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Buying my first telescope

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  • 02-07-2018 12:51pm
    #1
    froog
    Registered Users Posts: 3,784 ✭✭✭


    hi all, been into astronomy for years and finally going to take the plunge and buy a telescope. I've absolutely no idea about buying them. any tips would be welcome. budget is around 500 but could stretch if it was recommended.


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    #2
    Pat Dunne
    Registered Users Posts: 3,001 ✭✭✭Pat Dunne


    Before you get a telescope.
    Go and buy a good set of Binoculars, a tri-pod attachment and a sturdy tri-pod.
    This is one of the very best ways of starting off. The optics in a decent set of "Bins" are equal to, if not better than, almost all €500 scopes.

    Also get the Stellarium App for your phone or tablet, it'll be your map to the stars.


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    #3
    endacl
    Registered Users Posts: 22,238 ✭✭✭✭endacl


    Also...

    Buy this book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Exploring-Night-Binoculars-Patrick-Moore/dp/0521793904

    Then, when you know what you’re most interested in looking at, take telescope advice from http://www.ktectelescopes.ie/ What you want to observe will inform the type of scope you buy more than you might imagine.

    (Not a plug. I’ve nothing to do with the company, but they do maintain an account on here. https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/member.php?u=754181 I’ve bought from him before, and found him excellent, so, more of a recommendation really!)


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    #4
    froog
    Registered Users Posts: 3,784 ✭✭✭froog


    what about the whole reflector vs refractor thing?


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