Looking for first telescope

[MattDI]

Hi all,

I’m very new to stargazing and telescopes in general, however I’m a keen physics and astronomy nerd. I am looking to get my first telescope, the only issue is I’m on a very very limited budget. I’ve seen some on EBay, but a quick google search lead me here and it tells me not to buy the one I was going to, which was the Celestron power seeker 127 EQ.

So here is where I’m at, I’d like something fairly decent, but happy to go second hand. Something I can see a fair few planets with, as closely as possible!

My budget is really only around £100, give or take a bit either side.

It doesn’t need to be something I travel with particularly. It would be nice if they were slightly smaller for space reasons, but again not massively important.

I’d be interested to hear if anyone can recommend brands, ranges or anything that could help me in the search!

Many thanks,
Matt

[JayTee]

Hi Matt,

Given your skill level and your limited budget I would highly suggest starting with a nice pair of binoculars. A 10x50 set of binoculars is a great place to start. They gather a significant amount of light, they have a wide field of view and they give you the opportunity to learn the night sky before you dive in with a telescope.

Cheers,

[Lady Fraktor]

Unfortunately the telescope looks like a good overall package but soon lets you down from frustration trying to get it to work.

As JT mentioned above, binoculars are a very good way to start into the hobby.
10x50 are the limit for hand held size and anything larger you really need a stand to hold them steady.
With the proper accessories you can do white light solar viewing (sunspots/ surface granulation), lunar and planetary viewing, milky way and some star clusters.
Lots to see with binoculars and with the added bonus of being able to use them during the day.

If you do go this route it will build your observing skills while increasing the telescope budget.
You can look on UK astro buy & sell for used equipment, most astronomers take very good care of their gear.

In the meantime ask any questions you have and enjoy the forums and skies.

[StarHugger]

+10 on the binos,

Better yet start rite now naked eye observing, download Stellarium or similar & paruse the software and learn the nite sky from the comfort of your arm chair in combination with visual naked eye observations,

First the forest then the trees, that way it will be way easier for you to recognise and navigate the nite sky.

Then move to the binos when they arrive and this head start will be benifitial because now you will know what to point the nocs at.

And then the telescope too...


Best of Luck !

[Bigzmey]

Welcome to TSS Matt!

I will join JT and Gabby recommendation of 10x50 binoculars. Another approach is to get a spotting scope. 20-60x 60mm should be within your budget and will work better on Moon and planets than the binoculars.

Unfortunately, a decent telescope will be way out of your budget. However, you could check local pawn and charity shops.

[AstroBee]

I'll say Binos too considering your very limited budget. You will be amazed what you can see with binos!

The biggest problem with the Celestron power seeker 127 EQ is not the telescope, it's that atrocious mount and tripod they put it on.
Here is roughly the same telescope but on a tabletop dob style mount. A MUCH better option in my opinion.
https://shop.astronomerswithoutborders. ... -telescope

[helicon]

Binos are probably your best bet given the price level you wish to stay in. Poke around Amazon and other sites to see what you can find. 7x50 or 10x50 to start out.

Here is a Meade 80mm f/5 refractor costing around $100 U.S. You would need to spend something extra for the tripod...

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... cting.html

Meanwhile the scope Astrobee mentioned is $249 but does away with the very limited mount, offering a single fork Dobsonian configuration. This one has enough light grasp to keep you busy for awhile.

[Unitron48]

Any clubs out your way? Some have loaner scopes that would give you an opportunity to check out various scopes.

Good luck!

Dave

[AstroBee]

Dave makes a very, very good point. Our club has loaner scopes that they will loan to members in good standing. All you have to do is show a proficiency in setting it up and the ability to properly care for it.