OK everybody last telescope question!!!!(links included)?

Question

Would youuuuu recommend this telescope for a novice????http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=dobsonians/~pcategory=telescopes/~product_id=27182

Answer 1

It is not a bad choice for somebody who is starting in the hobby.  The push-to object locator makes finding things easy, and 6" aperture is enough to see hundreds of objects.  However it has two major drawback:

- You won't learn much about the celestial coordinates system and how things move across the sky.

- You won't be able to do astrophotography with this scope if you ever decide that you want to try making pictures of what you see (and especially the stuff you can't see because it's too faint for visual observation and can only be visible on photographs). - although a scope suitable for astrophotography is definitely much more expensive.  The big advantage of astrophotography is that it allows you to "see" objects that are unachievable for visual observers - with my 100mm refractor I have made pictures of objects that people with even 12-14 inch Dobsonians can only dream of.

For the price, it's a very good value, but if you enjoy the hobby, very soon you will crave for more.

Answer 2

Yes. I have one of these scopes myself and have been very pleased with its optics, solid mount, and accurate object locator. This is a much better deal than the smaller scopes with goto systems, since it is every bit as accurate and has much better (brighter) images. Highly recommended!

Answer 3

This is my favorite at that price point.  I have it's larger 10 inch cousin.  The push-to computer works quite well. It sets up quickly - less than 3 minutes.  It's quite portable (especially compared to my 10 inch).  It fits across the back seat of any car.  Orion has excellent after-sales support, so buying it over the internet is a reasonable idea.

One advantage of the pushto computer over a goto is that a 9 volt battery is all it uses, and it lasts a couple months.  It doesn't track the sky, so you have to nudge it every now and then - and you will be hard pressed to do astrophotography with it.

There is some assembly required.  Take your time.  Read all instructions twice.  Don't force anything.

Of course, i always say that you should visit your local astronomy club.

Answer 4

Goto telescopes are great. I have a Meade 125 ETX. I use it every summer.

I can't comment on other computerized scopes. The Dobson style (like the one your considering) is a great pick.

If this is your first scope, then I would recommend going with a Dobson style that is fatter (AKA Wide Aperture) and not computerized plus pick up a 5 dollar planetsphere chart and learn the sky first. It's a lot more fun than having a computer do it.

In fact just just the planet sphere map and go to the back yard and get familiar with the night sky. Then get a scope.

Answer 5

You will soon find out after only a few hours of using your telescope that the go-to feature is pretty much worthless. It sounds great, but it doesn't work, and it jacks up the price. You could find a better telescope of the same price without the go-to feature. Dobsonians are good choices... they're my favorite type. Look for a large primary mirror.

Answer 6

i agree: this is a pretty good choice. a solid mount, decent optics, decent aperture, assistance on finding things - and did i mention the solid mount? if the telesscope is wobbly, nothing else matters.

recommended, but if you can afford one with more aperture, please consider it.

Answer 7

Apparently the system doesn't have a "clock drive" feature which is needed to keep the 'scope aimed at the subject celestial object. As the Earth rotates, you'll have to continuously and manually move the tube yourself to maintain alignment.