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#1
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starter scope - reducing options
I have enjoyed following astronomy for a looonngg time and have spent
the last post Y2k looking at the night sky through my telescope. I think I am now ready to move to a starter scope. Before I start, I want one that is portable (in a 2002 Corolla) and has GoTo capability. The scope I have read the most on are Celestron 103 SLT / 130 SLT Meade WXT 90 although I am not limiting myself to these. My goal here is to get a feel for the contruction and optics of these and other scopes and the experiences of those on this ng. In addition, any tips on features/limitations on various scopes I may consider. |
#2
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starter scope - reducing options
GoTo on such a small aperture is practically useless, 9000 DSO database
and you'll be lucky to make out a dozen or so. IMO, get the back seat dimensions for your little Corolla and get the biggest dob that will fit in that space. (with a Telrad of course) |
#3
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starter scope - reducing options
Better yet, sell the Toyota, buy an American TRUCK and then get a 30"
Obsession. Doink "Mean Mr Mustard" wrote in message oups.com... GoTo on such a small aperture is practically useless, 9000 DSO database and you'll be lucky to make out a dozen or so. IMO, get the back seat dimensions for your little Corolla and get the biggest dob that will fit in that space. (with a Telrad of course) |
#4
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starter scope - reducing options
"Mean Mr Mustard" wrote in message oups.com... GoTo on such a small aperture is practically useless, 9000 DSO database and you'll be lucky to make out a dozen or so. IMO, get the back seat dimensions for your little Corolla and get the biggest dob that will fit in that space. (with a Telrad of course) I have to agree. GoTo is great when it's finely tuned and putting objects in a half degree eyepiece of an 8" or larger scope under varying levels of skyglow, but getting it finely tuned and then struggling with very limited aperture seems a waste. That was my experience with a 4" scope on a GoTo mount. Fun toy, but really selling the GoTo short. I'd put the absolute minimum useful aperture for a GoTo at no smaller than 5", with an 8" to 11" SCT being the optimal for portability vs. aperture. |
#5
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starter scope - reducing options
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#6
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starter scope - reducing options
Hi. In my opinion, if finances allow, The Meade LX-90 8" is the one I
would look at. Well built & big enough to last a lifetime. Go-to's are great & is portable enough that it would be used. Another great thing about the astronomy hobby; you can recover most of the cost through resale if you wish to. Charles |
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