What is the best telescope for an ameateur at a reasonable price?

Question

I really do not want to spend more than $300, but if I had to I could go a little higher?

Answer 1

There are very few "decent" scopes under $300.  The only ones I would call acceptable are Orion's:

- AstroView 90mm refractor on EQ-2 mount (although the mount is somewhat undersized) - $320

- Short Tube 80mm refractor on EQ-1 mount - $300 - great "grab-and-go" travel scope if you upgrade later to a bigger one

- StarBlast 6" Dobsonian - $250 - compact and easy to store

- SkyQuest XT 6" Classic Dobsonian - $230 - good value

- SkyQuest CT 8" Classic Dobsonian - $300 - most aperture you can get for this amount of money

You can find them on Orion web page (www.telescope.com).  The two refractors are very portable and relatively strong, the Dobsonians give you more aperture per $$$.

Don't buy any telescope cheaper than that (unless it's a bargain used one from a reliable source).

For less money you can buy very nice binoculars.

Also,consider that you will need to buy some other things to initiate you in the hobby.  A good star chart (or planisphere) - I recommend the David H. Lavy's Guide to the Stars, available at most large bookstores (B&N) - and a good observation guide book - Turn Left at Orion by Guy Consolmagno is probably the best for starters.

Answer 2

I cannot agree more with the folks here who recommend binoculars. Telescopes and binoculars go together, each can do what the other can't. You will probably do

alright with a used one, it should be at least 50mm such as a 10x50 or 8x50.

So spend 20 or 30 $ on a used binocular and the rest on a telescope, the Orion Dobsonian looks good altough I have not used one.

It really pays to do your homework, read up on this as much as you can.

Best wishes.

Answer 3

Make your own:

http://www.usno.navy.mil/8inchdob.shtml

Answer 4

One of these-- http://www.telescope.com/control/categor...

A 6" or 8" will give you many years of service.

Save up just a little bit more.

Answer 5

Start out with a good pair of binoculars and a lawn chair!  Get to know the stars.

Look at the Dobsonians too...look at Meade.com for their 'LightBridge' series...<$400 for a nice 8" scope...also the other big player in the field is Celestron.

Answer 6

http://asktheastronomer.blogspot.com

is who helped me . found she was the best one . tell her

your price you can afford it will help. after  you recieve your new telescope she helps you use it and teaches observing the night sky with it. and telescope help

she is nice too . she doesn't bcrap ya either.

Answer 7

You'd probably be happiest with a pair of used astronomical binoculars.

Search out your local astronomy club.  People will be happy to show you good stuff for free.   Telescopes, like yachts, are the most fun if it's your friends who actually own them.