people , myself included have made bad decisions in buying equipment on a whim . I really do understand your wish just to get a scope , but , honestly , with your budget you are limited . Please take the advice offered by the good people above on this thread . Even if you think a heritage 130 is not for you after using it for a while , it will still have a high resale value . 
And I will give you the same advice I was given .. the mount is more important than the scope ! This is another reason why the heritage is a good buy . A Dobsonian style mount is sturdy and will serve you well . On the case of the heritage , the scope is also decent . 
I wish you good luck . 
stu 

Yes I'm interested in the heritage. Watched a few videos and it looks nice and simple and gets a lot of good reviews. I've enquired to the ad for the second hand one on Astrobuysell. Also messaged a few shops about when they expect new stock as its sold out everywhere. 

I appreciate everyone's time and their helpful advice. 

[johninderby]

Yes itis a bit frustrating at the moment with scopes being in such short supply that you can’t just go and order the one you want and have it in a day or two. However you have done the smart thing and asked questions on SGL firsr and not just bought the first scope that was available. 

Hope you do manage to get the Heritage 130. 🤞🏻

Edited April 22, 2021 by johninderby

[Louis D]

15 hours ago, johninderby said:

 However you have done the smart thing and asked questions on SGL firsr and not just bought the first scope that was available.

One of my pet peeves is newbies who buy a discount chain store scope and THEN ask on here "Is the XYZ scope any good?  I just bought one down at the MegaLoMart."  Why do they do that?  Do they plan on returning it if we say it's terrible?

I really appreciate beginners who ask on here first BEFORE buying as the OP has done.  Kudos, @Longy717!

15 hours ago, johninderby said:

Yes itis a bit frustrating at the moment with scopes being in such short supply that you can’t just go and order the one you want and have it in a day or two.

Even for us experienced folks with lots of gear already, it's annoying to not be able to buy our next toy on a whim.

[johninderby]

Maybe we could start a new thread?

“101 things to do with a department store telescope”

• Plant pot
• Shooting target
• Shaving mirror
• ?????????

Edited April 23, 2021 by johninderby

[Louis D]

2 hours ago, johninderby said:

Maybe we could start a new thread?

“101 things to do with a department store telescope”

• Plant pot
• Shooting target
• Shaving mirror
• ?????????

Great idea.

One more:

Put it in an ad or commercial and set it up backward:

[johninderby]

 

 

Edited April 23, 2021 by johninderby

[Longy717]

My argument for these stores is that if I did buy one I'd at least have it. Anyway I'm glad it's overcast or I might be tempted to just buy. It's crazy how many are out of stock. However it reassures me that it is a good bit of kit if its sold out everywhere. Must be hard for the shops not knowing when the next delivery will be.