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Post by osiris on Jan 1, 2015 21:37:58 GMT
Hi James from Bangor just starting out with a new hobbie, I have been interested in astronomy for a long time now but have never bought a scope. Iv done a lot of observing from my old ussr tento binoculars and they have been great for the moon really sharp image ,Jupiter and it's moons have been visable recently. The time has come to take the next step and get a good scope and Iv been looking at the celestron nexstar 4se and 6se?? Just want a good all rounder deep space, moon and planets without being disappointed and having to change it so any feed back would be good thanks.
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Post by stevie on Jan 2, 2015 0:36:29 GMT
Hi James, and welcome to the forum
The Celestron Nexstar 6se is a great telescope, I have one and I am very fond of it. But, it is not a great telescope for deep space objects. On planets, the Moon, double stars, planetary nebula and the brighter nebula, like the Orion nebula, it is superb.
But for things like most other nebulae and especially galaxies, it is not so good.
The 4se is a smaller version of the 6se, and consequently, all views will be smaller and fainter.
In the end, it will boil down to what you want to look at, but, for an all-round telescope, the best telescope I would recommend to you would be an 8" or a 10" dobsonian. Either size would provide you with extremely satisfying images of almost all objects, and will actually be around the same price, or cheaper, than the 6se
The rule in astronomy is that aperture is king, the bigger the mirror (or lens in a refractor), the more you will see, and the better you will see it.
You will find a thread at the beginning of the beginners forum called "buying a first telescope". Have a read at it. It recommends that an 8" dobsonian is the best beginners scope.
Please feel free to ask for more advice, and, if you wish, I could arrange for you to have a look at, and through, both a 6se and a 10" dobsonian before you make your final decision.
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Post by osiris on Jan 2, 2015 13:10:08 GMT
Thanks very much for your advise on my first scope,Iv been looking at so many it can be overwhelming Reading so many reviews. I want to make the right choice and get the best view out of a scope without breaking the bank. Mostly for back garden use as I have very good views form there. Would like portability so I can go to darker sky areas to views as well. Would you recommend a brand?
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Post by mikeyrea on Jan 2, 2015 19:22:05 GMT
Hi James
I have a Skywatcher telescope (200P) which is decent quality & popular, plus great value for money. If you look at the article Stevie mentions (pinned near the top of this board) you'll see other makes as well.
If you're on a budget you might want to consider getting a 2nd hand telescope - but you'd be prudent to inspect and take along someone who knew what they were looking at.
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Post by osiris on Jan 2, 2015 21:37:50 GMT
Yes taking someone that no's what they our looking at would great if I choose a second hand scope . Watched a few vids on you tube and few people saying the nexstar 5 se is the one to go for as the best all rounder at the price it seems like what I'm looking for. Comments welcome??
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Post by mikeyrea on Jan 3, 2015 16:12:36 GMT
This would be a quality telescope - has all the bells & whistles! The catadioptric design means that they are nice and compact whilst still giving good magnification. They are apparently good for planets, but maybe not so good for DSO's: tinyurl.com/owneuetSome people (myself included) might prefer something simpler, at least to start off with - but it's horses for courses and everyone's different!
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Post by osiris on Jan 4, 2015 13:48:33 GMT
Your right something less complicated for time being and abit cheaper would be best. Thanks for the advice I shall give it some more thought over the week hopefully pick one up by next week. Sky and moon were amazing last night just observing with my Tento binoculars on tripod really nice views of Orion Nebula. Jupiter and it's moons also very nice
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