i had preiously settled on the dobsonain skywatcher but now im starting to think is it worth even buying one?

Im afraid to spend £200 - £300 and not use it

is it a good "investment" and the novelty just wont wear off?

Jonny

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It depends on how committed you are to the hobby. Nobody can really tell you whether buying a telescope is worth it, because everyone has a different perception of value. With any hobby there are people who put thousands of dollars into it, because they love it, and then there are people who jump in, get bored, and are gone in two months. You will have to find out for yourself.

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You can't really tell the difference between drunken rambling and sober blogging.

To me; heck yeah it's worth it! However, that has nothing to do with whether it's worth it to you. This is a textbook example of a situation where you've got to get out to a star party, take a look through as many scopes as you can, and decide for yourself.

I've had telescopes for about 10 yrs now, binoculars for about 12. The novelty hasn't worn off for me. Not even close.

thanks guys
i see where ur coming from

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Worth it!!
I think I have the same scope as Redshifter. Orion 10" dob. But yea get out to a star party. Talk to the people that do this stuff and pick their brains. Look through their scopes.

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There are many many people that find that a really good pair of binoculars
work quite well indeed for star viewing, and serve them well for so many other applications. Your purchase is justified, especially on a budget.
Why not join up with an astronomy group and check out their Dobson?
Best of luck with your decision.

Dan

On our club's webpage:

http://www.tristateastronomers.org

we encourage everyone to get a good pair of binoculars and a good set of star charts, such as those prepared by Wil Tirion. With those tools, you will learn the constellations, the times of the year when certain objects can be found, where, in the sky, etc. You will even be able to see many deep sky objects, such as the North American Nebula, the Great Orion Nebula, M31, the Andromeda Galaxy, etc.

You may decide that simply looking for the Messier objects is what you desire to do with a telescope, and if that is the case, the bigger the mirror is, the better your chances will be of seeing these things.

Or, you may decide that clear, high-powered views of the Moon and planets are more to your liking, and for that you will probably want a smaller scope, but one that is mounted on a solid motorized Equatorial mount.

As Dan suggests, join a local group, and check out what the people are using. Go to public star parties, look at all the scopes that are assembled ( our Antietam Battlefield star party usually attracts over 200 people a night! ) and then you will be able to make a more intelligent decision as to your viewing desires.

Good luck! Clear skies. Jim

Hi Jim,

Well said. Best way to a good decision.
Best regards,
Dan