What is a decent, reasonably priced telescope capable of viewing planets?

Question

What is a decent, reasonably priced telescope capable of viewing planets?

Answer 1

Scopecity.com. A Parks reflector will give you more 'bang' for your telescope dollar. The finest optics without being a space program.

Answer 2

I'd recommend an 8" or 10" Newtonian. Anything smaller won't really give satisfying views.

Here are a few web pages with good information on beginner's telescopes:

http://www.gaherty.ca/tme/TME0702_Buying...

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

http://observers.org/beginner/j.r.f.begi...

For more advanced information, read Phil Harrington's Star Ware, 4th edition (Wiley).

You'll get the greatest value for your money with a Newtonian reflector on a Dobsonian mount, such as these:

http://www.telescope.com/control/categor...

http://www.skywatchertelescope.net/swtin...

Buy from a store which specializes in telescopes and astronomy, either locally or online; don't buy from department stores, discount stores or eBay as mostly what they sell is junk. Find your local astronomy club and try out different telescopes at one of their star parties:

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/community...