First Scope Advice Please.

[DazzaB74]

Hello,

I'm after a bit of advice for a first telescope.

I would like to be able to see the planets in a bit of detail and be able to view the Messier's and at least some DSO's. I'm currently using 10x50 Binoculars to pick out constellations etc and i think it's time to make that move up. I'm hoping to keep the price below £400 (i know i'll need to buy additional lenses, powertank etc.)

I've narrowed it down ( i think ) to one of the following :

Celestron Nexstar 4SE

Meade ETX80 AT

Celestron Nexstar 127 SLT MAK

SkyWatcher 127 SynScan AZ Goto MAK.

I live very close to Kielder so any effects of light pollution are at a minimum

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[perrin6]

£400 would buy you a good 8 inch dob with money to spare for a couple of good quality eyepieces. This is a great sized telescope and will show you enough to entertain you for a couple of years or more, with excellent planetary views too. Of course if you want to do much astrophotography you will need to spend a greater proportion of your budget on an equatorial mount etc meaning a smaller proportion on the optics.

[E621Keith]

If you have been using 10x50 for a while, then I guess you know the position of various things you wanted to see. In that case, like Alan I'd suggest getting a Dob. The ETX is really a rich field scope and the Maks a planet scope. If you like DSO then a dob is the way to go.

[perrin6]

Hello,

I live very close to Kielder so any effects of light pollution are at a minimum

Just noticed the above. Little light pollution - cor ! Get as big a dob as you can and look at them pretty galaxies and nebulae then ! You will still get decent planet views with it.

[DazzaB74]

Ok, so eventually 1 year on, I am in the position to buy my first scope. Following on the great advice, i am going to go for a Skyliner Dob. I have a budget of around £300 max.

The big question is do i spend it all on a 200P and not be able to purchase EP's or a Chesire for a long while, or do i go for the 150P and give myself £100 to get some more EP's and /or a Chesire?

Again, more advice would be greatly appreciated, also on which EP's you think i should go for.

Thanks again

[Cornelius Varley]

Go for the 200.

Peter