Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question

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Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question

#21

Post by starguru »


Lady Fraktor wrote: Fri Jan 03, 2020 11:45 pm The Celestron programming is one of the more intuitive of the various ones available from China.
Menus are easy to navigate and straight forward.
The Meade is quite good as well but the menu is not as streamlined and doing resets can be a hassle.
JayTee wrote: Fri Jan 03, 2020 11:37 pm
How do the Celestron SCTs compare with the Meade? I've seen a bunch of favorable reviews of the Celestron, but where they go south is talking about the mounts and the GOTO. Which of course would not matter if I did everything a la carte. I am still interested in the Meade telescope I referenced in my first post. Their alignment procedure seems very streamlined.
Firstly, Meade is going out of business so that pretty much seals that deal. Both manufacturers (Celestron and Meade) have alignment procedures that are easy to accomplish, (I own mounts from both of them). It is sad about Meade but at this time, I would steer clear if it is a new telescope you are interested in.

Cheers,
JT
Do you guys have any recommendations for SCTs? I listed a Celestron in the original post but posted my concerns, which primarily around the quality and longevity of the mount and gear system.

Is it better to go a la carte and buy the OTA and mount separately?
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Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question

#22

Post by Lady Fraktor »


If you just want to do visual, (which I would recommend if this is your first telescope) get the SE package.
If you are wanting a AP set up then a SCT OTA and mount of your choice would probably be better.

*Before buying one I would recommend you look for a star party in your area and view through the various styles*

To me, again a personal opinion, they are a general use telescope. They can do a bit of everything but do nothing very well.
If you want deep sky capability a Newtonian will work better and a refractor will put up better contrast for planetary details.
The SCT is good just not great though some people really like them. Personal opinions :)
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
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Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question

#23

Post by JayTee »


Based on your original post and the desires/concerns you have, I think the Celestron 8SE would work well for you because (to paraphrase Lady Fractor) SCTs are the "Jack of all trades and master of none." But, it is a tried and true design with thousands of instruments out there. If you are still concerned about the "one-armed bandit" mount then consider the CPC line. It has a very, very beefy alt-az mount but is significantly more expensive check this out:

If this is more than you want to spend and think the OTA on a Twilight I mount is the way to go, then remember you'll be paying only around $50 less for A LOT less capability. The 8SE will last for years and will be your most used scope because of aperture and ease of set up.

Hope this helps,
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: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question

#24

Post by starguru »


Lady Fraktor wrote: Sat Jan 04, 2020 12:38 am If you just want to do visual, (which I would recommend if this is your first telescope) get the SE package.
If you are wanting a AP set up then a SCT OTA and mount of your choice would probably be better.

*Before buying one I would recommend you look for a star party in your area and view through the various styles*

To me, again a personal opinion, they are a general use telescope. They can do a bit of everything but do nothing very well.
If you want deep sky capability a Newtonian will work better and a refractor will put up better contrast for planetary details.
The SCT is good just not great though some people really like them. Personal opinions :)
Awesome advice, thanks. Are there any resources for finding star parties? I did a google search and the best I could come up with events at the GMU observatory, but there aren't any planned until march so far as I can see.
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Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question

#25

Post by Lady Fraktor »


Here is a small listing: https://www.astroleague.org/societies/VA

This is a copy of my browser page if you want to look through the listings: https://duckduckgo.com/?q=Astronomical+ ... ave&ia=web
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
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Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question

#26

Post by Larry 1969 »


JayTee wrote: Fri Jan 03, 2020 10:29 pm
mikemarotta wrote: Fri Jan 03, 2020 7:58 pmYou need to adjust the alignments of the optics. Typically, it takes $300 of laser and four to six hours.
@mikemarotta
Mike,

This information is both biased and flat out wrong!!! I can collimate my 8" Newtonian reflector with a film can with a hole poked in the bottom in less than 5 minutes. Oh wait, that's both free and quick. It is important with newbies seeking advice to inject as little bias a possible.

JT
I was going to comment but decided not to. Glad someone did though.

Larry
For visual:
10" Skywatcher collapsible goto dob, various EP's and a Celestron StarSense auto align.

For imaging:
Orion 8" astrograph 800mm @ F3.9
Eq6-R Pro controlled by APT via EQmod with an OTA mounted mini PC
Tele Vue Paracorr Type 2 coma corrector
Altair Hypercam 26C
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Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question

#27

Post by starguru »


Lady Fraktor wrote: Sat Jan 04, 2020 1:05 am Here is a small listing: https://www.astroleague.org/societies/VA

This is a copy of my browser page if you want to look through the listings: https://duckduckgo.com/?q=Astronomical+ ... ave&ia=web
Ah ok. I misread and my local club has a meeting next Sunday. Unfortunately I’ll be on a plane then, so will need to wait a month. :(
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Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question

#28

Post by starguru »


JayTee wrote: Sat Jan 04, 2020 12:47 am Based on your original post and the desires/concerns you have, I think the Celestron 8SE would work well for you because (to paraphrase Lady Fractor) SCTs are the "Jack of all trades and master of none." But, it is a tried and true design with thousands of instruments out there. If you are still concerned about the "one-armed bandit" mount then consider the CPC line. It has a very, very beefy alt-az mount but is significantly more expensive check this out:

If this is more than you want to spend and think the OTA on a Twilight I mount is the way to go, then remember you'll be paying only around $50 less for A LOT less capability. The 8SE will last for years and will be your most used scope because of aperture and ease of set up.

Hope this helps,
JT
Can you help me understand this “master of none” description? What telescopes would be perfect for what tasks? For amateur astronomers, I’m aware of planet viewing, DSO viewing, and maybe sun viewing if that’s different. As well as photography...what would be ideal for each of those tasks?
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Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question

#29

Post by JayTee »


Here, have a read of this relatively short post.
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2696&p=22780&hilit= ... ubs#p22780

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: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question

#30

Post by Sky Tinker »


Aperture-wise, let's look at the sweet-spots...

Refractor(1608): 4"
Newtonian(1668): 8"
Schmidt-Cassegrain(1964): 8"
Maksutov-Cassegrain(1941): 5"

Those are the four types of telescopes most commonly encountered in the marketplace.

How about a classical-Cassegrain(1672)...

6"... https://agenaastro.com/gso-6in-f12-clas ... black.html
8"... https://agenaastro.com/gso-8in-f12-clas ... black.html

An open-ended tube, with no dew forming on a corrector-plate. Just pick the type of supportive mount you'd like best, manual or go-to. Go ahead, and think outside the box.
"Look, son! Up there!" His son shouted back, "I see it! What is it?" The father regaled, "The galaxy! Andromeda! Our origin, our destiny!" And so the boy was hooked, and for the rest of his natural life.

"Desserts tend to corrupt, and absolutely delicious desserts corrupt absolutely." - Chef Acton

Alan :Astronomer1:

Apochromat: Takahashi FS-102 4" f/8 - Achromats: Meade S102 102mm f/5.9, Antares 805 80mm f/6(flocked & blackened), Meade "Polaris" 70mm f/12.9, Sears(Towa) #4-6340 50mm f/12(flocked & blackened) - Newtonians: Orion 6" f/5(flocked & blackened) - Catadioptrics: Explore Scientific 127mm f/15 Maksutov-Cassegrain, Celestron "PowerSeeker" 127mm f/8 "Bird Jones" reflector(modified, flocked, blackened, and collimated!) - Mounts: Meade LX70(EQ-5), Astro-Tech Voyager I alt-azimuth
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Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question

#31

Post by starguru »


JayTee wrote: Sat Jan 04, 2020 2:57 am Here, have a read of this relatively short post.
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2696&p=22780&hilit= ... ubs#p22780

Cheers,
JT
Heh I like the analogy. For the record one day I was playing so poorly I played the last 5 holes with a 5 iron and did relatively well.

But it didn’t answer the question of which scopes are optimal for what tasks. If I missed it I apologize.
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Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question

#32

Post by Refractordude »


starguru wrote: Fri Jan 03, 2020 8:04 pm
Refractordude wrote: Fri Jan 03, 2020 6:27 pm Buy cheap and used to start. A used scope can be resold for what you paid for it. Be sure to test it out with a friend that has some hobby experience. My favorite beginner scope is the Meade 102mm infinity refractor. Right click both images.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Meade-Instru ... e/41147082
Refractordude how would something like the Orion Nebula look in a scope that size? I’m having trouble finding images online.
How bright and detailed what you observe will depend on light pollution/dark skies. Under bortle 4 skies Orion will look great with a 102mm aperture scope. I live under bortle 9 or worst skies. At home I just observe the moon, planets, and some bright stars. Once a month I drive to a darksite with my 120mm f8 refractor, and 20x80 binoculars. Right click your location on the light pollution map, and right click the image below.

https://www.lightpollutionmap.info/#zoo ... FTFFFFFFFF
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Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question

#33

Post by helicon »


Refractordude wrote: Sat Jan 04, 2020 5:07 pm
starguru wrote: Fri Jan 03, 2020 8:04 pm
Refractordude wrote: Fri Jan 03, 2020 6:27 pm Buy cheap and used to start. A used scope can be resold for what you paid for it. Be sure to test it out with a friend that has some hobby experience. My favorite beginner scope is the Meade 102mm infinity refractor. Right click both images.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Meade-Instru ... e/41147082
Refractordude how would something like the Orion Nebula look in a scope that size? I’m having trouble finding images online.
How bright and detailed what you observe will depend on light pollution/dark skies. Under bortle 4 skies Orion will look great with a 102mm aperture scope. I live under bortle 9 or worst skies. At home I just observe the moon, planets, and some bright stars. Once a month I drive to a darksite with my 120mm f8 refractor, and 20x80 binoculars. Right click your location on the light pollution map, and right click the image below.

https://www.lightpollutionmap.info/#zoo ... FTFFFFFFFF
Great light pollution map. Pinpointed my location (Grizzly Peak) and see that is between orange and red, 6-7, white zone only 3 miles to the west.
-Michael
Refractors: ES AR152 f/6.5 Achromat on Twilight II, Celestron 102mm XLT f/9.8 on Celestron Heavy Duty Alt Az mount, KOWA 90mm spotting scope
Binoculars: Celestron SkyMaster 15x70, Bushnell 10x50
Eyepieces: Various, GSO Superview, 9mm Plossl, Celestron 25mm Plossl
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Latitude: 48.7229° N
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Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question

#34

Post by AbbN »


I too in agreement with an 8" Dob as a first scope. However I actually started out with a 5" Celestron XLT 120 first although I did consider the XLT 102 that Lady Fractor mentioned. Later I went with the 8" Dob for my 2nd scope. After that the AR102 and ST80 came as I love/prefer refractors.

Considering your budget of "$1-2k", good lenses once you get comfortable with whatever you go with shouldn't be a problem :)

Abb
TELESCOPES: Celestron Omni XLT 120, Explore Scientific AR102, Orion ST80 Refractors; 8" Skywatcher Dob; Orion Apex 102 Mak; Coronado PST. LENSES: ES 4.7, 6.7, 11, 18 and 30mm 82° EPs; Baader 24mm 68°; Luminos 15mm 82°; Meade 8-24mm Zoom. OTHER: CG4+16" Orion Pier Extension; Celestron Skymaster 20x80 binos etc;
Bortle 8 :(
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Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question

#35

Post by starguru »


Would an explore scientific 152mm with EQ mount and sorted peripherals for $1100 used be a good deal?
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Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question

#36

Post by Lady Fraktor »


What mount is it? We would need more information to advise accurately.
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
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Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question

#37

Post by Bigzmey »


starguru wrote: Sat Jan 04, 2020 8:41 pm Would an explore scientific 152mm with EQ mount and sorted peripherals for $1100 used be a good deal?
I have 150mm refractor and 8" SCT. Both are great scopes, but if I would be limited to just one scope, that would be 8" SCT.
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: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question

#38

Post by starguru »


Lady Fraktor wrote: Sat Jan 04, 2020 9:19 pm What mount is it? We would need more information to advise accurately.
Lady Fraktor thanks for your continued patience with these questions. How is that brand and that scope in particular? If I were to buy new what mount and accessories would I want?
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Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question

#39

Post by Lady Fraktor »


The refractor is a good wide field one and will provide some great views.
I would recommend an EQ-5 sized mount for it as they are a fairly heavy telescope.

I have not used the ES EXOS-2 mount so cannot say how it would work compared to a Skywatcher EQ-5 or HEQ-5 or the Celestron AVX mounts.
There are a few people that have them so hopefully they will give their impressions of it.
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
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Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question

#40

Post by Sky Tinker »


starguru wrote: Sat Jan 04, 2020 8:41 pm Would an explore scientific 152mm with EQ mount and sorted peripherals for $1100 used be a good deal?
That 152mm f/6.5 achromat would exhibit quite a bit of false-colour when viewing brighter objects, like the planets, and the brighter single and double stars. It's an ideal for the dimmer deep-sky objects however.
"Look, son! Up there!" His son shouted back, "I see it! What is it?" The father regaled, "The galaxy! Andromeda! Our origin, our destiny!" And so the boy was hooked, and for the rest of his natural life.

"Desserts tend to corrupt, and absolutely delicious desserts corrupt absolutely." - Chef Acton

Alan :Astronomer1:

Apochromat: Takahashi FS-102 4" f/8 - Achromats: Meade S102 102mm f/5.9, Antares 805 80mm f/6(flocked & blackened), Meade "Polaris" 70mm f/12.9, Sears(Towa) #4-6340 50mm f/12(flocked & blackened) - Newtonians: Orion 6" f/5(flocked & blackened) - Catadioptrics: Explore Scientific 127mm f/15 Maksutov-Cassegrain, Celestron "PowerSeeker" 127mm f/8 "Bird Jones" reflector(modified, flocked, blackened, and collimated!) - Mounts: Meade LX70(EQ-5), Astro-Tech Voyager I alt-azimuth
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