In message , Bernie
writes
Having been involved in Astronomy for over thirty years I can honestly
say that I consider many beginners to this hobby to be wasting money
on needless equipement.

If you are considering buying a starter type telescope, do consider
first a good pair of binoculars. I have both a 10" reflector telescope
and a pair of quality binos, and to be honest I consider the
binoculars to be much superior for general astronomy.

Another advantage is that binoculars can be used for other things such
as bird watching etc.

I cannot emphasis enough how important it is to get the right
equipement at the outset of starting this hobby, and if funds are low
binoculars will win through everytime.

I'm an astronomy newbie and, having bought a second hand Celestron 114
EQ, think I probably did it about face. I may well have been better to
get some good binoculars and made an effort to get to know the solar
system and principal constellations first.

Fortunately (through this newsgroup and the Society for Popular
Astronomy) I've made a couple of good contacts. One has already helped
me (thanks Martin Hall!), and the other is awaiting a decent clear sky
night (thanks in advance Martin Anderson!).

Had a great night on Thursday with decent viewing of:
- Moon
- Jupiter + all four moons
- M13
- Ring Nebula
- Comet NEAT

I appreciate that I'm sending out mixed messages here. But I think the
moral is - a telescope is fine but you need someone knowledgeable
available to help you.

Frankly, up until Martin H. coming to see me, I really had no confidence
that the telescope was correctly put together, or indeed that it worked
properly! You can only imagine the relief I felt when I was able to use
my scope to see images nearly as clear as Martin H's (which were to me,
as a newbie, awesome). I'm now can't wait for the next clear sky and,
hopefully more assistance!

Now, if only I can get an understanding of using RA and declination! ...

Cheers,
--
Neale Hind
Insanity is hereditary, you get it from your children