Dear Friends,
The quasar 3C273 in Virgo is the brightest visible quasar from Earth and
with a magnitude of 12.8 is also visible with average amateur equipment.
Lying at a distance of two BILLION light-years away, it is the furthest
any amateur equipment can reach (and especially right from one's backyard).
Further details including an image are available at
http://www.perseus.gr/Astro-DSO-QSO-3C273.htm .
Anthony.