looking to get my first scope

[rob_c]

hi all im new to SGL and im looking for my first scope.

I mainly want to use it to look at the planets and moon.

ive seen one on ebay but im not sure

NEW 6" Newtonian Reflector Telescope BLACK Huge Scope on eBay (end time 06-Oct-10 17:35:08 BST)

if you can help that would be a great help

rob

[brantuk]

I'd avoid that one - unbranded and the description is very suspect. You'll be much better to stick with well known brands like Skywatcher, Celestron, Meade etc through a reputable retailer like First Light Optics (see link above). Or buy s/h from another astronomer here, or astro buy sell - there are good bargains to be had and the gear will be well looked after and mostly excellent condition.

[John]

I agree entirely with brantuk - avoid that scope - it's typical of the "all that glitters is not gold" type which abound on E.Bay, unfortunately. The brands listed above are the ones to watch for plus I'd add TAL to that list which are solid scopes that usually go for very reasonable amounts used.

[BazMark]

When I was researching to buy my first decent scope last year I read numerous reviews on these type scopes for sale on ebay and most were bad. Seben, Big Boss, etc. I'd agree with the above.

[pilkinn]

Hello Rob. Good luck with finding the right scope. I've been going around in circles for a while now trying to choose. All I'd say is be patient and do your research. Asking questions on this forum has helped me greatly.

[Cornelius Varley]

hi all im new to SGL and im looking for my first scope.

I mainly want to use it to look at the planets and moon.

ive seen one on ebay but im not sure

NEW 6" Newtonian Reflector Telescope BLACK Huge Scope on eBay (end time 06-Oct-10 17:35:08 BST)

if you can help that would be a great help

rob

Also avoid the White telescope. Brands to give a miss to are Seben, Event Horizon, Sylvan, Visionary and any other brand that sell the 1400/150 telescope. There also a few second hand telescopes where the seller quotes the specification of the telescope as D=150 F=750 & F=1400. The makers of this particular telescope aslo sell a 750/150 with a spherical mirror and use the same carton as the 1400/150, also to be avoided.

Peter

[rob_c]

been looking on First light optics for a scope could any one tell me what would be the best for my first scope as im clueless

1: Reflectors - Skywatcher Explorer 150P EQ3-2

2: Reflectors - Skywatcher Explorer 130P SupaTrak AUTO

thanks in advance

[brantuk]

Both are good "first" telescopes - I'd go for the 150P if budget allows - it'll show a fair few more dso's than the 130P. Plus it's upgradeable to electronic tracking later on

[Johnboy]

Give First Light Optics a ring. IMO They always give very good, unbiased advice.

[AWR]

Hi Rob,

They're both good scopes. You'll need to decide whether you want the extra aperture of the 150 or the tracking (and therefore power required) of the 130.

Andrew

[rob_c]

still on the look out but so ive just spotted this on the bay but dont know if its any good for a 1st scope.

Skywatcher SK1309EQ2 Telescope

[rob_c]

Skywatcher SK1309EQ2 Telescope

is this scope any good for a starter so far im still hoping to buy the 150p

[daveb]

Hi and welcome to SGL. Leave it alone and stick to the main brands as it might look good but its the optics that count!

[matt c]

This ain't to bad a bargain you'll have to be quick though

CELESTRON (POWERSEEKER 127) EQ TELESCOPE KIT on eBay (end time 11-Oct-10 19:18:11 BST)