Choosing my first equipment

[Mark59]

Hey all!

I am a novice astronomer who is about to purchase his first telescope. A 4th grader would also be using it. I have 2 in mind, with 2 very different prices. I could get the cheaper one, but then I would probably move up to a larger diameter later and then lose money on selling the current. Or purchase the larger and more expensive now, and be done for quite some time. Anyhow, I was looking for any advice on both of these 'scopes, Are they worth the money and which one is the better buy? I have heard that Celestron is better than Mead. It's no secret that you can buy cheapy Mead's at Big 5 etc. (guilty of buying one), so I am a little wary of their quality since they seem to be enveloping the toy market also. Anyhow here are the 2 I looked at:

NEXSTAR 6SE

NexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope (item #11068) / Celestron.com - Telescope | Computerized Telescopes | Microscopes | Binoculars | SkyScout

CELESTRON GPS 800

CPC 800 GPS (XLT) Computerized Telescope (item #11073-XLT) / Celestron.com - Telescope | Computerized Telescopes | Microscopes | Binoculars | SkyScout

Thanks all!

Mark

[alfi]

hi

if you think you will be upgrading anyway, go for the most expensive first, no point in buying a scope, and sell it with loss, if you know this is for you, and that you will be wanting something better.

so if the money isnt an issue, go big.

alfi

[Rusty Strings]

If you don't really need the Goto mount, then a big Dobsonian is the way to go IMHO.

John

[pvaz]

If you don't really need the Goto mount, then a big Dobsonian is the way to go IMHO.

John

To me a dob with a telrad finder and a good sky atlas are the most fun way to go. But that's a personal choice. GOTOs are great, in fact my scope haves it, but I don't use it cause, for me, it takes out one of the most interesting parts of the hobby.

If you want the big one and money isn't a problem go for it.

If you want a cheaper big one go for a manual dobsodian. That way you really have to learn the sky, besides enjoying observing you'll also enjoy the learning process and the trill of finding things for yourself and save a lot of cash. The dob also haves virtually no setup time and no fiddling with recharging batteries in advance, polar alignments, etc.

[red dwalf]

Hi Mark,

if you are in the market for a celestron 800 cpc have a look in the for sale section , link below.

http://stargazerslounge.com/sale/92125-celestron-cpc-9-25-sale.html

this chap selling a year old 925 cpc for the same price you are thinking of spending on a 800 cpc, these scopes are very good , best buy in the papers for 2 years running and i don`t think you can go wrong, i have a 6" nexstar and i love it, so a 925 would be amazing to look through.

good luck with your choice.

Rob

[sgazer]

for visual, go for the bigger one.....

for imaging, go for the bigger one! But on an EQ mount such as CG5 or HEQ5/EQ6.

[ombos]

Its the same old answer: the best scope is one thats gets used the most, now FLO have IMHO a cracker of a deal and all who know me know that if I say its a good deal it must be lol, I'M TIGHT: its cel 9.25 with a Goto mount at £1300 or £1399, its a scope for life bud, the mounts are not the best but I've still got one and when polar aligned correctly there a good mount, the scope is about as good an all round one as you can get. Its in their clearance section OR have a think about NICE second refractor theres loads knocking about on flea bay (but becareful).