I want to by a telescope!

emobama

Hay There

I'm looking to buy a telescope and I'm puzzled as to what would be best for me starting out!

I have been to astronomy Ireland today. with a budget of €250 to €350 they recommended the Astromaster 130EQ, this is a reflector, cost of which is €200.
Now I have a little bit more in the budget and their Telescopes jump from 200 to €400, no in-between really.

I read 'Slade x's Introduction to astronomy' which recommends the 10” dobsonian reflector for someone like myself. I have googled it but cant find anywhere to price it??

So thats 2 votes for the reflector!!

Little help, what are the best telescopes for that budget and where can i get em??

slade_x

Perhaps you might find a better price range on:

http://www.astroshop.eu/telescopes/10?sid=7c155b67da0101e44234b5ebb8b2f0a7

Take note of Shipping charges however:
http://www.astroshop.eu/shipping

Its hard enough to find a good source for a large range of telescopes. Online shipping charges always make you go over your intended budget unfortunately

Stargate

emobama wrote: »

Hay There

I'm looking to buy a telescope and I'm puzzled as to what would be best for me starting out!

I have been to astronomy Ireland today. with a budget of €250 to €350 they recommended the Astromaster 130EQ, this is a reflector, cost of which is €200.
Now I have a little bit more in the budget and their Telescopes jump from 200 to €400, no in-between really.

I read 'Slade x's Introduction to astronomy' which recommends the 10” dobsonian reflector for someone like myself. I have googled it but cant find anywhere to price it??

So thats 2 votes for the reflector!!

Little help, what are the best telescopes for that budget and where can i get em??

Hiya emobama

Between March and April of this year i spent a whole pile of time seaching the Irish and English (UK) Markets for scopes , i did a lot of mailing back and forth , its late , but just quickly to give you an idea................

I was offered the
SkyWatcher Explorer-150P (EQ3-3) in total , the whole price for the scope P&P etc was 270 euros. , 2nd on the list here ....................>

http://www.binoculars-uk.co.uk/acatalog/SkyWatcher_Explorer_Telescopes.html

They mailed me to confirm the price in euros and sterling that was on the 20th March 2009

Hi Martin,
We can send this to you no problem.
The Total cost would be £253.48 which I believe is about 270 euros.
This can be ordered directly from our website.
Regards,

Simon
B-UK

Tbh i dont think Simon factored in p&p when he quoted me the FULL p&p costs etc , i will have to go and check my mails for you to be sure , sorry !

( hope that its ok here to give this info mods ? if not please delete ,Tnx )

My own advice would be to get as big an aperture scope as you can afford , i was looking for a 6 " Scope and after getting tons of great advice i ended up getting an 8" Reflector , look to see can you buy a good secondhand scope here in Ireland ,

You could try here

http://www.irishastronomy.org/cms/forum?func=showcat&catid=17


or if you want to try the secondhand scope market in the UK , try here

http://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php


or up north try here

http://eaas.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=sales


I got an eyepiece set here for half price , a great site

http://stargazerslounge.com/sale/

or

http://www.preloved.co.uk/fuseaction-adverts.listadverts/sec-Health+and+Leisure/cat-Hobbies/subcat-Telescopes/54957dca.html

or

http://www.astronomy-uk.co.uk/smf/index.php?board=1.0



Another great store in the uk for new stuff is , they were going to charge 35 sterling p&p to Cork

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/category/basecategory.aspx?cat03=3013&Brand=227&Range=209

I have most of the cheapest places bookmarked and would be glad to pass them to you .
I found some great prices and places and some NOT to great prices and places LOL , be careful !!

I havent included the big guns like Astro trader , CloudyNights etc as i assume you will have come across these in your travels ;-)


This is a simple guide , easy for someone just learning , might help you !

http://www.astrocentral.co.uk/telescope.html



I have most of the p&p prices i was quoted somewhere if you want to know how much they asked me for , just give me a PM and i will try dig them out for you emobama , im sorry if this post is all over the place , its very late and im knackered

best of luck in your search emobama , hope this gives you some insight

Good night or is that Good morn ` ;-) my eyes are closing and im up early phew ;-)

Regards
Stargate

Bohrio

emobama wrote: »

Hay There

I'm looking to buy a telescope and I'm puzzled as to what would be best for me starting out!

I have been to astronomy Ireland today. with a budget of €250 to €350 they recommended the Astromaster 130EQ, this is a reflector, cost of which is €200.
Now I have a little bit more in the budget and their Telescopes jump from 200 to €400, no in-between really.

I read 'Slade x's Introduction to astronomy' which recommends the 10” dobsonian reflector for someone like myself. I have googled it but cant find anywhere to price it??

So thats 2 votes for the reflector!!

Little help, what are the best telescopes for that budget and where can i get em??

I bought mine from www.green-witch.com, shipping was only 30 pounds and it was delivery the very next day. Very good service and customer response, I can't recommend them enough (based on my experience of course)

emobama

Thanks for all the info, i'll check em out today!

Later!

Kersh

I got a 12" dob off GreenWitch about 3 years ago, and they shipped to Dublin next day. Think I paid £450 plus £40 ish shipping. Class place to deal with.

Stargate

He needs opinions on this scope ... tnx

http://www.adverts.ie/showproduct.php?product=144105&cat=all

Anyone ever use the wooden mount?

Any problems ???

I think Orion do good optics

Regards
Stargate

Plug

I got the astromaster 130EQ with the motor drive from ebay for €190 including shipping, you'd be better off to go for the one with out the motordrive, save yourself a few bob, maybe €50+. I didn't use my motordrive yet, don't really need it.
Last night I saw jupiter and the 4 moons for the first time, i was delighted, over the moon:D although the the finder scope is rubbish.