Where to Start - Buying Instructions

[kwhite]

My fiancee has always been interested in stargazing and has expressed interest in a telescope for Christmas. I was doing some research and the following website: http://skyandtelescope.com/howto/basics/article_260_1.asp recommended starting out with a pair of Binoculars and a star map stating that for a beginner it is more difficult to use a telescope unless totally familiar with the night sky. My questions are do agree that starting with Binoculars is a good option, how much can you see with them, and can you recommend a good pair for under $300. Thanks!

[redshifter]

Yes, starting with binocs is a good option, as well as a good star map. For beginners, I'd recommend one of the little wheel thingys that tend to show brighter stars and constellations only. Start by identifying brighter stars and constellations at a fairly light polluted site (your backyard, or a nearby park) so when you do get to a true dark sky, you won't be too overwhelmed. I'd also strongly recommend attending a star party in your area, and get some hands on experience with a variety of telescope types and see what seems to suit you best. DO NOT buy a telescope from ANY dept. store, those are all JUNK. DO NOT buy a telescope that comes in a big box and says something like "600 power", that is total BS. For binocs, I'd recommend a 10X50 (10 being the magnification and 50 being the lens diameter, 50mm) or if you're going to use a sturdy tripod, a 70 or 80mm pair. If you decide to go for a telescope, for 300 bucks I'd recommend a 6" dob hands down. Here's a couple links to get you started:

http://www.telescope.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=318&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=5&iSubCat=37&iProductID=318&relateInfo=1&add=yes#tabLink for a good 50mm pair

http://www.telescope.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=310&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=5&iSubCat=18&iProductID=310 for a good 70mm pair, I've had a pair of their 15X70's for 6 years

Here's a good 6" dobsonian scope: http://www.telescope.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=365&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=4&iSubCat=9&iProductID=365

There are other good options besides the Orion links I posted above. I've been dealing with them for years now and never had a bad experience with them.

[aurora]

There are some books on viewing with binos. IIRC, there is one by Will Tirion and another by Phil Harrington.

Another great book aimed at small telescope users is Turn Left at Orion.

Binos are very useful indeed, even after you have a telescope you will still find uses for them. The downside is that the magnification is limited, so you won't be seeing Saturn's rings or Jupiter's cloud belts.

I agree pretty much with everything Redshifter said, basically, you should do some more reading and try to go to an astro club before you plunk down money on a telescope.