Optical willy showing?

What a whiner!
YEP! He's on the edge the of being a TROLL, LOL.
DL Smallen

Discuss.

Originally Posted by Jon Isaacs

I
have NO problem buying a £1000 'scope as I have spent half that on
having a gun engraved, but it is a challenge to see what can be done
with a "cheapie"


I try to avoid "cheapies", rather I prefer "inexpensive" equipment. In so
doing, one can get some pretty solid performance without spending a great deal
of money. The modern asian Newtonians are certainly a bargin in this regard.

In this hobby, like any hobby its not how much money you throw at it, rather it
is the care and effort you put into it and the pleasure and knowledge you get
out of it.

Under the night sky looking through the eyepiece is where the action is...

jon isaacs

Ok
So please advise as I dont know enough after so long and the 10" reflector was bought on say - so as there was no Internet advice etc. I now have the Tasco - Is it suitable for moon observation only? What can I get now for say £500 or thereabout - not fixed in stone. Independant advice is always welcome

Originally Posted by

Why waste the time on a scope like that? You can't make a silk purse
from a sow's ear. But, if you must... Your biggest drawback
is going to be the optics. First thing to do is check the eyepieces.
Are
they crappy 0.96"? If so, change the focuser for a 1-1/4" and get some
new eyepieces like Plossls. They cost around $20ea. for basic Chinese
jobs. Second, collimate or learn how to collimate the scope. I'd
suggest
a book like Nigh****ch or The Backyard Observer's Guide.

Thanks for the helpful advice - will this then be suitable for moon observations only. I remember the difficulties in colliminating a telescope as we only had limited info back then. I seem to remember the BOG but will search Amazon for the other book now.

Ok
So please advise as I dont know enough after so long and the 10" reflector was
bought on say - so as there was no Internet advice etc.
I now have the Tasco - Is it suitable for moon observation only?

The Tasco is a 114mm reflector, certainly suitable for much more than viewing
the moon. The entire Messier Catalog is doable from a dark site. There is a
lot to see in a 114mm reflector and spending some serious time under the night
sky with it would is a good way to hone one's observing skills.

What
can I get now for say £500 or thereabout - not fixed in stone.
Independant advice is always welcome

Lots of options but if your Tasco uses 1.25 inch eyepieces then there is really
no reason to upgrade at this time. When you are ready, then you ought to have
a better understanding of what scope and mount would be desireable.

But for your £500 you should be able to buy a 10 inch F5 Dobsonian made by
SkyWatcher. Lots of capability in a simple, solid Alt-Az mount that is easy to
setup, fits in most small cars and is easy to use.

jon

Jayce wrote:
Wrote:

Thanks for the helpful advice - will this then be suitable for moon
observations only. I remember the difficulties in colliminating a
telescope as we only had limited info back then. I seem to remember
the BOG but will search Amazon for the other book now.

Jayce, with accessto the machine shop, why not build the whole damned
thing yourself ?

Steve

There IS advice on the Internet,

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

Nuff Said.



--


The Christmas Star
http://home.inreach.com/starlord/Xmasstar.htm
SIAR
www.starlords.org
Telescope Buyers FAQ
http://home.inreach.com/starlord


"Jayce" wrote in message
...

Jon Isaacs Wrote:
I-
have NO problem buying a £1000 'scope as I have spent half that on
having a gun engraved, but it is a challenge to see what can be done
with a "cheapie"-


I try to avoid "cheapies", rather I prefer "inexpensive" equipment. In
so
doing, one can get some pretty solid performance without spending a
great deal
of money. The modern asian Newtonians are certainly a bargin in this
regard.

In this hobby, like any hobby its not how much money you throw at it,
rather it
is the care and effort you put into it and the pleasure and knowledge
you get
out of it.

Under the night sky looking through the eyepiece is where the action
is...

jon isaacs
Ok
So please advise as I dont know enough after so long and the 10"
reflector was bought on say - so as there was no Internet advice etc.
I now have the Tasco - Is it suitable for moon observation only? What
can I get now for say £500 or thereabout - not fixed in stone.
Independant advice is always welcome


--
Jayce


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