Originally Posted by fireant911 (Post 9753924)

The timing of this thread is great. We live far out in the country and I often go out at night and simply marvel at what I see in the sky above. Earlier this week, I started looking for a decent telescope for someone that wants to look closer at some of the objects in the sky without spending much cash. I did a little research and the reflector-type scopes came up as the best bang-for-the-buck. I have narrowed my search down to these two inexpensive models. What say the experts here? Are these two choices okay for novice's purchase if $200 is my limit?

https://www.amazon.com/Orion-StarBlast-Equatorial-Reflector-Telescope/dp/B06XSM4R74/ref=dp_ob_title_ce?dpID=41geR02qr%252BL&preST=_SY3 00_QL70_&dpSrc=detail

https://www.amazon.com/Celestron-31042-AstroMaster-Reflector-Telescope/dp/B000MLL6R8/ref=nsa_prb_sm_n_au_dka_US_pr_prb_0_0?adId=B000MLL 6R8&creativeASIN=B000MLL6R8&linkId=af6c99962dc3f54 4dabbc09b3a576f21&tag=opticsden-20&linkCode=w48&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.opticsden.com%2Fbest-telescopes%2F&slotNum=0&imprToken=2ecoyRhLQaoEDp1n K6gmdw

Originally Posted by Pazuzu (Post 9754448)

I've taught hundreds of people about the sky, about telescopes, and about how to start doing it yourself.
Number 1 rule is, if your equipment is too hard to use, you won't use it. Period. Too complex, too heavy, too expensive, too time consuming, too much work getting set up, etc. If it becomes work to go spend an hour looking at the sky, then you will never do it again.
Beginners need something that gives a huge amount of return for any effort. As you get more and more into it, you will deal with more effort for incrimentally smaller and smaller returns.

The easiest way to start checking out the sky is a good pair of 7x50 binoculars, and a decent star chart (although, the phone based star charts are impressive these days...).
The second best option is a 6 inch dobsonian style. It will take the average new amateur 2+ years to run out of stuff that a 6 inch scope can see. At that point, you'll be advanced enough to know what you're future plans are. Maybe, go with an 8 inch dobsonian if you plan on primarily spending time in your own backyard. If you're going to travel at all (down the street, or drive outside of town) then stick with the 6 inch.

As for 6 inch dobs, any brand is pretty equal (Meade, Celestron, Orion).

After a bit of time, maybe add on some digital setting circles, which will let you start to hunt down things that are harder to find. I wouldn't start with them though.

Originally Posted by KC911 (Post 9754531)

Is that a complete setup? Can you rcommend a specific model? My rural property is relatively pitch black to where I currently live...hmm :)

Originally Posted by fireant911 (Post 9754854)

Pazuzu,
WONDERFUL advice!!! I checked Orion's site as you recommended and it is actually cheaper when considering the cost of shipping PLUS there are some freebies included! Thanks for sharing your wisdom, knowledge, and experiences in this area. I am looking forward to observing the skies... and I bet that I do not even have to wait until Christmas.

Originally Posted by Eric Hahl (Post 9755651)

Here's a shot from the last 2 nights of imaging. This is my first attempt at capturing a globular cluster. They are very small targets so this image is quite heavily cropped.

It got fairly windy on me both nights and I'm still trying to figure out this autoguiding but hey, I think kits cool.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1506648551.jpg

Originally Posted by Eric Hahl (Post 9756088)

M13 - Hercules. Yep, caught a Galaxy, IC 4617.

Originally Posted by masraum (Post 9756170)

If you aren't already, this is the PelicanParts of the astronomy world
https://www.cloudynights.com/

They have forums for all sort of observations (solar, beginner, advanced), sections for Binoculars and other gear and a section for AP.

Originally Posted by masraum (Post 9755966)

Mike certainly won't steer you wrong. He's obviously got way, way more experience in this stuff than the average bear. The Dobsonian style scope is pretty much the best bang for your buck, and the 6" is practically the same price as the 4.5" so definitely go with the extra aperture. You'll love it and be amazed at what you can see.

Originally Posted by fireant911 (Post 9756366)

I just placed an order for the Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope! My wife readily agreed to up my budget to $250... in fact, I think she is just as excited as I am about this scope...

Originally Posted by fireant911 (Post 9760691)

Whoa, that was quick. I ordered the 6" Dobsonian on Friday at noon and it arrived today. Tomorrow I will unbox and put this machine together.

Originally Posted by fireant911 (Post 9760691)

Whoa, that was quick. I ordered the 6" Dobsonian on Friday at noon and it arrived today. Tomorrow I will unbox and put this machine together.