Telescopes Are Like Golf Clubs -- Read Before You Buy!

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JayTee United States of America
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Telescopes Are Like Golf Clubs -- Read Before You Buy!

#1

Post by JayTee »


Hello,

Many of you who are buying your first telescope most likely approach it the same way you buy a television. Regardless of the size of the screen, it shows you the same picture. Well other than sharing the first four letters telescopes and televisions are not very similar devices.

Believe it or not, telescopes are much more like golf clubs.

Your basic set of golf clubs has 12 clubs in it; 3 woods, 7 irons, a wedge, and a putter. If I take you out to a golf course and hand you just the driver and say play the course, could you, yes but your results would not be optimal and you would experience a lot of frustration. If we go to the other end of the bag and I have you play the course with just a putter, same experience, yes you could play it but there would be significant frustration. Okay, how about I give you a 5-iron and ask you to play the course better results, a little less frustration but again not optimal like having the full set available to you.

In much the same way, using a telescope is very similar. They are implements/tools to achieve an objective. There is no one club/telescope that lets you optimally play the entire course which in our case is the entire universe. If you look at the signatures of a lot of the regular posters you will notice that we have several telescopes because we understand that each of them has their strengths and weaknesses.

So when you are considering buying your first telescope there are four major questions you need to answer for yourself:
  • 1) What do I want to view (planetary/lunar or deep-sky objects or both)?
  • 2) Where will I be viewing from (a heavily light-polluted versus a very dark location, or somewhere in between)?
  • #3) How much weight can I comfortably lift up to a chest-high level (big scopes are heavy and if you can't lift it, you won't use it)?
  • #4) How much can you realistically spend on this new piece of equipment (be flexible, we're great at spending YOUR money)?

Once you answer these four questions, suggesting a telescope for you becomes a lot easier keeping in mind that there is no single telescope that will optimally show you the entire universe. That does not mean that there aren't telescopes that will do a good job on all of the above. Remember though, there are always trade-offs and the phrase; Jack of all trades but the master of none, absolutely applies to telescopes.

I hope this analogy helps you understand that telescopes are not a one-size-does-all type of tool. And I also hope that you have seen a set of golf clubs at some point in your life.

Lastly, this analogy absolutely applies to your decision making when you start thinking about acquiring astrophotography equipment.

Cheers,
JT

PS, I’ve been ruminating on this analogy for around 2 years but it is still an evolving idea, so before I make this a "stickie" any additional input is welcome.
And in case you didn't get my veiled attempt at symbolism -- the 5-iron is an SCT. 8-)
∞ Primary Scopes: #1: Celestron CPC1100 #2: 8" f/7.5 Dob #3: CR150HD f/8 6" frac
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°

Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."

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Re: Telescopes Are Like Golf Clubs -- Read Before You Buy!

#2

Post by notFritzArgelander »


Telescopes are also like screw drivers. :) A flathead is not a Phillips.
Scopes: Refs: Orion ST80, SV 80EDA f7, TS 102ED f11 Newts: AWB 130mm, f5, Z12 f5; Cats: VMC110L, Intes MK66,VMC200L f9.75 EPs: KK Fujiyama Orthoscopics, 2x Vixen NPLs (40-6mm) and BCOs, Baader Mark IV zooms, TV Panoptics, Delos, Plossl 32-8mm. Mixed brand Masuyama/Astroplans Binoculars: Nikon Aculon 10x50, Celestron 15x70, Baader Maxbright. Mounts: Star Seeker IV, Vixen Porta II, Celestron CG5
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Re: Telescopes Are Like Golf Clubs -- Read Before You Buy!

#3

Post by JayTee »


My first idea was hammers -- claw, ball-peen, mallet, tack, etc.
∞ Primary Scopes: #1: Celestron CPC1100 #2: 8" f/7.5 Dob #3: CR150HD f/8 6" frac
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°

Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."

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Re: Telescopes Are Like Golf Clubs -- Read Before You Buy!

#4

Post by bobharmony »


Telescopes are not like golf clubs in one way. I have seen a man snap his golf club in half after hitting a bad shot, and another pitch one into the nearby pond in similar circumstances. I have never seen anyone treat a telescope so badly due to some fault of his own :)

Overall, I love the analogy, JT!

Bob
Hardware: Celestron C6-N w/ Advanced GTmount, Baader MK iii CC, Orion ST-80, Canon 60D (unmodded), Nikon D5300 (modded), Orion SSAG
Software: BYE, APT, PHD2, DSS, PhotoShop CC 2020, StarTools, Cartes du Ciel, AstroTortilla

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Re: Telescopes Are Like Golf Clubs -- Read Before You Buy!

#5

Post by JayTee »


I have gently rested my head against one of my scopes in frustration as the radio-dispatched clouds rushed in and obliterated my night sky!

JT
∞ Primary Scopes: #1: Celestron CPC1100 #2: 8" f/7.5 Dob #3: CR150HD f/8 6" frac
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°

Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."

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Re: Telescopes Are Like Golf Clubs -- Read Before You Buy!

#6

Post by Markmjm »


Thanks for your sage advice JT. Right now I own a fairly inexpensive telescope, in fact using your golf club analogy-it's a miniature golf, golf club! 😂 That's one of the reasons I joined this forum, in order to gain some useful insights for when I upgrade to a better scope. That probably won't happen for about a year and a half or so, in the meantime, I'll just be a sponge, absorbing knowledge from the people who have much more experience than I do. 😊
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Re: Telescopes Are Like Golf Clubs -- Read Before You Buy!

#7

Post by Bigzmey »


Well put JT! I would add two more bullet points:

3) what are your weight-lifting and wallet-emptying limits?
4) are you married?
:D
Scopes: Stellarvue: SV102ED; Celestron: 9.25" EdgeHD, 8" SCT, 150ST, Onyx 80ED; iOptron: Hankmeister 6" Mak; SW: 7" Mak; Meade: 80ST.
Mounts: SW: SkyTee2, AzGTi; iOptron: AZMP; ES: Twilight I; Bresser: EXOS2; UA: MicroStar.
Binos: APM: 100-90 APO; Canon: IS 15x50; Orion: Binoviewer, LG II 15x70, WV 10x50, Nikon: AE 16x50, 10x50, 8x40.
EPs: Pentax: XWs & XFs; TeleVue: Delites, Panoptic & Plossls; ES: 68, 62; Vixen: SLVs; Baader: BCOs, Aspherics, Mark IV.
Diagonals: Baader: BBHS mirror, Zeiss Spec T2 prism, Clicklock dielectric; TeleVue: Evebrite dielectric; AltairAstro: 2" prism.
Filters: Lumicon: DeepSky, UHC, OIII, H-beta; Baader: Moon & SkyGlow, Contrast Booster, UHC-S, 6-color set; Astronomik: UHC.

Observing: DSOs: 3106 (Completed: Messier, Herschel 1, 2, 3. In progress: H2,500: 2180, S110: 77). Doubles: 2382, Comets: 34, Asteroids: 255
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Re: Telescopes Are Like Golf Clubs -- Read Before You Buy!

#8

Post by Bigzmey »


Markmjm wrote: Tue Aug 27, 2019 3:06 am Thanks for your sage advice JT. Right now I own a fairly inexpensive telescope, in fact using your golf club analogy-it's a miniature golf, golf club! 😂 That's one of the reasons I joined this forum, in order to gain some useful insights for when I upgrade to a better scope. That probably won't happen for about a year and a half or so, in the meantime, I'll just be a sponge, absorbing knowledge from the people who have much more experience than I do. 😊
This is the best way to start really. When you gain enough experience you will make much better decisions on what equipment to buy or not. Whether with fancy equipment or a simple pair of binoculars - just give me dark clear skies and I am a happy camper. :D
Scopes: Stellarvue: SV102ED; Celestron: 9.25" EdgeHD, 8" SCT, 150ST, Onyx 80ED; iOptron: Hankmeister 6" Mak; SW: 7" Mak; Meade: 80ST.
Mounts: SW: SkyTee2, AzGTi; iOptron: AZMP; ES: Twilight I; Bresser: EXOS2; UA: MicroStar.
Binos: APM: 100-90 APO; Canon: IS 15x50; Orion: Binoviewer, LG II 15x70, WV 10x50, Nikon: AE 16x50, 10x50, 8x40.
EPs: Pentax: XWs & XFs; TeleVue: Delites, Panoptic & Plossls; ES: 68, 62; Vixen: SLVs; Baader: BCOs, Aspherics, Mark IV.
Diagonals: Baader: BBHS mirror, Zeiss Spec T2 prism, Clicklock dielectric; TeleVue: Evebrite dielectric; AltairAstro: 2" prism.
Filters: Lumicon: DeepSky, UHC, OIII, H-beta; Baader: Moon & SkyGlow, Contrast Booster, UHC-S, 6-color set; Astronomik: UHC.

Observing: DSOs: 3106 (Completed: Messier, Herschel 1, 2, 3. In progress: H2,500: 2180, S110: 77). Doubles: 2382, Comets: 34, Asteroids: 255
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Re: Telescopes Are Like Golf Clubs -- Read Before You Buy!

#9

Post by JayTee »


Hi Andrey,

#3 I had typed in but at the last minute deleted it. Don't know why maybe because that usually is a follow-up question we ask. But knowing it upfront is probably the way to go.
As for #4, that one is fraught with peril nowadays! That whole can of worms - kettle of fish deal.

JT
∞ Primary Scopes: #1: Celestron CPC1100 #2: 8" f/7.5 Dob #3: CR150HD f/8 6" frac
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°

Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."

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Re: Telescopes Are Like Golf Clubs -- Read Before You Buy!

#10

Post by DeanD »


Interesting analogy JT. Thanks for the idea. Now we have to think up some analogies for the tees, golf balls etc. Maybe having a goto is like having a caddy. The correct swing and proper stance are of course the mount.

All the best,

Dean
Telescopes: 12" f5 dob, Celestron CPC800, 150mmf5 Celestron achro, Tak TSA102, TV76, ETX125...
Binos: Steiner Wildlife XP 10x26, Swarovski 8x30 Habicht, Zeiss SFL 8x40, Vanguard Endeavour 10.5x45, Fuji FMTR-SX 10x50, Tak 22x60, Orion Resolux 15x70
Eyepieces: way too many (is that possible?), but I do like my TV 32mm plossl, 13mm Nagler T6, 27mm Panoptic and 3-6mm Nagler zoom, plus Fujiyama 18mm and 25mm orthos and Tak 7.5mm LE
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Re: Telescopes Are Like Golf Clubs -- Read Before You Buy!

#11

Post by JimMinCT »


+1 on the weight limit requirement....
This is a vital, but often overlooked aspect of the hobby.
The old adage still holds true. The best scope, is the one you use the most.
After getting the CGX, I realized that some people just don't understand what they're in for as far as lugging items around. ( The main reason for the Obsy!) :D

Excellent job, ET!
Cheers
OTA's: Kson 1026-C, 4" Carbon Fiber ED Refractor, Home-built, 6.1", f/2.? APO refractor... (In Progress) 8" Meade LX2 SCT Mounts: CGX Imaging: ZWO ASI 1600MM, Canon 550D (T2i) Software: PixInsight, APT, PHD2, SharpCap, SGP, Stellarium, Registax, Stuff: Astro-Tech 0.8x FR/FF, Hotech SCA FF, ZWO 7nm 31mm LRGB-SHO filter set, ZWO 8 position EFWObsy: "Maybe Spaceship" Observatory
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Re: Telescopes Are Like Golf Clubs -- Read Before You Buy!

#12

Post by mcolbert »


I think that in addition to the two major questions, should also go the realisation that one's first telescope is just that - one of many over the years or even one of a collection when different directions are taken. As JayTee wrote, check the signatures.... ;)
Refractor - APQ 130 Reflector - Meade SCT Au coating. Mount - AYOMaster (on order)
Cameras - Blads, D70s, D3300, Lunar and Planetary Cameras (2)
DIY Glass - German military and opthalmic sourced items, AGFA AVIPHOT DIA C
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Re: Telescopes Are Like Golf Clubs -- Read Before You Buy!

#13

Post by JayTee »


Okay,

I'm including two new questions that should probably be answered before seeking advice for buying your first telescope. They will start at #3
#3) How much weight are you comfortable lifting up to chest high level (big scopes are heavy and if you can't lift it, you won't use it)?
#4) How much can you realistically spend on this new piece of equipment (be flexible, we're great at spending YOUR money)?

I think that pretty much concludes this analogy adventure, but I'll keep this post going for a bit longer just in case.

Cheers,
JT
∞ Primary Scopes: #1: Celestron CPC1100 #2: 8" f/7.5 Dob #3: CR150HD f/8 6" frac
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°

Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."

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Re: Telescopes Are Like Golf Clubs -- Read Before You Buy!

#14

Post by Michael131313 »


By the way, I was once beat by a guy just using his putter!
ES AR 102 102mm, f/6.5, ES 254mm f/5 DOB, Obie 10x50, GSO SV 30mm, ES 68° 20mm, ES 82° 14mm, 11mm, 8.8 mm, 6.8mm, 4.7mm. Twilight 1 mount.
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Re: Telescopes Are Like Golf Clubs -- Read Before You Buy!

#15

Post by goldstar »


I have a terrible vision of a DOB on wheels stuffed with clubs on a round of a golf course....
Scopes: 200mm f6 DOB:CR 6 150 mm f 7.5 refractor, SW ED 80 mm f 7.5. 2 X 80 mm f7.5 guides.
Mount: AVX.
NexGuide auto guider. Cameras 3 Ti and XS modded. I optron Skytracker.
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Re: Telescopes Are Like Golf Clubs -- Read Before You Buy!

#16

Post by JayTee »


Michael131313 wrote: Wed Aug 28, 2019 12:33 am By the way, I was once beat by a guy just using his putter!
Getting beat with a putter, that must have hurt something fierce and I bet there were several bruises. Any broken bones?

JT :D
∞ Primary Scopes: #1: Celestron CPC1100 #2: 8" f/7.5 Dob #3: CR150HD f/8 6" frac
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°

Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."

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