Best Telescope for around $600 ????

Thank you folks, Seems like I will go for a Dob then.

Only prob with a Dob, I will have to keep "nudging" the scope in order
to keep it on my target, right? Can one (later on) attach motor drives
with this Orion 10" dob so that it tracks the target automatically?

The 5inch starMax is a Maksutov and I thought that the Maksutov with
smaller obstruction performed superior to a Newtonian of comparative
size. Plus I have to admit that the small size of the StarMax was
also an attraction.

And what about those sleek refractors?

thanks!

Absolutely not! An 8" or 10" Dob will give magnificent views of
dozens of nebulae and galaxies under dark skies, and both are
available for under $800 including plausible accessories.
Personally, I recommend 8" partly because it is much lighter
and partly because it will leave you more money to buy
accessories. But 10" will obviously show more.

A 5" scope gives OK views too, but the jump in performance from
5" to 8" is immense. First off, a 60% increase in aperture
will make a huge difference at any size range -- unlike the
20% increase from 8" to 10", which is quite visible but
by no means huge. Second, it just so happens that that
particular jump really opens up certain classes of objects,
notably the globular clusters. But the benefit on galaxies
is also immense; it *is* possible to see the spiral arms in
M51 through a 5" scope, but it is *vastly* easier through 8".

- Tony Flanders

Then, taking up Thom's lead, I'll suggest an 8- to 10-inch Dobsonian. For
DSO's, you need all the light you can gather, making a 127mm StarMax a
less-optimal choice. The 10" will give you 4x more light and is capable of
roughly 2x better resolution. On the down side, it's not as portable, but
then set-up is a breeze.

Orion's XT-10 has gotten good reviews, as have similar scopes from
Discovery, but I'll still suggest you stop at a local club's star party and
see what folks are using, see if you like the views, see if they'll let you
take a test drive.

Just be careful, astronomy can be damaging to your budget . . .

HAve fun,
Frank

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Hi Thom,

My Budget can is upto $800. I thought even if I buy a $600 scope I
will need accessories that will push it upto $800.

The baywatch babes in their dressing rooms;-) just kidding. Seriously
I would like to be able to do deep space observing with it. Nebulaes?
galaxy? :) But this is probably asking or too much if under $800.

I am willing to drive with my scope to country. I have a VW Jetta.
So as long as it can fit in my trunk. or backseat. And not a big
hassle to setup.

Yes. I will drive to country side.

No.

No.

Thank you Thom!!

Neil

Neil:

Depends. You've told us your budget, how about some other info to help us zero
in on a good choice.

1) What are you interested in viewing?
2) Where will you observe from? (city, burbs, country)
3) Will you have to transport the scope to observe?
4) Will you have to drag it up and down stairs?
5) Would you want to be able to travel by air with your telescope?

Thom Bemus, Martz Obs. Pub. Ed. Dir.
Director, NPO's Stars-In-The-Parks
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