Buying Your First TELESCOPE? Here's What I'd Do!
Вставка
- Опубліковано 29 жов 2020
- Are you about to buy your first telescope?
This is the advice I give people in this position on a daily basis. This is the way I started, and it nurtured my love for the night sky by providing a memorable, positive first experience.
Look for a tabletop Dobsonian for ultimate practicality, or a traditional Dobsonian (8" is great) if you're craving better views.
My Portable Visual Scope: bit.ly/3MReVKc
My Big Visual Telescope: bit.ly/APERTURA8
You can take pictures of the Planets and the Moon using your smartphone, but deep-sky objects require a tracking mount. More info: bit.ly/smartphoneastro
Key Takeaways:
• Start with visual astronomy before astrophotography
• I suggest choosing a Dobsonian reflector to maximize light-gathering power on a budget
• Remember that a telescope that is too heavy will get used much less
• You can take pictures of the Moon and planets system objects using your smartphone
• DON'T LOOK AT THE SUN!
Once the telescope has arrived, you can educate yourself about collimation: bit.ly/collimationtutorial
You may also want to download a stargazing app for your smartphone: astrobackyard.com/astronomy-a...
Clear skies!
Affiliate Links:
Some of the links in my video descriptions are affiliate links, which means at no extra cost to you, I will make a small commission if you click them and make a qualifying purchase. - Наука та технологія
When you buy your first telescope, what you need to do is be is be prepared to wait for 2 weeks after you get it for the clouds to pass
😂😂👍🏻
Clear skies to you !
No joke! LOL
Same here in southern Germany. No Mars opposition visible and no seeing for 3 weeks.
When there are clouds use your telescope to look at the neighbours
That's exactly what happened to me when I bought my first telescope. It was so frustrating
The hard part: finding a telescope that's actually in stock.
Loool
Yeah very true
Soooo trueeee !
Just buy a 1.500,- Astrograph, i had no problems with availability! 😁
Apertura AD series, and many other dobsons just raised their prices
0:29 ah those clouds are more fascinating than ever
Thank you for confirming my decision of buying a reflector as my 8yrs old daughter (and myself) first telescope. I'd loved the universe my whole life and now that she is loving the same science programs I watch, it is time for both of us to get our feet wet in astronomy. Greetings from Costa Rica!
I wish you two clear skies!
Hope yoyr enjoying it your duaghter dhould be around 11 very close to my age ! Im 14
I've got my next scope all picked out... a 28" dob... just can't afford the table to put it on yet...
You don't need a table. You'll need a step ladder. 😆
An 8" table top Dob was my first as well! I've since then moved onto a full AP setup!
Pls tell me bout ur 8 inch dob. I'm thinking to get one
Will it be good for dso , i live in bortle 7 + if u can suggest some filters...(it is my first scope )
😊
@@shreyasj4502 my first dobsonian was an Orion Starblast 6i intellescope which was a "point to" giving you the coordinates of the object you like to view, and all you have to do is align the scope with the coordinates. This was very helpful to locate fainter objects. It was an excellent scope for viewing, and I did use it for some planetary photography as well. I was able to capture excellent moon shots with the perfect magnification. For deep sky, you would want ideally a goto EQ mount and a refractor because the optical glass in refractor remove a lot of aberration. And the tracking will be a lot more accurate. Thinking back now, I'm glad I bought it as my first scope. It provides excellent views of the nebulae like Orion, planets like Saturn and jupiter, and you can attach a dslr for a really low cost and get fantastic images. Feel free to take a look at my instagram for examples of my Dobsonian work and I'll send you some of the videos I used to get me started in taking images @rhd__luc ☺️ clear skies!
@@lucasmaguire7625 Wow , thanks for sharing your experience . But I need a scope for visual n not for photography coz I'm new to all this + setting up the EQ mount might be difficult for me. So I'm thinking of a simple dob , then i can upgrade later . And one more thing I've heard about refracted is that they don't focus R and B colour at the same place so i might lose interest in using them ...😅need higher aperture for viewing through the city sir,
Thanks for helping. ☺👍🏻
Love my AP equipment :)
Isnt this too expensive as a first scope? 2 or $3000 maybe?
1:09
clouds ahhh yes my favorite
Keep the great videos up! You are my number 1 source for telescope reviews and information!
I think he has some extraordinary vision , he can see thru clouds .
Impressive, isn't it?
I love clouds, but not on my astronomy nights
Especially here in Tennessee gotta expect like 2 clear nights, maybe 3 if lucky in a week
Just got my 8'' Dobsonian for Christmas. Can't wait to put it together and start gazing. This all started because a random youtube video of you popped up on my feed.
Great video. In the midst of many others that give a general overview of every type there is, this one is very specific and offers very clear information on what’s possible, what’s not, how to rise through the ranks etc... you hit this one right out of the park.
Great video. Exactly what I needed, being very attracted to astronomy for years, not knowing where to start and what matters. You got me decided to take the step and get a tabletop Dobsonian to start with. All your videos are so inspiring, huge thanks for beautifully sharing that passion
I had a telescope as a kid... so I suppose you could say I started with visual astronomy. However, that was too many years ago to count. What actually got me hooked recently was purchasing my Lumix G9 this past spring. During the summer I decided to try taking photos of the moon on a whim... happened to be sitting outside enjoying the warm summer evening, looked up and saw the moon and thought let me try to get a picture of it. So I learned how to take pictures of the moon. I took a bunch of photos of the moon in different phases and with different framing and composition. One of those nights I saw that Jupiter and Saturn were there in the sky and thought to myself... Hmmmm... can I get a picture of them? I pointed my camera to Jupiter and snapped a shot. When I saw that not only had I gotten Jupiter, but also it’s larger 4 moons, I was blown away. Sure, the image is terrible... but holy cow! I captured Jupiter!!! It fueled my curiosity to see what else I could do. Since then I’ve imaged Andromeda and Orion - both done on a static tripod. I wanted more, so I bought a Star Adventurer Pro. Tonight is supposed to be the first clear night since I got it, so I’m heading out to hit Andromeda again - this time tracked - even though it’s the night before the full moon. Hopefully I’ll be able to get some better data!
where can we see the photos you took?
TLDR
G9 seems like a great camera. My g7 is fine but it’s not sturdy and has a busted lens mount so once I get the money I might get one
Nice
I started astrophotography 2 years ago but knew that I was not qualified enough to see the moon or any planets. As an 10 year old I bought a cheap 50€ telescope and with a smartphone holder I was able to photograph the moon and see the awesome craters. Then half a season later, I noticed some objects with a stable light that didn't flicker like stars. Then I asked myself: Aren't these like rocky planets? Then after 10min of trying to get a nice view of them, I looked closely to one of them and noticed that it had some some stuff like paper around it and said, waitx5 times.... Isn't this Saturn and... Yes it was!!! I was extremely blown away too, after viewing it. Then I looked at Jupiter and shouted once again!!!! Now I have a better telescope and have seen the Orion nebula.
Got into deep sky photography recently and your vids are really inspirational pal , just to achieve an image is difficult when you start and is addiction from that moment on . Love it . Keep up the positive vibes . Clear skies ......
I got a Skywatcher Skyliner 150 for my first scope in April after watching a lot of your videos and Im still amazed everytime i look through it.
After getting to all the planets and some globular clusters i visited the Andromeda Galaxy last weekend and all the motivation got even doubled. LOVE IT! and THANK YOU for getting me into this hobby! Also greeting from Germany :D
I started with 4" F8 scope on a tripod and only looked at the moon, saturn, and jupiter. Watched a cool video on the 8" Apertura that Trevor did then started searching for a used scope. Found an 8" Zhumell dobsonian and and 6 decent eyepieces. It's been an experience that is well worth it. I have seen a lot of deep space objects that just amaze me. Astronomy will be my hobby for a long time...no astrophotography in my near future though. Watched enough of Trevor's videos to see the technical expertise and money needed to go this route. Thanks Trevor for the inspiration!!
Look into doing untracked astrophotography there are a surprising amount of deepspace objects that can be photographed with just a regular photography camera and tripod. Its more time intensive but obviously much cheaper.
At the beginning of this video I seriously thought that telescope next to him was twice the size it actually is lol
Oh my god I just realized it wasn’t after reading your comment
its the skyquest xt10 or xt8 I believe
@@slo_z31 No, it is too small. Looks like a Sky Watcher Heritage 130.
@@aemrt5745 definitely a heritage, it comes into focus around 5:30, believe it’s the 150P though.
Iam 27 and how did you know I want a telescope for Christmas it will be my first one very interesting stuff up there
Appreciate you doing videos on the basics despite the advanced level you normally operate on. It really helps people like me trying to get started in this.
Great video Trevor! I had the exact same scope as my first one. I would definitely recommended manual dobs for beginners because they have a lot of aperture for the cost, and you can manually find objects and learn the night sky.
I have a table top dobsonian and I love it. It’s the Sky-Watcher 100P so slightly smaller than what you’ve shown here but it only cost £100! The best telescope is the one you use the most 👍🏻 great video Trevor, should be useful for lots of people!
Iv been wanting a telescope for a long time and this really helps me out! Thanks :3
Trevor, thanks for producing/posting this for everyone. A great public service you've done here. I hope the beginners take your advice. It's sound. I started with a 3 inch Celestron and did everything manually. So when my wife bought me an LX200 (yikes!), I could hang until I caught up to the learning curve. Cherry Springs would soon follow. Hope to catch you there again (if they ever let you cross the border again, sheesh!). And yes, for all of you that buy a new scope, be prepared to sit and wait for a week or so until the clouds clear. It comes with the territory. LOL!
Thank you so much Trevor. Very useful info as I'm in the process of getting my first telescope. Clear skies Amigo !
I bought the Aperture AD8 on your recommendation. Couldn’t be happier! Thank you.
Just got my 8"! Loveing the view!
This is the best advice I have come across in my research for my first telescope, I can now see a future where I own both of the telescopes shown in this video. Another piece of advice I came across and feel is valuable for early astronomers is to start with binoculars! They can provide a fun, portable and even more affordable means of learning, studying and appreciating our night sky. This is the stage I am at while I save for my first telescope and has opened a path for me and I hope others to get a head start!
It’s so easy to get attached to astronomy and since I started it’s been apart of me and it’s never gonna leave me! Also this is the video I have been waiting for! It’s like you read my mind!!
Great video as always Trevor;) What I find is important to remember is the saying that goes, "the best telescope is the one you use the most".
I purchased a 10" dob as my second telescope having previously owned a 6" newtonian on a cheap eq mount. The 10" is great and superior for the money, although since then I've purchased a small 72mm ED refractor and a 102mm APO and I gain a lot more satisfaction by using them since they're easier to set up, carry and etc. I find that proper ED refractor nowadays are very capable on high magnification for planets, lunar, double stars and etc. but also deep sky since they're easier to travel to deep sky with because of their size.
I live in an apartment in a Bortle 7/8 location which I think is worth mentioning, and time is limited, so if you do have the time and space for a large dobsonian then go for it! But keep in mind that it should be enjoyable to get your scope out even just for an hour or so.
Me: *buys reflector telescope totally not within the budget after wondering for weeks which telescope to get*
Trevor literally 2 days later: "Hey, buy this one!"
Me: . . . thanks.
Which one you got?
@@pratiknaik6676 hey tum mujhe suggest kr skte ho kya ki beginning mai mujhe refractor ya reflector mai se konsa telescope lena chahiye ??
Or India mai konsa telescope best rahega .
Plz bro
@@user-zf5cd1lk3y If you want to observe moon or on earth distant object.. You can go for refractor telescope. With reflector you can watch Jupiter saturn as well. In short far away object.
You can get on Amazon. There are videos on UA-cam with beginner level telescope both refractor and reflector.. Somewhere around 40 Thousand रुपए. I am also astro enthusiast. Thanks.
@@pratiknaik6676 okk thank you bro 🙏
@@pratiknaik6676 But can I see meteorites, ANOVA, galaxies through refletive telescope? Because I saw some videos related to telescope, they found out that they cannot be seen in deep space even more than refractive telescope.
So can u suggest me some models ?
Hoping for clear skies this weekend! Nice video Trevor!
You always do a great job explaining, thus oh so appreciated. Stu in Phx.,AZ
Took your advice from the previous video - got myself an 8 inch dob, absolutely awesome. Thank you and clear skies!
I always recommend a refractor over any reflector or dob because they are easier for a newbie to point and find an object. They also don't suffer from collimation issues. I had a reflector for 10 years as a kid and another bigger reflector for 10 years as an adult but they were both so frustrating to operate, I seldom use them, maybe once a year at most. But I recently found a 70mm refractor at a thrift store for $35 and it made all the difference. I started to enjoy using it because I could find things more easily and so I got to see a lot more. I used it for 2 years very regularly and that pushed me over the edge to get a goto telescope. Now I have a very nice SCT but I don't have to worry about pointing it. It already knows where everything is!
sure if you're gonna use to to look at jupiter the moon or saturn, but for deep space objects like galaxies, clusters etc, you need a reflector since an 8 or 10 in refratctor would be huge and cost a ton of money so as far as bang for the buck, a simple newtonian reflector, but for a little kid or someone not too deeply into astronomy, a refractor is fine. it just depends on what you want to use it for. and as far as finding objects, a telrad sight makes finding things easy, those finder scopes suck, everything is upside down, the viewing area is way too small, they're a nightmare, a telrad type of pointer with a red dot on the sky makes finding studd super easy and you can always get a electronic finder to be even more precise.
@@westoftherockies I maintain that THIS is a bad idea. Nobody should go spend $1000+ just to decide if they are interested in a hobby. A 70mm refractor is an ideal starter scope that will let you see enough to know whether you want to spend more or not.
@@westoftherockies Do you understand the point? It is: what would you recommend for a first time telescope buyer? What is an ideal first telescope? Naturally that depends on how big is your allowance. For a child - teen, there is no better or more appropriate first scope that a $200 refractor. And even for an adult, that is STILL the most appropriate first scope. A first time telescope buyer will only be able to find bright objects like the moon and planets and double stars and bright clusters. A beginner is not going to go looking for deep sky objects. Save that for a reason to upgrade after you know you are very interested in the field. Because you need that too. But this is the most appropriate because it then gives you time to decide what is really the best upgrade path for you. You learn from its deficiencies what direction to go in. And you can still use it to take on trips or share with the kids and neighbors. I think what you are recommending is an ideal second telescope, but in my opinion its not a good first telescope. Its too expensive just to find out IF you or your child will keep up the interest.
Nah, spending $200 just so you can then spend $300 on a better performing reflector is not a good suggestion. Better to start with a 6" dobsonian and get straight to the point.@@Robert08010
And me here stargazing with Celestron 25x70 binoculars.. Thanks for the tip!! :)
@Junior he can control very good
Because he has a good gaming chair
Hey Trevor, so as a newb I’ve been watching a lot videos for beginner telescopes, and I’ve probably watched about 20 or more of yours. Just want to say that I find your channel to be the best combination of technical depth and viewer engagement. You make these really interesting the way you speak to the viewer, staying focused, and provide really useful information without being dry. Well done. Not to mention the production quality of the film making for these really shines.
I’ve decided that my first telescope will be a visual one, a Celestron 10” Starsense Dobsonian. It seems to be in the sweet spot where it still requires manual push to point it to the target, but with the companion app that mounts on it, it will guide you to the target without automatically slewing for you. I was torn between this model and the 8” Celestron NexStar 8SE, but the light gathering of the dobsonian should allow for more planetary viewing while still modestly seeing deep space objects.
As a photographer though, after watching another of your videos I’m already planning for an astrophotography rig using my professional level camera gear on a Sky Watcher Adventurer 2i tracker. For many years I’ve wanted to photograph Andromeda and I’m want to finally make that happen. Thanks so much.
This video has come at the right time my son wants one for Christmas with the enormous choice out there you have made it simple thanks great vid
And ofcourse thanks for the nice videos, i really enjoy watching them... keep up the good work
Thanks... This video is literally perfect for me, I'm looking for my 2nd 🔭 telescope
Trevor, this presentation is very practical for beginners. Well done 👍
I seen this on a video from 9 years ago from a college and I've looked everywhere for this telescope thank you so much for doing this video I couldnt find it anywhere until this
Good video Trevor, I always recommend a Dobsonian and watch your getting started video. It is good you made a newer version. I like the collapsible table top version - I haven't seen that before. - Cheers Kurt
3 year later and this video is still relevant and very helpful.
Another great video, thanks Trevor!
Thanks for the tips and experience! Have been wanting to get into this with my 5 yo for a couple months now.
Another great video Trevor, thank you!
Great advice! I think a lot of people make the mistake of buying whatever is available (including me in the beginning) then realize it doesn't meet their goals. Make a plan, know your goals and do the research.
Great advice, Trevor! I started with a pair of binoculars to start learning the night sky starhopping. Two years later I'm slowly building up my astrophotography rig but at least feel more confident in finding what I'm looking for!
I bought 2 pairs of binoculars this year. Seen some very cool things. Next year I'm going to get a telescope.
I got a 10inch dobsonian reflector back in May as my first scope!
I live in a Bortle 5 so I'm pretty lucky as for light pollution. With a 10inch aperture you can see a lot of objects, especially deep sky ones, and it never gets boring (except the nights when it's cloudy or there's the moon)!
How has it been using it ? was it a good buy ? do u still have it and use it ?
@@Revelation13-8 It's been great. Really easy to use and it's definitely worth the money if you are a fan of space. I still have it yes
@@giammy0 Ok cool , I just ordered the 10" dobsonian bresser with the 11" 82 eyepice as my first proper scope
Thank you so much for this video, and all of your rationale for buying the tabletop manual telescope. I was debating with some electronic versions but you convinced me to start with the basics.
I've been watching a lot of "first telescope" videos. Thanks for narrowing it down to ONE type. Finally ready to actually place an order.
Really interesting to have your feedback on the choice of instruments for beginners. You convinced me to buy a simple telescope (and a dobson is really a good choice with a very good quality/price) for the start and then upgrade my equipment if I catch the virus. I currently use a "longue vue" (don't know the name in english) with a maximum magnification of 60x and I succeeded in taking beaufituls pics of the moon with my smartphone manually putted on my "longue-vue" and its tripod ; I ordered an adaptator yesterday to fix my phone on the lense,thus it will be easier to take pics with my phone. Thank you for you advice ; not always easy to understand all you say since I'm french and not fluent in english but that worths to improve my english to follow you.
Started with a 90/900 skywatcher refractor and it is good for visual astronomy 3 months ago.
Now I got a Skywatcher 80/400, and an MF-3 Skywatcher tracking mount.
And I recently switched from my smartphone to my aunt's DSLR for astrophotography.
I took a picture of The Orion Nebula twice through my phone and now for the first time trough a stock DSLR.
And I'm absolutely blown away by the results of the DSLR.
I'll now use your Photoshop tutorials for pimping up my pictures.
Love your vids, and keep the good work up 👍🤟
Wow, congrats!
Thanks you soo much for this video. I now have a clear idea on what to purchase.❤️
My first telescope was DIY using two cardboard tubes, magnifying glass and eye piece.
You could focus by sliding the inner tube inside the outer tube.
Similar to one of the two refractors Galileo used.
I was 9 years old.
I also made a wooden manual tracked that had a camera mount (sometimes called barn-door tracker). By turning a bolt of certain thread pitch 1 revolution per minute, you were able to track the night sky and take long exposure photographs without trailing of the stars or planets.
Learned about focus points, magnification and focal length, aperture etc.
Astronomy fascinates young people and it’s a perfect hobby for building your own gadgets and learning about the night sky objects and how celestial objects behave
Couldnt agree with you more! I started with a 6” Dob and then swapped the base for an EQ5 mount and never looked back!
I bought a skywatcher eq2, I´m really happy with it and will never stop with this hobby
Such great advice. Spot on! Thanks for sharing.
Great Tutorial, Blue Moon this weekend. Be Safe Be Well to all of You.
Thanks for the clear and sensible information. Good visual astronomy and using the camera on my phone to start makes sense.
What a great video. Loved the simple explanations and advice. Off to buy my first table top dobsonian - from a local dealer obviously. Thanks so much.
Thank you TJ this helps very much.
So helpful, thank you
Thanks so much for sharing the info.
Some great clear and concise information. 👍🏼 I'm new to all this, I'm a beginner looking for a telescope for myself and two young children. You've cleared up a few things for me with your explanations. Cheers
Best telescope dealer I ever found was John, at the old Perceptor dealership in Schomberg (now deceased) back in 1998. When my youngest son became interested, we went there to buy a 'scope. John refused to sell us one! He recommended we find and attend a few Star Parties first - talk to people, see what they were doing, ask for recommendations. Then he handed my son a copy of a current magazine which had a list of Star Parties across Canada, and refused to let me pay for it. We went to two parties - traveled all the way to New Brunswick for one! Returned, and bought an 8" Dobsonian from John. It is here in my study right now, and the whole family right down to great-grandkids use it.
Wonderful man, wonderful advice, wonderful legacy for John AND me to leave.
Thanks for asking, and thanks for the memories.
8" Dob on the manual chipboard mount is great, looking into good eyepieces is a bit daunting...
Going to buy a tabletop dob for my niece soon.
My first telescope was a 10" Skywatcher Flextube manual dob, which I love (but it's heavvvvy). Amazing for visual, and I manage to get awesome shots of the planets, moon and even the ISS.
Then I got a SkyGuider Pro to take some deep sky photos. Gotta love this hobby.
Great advice, well explained. Thank you for the clear and helpful tips.
Thank you for all your educational info.
Very helpful, thanks!
Love your channel dude!
- just came from insta, good choice on the thumbnail😂
Yes lol
Good solid info for a beginner! Thanks
Trevor, you already helped me pick my first telescope earlier this year. I bought the William optics space cat based on your recommendations and I still love it! Thank you for your insight and it really helps the rest of us! 👍😊
Which one did u get .
Hi would u help me choosing their telescope. Here is a few that I got recommended
1) Orion starblast table mount 4.5 - out of stock until Aug 1 2022
2) skywatcher heritage 130p I worried about having to make a shroud and ... The dew since it is extension and will it break or ruin easily ?
3) bresser messer 130/650
Not much information about it
4) zhella Z130 ( I can't find it anywhere but seems like a good one solid piece )
Would u please please help thanks
@@ericaroundtheworld heritage 130
this table top dob was my first scope...and its perfect for starting out in visual astronomy...i`ve still got it as a quick grab n go if i need it,i purchased it back in 2013...since feb this year i have upgraded to an 8inch dob ...and i`m glad i did as the images are that much brighter and crisper...but this table top dob is a great little scope and i deffo recommend it.
Cheers Trevor, thanks for this vid. I ordered a sky watcher dobsonian with extendable struts based on your advice. Really excited to get it before Christmas and my kids are dying to see the planets through it. Really appreciated your thoughts on it. Best regards mate.
Ok guys, see 0:28? Just to be sure, don’t ever look through a telescope that is pointed up during the day. One sunbeam in your eyeball and you’ll have a serious problem. Dont get me wrong, Trevor knows what he’s doing, but to all beginners: for looking through a telescope like that you wait until it’s dark. Clear skies!
Unless using a solar fil--- NO ALWAYS CHECK BY PUTTING AN OBJECT IN FRONY OF THE EYEPIECE AND IF GLIWING LIGHT DON'T LOOK THROUGH IT AND GET A REPLACEMENT AND IF NOT, FEEL FREE TO LOOK
Great video. Thank you. That was very helpful. Are there any temperature restrictions for the reflector telescopes? Can they be used mid-winter?
This was the best video I've seen on choosing telescopes about to buy this one right now after putting in weeks if recearch
This was my first telescope and I couldn't agree with you more on this choice! Simple, easy to use, collapsible, and easy to transport. I was able to great planetary pictures with it via my phone, then learned stacking, upgraded to an equatorial mount, fitted my dslr on this (just don't extend the setup as far to get the backfocus you need), and kept progressing. This was also the perfect height for my daughter and introduced her to astronomy as well. This allowed me to learn and progress as I go further and further into this hobby.
Im interested in buying this! What kind of things can you see with it?
I agree that this model of telescope is remarkably good. I normally use a 9.25 inch Celestron and a 4 inch APO refractor. But I got one of these for a special purpose and I was surprised how good it was. What I ended up doing with it was chemically removing the aluminium coating on the two mirrors and using it for solar observation (both in white light and CaK). Most of the light (95.4%) goes out the back of the curved mirror (much like a Herschel wedge). After reflection off the second mirror, only 0.2% of the original solar light passes through. You can then use a modest ND filter for white light or a CaK filter. It turns out this is an inexpensive way to make a big aperture and quite safe solar telescope. It's actually useful for lunar observation too because for visual use, the moon is actually way too bright (without using an ND filter).
Excellent! Thank you very much!
Nice video I've always wanted to get a telescope for star gazing and this was helpful in helping me learn what will be best for me to start with
Thanks so much for this video! I've been researching and hunting for my first telescope for a couple weeks now and I'm driving myself a bit nuts. This gave me a lot more confidence to pull the trigger...when I find something in stock, that is. Haha!
A ton of excellent tips thank you.....
Thank You it's because of you people like me can really advance in a matter of minutes Great Work.
i think i may invest in 1 of these and begin my journey.thanks for the info...
My first scope was a 13 years ago a Celestron 6” reflector on Eq mount, first it was nice twisting the RA knob but then it was straightforward to add a motor to track so I focus on tweaking my observation skills on in the Ep!
Clear skies to everybody🤞🏻
Reason to go for Dobsons in first telescope:
- Azimutal mount in general is just cheaper and "plug and play", equatorial is sure find for tracking but it make such a huge step in the learning curve...
- Because of how dobsonain mount is super cheap (basically just a base and a fork, no tripod, very few mechanical part involved) that mean most of what you buys is in the mirror, in terme of aperture, therefore how much you can see and you can magnify, Dobson is the value for money.
It has been say, but I would personally REALY recomand to allocate a part of you budget to other eyepieces, maybe two (one barlow if it was not include with the telescope you get and one ocular), the reason you might want another ocular is that ones along with telescope "ready to go pack" usually have a very cheap lense design that does not allow a nice, wider fied of view, and when it comes to "zooming", apparant field of view is as important as magnification. Honestly you don't need to go crazy on this, if I would not recomand big ocular walet that will contain 5 ocular, 2 barlows and 5 filter you'll end up beeing using only 5 items like in it, I would have a look at smaller packages that might seems less catchy and less "worth it", but realy will have all you need.
Personla experience here, My first telescope was a Newtonian 114/900 (Aperture/focal), coming along with a 20mm, 6mm and 4mm ocular and a x2 barlow, basically, the 4mm was mostly unusable. I get a pack that contain a 25mm, a 10mm and some filter... and except the barlow, I never used the original optics again. those new ocular has like 60/70 degres FOV against the 20/40 of the original and it is such a change: you can still have a great magnitude and having a realy good overview of what you are looking for.
Great video! I actually bought the Skywatcher Heritage 150p a couple of weeks ago. So was really happy to see it in one of your videos! Currently waiting for it to come back in stock.
A lot of people recommend to build a light shroud for it? Do you think this is necessary?
Thank you very much sir, this was very helpful! 🙏
Great advice! I'll definitely buy from a local retailer thanks to you!
Thanks for yet another great film! Aside from a pedagogical and engaging approach your are clearly weighing in variances in economy and other factors, felt both in brain and heart, great stuff!
Regarding a "first scope" I always feel a bit reserved when friendly experts like yourself recommend a Dobsonian. For me, the main reason is practical handling and storage. I live in apartment so setting up is a major issue, involving e.g. transport and even thoguh I have an elevator and good car, this becomes a major issue. I would like to see a "beginners guide" that addresses partability and storage as major factors (important in all urban areas globally, i.e. 50% of earths population?). Also, I would be prepared to invest a bit more in "my first setup" to push usability slightly further.
I so hope you have not already done that film... :D
I bought a Heritage 130p as my first telescope in 2013 with a Celestron case of lenses and filters that I got for half-price because there was a small dent in the case. It's still one of my favourite telescopes because of how easy it is to transport and set up, and one that's great to bring to my work to introduce the youth I work with to the night sky.
Your videos are so enjoyable 😍
Some great information there 👍
Recommending a small Dobsonian-Newtonian as a start in amateur-astronomy is certainly sensible.
My intuitive choice as a beginner this year got me to buy a 90/1250 Maksutov-Cassegrain on an EQ1 mount. I wanted to see Jupiter and Saturn, and that is what I got. Besides, the EQ1 mount introduced me gently into the world of properly guiding a telescope.
My next scope was a 120/600 refractor, as I noticed that the small Mak was of little use in observing stellar clusters and nebulae. I restrained the urge to automate the mount, which seems a priority. I bought an EQ5 for the refractor. Then, I felt the aperture fever getting a grip on me and I intuitively decided to buy a Maksutov-Newtonian 190/1000. This one is now on the EQ5 (still manual), the refractor is on the EQ1 (yes, I know, it's tough) and the small Mak is on ... the old photography tripod! The WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor) kept me from purchasing an automated mount (yet). Let's see what next year may bring...
I also bought Celestron binoculars (Skymaster Pro 20x80), which is an amazing way of getting an overview on the sky at night. The old photography tripod was actually meant for that purpose, so, something's got to give. I am in desperate need of mount hardware!
Thanks for the video mate...
Thanks
Super useful video!
I will give it a go. Thanks!