New telescope and optics

[Lemonadex]

Hi,

I’m a newbie in this field , been looking on google what would be the best telescope for up to £500 , but I get very mixed results. So decided to ask you for help , people who tried most of it   Anyways i’m looking to buy telescope , my budget is around £500 ( my choice for now is celestron starsense explorer dx-130 app enabled reflector telescope ) , but would like to hear opinion of people who got experience in this field , maybe for the price there is better options? Same with lenses I want to observe clusters, nebulae etc. well pretty much everything and would like to know what lenses should I buy with telescope so I would be able to see clear view of objects that are close and far away ( I’m planing to get couple of lenses including Barlow ) . So my initial question would be what telescope should I get for up to £500 and what lenses should I buy to get the best experience out of telescope?

 

thank you a lot in advance!

[Stu1smartcookie]

Hi , i like the look of the Starsense series , they have the manual goto which is a great way to learn your way around the sky ... but , if you wanted to be a bit braver  would say go for a 200mm dobsonian . Of course this is a rather large scope so think about the storage ...but , coupled with its simplistic base most of the cost has gone into the scope . You can see an awful lot in an 8" mirror . Plus there is no faffing about in setting it up . If you go for a reflector scope then you will need a collimating device . Don't believe all you read about collimation being scary ... its not.  You will get at least one Eyepiece with your scope . Dont be in a hurry to throw them aside . They are fine to get started with . most of the time you will observe with the lowest power EP ...believe me,  magnifying a star it will still look like a point of light . 

I wish you well in your search 

Stu 

[Astro_Dad]

Hi @Lemonadex, and welcome to the hobby!

I started off with the StarSense scope you mention and thought it was excellent, so much so that I now have a larger aperture version using the same system. You can use the StarSense plate solving features when required (the “Push To”) but still learn to navigate the night sky manually on the alt az mount supplied. It’s a great way to learn the night sky. 

That said, depending on your interests and  level of seriousness, for your budget of £500 you can get more value (although of course that’s subjective) by purchasing a 6 or 8 inch Dobsonian. The Stellalyra 8” for example (£429) would be a good choice. This size and design would be considered an excellent all rounder for deep sky and also moon/planets, and FLO stock a useful looking 6 incher under the Ursa Major brand. The latter will give you change for upgrades/accessories but the former includes most of what is needed to get going. I’ve used the 8” SL and it’s excellent.

I also have the Heritage 150p which is also excellent as a beginner scope - v good value (you’ll have plenty of money left over for a good Plossl or two) and collapses down to a very compact size. You’ll need a sturdy table/base to set it on though. 
Caveat I don’t know what would suit you or your situation - garden/balcony? Heavy Light pollution ?

I enjoyed the 130 but quickly felt like I wanted to go bigger, so with your budget you can go to that immediately. 
You’ll get a good range of useful opinions and advice on this forum, including for eyepieces - I could write for hours on my mistakes and learnings but will follow up on that later!

AD 
 

 

Edited June 10, 2022 by Astro_Dad

[Carbon Brush]

Good advice from Stu. Though before jumping at anything it would be a good idea to tell us about your 'circumstances'. Nothing personal!

Where do you plan to use the scope? Back garden? Dark site miles away?
How are you for lifting? An SW200 is a large beast to some.
Anything on a tripod may be best split scope/mount/tripod.
Where will you store the scope? 3 flights of stairs?

Do you have the patience to find objects? Or is point and go more important?
Any scope package you buy has the money shared between the scope, the mount, and more often these days, the electronics.
If you spend on electronics and limited budget you move towards a milk bottle bottom lens on a wobby tripod.
OK not really that bad, but you get the idea.

If you buy any Dobson mount scope, most money goes into the scope. Many have a basic low cost base and no electronics.

Keep asking the questions. Don't rush - it is after all all but permanent daylight in Aberdeen right now🙄

Finally (for now) when you do buy, use a specialist astronomy retailer regardless of price.
NOT Amazon, ebay, Currys, etc.
In all probability you will have after purchase questions. An astro retailer has the knowledge to assist and recommend.

HTH, David.
 

[Lemonadex]

Everyone Thank you a lot , for all the tips!

sw200 was my initial number 1 , but after seeing how big it is , I’ve looked again and found dx130 which looked a bit more convenient. I have a back garden, I live in Aberdeen ,  I live in private house area , but I believe light pollution would be high , I would store it second floor and I want clarity even if it takes more time to find it .

 

Thank you!

[bosun21]

In reading the recommendations in the previous posts, and your last response i was also going to recommend a 8” dobsonian. If as you say the size is off putting for you, then what about the 6” dobsonian? First Light Optics sell the Ursa Major which is a good scope and very much inside your budget. Then there’s also a 127 Skymax go to. A very able and powerful telescope albeit with a steeper learning curve. Whichever direction you take, buy the telescope that you will use most. Good luck 👍  

 

[Astro_Dad]

@Lemonadex thanks  it’s very useful for us to know a little more about your set up, and the fact that you’ve already  eliminated a 200mm class Dob from your search on the basis of size/bulk. 
On that basis I think the StarSense will serve you well -  the Heritage 150p will give you approx. 33% greater “light grasp” as it’s known,  but you don’t have any type of guiding assistance like the PUSH TO of the StarSense. Manual star hopping can be difficult in heavily light polluted areas, which is one of the reasons why GOTO systems are sometimes recommended here - the StarSense will essentially fulfil the same objective (works fine even if only a few bright stars are visible) but is, dare I say more fun to use than a GOTO - and is more cost effective.  The 102mm refractor version may be worth a look also - will probably give a very similar view overall to the 130 reflector but won’t need collimating. However the refractor will show some degree of chromatic aberration - swings and roundabouts. Personally I think the reflector version will be an excellent choice though. I’ve reviewed the StarSense system on a different ‘scope here:

And this You Tube clip gives a very good introduction to your specific model:

The advice to not rush into eyepiece upgrades is very sound - the 25mm that comes with the 130DX will be fine to get acquainted with the system, but you’ll probably want to upgrade the shorter focal length 10mm in time. “Basic” Plossls such as the Celestron Omni series or the slightly more affordable GSO series would be good first upgrades eventually, but you’ll frequently see the BST Staguiders recommended on here too - and I can vouch for their performance vs the stock supplied oculars. 
Have fun and let us know how you get on !

[bosun21]

Oh I forgot to mention that the Skywatcher Skymax 127 go to is a Maksutov telescope which are excellent on the planets and the moon. They appear to small in length, but don’t be deceived. The Maksutov folds the light several times in the tube resulting in a long focal length. Depending on the level of light pollution you are dealing with can determine your choice of targets. The planets and moon are not affected so much by the light pollution. They can also be good for the brighter nebulae and clusters/ planetary nebula. It’s also a full go to, so unlike every other recommendation this will also track your target as it moves through the sky keeping it in your eyepiece. It’s also got a 46,000 object database of targets that it will select at your choosing. In the end it’s only you that knows what you want from your telescope, so take your time and think it through. Good luck 

[Greymouser]

I too like the idea of the Starsense Explorer, but if it was me, I would stretch to the Starsense Explorer DX 5". It is a little dearer at £ 569, but I own a C5, ( same scope... ) and it is superb. If you can stretch to £599, then FLO have a 6" Astro Fi scope, fully goto, which to be fair, the mount gets mixed reviews, but you can fine good reviews on YouTube.  

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/celestron-starsense-explorer-series/celestron-starsense-explorer-dx-5.html

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/offers/offer_celestron-astro-fi-6-schmidt-cassegrain-sct_302366.html

My C5 is just so light and easy to deploy, very grab and go. ( Though I do use a different mount, ) it goes well on a basic photo tripod too, for daytime use.

[cajen2]

If you have a look at this:

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/heritage/sky-watcher-heritage-150p-flextube-virtuoso-gti.html

You have the SW 150p Heritage already recommended, plus go-to. I have the manual version of the 150p and it's an excellent all-rounder. It's got enough aperture to find both planets/moon and deep sky objects interesting, plus it's light and stores away easily. It's also cheap enough that you can afford some decent eyepieces when the time comes. The only downside with it is the slightly odd helical focuser, which some don't mind and others dislike.

I also have an 8" StellaLyra Dobsonian, and I wouldn't recommend that if you need to carry it up and down stairs - it'd get old very quickly. Shame, as it's an excellent scope. 

[Astro_Dad]

15 minutes ago, cajen2 said:

If you have a look at this:

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/heritage/sky-watcher-heritage-150p-flextube-virtuoso-gti.html

You have the SW 150p Heritage already recommended, plus go-to. I have the manual version of the 150p and it's an excellent all-rounder. It's got enough aperture to find both planets/moon and deep sky objects interesting, plus it's light and stores away easily. It's also cheap enough that you can afford some decent eyepieces when the time comes. The only downside with it is the slightly odd helical focuser, which some don't mind and others dislike.

I also have an 8" StellaLyra Dobsonian, and I wouldn't recommend that if you need to carry it up and down stairs - it'd get old very quickly. Shame, as it's an excellent scope. 

+1 for this suggestion. It’s a super package, and I’m talking from the position of owning one! Has the advantage of tracking too…The learning from my experience to date though is that Newtonian reflectors are a good, if not the best all round versatile telescopes to start out, maks are brilliant on planets (I have a 4” Mak on tracking EQ platform which is great if that’s what you need) but have narrow field of view and typically require a dew shield and longer cool down time. GOTO (personal view) with the various alignment routines, likely error messages from time to time, and faff is less enjoyable than a PUSH TO and less immersive if you desire a peaceful quick to set up observing session. They have great advantages depending on what you need, but a push to is my preference. All personal choice - the “trouble “ with these threads is that everyone has a favourite or a bias potentially - you’ll have to weigh up and value what’s right for you! There is no one perfect ‘scope and no one “right” option. Best thing is to go with something, learn and enjoy it and then if you get hooked buy a second or upgrade. Don’t go for analysis paralysis. 

[Astro_Dad]

59 minutes ago, Greymouser said:

I too like the idea of the Starsense Explorer, but if it was me, I would stretch to the Starsense Explorer DX 5". It is a little dearer at £ 569, but I own a C5, ( same scope... ) and it is superb. If you can stretch to £599, then FLO have a 6" Astro Fi scope, fully goto, which to be fair, the mount gets mixed reviews, but you can fine good reviews on YouTube.  

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/celestron-starsense-explorer-series/celestron-starsense-explorer-dx-5.html

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/offers/offer_celestron-astro-fi-6-schmidt-cassegrain-sct_302366.html

My C5 is just so light and easy to deploy, very grab and go. ( Though I do use a different mount, ) it goes well on a basic photo tripod too, for daytime use.

I’m not sure about this suggestion - the C5 is a great scope in many respects as is the 6DX version but is it the case that the 130mm reflector has better contrast due to smaller central obstruction , has shorter cool down time and has a wider field of view? There are few advantages of a DX5 version over the the 130mm reflector version on paper other than being a little more compact - plus collimation is much harder on an SCT than a newt. The reflector will have diffraction spikes due to the design, but the SCT will have other aberrations - agree the 5 inch Mak is Uber grab and go (but then cool down time negates… ) I’d skip the 5 and go straight to the 6DX if an SCT was the main option, but then cost comes into play vs a reflector! Still, a 5 inch Celestron SCT was part of NASA space shuttle missions back in the day so what do I know?! 

Sanity check - we are veering off course from a simple question of what scope to recommend for a new entrant to the hobby - all good fun 😀. Hope interesting nonetheless  @Lemonadex!

[bosun21]

38 minutes ago, Astro_Dad said:

+1 for this suggestion. It’s a super package, and I’m talking from the position of owning one! Has the advantage of tracking too…The learning from my experience to date though is that Newtonian reflectors are a good, if not the best all round versatile telescopes to start out, maks are brilliant on planets (I have a 4” Mak on tracking EQ platform which is great if that’s what you need) but have narrow field of view and typically require a dew shield and longer cool down time. GOTO (personal view) with the various alignment routines, likely error messages from time to time, and faff is less enjoyable than a PUSH TO and less immersive if you desire a peaceful quick to set up observing session. They have great advantages depending on what you need, but a push to is my preference. All personal choice - the “trouble “ with these threads is that everyone has a favourite or a bias potentially - you’ll have to weigh up and value what’s right for you! There is no one perfect ‘scope and no one “right” option. Best thing is to go with something, learn and enjoy it and then if you get hooked buy a second or upgrade. Don’t go for analysis paralysis. 

Solid advice 👍

[Greymouser]

33 minutes ago, Astro_Dad said:

I’m not sure about this suggestion - the C5 is a great scope in many respects as is the 6DX version but is it the case that the 130mm reflector has better contrast due to smaller central obstruction , has shorter cool down time and has a wider field of view? There are few advantages of a DX5 version over the the 130mm reflector version on paper other than being a little more compact - plus collimation is much harder on an SCT than a newt. The reflector will have diffraction spikes due to the design, but the SCT will have other aberrations - agree the 5 inch Mak is Uber grab and go (but then cool down time negates… ) I’d skip the 5 and go straight to the 6DX if an SCT was the main option, but then cost comes into play vs a reflector! Still, a 5 inch Celestron SCT was part of NASA space shuttle missions back in the day so what do I know?! 

Sanity check - we are veering off course from a simple question of what scope to recommend for a new entrant to the hobby - all good fun 😀. Hope interesting nonetheless  @Lemonadex!

I do not agree here. My C5 has never needed to be collimated from new, is very light and needs very little cool down time, certainly no more than my ED80. Collimation of a newt can be very daunting to start with, ( speaking from experience... ) though I am sure, easy, once you have the knack. I can carry the whole setup outside with one hand, even though I have a messed up back and a hernia! The C5 is EVEN better with a .63 reducer, which can be got as you progress, has similar light gathering ability and I dispute about the central obstruction. ( A F5 newt compared to a F10 SCT? ) The Mak is longer cool down time than a SCT, which has always put me off. The C5 is just so easy...

That said, a refractor is even better, no obstruction, so perhaps consider the: https://www.wilkinson.co.uk/celestron-starsense-explorer-dx-102az-app-enabled-refractor-telescope/

 A F6 102 mm refractor, could well beat all, no central obstruction; no collimation worries and a decent easy view.   £329!!!

I used to own a F5 102 refractor and it gave very good low to medium power views. Even half decent high power views in certain circumstance. ( Though, your mileage may vary! )

[Astro_Dad]

All good stuff - I come at this from the stance of questioning and being open to challenge, and offering a new buyer the best opportunity to succeed and stick with the hobby. Overall is it generally accepted that the central obstruction on a C5 is large vs on a typical newt? If yes then resolution and contrast on planets will be higher on the newt. I don’t have data, but I suspect there are more out of collimation SCT’s in the wild than there are newts? It’s a myth that reflectors are hard to collimate  - even I can manage it - but definitely more finicky with SCT’s. Granted SCT’s don’t require as frequent collimation (maks even less so) but even given all of that there is little advantage of an SCT  over a roughly similar aperture Newt isn’t there? (Dew prevention is arguably a bigger factor in SCT’s than the cool down also) …Even on planets - and if planets are the main focus a Mak wins out anyway on contrast grounds. The reflector version of the StarSense will offer a greater versatility for DSO and planetary and will provide brighter views for a given eyepiece. Agree the focal reducers from Celestron or Antares for example work well on SCT’s  - apparently designed for photographic use but good for visual also. I’ve tried both manufacturers.  

I referenced the 102 refractor option in my post earlier - has advantages in some areas and with no CO and the higher efficiency than mirror based systems will offer benefits - but CA will be visible on brighter targets. 

Overall I slightly feel for the OP Who was looking for some basic pointers on a first ‘scope - please don’t be put off, it’s easy to get immersed in the minutiae of technical data and info and forget why you are interested in the first place - Astro geeks love to hang out here and there will always be different views expressed - but please go for something - and learn your way around the night sky. You won’t  be comparing different designs side by side in all probability so whatever you go for will be the “right” choice for you for now. 👍

[Greymouser]

27 minutes ago, Astro_Dad said:

(Dew prevention is arguably a bigger factor in SCT’s than the cool down also) …Even on planets - and if planets are the main focus a Mak wins out anyway on contrast grounds. The reflector version of the StarSense will offer a greater versatility for DSO and planetary and will provide brighter views for a given eyepiece. Agree the focal reducers from Celestron or Antares for example work well on SCT’s  - apparently designed for photographic use but good for visual also. I’ve tried both manufacturers.  

I referenced the 102 refractor option in my post earlier - has advantages in some areas and with no CO and the higher efficiency than mirror based systems will offer benefits - but CA will be visible on brighter targets.

Except the obstruction on a newt seems bigger than a C5. not sure of the stats, but the view of lunar is much better in my C5 than it was in my 6" newt... ( Perhaps down to collimation? ) The dew problem is very easily solved with cardboard or a camping mat.  Yes for a Mak if it is F15, rather than F12... My F13 refractor beats all the aobve!

The base is, the 102 DX is very good and that is tempting me, even hough I have way too many telescopes... 

 

[Giles_B]

11 hours ago, Astro_Dad said:

@Lemonadex thanks  it’s very useful for us to know a little more about your set up, and the fact that you’ve already  eliminated a 200mm class Dob from your search on the basis of size/bulk. 
On that basis I think the StarSense will serve you well -  the Heritage 150p will give you approx. 33% greater “light grasp” as it’s known,  but you don’t have any type of guiding assistance like the PUSH TO of the StarSense. Manual star hopping can be difficult in heavily light polluted areas, which is one of the reasons why GOTO systems are sometimes recommended here - the StarSense will essentially fulfil the same objective (works fine even if only a few bright stars are visible) but is, dare I say more fun to use than a GOTO - and is more cost effective.  The 102mm refractor version may be worth a look also - will probably give a very similar view overall to the 130 reflector but won’t need collimating. However the refractor will show some degree of chromatic aberration - swings and roundabouts. Personally I think the reflector version will be an excellent choice though. I’ve reviewed the StarSense system on a different ‘scope here:

And this You Tube clip gives a very good introduction to your specific model:

The advice to not rush into eyepiece upgrades is very sound - the 25mm that comes with the 130DX will be fine to get acquainted with the system, but you’ll probably want to upgrade the shorter focal length 10mm in time. “Basic” Plossls such as the Celestron Omni series or the slightly more affordable GSO series would be good first upgrades eventually, but you’ll frequently see the BST Staguiders recommended on here too - and I can vouch for their performance vs the stock supplied oculars. 
Have fun and let us know how you get on !

I agree that the Celestron 130DX is a great choice - my first scope, and it's possible (with some basic DIY) to migrate the Starsense system to other scopes if and when you get them.

However, unless the offer has changed with the 130DX you'll definitely want better eyepieces than those supplied - mine came with two horrendous Kellners that were of very low quality. After recommendations here on SGL I very quickly bought a couple of BST Starguider Planetary eyepieces (https://www.firstlightoptics.com/bst-starguider-eyepieces.html), which give great views with this scope (a 10mm and a 30mm should get you started).

it's really exciting getting your first scope, so the best of luck sorting through all this advice!

Edited June 11, 2022 by Giles_B

[Stu1smartcookie]

10 hours ago, Greymouser said:

I too like the idea of the Starsense Explorer, but if it was me, I would stretch to the Starsense Explorer DX 5". It is a little dearer at £ 569, but I own a C5, ( same scope... ) and it is superb. If you can stretch to £599,

Actually this set up can be bought cheaper from the Widescreen Centre ... i agree with Greymouser that this scope represents great value and straddles both planets/lunar and dso's

[Astro_Dad]

8 hours ago, Greymouser said:

Except the obstruction on a newt seems bigger than a C5. not sure of the stats, but the view of lunar is much better in my C5 than it was in my 6" newt... ( Perhaps down to collimation? ) The dew problem is very easily solved with cardboard or a camping mat.  Yes for a Mak if it is F15, rather than F12... My F13 refractor beats all the aobve!

The base is, the 102 DX is very good and that is tempting me, even hough I have way too many telescopes... 

 

Will definitely bow to your direct C5  experience here as I’ve only used a C6 (which is excellent). 
At the end of the day all of these scopes are classic designs that have stood the test of time - you can’t go vastly wrong with any of these but there is certainly fun to be had in debating the relative merits 👍

[Elp]

For DSO aperture is key, but if your environment is heavily light polluted this will have more of a negative impact on your viewing. For this reason I image rather than do visual but to give you an idea my Z61 refractor offers very fine sharp views of solar targets (or anything I point it to), it images well with anything I point at but I can't really see DSO targets through it where I am. My 130pds however can resolve the lower magnitude globular clusters (incredibly faint though they are), this is more to do with the light pollution but it gives you an idea of the effect that aperture makes. Something like a larger aperture Newtonian or dobsonian will only be better but as people have said considerations for mounting, space available, weight, how you are willing to find objects etc will all have a factor.

[Ratlet]

I suspect we're not too far from micro satellites which people will use for astrophotography.

[Lemonadex]

Wow so much info, thank you all 😁👍 I have few selections made , first would be Celestron DX 5, second Celestron DX 130, third Sky-Watcher Skymax-127 AZ SynScan GO-TO Maksutov-Cassegrain and Celestron Astro Fi 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope, all of it looks really convenient and in my price range , just dx5 cost a bit more , but if it is worth than I can live with that 😁 out of these 4 which would be the best choice in terms of visibility ( I know everyone one of them got its own pros and cons ,  but maybe out of experience you could recommend first , but not third and etc😁👍) thank you all again , I’m already enjoying just by doing my homework on scope , can’t wait to get one 😁

[Greymouser]

Without a doubt the DX5, it is just such a versatile scope and will grow with you, if you can afford the F6.3 reducer corrector, at some point. It is also very forgiving on eyepieces.

[Astro_Dad]

Enjoy making your final choice @Lemonadex - you’ll be fine with any in your shortlist and I’m sure will enjoy the hobby hugely. There’s quite an interesting article here talking about various ‘scope designs for interest:

https://supercooper.jimdofree.com/choosing-telescopes-complete-essentials/

And some further detail on the C5 class here: 

http://www.scopeviews.co.uk/CelestronC5XLT.htm

It would be remiss of me to not remind that for significantly less outlay you could have a 6 inch reflector in the form of the Heritage 150p - granted no guidance support but you will see more at the eyepiece overall, and even without tracking you’ll have better overall views of moon and planets, plus greater reach for DSO’s and with a brighter image and wider field of view. It has its cons as well though of course - more basic focuser, need for DIY light shroud etc. but it’s  my most used ‘scope, and the most grab and go! 
Do let us know how you get on and what you decide!

AD

 

Edited June 13, 2022 by Astro_Dad

[bosun21]

On 10/06/2022 at 22:11, Astro_Dad said:

+1 for this suggestion. It’s a super package, and I’m talking from the position of owning one! Has the advantage of tracking too…The learning from my experience to date though is that Newtonian reflectors are a good, if not the best all round versatile telescopes to start out, maks are brilliant on planets (I have a 4” Mak on tracking EQ platform which is great if that’s what you need) but have narrow field of view and typically require a dew shield and longer cool down time. GOTO (personal view) with the various alignment routines, likely error messages from time to time, and faff is less enjoyable than a PUSH TO and less immersive if you desire a peaceful quick to set up observing session. They have great advantages depending on what you need, but a push to is my preference. All personal choice - the “trouble “ with these threads is that everyone has a favourite or a bias potentially - you’ll have to weigh up and value what’s right for you! There is no one perfect ‘scope and no one “right” option. Best thing is to go with something, learn and enjoy it and then if you get hooked buy a second or upgrade. Don’t go for analysis paralysis. 

Solid advice 👍