Best telescope for beginner?

I've always been fascinated with space/astronomy and decided to buy a
telescope. This would be my first ever. Can someone recommend a good
one to consider? I don't have a lot of money, so I would like to stay
around $300 or lower if possible.

I have a couple of more questions:

1. I've seen pics of Meade telescopes that looks like it was made for
a tabletop or something. Size is small and has some kind of electronic
control for locating things. Are these better than the telescopes with
the long tubes (I don't know the exact name for it) that most people
associate with telescopes?

2. What is considered the best magazine for astronomy enthusiasts?

3. Optical systems: best to avoid?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Mark Anthony Ferrante

Please, Before buying anything, Please read the Telescope Buyers FAQ and then
you can use it as a guild along the pathway to buying a good telescope and not
get stuck with something you'll not use.

Telescope Buyers FAQ
http://home.inreach.com/starlord

--
"In this universe the night was falling,the shadows were lengthening
towards an east that would not know another dawn.
But elsewhere the stars were still young and the light of morning
lingered: and along the path he once had followed, man would one day go
again."

Arthur C. Clarke, The City & The Stars

SIAR
www.starlords.org
Bishop's Car Fund
http://www.bishopcarfund.Netfirms.com/
Freelance Writers Shop
http://www.freelancewrittersshop.netfirms.com
Telescope Buyers FAQ
http://home.inreach.com/starlord

"FERRANTE" wrote in message
news
I've always been fascinated with space/astronomy and decided to buy a
telescope. This would be my first ever. Can someone recommend a good
one to consider? I don't have a lot of money, so I would like to stay
around $300 or lower if possible.

I have a couple of more questions:

1. I've seen pics of Meade telescopes that looks like it was made for
a tabletop or something. Size is small and has some kind of electronic
control for locating things. Are these better than the telescopes with
the long tubes (I don't know the exact name for it) that most people
associate with telescopes?

2. What is considered the best magazine for astronomy enthusiasts?

3. Optical systems: best to avoid?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Mark Anthony Ferrante


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I am also interested in getting started and looking to buy a good telescope.
I have read many faqs including the one mentioned. I havn't found one that
recommends or reviews telescopes suitable for a beginner.

I was hoping that this group may provide some help but perhaps not.

AB
"FERRANTE" wrote in message
news
I've always been fascinated with space/astronomy and decided to buy a
telescope. This would be my first ever. Can someone recommend a good
one to consider? I don't have a lot of money, so I would like to stay
around $300 or lower if possible.

I have a couple of more questions:

1. I've seen pics of Meade telescopes that looks like it was made for
a tabletop or something. Size is small and has some kind of electronic
control for locating things. Are these better than the telescopes with
the long tubes (I don't know the exact name for it) that most people
associate with telescopes?

2. What is considered the best magazine for astronomy enthusiasts?

3. Optical systems: best to avoid?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Mark Anthony Ferrante

I would go with the Stargazer Steve 4.25 or 6inch DOB's he sells and he is
listed in the FAQ.


--
"In this universe the night was falling,the shadows were lengthening
towards an east that would not know another dawn.
But elsewhere the stars were still young and the light of morning
lingered: and along the path he once had followed, man would one day go
again."

Arthur C. Clarke, The City & The Stars

SIAR
www.starlords.org
Bishop's Car Fund
http://www.bishopcarfund.Netfirms.com/
Freelance Writers Shop
http://www.freelancewrittersshop.netfirms.com
Telescope Buyers FAQ
http://home.inreach.com/starlord

"Alan Buttivant" wrote in message
...
I am also interested in getting started and looking to buy a good telescope.
I have read many faqs including the one mentioned. I havn't found one that
recommends or reviews telescopes suitable for a beginner.

I was hoping that this group may provide some help but perhaps not.

AB
"FERRANTE" wrote in message
news
I've always been fascinated with space/astronomy and decided to buy a
telescope. This would be my first ever. Can someone recommend a good
one to consider? I don't have a lot of money, so I would like to stay
around $300 or lower if possible.

I have a couple of more questions:

1. I've seen pics of Meade telescopes that looks like it was made for
a tabletop or something. Size is small and has some kind of electronic
control for locating things. Are these better than the telescopes with
the long tubes (I don't know the exact name for it) that most people
associate with telescopes?

2. What is considered the best magazine for astronomy enthusiasts?

3. Optical systems: best to avoid?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Mark Anthony Ferrante




---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.512 / Virus Database: 309 - Release Date: 8/19/03

FERRANTE wrote:
I've always been fascinated with space/astronomy and decided to buy a
telescope. This would be my first ever. Can someone recommend a good
one to consider? I don't have a lot of money, so I would like to stay
around $300 or lower if possible.

I have a couple of more questions:

1. I've seen pics of Meade telescopes that looks like it was made for
a tabletop or something. Size is small and has some kind of electronic
control for locating things. Are these better than the telescopes with
the long tubes (I don't know the exact name for it) that most people
associate with telescopes?

2. What is considered the best magazine for astronomy enthusiasts?

3. Optical systems: best to avoid?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Mark Anthony Ferrante

If all your budget allows is under $300 then get yourself a good pair of
binoculars instead and concentrate on just deep sky viewing straight up
while laying on your back rather than specific objects. At least until
you can afford an 8" or larger scope.

There are some small scopes though like my Meade ETX-60 and there's a 70
and 90 model that are fairly cheap (around $300 after you get a good
tripod) but they don't really give you anything more than a good pair
binoculars can they just have a solid stand so you can begin to look at
planets. But really my advise is binoculars, then get an 8" scope or
larger later on when you have your midlife crisis.

2. What is considered the best magazine for astronomy enthusiasts?

I've used "Astronomy" magazine since I was 12 years old. Sky & Telescope
mag is ok too but it always seems to be 60% ads and 40% content whereas
Astronomy is the other way around and goes more indepth in their articles.

If all your budget allows is under $300 then get yourself a good pair of
binoculars instead and concentrate on just deep sky viewing straight up
while laying on your back rather than specific objects. At least until
you can afford an 8" or larger scope.

Not so.
Binoculars will leave you wanting in short order. Good are a nice thing to have
AFTER you buy that scope.
Here's a lot more fun for you with good optics and a 5 inch mirror.
http://www.telescope.com/shopping/pr...mID=288&itemTy
pe=PRODUCT&iMainCat=4&iSubCat=8&iProductID=288

Good Luck,

RB

Hardin Optical is selling it's 8" Dobs for $300 and the 6" for $250. The
base leaves something to be desired, but it's easy to make it better
yourself. The scope is quite good and is superb for a beginner.
www.hardinoptical.com The Orion XT 4.5 is also supposed to be quite good
for $199. I also have an Orion Shorttube 80 which is very portable. Not
quite the views of the 8" Dob but you get a wider swath of sky and I can
still see some details on Mars.


"Bobsprit" wrote in message
...
If all your budget allows is under $300 then get yourself a good pair of
binoculars instead and concentrate on just deep sky viewing straight up
while laying on your back rather than specific objects. At least until
you can afford an 8" or larger scope.

Not so.
Binoculars will leave you wanting in short order. Good are a nice thing to
have
AFTER you buy that scope.
Here's a lot more fun for you with good optics and a 5 inch mirror.
http://www.telescope.com/shopping/pr...mID=288&itemTy
pe=PRODUCT&iMainCat=4&iSubCat=8&iProductID=288

Good Luck,

RB