Telescope choice

[Squif]

Hello!

So decided to get back into astronomy - used to have a telescope however took up IT went to uni, and had to sell it to get some money . Anyway just at the end of my course and im looking to buy a reasonable telescope. Been looking around and ive found 2 that im interested in- but could do with some more advice/ opinions.

The 2 im thinking of are:

SkyWatcher Skyhawk-114/1000 EQ1

Celestron astromaster 130EQ.

Does anyone have any opinions of these 2? If so which one would be better?

[Capricorn]

I think both have spherical mirrors.

I therefore wouldn't consider either.

SW do a 130P a 150P and and a 150PL.

My preference would be the 150PL for the higher f number, the other 2 are both f/5's and so need more attention when in general use.

Probably not the answer you were hoping for or wanting. Just spending money on a scope that you may regret very quick is a waste.

[nicnac]

whats you budget?

[Squif]

If im honest I was trying to spend £200 or under - was aiming under £150 so that I could learn around the sky- and then buy a better scope in a year or so. I have used binoculars just want a little more then that really. (sorry If I sound silly)

[tom33pr]

Squif - It'll be hard to find anything (new) decent within this budget.

I'd keep an eye on the: U.K. Astronomy Buy & Sell

I've seen a lot of interesting s/h scopes up for sale on that site.

Join the local astronomy club - they are always welcoming; go observing with them, try out their gear; they will give you the best advise.

[nicnac]

Reflectors - Skywatcher Heritage 130p Flextube

Reflectors - Skywatcher Skyhawk 1145P

how are these for you, both telescopes are well regarded.

the link for the 1145P (2nd one) has another link within that takes you to a review

[Squif]

Wow thankyou nicnac!

The flextube one looks really awsome although im wondering whether the Skywatcher Skyhawk 1145P might be a really good contender - I think I may need to undertake some further research! Would you say that a skywatcher scope would be a better option over a celestron?

[ollypenrice]

Wow thankyou nicnac!

The flextube one looks really awsome although im wondering whether the Skywatcher Skyhawk 1145P might be a really good contender - I think I may need to undertake some further research! Would you say that a skywatcher scope would be a better option over a celestron?

In this part of the market, yes.

Olly

[tom33pr]

Here's the s/h flextube for £100 (with extra plossls): U.K. Astronomy Buy & Sell

[Squif]

Many thanks everyone!

Think I may do a bit more research and look for a SW scope. Thank you so much for all your help!

[Karlos]

I think both have spherical mirrors.

I therefore wouldn't consider either.

Im curious to know whats the difference between parabolic and a spherical mirror? :S

[MorningMajor]

Im curious to know whats the difference between parabolic and a spherical mirror?

I was going to attempt a rather clumsy reply to this but thought this discussion summed it up a lot better than I could!

[Karlos]

Wow, that is a very informative thread, thanks for pointing me in the right direction. However this will take time to get my head around it