We found Saturn!

Would appreciate any suggestions for something halfway decent that can
aim high into the sky and is easy to use?
Thanks in advance,
Steve


Steve,

There's a pattern forming in this thread. I agree with the consensus -
provided you're interested in _visual_ observation. I think you would
be quite pleased with the performance and value of the Orion Skyquest
Dobsonians; either XT-6 or XT-8. I would highly recommend going with
the XT-8 (8") since it's solidly in your price range. (See links
below) The reason is that although the 8" is only two inches in
diameter bigger (33%) than the 6 ", the surface area (important for
light gathering) will be roughly 56% more. And the 8" is still very
portable; an important aspect many times overlooked by most eager new
comers to the hobby. What good is an awesome scope that you won't use
because it too much trouble take out the closet?

And now is a good time to buy one. Orion is running a special offer
which makes it a really sweet deal. They are currently upgrading the
finder scopes from the standard 6X30 (6 power by 30mm objective lens)
to a right angled 9X50. Bigger finders make it easier to locate faint
objects and the *right angle* will flip the image. This is good
because the finder itself flips the image once (makes every thing look
upside down) so adding the right angle (90 deg.) mirror flips the
image again making it right-side up. In addition, they throw in a
Deluxe laser collimator (handy tool to have for aligning the
telescope's internal mirrors, but will not substitute for some good
tools and plenty reading - but that's a whole nother subject you will
ask about later) and a very nice star chart.

Oh and as was already stated, you get two eye pieces (they are
actually pretty good for starters). You also get Starry Night for the
computer (very nice) and a nice DVD (for TV) to introduce newbies to
what's out there. Nice extras I think.

*NOTE - The scopes addressed here or the Dobsonian species. If you
think that you will want to get into photography, let the group know
so that folks here can recommend a different scope. Dobs are great
for viewing. Very stable. But they do not track the object. You will
have to follow it as it moves across the sky (actually, it doesn't
move, but is the Earth that's turning - but you knew that). You will
be able to hold a camera to the eye piece and snap a photo or two of
the Moon, Saturn, or Jupiter, but for really nice pictures, you need a
scope that tracks. (Dobs can be made to track (not easily), but if
your true interest is in pictures, it would be best to avoid them and
buy a scope more suited for photography)

The links below will take you to two versions of the 8" scope
mentioned above. The Classic model with shipping will cost you about
$400. That gives $100 for accessories. The XT-8 Intelliscope is
computer assisted (a hand held unit plugs into the scope base and
directs the user to 14000 celestial objects and will run almost $600 w/
shipping. Handy to have, but amateur astronomers are encouraged not to
be computer dependent, but to learn the sky. If you fork over the
extra cash for the object locator and learn the sky, you'll be glad in
the long run you did both.

The first accessory that you will want (IMO need) is a 2X Barlow. A
barlow will double the magnification achieved by any eye piece used
with it; plus add eye relief. Orion offers the Shorty and Shorty Plus,
both also on sale; $31 and $61 respectively.

I am not affiliated with ORION beyond that of being a very satisfied
customer.

Below are four links to the equipment discussed above. Two are repeats
of the ones posted by Yo' Momma. Two are to the Barlows.

Orion XT-8 Classic
http://www.telescope.com/shopping/pr...oductID=252215

Orion XT-8 intelliscope w/object locator
http://www.telescope.com/shopping/pr...oductID=237857

Shorty-Plusâ„¢ 2x 3-Element Barlow
http://www.telescope.com/shopping/pr...oductID=183150

Shortyâ„¢ 2x Barlow Lens, 1.25"
http://www.telescope.com/shopping/pr...iProductID=253

***** But before you do anything, take time to check out the links
given by Starlord and Davoud. They will give you knowledge you need to
buy with some confidence.

Errol
www.pasnola.org