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Post by Colin A on Jul 24, 2012 8:21:16 GMT
Hi all,
I'm fairly new to all this! Looking to get a my first telescope within the next couple of months. Getting a bit cash put aside but will need a bit of advice for choosing the best for my money! Trying my best to get myself up to speed as to what is what.
Colin.
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Post by stevie on Jul 24, 2012 14:55:32 GMT
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Post by Colin A on Jul 25, 2012 14:00:12 GMT
Hi Stevie,
Thanks, i've been reading through that wee article. Theres alot to get your head round! I would like to eventually be able to take photographs of the objects i can see through the telescope. Although i'm not sure my intial budget will allow me to get something that can do that!
Is it a good idea to become a member of this club? What are the main benefits?
Many thanks, Colin.
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Post by stevie on Jul 25, 2012 21:04:17 GMT
Colin
Astrophotography is, in many ways, almost a completely different hobby to observational astronomy. Many people use cameras to take quick wide-field images of the sky, but to get into deep-sky imaging can be relatively expensive. More important than any telescope or camera is the telescope mount, which needs to be able to accurately track the sky for prolonged periods. These do not come cheap. There are no dedicated astrophotographers in the society, dabblers maybe, but no-one who does it almost exclusively.
As for joining the society? First of all, you don't have to be a member to be on the forum. And you don't have to be a member to attend the monthly meetings or any observing sessions.
If you wish to attend a meeting, it costs £3 on the night. Since there are 9 meetings over the course of a season, it would be cheaper to pay the annual full membership fee of £20 (or £8 if you are a pensioner or under 16 years old) if you want to attend them all. But many people can only attend occasionally, and they often decide just to pay on the night. Only full members can vote at the AGM.
The main benefit of attending the meetings is twofold. Firstly, you will get the opportunity to hear top class speakers discussing various aspects of astronomy. Secondly, and possibly even more important, you get the chance to spend time with people who share similar interests to your own. It's a great opportunity to get advice, and share your opinions and experiences. Attending observing sessions gives you the chance to observe with other people, try out different equipment, and, again, draw on the experience of those who have had a lot of practice and gained a lot of knowledge. It is always better to observe as a group, for security if nothing else.
We're all a very friendly bunch of people, and quite a few of us are fairly experienced observers. The crack is very good at all times.
Thoroughly recommended.
And lastly, everything you read in that article still holds true. It is very easy to think that investing in a so-called "starter scope" with a 4" or 5" mirror will get you off and running. But I can guarantee that, if and when you get a chance to look through bigger telescopes, 8" and above, you will regret buying a small scope. If I only had a pound for every person I know who has done so. So, when you have got yourself organized, have spotted a scope you like, and are ready to buy, post on this forum and ask advice before parting with your cash.
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Post by Colin A on Jul 26, 2012 8:18:43 GMT
Many thanks for the reply. I never thought astrophotography was so complicated. But after hearing your explantion, it makes perfect sense. Looks like the best course of action is baby steps. Would definitely like to attend some of the meetings to hear the speakers and possibly meet up with you guys at an observing night before buying anything.
I appreciate the help and advice already.
Thanks, Colin.
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Post by pugnut on Jul 27, 2012 23:57:06 GMT
Keep an eye out on gumtree, donedeal & ebay as there are a lot of good second hand scopes out there. People often buy them after shows like stargazing live & then lose interest or lose heart after the bad run of weather we have had this year. Spotted this on gumtree. www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/skywatcher-skyliner-250px-10-telescope/103646182One of the best scopes out there, excellent for dso's & everything else but not really suited to astro photography due to a manual dobsonian mount. With the money saved from the new price you can buy a few decent eyepieces.
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Post by Colin A on Jul 30, 2012 12:40:50 GMT
Thanks Pugnut. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out on the classifieds. I'm still not that confident on what is what at the minute and definitetly don't want to rush into anything. After Stevie's advice i'm not going to worry about the astrophotography at the minute. Just trying to get myself up to speed at the minute. Already learnt loads from trundling through the forum.
Colin.
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