What do you think of this telescope?

On 29/10/2010 04:18, wrote:
On Oct 28, 6:38 am, Martin
wrote:
On 28/10/2010 00:42, wrote:

It isn't. But the point I was trying to make was that a cheap nasty
scope on a jelly like tripod bought now will cost about the same as a
half decent one bought after Xmas secondhand from someone who got bored.
Same applies to motorcycles - prices are depressed in February.

A newbie would still have to be able to distinguish between a good
used scope and a bad used scope. Knowing the original price of a new
telescope, doesn't necessarily help in the decision about whether that
scope is a good deal at the used price.

The worst that can happen is they pay 60% of the new price for a rubbish
scope (saving 40% towards getting it right the next time). If they take
someone along who knows what they are looking at or read one of the many
online telescope buying FAQs they can get a bargain.

A general rule of thumb is that a reflector ideally needs to be=6"
aperture to be worthwhile and a refractor=3".

Many amateurs, probably a majority, started out with 60mm refractors
or reflectors smaller than 6-inch.

I started out with a 3" refractor (secondhand) and waited until I could
afford it after receiving the same advice as I have just given. The
astrocsoc had a fork mounted 18" reflector with a 4" refractor as finder
too. It was at one time at Jodrell Bank.

These days a lot of astro societies at least in the UK are equipment
rich and observer poor so if someone wants to hire a scope then joining
a society and going to regular observing sessions is even cheaper.

I tend to believe that amateur astronomers create clubs, rather than
believe that clubs create amateur astronomers. Having your own scope

That depends - established societies with decent kit tend to attract
keen amateurs from a fair distance. Even more so if they can put on
monthly speaker meetings with recognised professional astronomers. Most
of the larger UK cities have a society though not all have an obs.

that you can use on any night has great advantages.

Once the society is fairly sure you know how to use it and will not flog
the thing off on eBay it is yours to take home for a modest deposit.
Obviously they have to be a bit careful about this.

I know of a music society that came unstuck on this particular helpful
loan of kit wicket last year.

Regards,
Martin Brown