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 Author | Topic: Is this scope any good? (Read 150 times) |
dee
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nemesis
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|  | Re: Is this scope any good?
« Reply #1 on Nov 6, 2009, 2:12am » | |
Welcome to the NIAAS Forum, Dee.
The scope OK, Dee, but in buying a first scope you have to be careful.
Firstly, you invariably don't spend a lot of money on it.
That means you get something useable, but which may disappoint more than impress because of its limitations.
This scope is very cheap, but has had some very good reviews.
However, it has a small mirror, and the image may be dim as a result.
I may seem, to be d**ning it with faint praise, but it will do fine for a beginner.
You could also get a second hand scope that will be much better as a result, some people here may even be able to sell them for not a whole lot more than what you're paying there.
We'll be glad to give you more advice if you need it, because we do want the interest someone has to grow...that's how we all started.
And when you do get something that is suitable and that you can afford, we're happy to show you how to fix it all up, how to use it, and how to improve it, as well as just what to look at.
What's your budget?
Eamonn
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bob
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| | Re: Is this scope any good?
« Reply #2 on Nov 6, 2009, 8:32am » | |
This has had some good reports, and is about the same money, maybe Eamonn has more info on them as he is a Dob man  , i just took this of the site you were using so i dont know the best price for this scope, shop around.
http://www.pulsar-optical.co.uk/prod/sky....20Flextube.html
Best off luck in your choice and welcome to the forum.
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NeilP
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| | Re: Is this scope any good?
« Reply #3 on Nov 6, 2009, 11:05am » | |
Be careful in purchasing from Pulsar-Optical, they are part of Scope and Skies and have a less than stellar reputation when it comes to delivering what they promise.
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nemesis
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dee
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| | Re: Is this scope any good?
« Reply #5 on Nov 6, 2009, 6:57pm » | |
Thanks so much for all your replies, you are all so welcoming!
My budget would be around £150, I really have no idea what I should be looking for so I am grateful for all recommendations!
At the minute we use the binoculars that were in Lidl a while back so I'm sure anything would be an improvement!
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nemesis
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| | Re: Is this scope any good?
« Reply #6 on Nov 6, 2009, 7:11pm » | |
Ok...with £150 you are sort of limited, unless anyone here has something they're prepared to sell, and you're prepared to buy for that price.
If not go for it. It'll have everything you need, tripod and all.
Do you have any knowledge of the sky and where to look for clusters, planets etc, Dee?
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dee
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| | Re: Is this scope any good?
« Reply #7 on Nov 6, 2009, 7:31pm » | |
Was going to buy 'Turn Left at Orion' as we have no idea where to look!
This telescope was recommended by The Sky at Night
http://www.firstlightoptics.com/proddetail.php?prod=SW_explorer_130
Which do you think would be best? Sorry for being such a pest and thanks everyone for your help.
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nemesis
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| | Re: Is this scope any good?
« Reply #8 on Nov 6, 2009, 8:34pm » | |
You're not being a pest, it's what we're here for!
"Turn left" is probably the best book you could buy.
That Skywatcher's a better buy...a bigger mirror and a red dot finder to boot.
It has no motor drive, but to be honest, at this stage better optics are worth more. Get that one.
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dee
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| | Re: Is this scope any good?
« Reply #9 on Nov 6, 2009, 9:01pm » | |
Brilliant, thanks so much, think I'll order it now!
It's a Christmas gift, don't know how I'm going to wait 7 weeks to try it out! Will let you know how I get on, thanks again.
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nemesis
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| | Re: Is this scope any good?
« Reply #10 on Nov 6, 2009, 9:11pm » | |
Well..I don't know where you live, Dee, but til then look in here and come along to our observing sessions when we have them.
They're usually on the Observing and Reports section.
They depend on the weather of course, but you'll certainly learn a lot, and you don't even need a scope to come along.
We've plenty, and you;re welcome to come and look in along with us!
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irishbloke
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| | Re: Is this scope any good?
« Reply #11 on Nov 6, 2009, 11:43pm » | |
Dee, I had the slightly shorter tube of that scope and found it great. the longer tube will mean it will be kinder to eyepeices which is also good. Mine had the motar but to be honest it was a hassle to set up and not good enough to use for long exposure photography.
I had a 32mm plossl and found it brill. http://www.firstlightoptics.com/proddetail.php?prod=SW_SP_super_plossl
Not sure if the 40mm would work with that scope. Think the would be the sweet spot. The double cluster looks breath taking. The low mag is more prob more important than high mags at start.
I sold my scope when I upgraded to a 10" dob. It holds it's money well, so when it comes to an upgrade you'll get something towards your next scope too!
As for waiting to christmas!!! Hmm you'll need to come out with us to satisfy the need!
See you soon Dee.
Brian
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dee
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| | Re: Is this scope any good?
« Reply #12 on Nov 10, 2009, 11:47pm » | |
Thanks so much to you all for your help, just waiting for the scope to arrive, I'm so excited! I love this website!
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nemesis
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| | Re: Is this scope any good?
« Reply #13 on Nov 11, 2009, 1:45am » | |
Glad you like it. We were all out tonight...not much observing, but good fun anyway.
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simon128d
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| | Re: Is this scope any good?
« Reply #14 on Nov 11, 2009, 2:15am » | |
Great to hear that you've ordered and are excitidly awaiting.
It would be great to see you at one of our observing sessions. It's always so much more fun to share in the experience and have a few laughs while doing so. Everyone is always more than willing to help each other out too.
Let us know how you get on with your scope and tell us all about first use/first light with the scope.
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