Got my first scope!

[SpockJim]

http://www.opticsplanet.net/meade-ds2000-1.html

[Dave Mitsky]

Here's what I replied when another person inquired about the slightly larger aperture DS-2130ATS not too long ago:

That telescope appears to be a Jones-Bird catadioptric Newtonian. Look at how short the OTA is, yet it has a f/ratio of 7.9! This is due to a two lens element acromatic lens, a so-called built-in Barlow lens, that's used to correct the spherical aberration from the cheap-to-make spherical mirror. This type of design is an optical compromise that allows manufacturers to forego parabolic mirrors and sturdier mounts. I'd give it a pass.

Dave Mitsky

[vet]

i agree with mr. mitsky---for that $$$, you can do better. even though you may feel 'go-to' needed, well, then you miss the 'thrill' of learning to 'star-hop'---4/14" won't fuel that thrill---but a decent 10" dob certainly will---because when M-13 shows up, resolved, or you see the colors of M-42---and this ability seems to start at 10" aperture---That will make a 'star-hopper of you---'joy of discovery'---and enough aperture to make it worth the fun.

[SpockJim]

What is a great scope for a beginner? I would like a Meade with the auto star feature. (tracking) I like the ETX 90 and up series, I also have a spending limit of $300-$400.

[Dave Mitsky]

In my opinion and that of many other amateur astronomers, the most cost effective first telescope is a 6 inch (150mm) f/8 Newtonian reflector with a Dobsonian alt-azimuth mount. The single most important aspect of a telescope is its aperture. Getting a small aperture GoTo telescope like the 90mm ETX means sacrificing the ability to see many of the fainter objects that are possible with 150mm. If you're primarily interested in lunar, solar, and planetary observing and live in a highly light polluted location the ETX might make more sense, since light gathering capability is not as important for these pursuits and having a drive is a plus.

I suggest that you contact a local astronomy club, planetarium, or observatory to see if any public observing sessions or star parties are conducted in your area. Trying different types of telescopes of varying apertures is a very good idea before making a decision on a purchase.

Here are some web sites to consult:

http://www.scopereviews.com/begin.html

http://skyandtelescope.com/printable/howto...article_244.asp (http://skyandtelescope.com/printable/howto/scopes/article_244.asp)

http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=ss&id=9

http://www.r-clarke.org.uk/starting_astro.htm

http://observers.org/beginner/

http://www.telescope.com/content/learningc...NavIDs=19,20,23 (http://www.telescope.com/content/learningcenter/content2main.jsp?iCategoryID=23&iContentID=619&CCNavIDs=19,20,23)

P.S. If you don't already own a binocular consider getting one as well as a field guide such as _Touring The Universe Through Binoculars_ or _Binocular Astronomy_.

Dave Mitsky

[RobWolfe]

My wife got me a Hardin Optical DSH 10 and I absolutely love it. It doesn't have the go to stuff on it but I find that just scanning the sky manually is more fun anyway. When I first started doing this and "discovered" the Orion Nebula by accident I was thrilled beyond words. That is part of what hooked me. When it comes to fancy electronics versus aperature, I'll vote for a light bucket any day. Here is a link to Hardin's homepage if you are interested. Hardin Optical (http://www.hardinoptical.com/) By the way the telescope comes with a nice 2" eyepiece. That was the first time I have ever seen or used one and it is quite nice.

[gavwvin]

I had a couple of reviews sent in to my site about this telescope:

http://www.astronomyforbeginners.com/revie...de%20DS-2114ATS (http://www.astronomyforbeginners.com/reviews/reviews.php?id=13&name=Meade%20DS-2114ATS)

Hope this helps!

[vet]

Originally posted by RobWolfe@Mar 8 2005, 08:49 PM
My wife got me a Hardin Optical DSH 10 and I absolutely love it. It doesn't have the go to stuff on it but I find that just scanning the sky manually is more fun anyway. When I first started doing this and "discovered" the Orion Nebula by accident I was thrilled beyond words. That is part of what hooked me. When it comes to fancy electronics versus aperature, I'll vote for a light bucket any day. Here is a link to Hardin's homepage if you are interested. Hardin Optical (http://www.hardinoptical.com/) By the way the telescope comes with a nice 2" eyepiece. That was the first time I have ever seen or used one and it is quite nice.
may i claim 'first-rights' on 'i told you so.?'---nobody likes a know-it-all---i knew you'd say that---please read my posts on your choice---'thank ya, thank ya very much...'---but remeber the 70+ wealthy eclipse-chasers, and why They go for 4" flourite APOs---and kudos to your wife---does she have a blind, rich, eskimo dentists for an older sister? my ideal mate.

now you know---the 'bang' starts at 10"---you want more? 14 is next 'quantum level---then 20, but with dark skies, ya got it. enjoy----

[Gneiss]

Originally posted by RobWolfe@Mar 8 2005, 08:49 PM
When I first started doing this and "discovered" the Orion Nebula by accident I was thrilled beyond words. That is part of what hooked me. When it comes to fancy electronics versus aperature, I'll vote for a light bucket any day.
I couldn't agree more...

But then the planets are easy to find :) I will say that I wouldn't go without at least a single axis drive, for me that is a must at higher powers.

The ETX is a great scope if you want portability and a scope that does everything for you! It does however have a fairly limited field of view...

[SpockJim]

Well, i'm narrowed down to two different scopes. I leaning towards the ETX 90 with UHTC coatings.

Here is the two I'm looking at

http://www.astronomics.com/main/Celestron_.../product_id/C6N (http://www.astronomics.com/main/Celestron_6_f_5_C6N_Advanced_Series_equatorial3105 6.asp/catalog_name/Astronomics/category_name/NDD07E0RD23Q9P8PG8HDGEHK12/product_id/C6N)

http://www.telescopes.com/products/Meade_E...ings_18204.html (http://www.telescopes.com/products/Meade_ETX-90AT_Astro_Telescope_-_UHTC_Coatings_18204.html)

[paul f. campbell]

SpockJim If you are leaning towards the etx90 spend the extra dollars and by the etx125. I have a 90mm spotting scope that I use for solar photos and I have a etx 125 that I use for Planet/Moon photos and I am now starting to do deep space, there is a big difference in what you can see. spend the extra cash if you have it.

If I knew then what I know now about buying your first telescope I would have bought a lx90 8'' or a lx200 because it does not stop with just the first scope. Down the road you will want more lens - heaters to keep the dew off your scope - electronic auto focuser to stop the shakes - you will want to have it super tuned - maybe a ccd camera and on and on and on it goes.

I bought my etx 125. 3 years ago I now have over 3,000 dollars in it. Some day I am going to buy a much larger scope. but for right now I have a great 5'' telescope. It takes great photos and it tracks better then most. I have had alot of work done to it I think its one of the best etx 125 scopes out there and I will never sell it off even if I get a larger one. If you go Meade goto and need help with it let me know. Later Paul.

[SpockJim]

Hi Paul! I did read up quite a bit on the EXT 125 series and that's what I'm going to buy. I am having an issue finding the right accessories to hook up my Digital cam to this scope.

I will be ordering this on Monday!

[paul f. campbell]

SpockJim What kind of digital camera do you own. later Paul

[SpockJim]

Hi Paul, It's a Canon Digital Camera, Powershot A85.

[SpockJim]

Well I've done it!

Ordered a Meade ETX-125AT with UHTC coatings.
I alsao order some digital camera mounting accessories along with a bunch of other things! I can't wait! It arrives on thursday!

[SpockJim]

I got it today and got it all setup!

Now I'm just waiting for a nice clear night to get it all alligned!

this is gonna be a fun summer!