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03/20/2007 02:03:58 PM · #1 |
My darling spouse as requested a telescope for her birthday...
I would like to make it multipurpose if possible (hehe..)
who has one ? what are the caveat ? preferred brands, sizes, types ?
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03/20/2007 02:30:33 PM · #2 |
Some light reading. Starts out with some very simple stuff, but provides one heck of a lot of useful information, including recommended sources for purchasing equipment.
Bottom line, first thing is to figure out what the main purpose will be. If she wants to do visual observation of deep sky objects, a relatively large aperture SCT will perform well. If she wants to do planetary observations, then perhaps a refractor is more appropriate. You also need to figure out whether a tracking mount is necessary. Newer "go-to" mounts are very convenient, but expensive.
if you think photography is expensive, wait until you see how expensive astronomy can be... then combine them, and you have the ultimate money pit!
Message edited by author 2007-03-20 14:35:08. |
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03/20/2007 02:44:45 PM · #3 |
| With regard to telescopes and astrophotography, it's possible to couple a camera to most good telescopes via a t-adapter and t-ring for the type of camera involved. You need to ensure that the focuser can provide the range of motion required to achieve focus (usually not a problem, but can be in certain circumstances) and also that the focuser is at least a 2-inch model. Smaller (1.25-inch) focusers on less expensive 'scopes are typically not capable of transmitting an image circle large enough to cover even an APS-C sensor. The quality of the focuser is of great importance. It should be capable of supporting the weight of the camera and maintaining precise alignment of the sensor perpendicular to the axis of the 'scope and also of making fine movements to achieve critical focus. The mount should provide counterweights to balance the weight of the camera, and sufficient rigidity to prevent/dampen vibration. |
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03/20/2007 02:58:34 PM · #4 |
IMO, the best bang for the buck for beginner's visual scopes would have to be a dobsonian reflector.
Pretty useless for photography tho. |
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03/20/2007 03:09:03 PM · #5 |
Perhaps the most important question is the bottom line: what is the budget for this gift? Having a definite "no more than $____" gives a starting point for what is possible. My own practice is to take that bottom line budget figure and cut it in half, half goes to the scope, half goes to the inevitable accessories that are necessary to start using it.
So, give us a budget figure! |
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03/20/2007 04:07:52 PM · #6 |
Budget - well it's a gift (and if i guess correctly I'll use it as much if not more than she will ;)
she would prefer i spent <1k$
1k$ would be ok (i'd get into trouble)
1.5k$ (i'll really be in trouble)
2K$ (is probably not a good number) :(
Edit: accessories are a side issue (providing they are not needed right away) & can be accounted for in alternate budgets ;)
Message edited by author 2007-03-20 16:08:54. |
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03/20/2007 04:20:40 PM · #7 |
| For less than $1K, a good bet would be the Meade ETX125- very good for planets and and star clusters, not so good for galaxies. For higher resolution and dim objects (like galaxies, close binary stars and globular clusters), you really need an 8" or larger SCT telescope, but pickings are slim under $1K. |
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03/20/2007 06:40:34 PM · #8 |
Scalvert's recommendation of the Meade ETX is a good one. It's small and compact, yet a good performer overall, and will allow you to do some basic astrophotography right out of the box too.
Two other choices you may want to look into:
Starmax 102mm Mak
The Maksutov design is very similar to the ETX, but this one comes with an german equatorial mount which will probably be a little weighter (and more solid) than the ETX.
Astroview 100mm refractor
Refractors give the best views of any of the scopes.
Note for all three of these choices (including the ETX), the tripod may not be included. Make sure you do not skimp on the tripod. For any telescope to perform at the top of its game, it needs to be on a very solid and heavy-duty tripod. Make sure you understand what you're buying. Those accessories (but a tripod is a necessity) add up quickly!
Edit to add: Of these three, only the ETX gives you the motorized sidereal drive, meaning that once you align it, it automatically tracks as the Earth rotates. If astrophotography is a goal, this is a must feature.
Message edited by author 2007-03-20 19:09:45. |
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03/20/2007 07:55:57 PM · #9 |
I recently acquired a used Celestron C5* (750mm, f/6.0) that performs flawlessly using a T-adapter. Cost: $125 including S&H from eBay. My tripod is a Pelco (Hercules) that is positively massive and definitely not overkill for this application. A Meade single arm computer controlled head provides tracking.
Watch for bargains on eBay and places like Astromart unless you have a substantial budget!
*The C5 is usually made in the f/10 version, 1250mm, but a few were made in the 1970s that were f/6.0, sold under Celestron's trademark and also under the Honeywell trademark.
Message edited by author 2007-03-20 21:30:45. |
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03/20/2007 07:57:40 PM · #10 |
| Hooo, a C5 OTA for $125 is a *steal*. The C5 is a great performer. |
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03/20/2007 08:03:42 PM · #11 |
Tryign not to hijack
I just want to get a really good picture of the moon without using an expensive lense. Id rather use a telescope i know the cheap ones arent that great and adapters can be a mess.
Ill probly be using a Pentax K10D unless i change my mind about my dSLR choice. Would be hoping to get the moon as large on the frame as possible.
Think a 125-150 dollar scope can do it? Maybe i can just get an adapter and find someone who has a scope lol.
Message edited by author 2007-03-20 22:32:33.
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03/20/2007 08:14:17 PM · #12 |
| Also not trying to hijack, but I bought a Meade NG-60 from goodwill for about $5. It is missing the eyepieces, but I can get them seperately. My question will I be able to get what I need to take some pictures with these, or am I out $5. |
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03/20/2007 08:29:52 PM · #13 |
Rain, I'm not optimistic that you're going to get anything of any quality in that price range, unless you find a steal on eBay or Astromart, as Gordo suggests.
gbiscuit, not familiar with that scope. See if you can find it on google and give a link. I'll take a look at it and let you know. (again, not optimistic) |
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03/20/2007 08:39:02 PM · #14 |
gbiscuit, not familiar with that scope. See if you can find it on google and give a link. I'll take a look at it and let you know. (again, not optimistic) [/quote]
Thanks in advance.
//www.meade.com/catalog/ngc/index.html |
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03/20/2007 08:41:42 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by strangeghost:
Rain, I'm not optimistic that you're going to get anything of any quality in that price range, unless you find a steal on eBay or Astromart, as Gordo suggests.
gbiscuit, not familiar with that scope. See if you can find it on google and give a link. I'll take a look at it and let you know. (again, not optimistic) |
Well if anyone in maryland preferably Baltimore or Anne Arundel County has a decent rigging then id liek to come over on a full moon with a clear sky after i get my dSLR lol.
Message edited by author 2007-03-20 22:32:39.
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03/20/2007 09:12:44 PM · #16 |
I started with an 8" dobsonian. For purely visual astronomy and learning the sky there really is nothing better for the money, I got incredible views of whatever I pointed it at. They don't refer to them as light buckets for nothing. It did have 2 big disadvantages: It was pretty useless for photography and it was big and awkward to carry, roughly 50lb assembled and the OTA was almost 45" long.
I bought a small (80mm) refractor from Stellarvue that fits in a case that I can carry on a plane and I can attach my camera to it easily. The views I get are not as wondrous and awe inspiring as what I got with my dob, but I do use this scope a lot more since it's a lot easier to set up in the first place.
I took this moon photo with my Stellarvue:
I haven't tried deep sky objects yet, since I don't have an EQ mount let alone a go to one.
As kirbic said earlier, if you think photography is a money pit, wait til you try astronomy, or God forbid, putting the two together.
Message edited by author 2007-03-20 21:16:50. |
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03/20/2007 09:23:27 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by gbiscuit:
gbiscuit, not familiar with that scope. See if you can find it on google and give a link. I'll take a look at it and let you know. (again, not optimistic)
Thanks in advance.
//www.meade.com/catalog/ngc/index.html |
The fact that it uses 1.25" eyepieces is a positive, but it looks very much like a million other inexpensive department store refractors. Probably very inexpensively (read 'cheaply') built. Good for a few looks but worthless for any photography applications. Most people who buy scopes in this class use them a few times and get frustrated. Better to start more toward the middle of the pack with some of the ~$500 options I mentioned above.
Message edited by author 2007-03-20 21:24:47. |
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03/20/2007 10:03:13 PM · #18 |
to add a few more things in to the discussion
i have the Nikkor 1000mm f/11 Reflex
it is interesting to use but i don't have a way to point it (besides some the obvious Moon/Venus/Mars shots)
we will want to take it on camping trips / out to the cottage so portability is a concern...
so a dobsonian may be out of the question ...
i think the tracking and something longer 2000mm (like the mead 125ext) may be a good idea
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03/20/2007 10:27:46 PM · #19 |
| A cheap mirror is all the gear I need to get a nice shot of a full moon. |
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03/20/2007 10:39:39 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by rswank:
A cheap mirror is all the gear I need to get a nice shot of a full moon. |
interesting... could you give a few more details, and maybe a photo of your setup (as well as the results). next clear night i'm gonna try this...
hopefully this weekend i can do a comparison of techniques, as i have a t-mount and t-ring that just shipped from adorama today |
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03/21/2007 12:08:34 AM · #21 |
Originally posted by asimchoudhri:
Originally posted by rswank:
A cheap mirror is all the gear I need to get a nice shot of a full moon. |
interesting... could you give a few more details, and maybe a photo of your setup (as well as the results). next clear night i'm gonna try this...
hopefully this weekend i can do a comparison of techniques, as i have a t-mount and t-ring that just shipped from adorama today |
You don't need a clear night. Any night, or day for that matter, works fine. I'd recommend some privacy though.
I'm afraid pics of the setup may violate the terms and conditions of this site.
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03/21/2007 12:12:59 AM · #22 |
oh, never mind... :-)
for some reason in my sleep-deprived state i was thinking you made your own setup with a mirror and focused on the moon (as in luna)... i'm not super interested in images your moon...
i am getting my t-mounts this week, though... |
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03/21/2007 12:15:33 AM · #23 |
| There's always the OTHER kind of mirror. For $130, THIS would probably do a decent job with the moon (when mounted on a solid tripod). |
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03/21/2007 12:25:19 AM · #24 |
Originally posted by asimchoudhri:
oh, never mind... :-)
for some reason in my sleep-deprived state i was thinking you made your own setup with a mirror and focused on the moon (as in luna)... i'm not super interested in images your moon...
i am getting my t-mounts this week, though... |
Couldn't help myself ;)
This thread is pretty interesting.
The other thread w/ the animated gif picqued my interest.
I picked up a 400mm 5.6 Tokina for $199 today and am looking forward to seeing what it can do. |
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03/28/2007 09:24:27 PM · #25 |
this is going to be fun!
(don't think i'll be able to fit the entire moon in one capture, though...) |
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