telescope starting

[Aneko1991]

Hi, I want a telescope and my budget is between 370$ -740$(I want something with a zoom as good as it s possible for this budget). Can you help me to chose one ?
(buy in the EU)

[Davey-T]

Hi and welcome to SGL.

Telescopes don't zoom as such all they do is capture light, the bigger the aperture the more light they capture which can be magnified using various eyepieces of different magnification.
There is a limit to how much magnification can be achieved but not something to worry about at this stage.

Are you thinking of finding targets in the sky manually or having some sort of electronically controlled mount called a GoTo ? this can make a considerable hole in your budget.

Dave

[RT65CB-SWL]

Hi @Aneko1991 and welcome to SGL. 

Depending on what you wish to view/observe depends on what type of ‘scope you choose… no telescope does all. May I suggest that you read this article… https://www.firstlightoptics.com/beginnertelescopes.htmlhttps://www.firstlightoptics.com/beginner-telescopes.html

If you decide to buy separate components; then what type of mount is suitable for OTA ‘A’ and will it be suitable should you upgrade to OTA ‘B’ later on. There are many different types, (i.e. manual, alt-az, goto, eq, etc.), ease of transport, temporary or permanent setup.

I personally like alt-az mounts, (images below), as they do not require polar alignment and easy setup at short notice.

Edited June 9, 2021 by Philip R

[Zermelo]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Do you have an idea about what kind of objects you would be most interested in? It can affect the choice.
Will you be observing from home, or will you have to travel? If from home, will you have to go up/down stairs?
Do you have somewhere convenient to store the telescope inside?

If you haven't already read it, you could have a look here:
https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/639-primer-choosing-a-telescope/

and here:
https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/196278-what-can-i-expect-to-see/

 

Some specific models for beginners:
https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/top-astronomy-kit/best-telescopes-beginners/
https://www.firstlightoptics.com/beginner-telescopes.html
https://britastro.org/node/25199

 

 

 

[Aneko1991]

On 09/06/2021 at 11:21, Davey-T said:

Hi and welcome to SGL.

Telescopes don't zoom as such all they do is capture light, the bigger the aperture the more light they capture which can be magnified using various eyepieces of different magnification.
There is a limit to how much magnification can be achieved but not something to worry about at this stage.

Are you thinking of finding targets in the sky manually or having some sort of electronically controlled mount called a GoTo ? this can make a considerable hole in your budget.

Dave

manually

[Aneko1991]

On 09/06/2021 at 13:01, Zermelo said:

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Do you have an idea about what kind of objects you would be most interested in? It can affect the choice.
Will you be observing from home, or will you have to travel? If from home, will you have to go up/down stairs?
Do you have somewhere convenient to store the telescope inside?

If you haven't already read it, you could have a look here:
https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/639-primer-choosing-a-telescope/

and here:
https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/196278-what-can-i-expect-to-see/

 

Some specific models for beginners:
https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/top-astronomy-kit/best-telescopes-beginners/
https://www.firstlightoptics.com/beginner-telescopes.html
https://britastro.org/node/25199

 

 

 

I would like to see planets and I will put it in the attic of the house, I will not walk it

Thanks for the articles!

[RT65CB-SWL]

3 hours ago, Aneko1991 said:

I would like to see planets and I will put it in the attic of the house, I will not walk it

Thanks for the articles!

Hi again @Aneko1991

For the planets then a Maksutov or SCT as shown in my earlier reply. The bigger of the the two ‘scopes in the last image is a Celestron C6/SCT and the other one is my ‘re-modded’ Meade ETX105. They can be expensive, but the views are priceless.

Don’t rule out other telescope designs either, (i.e. ‘Dobsonian’ or refractor). ‘Dobsonian’ tend to be bulky and best beginners ‘scope for those wishing to start and budget is financially limited.

Refractors, like Maksutov’s and SCT’s are or maybe be expensive too. Tend to be long and a sturdy mount, plus sturdy tripod or pillar is preferred. My refractor, as shown earlier is a 480mm/70mm and can be used with a photo/video tripod and mount, and can be transported with ease. 

If you are not in a rush to purchase, then binoculars will suffice and can be used for other outdoor pursuits and hobbies.

Finally, please do not set up and use in an attic because…

1. Vibrations from the attic floor or other floors in the dwelling if the other rooms are in use whilst you are viewing.
2. Heat rises. Views will be awful and not steady.

Edited June 10, 2021 by Philip R

[Alan64]

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p2771_Skywatcher-Skymax-127T-OTA---127-1500mm-Maksutov-Cassegrain-scope-tube.html

Or, you might prefer a longer-focus achromat...

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p11950_Celestron-OMNI-102-1000mm-Refractor-Telescope---OTA.html

A fine alt-azimuth mount...

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p1753_TS-Optics-Altazimuth-Mount-GSAZ-with-fine-adjustment-and-tripod.html

If you'd prefer an equatorial, an EQ5-class, and for motorised tracking in future...

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p7796_Bresser-4964250---equatorial-mount-EXOS-2.html

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p6693_Skywatcher-EQ5-equatorial-telescope-mount-with-tripod-for-telescopes-up-to-10-kg.html

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p9284_Orion-SkyView-Pro-Equatorial-Telescope-Mount.html

[StuartT]

On 10/06/2021 at 15:53, Aneko1991 said:

I would like to see planets and I will put it in the attic of the house, I will not walk it

Thanks for the articles!

Welcome to SGL.

Just to echo Philip R - definitely do not use a telescope from inside the house. In addition to the two reasons he points out (air currents and vibration) you will also get an extremely restricted view. Windows only provide access to a tiny proportion of the sky. If you are going to spend several hundred dollars on a telescope you absolutely must use it outside (just a back yard is fine - you don't need to drive it anywhere)