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Looking to upgrade my telescope, suggestions?

boosted_4cyl

boosted_4cyl

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Right now I have a Galileo cc-2 and it is great for the moon and jupiter but it has its weak points. Like the tripod is for people who are under 3' and if there is the slightest breeze, it shakes your view like crazy.
Im looking to spend around $200 and a really decent "next step up"
Ideally Id like to be able to see saturn and the inner planets.
Any suggestions/help would be greatly appreciated
 





boosted_4cyl said:
Right now I have a Galileo cc-2 and it is great for the moon and jupiter but it has its weak points. Like the tripod is for people who are under 3' and if there is the slightest breeze, it shakes your view like crazy.
Im looking to spend around $200 and a really decent "next step up"
Ideally Id like to be able to see saturn and the inner planets.
Any suggestions/help would be greatly appreciated
Click to expand...

The Edmond astroscan is about the best little scope to be had for under $300.
In fact after I even had my Celestron C8, I borrowed a friends astoscan and it was hard for me to give it back.
It's portable, nearly indestructable and gives some of the best wide-field views of the milky way and star fields you ever did see.

I promise that if you get one you won't be sorry.
Here's a link
Astroscan Plus Telescope - best selling beginner telescope | Edmund Scientific

good luck
 
Check out Orion Telescopes. I'd really recommend spending another $100 and getting a 6" Dobsonian. A LOT of bang for the buck. Feel free to PM me for more information.
 
I suggest buying 3 superbeast #100 from IQS (or any other cheap green) and arrange them in a triangle formation around your telescope. Its really cool to have all the beams end exactly where your scope is pointing.
 
Im really liking that orion xt6 with barlow kit, however, its only an extra $50 for the 8. Would that be a better investment?
 
boosted_4cyl said:
Im really liking that orion xt6 with barlow kit, however, its only an extra $50 for the 8. Would that be a better investment?
Click to expand...

Aperture is probably the most important parameter, get the largest you can afford. This is what allows you to resolve details in faint fuzzies.
 
I have several telescopes. The larger the diameter, the fainter the objects it can "see". If you live in a very light polluted area, large aperture just gathers more light pollution. The "best telescope" is the one you will use the most. You can easily see and log the entire Messier list with a six. If an eight inch is a little too heavy to carry outside, you may not carry it outside and stay in to watch TV. Sure, you can see more with an eight than you can a six but will you use it as much? If the answer is yes, go for it. When you get to 10, 12, and up, they become pretty heavy and tend to become "garage queens" while you observe with a six or smaller. Then when you have time to drive out away from city lights, you haul out the big guns. It's all a matter of personal choice.

Also check out these links:

Cloudy Nights Classifieds (CNC) - Main Index - Powered by PhotoPost Classifieds Cloudy Nights

Used Telescopes, Binoculars & Cameras | Astronomy Classifieds Astromart
 
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luckily I dont have TV!
Any Messier objects would be outstanding!
With the 6" would Messier list objects be pretty distinguishable? Or just colourful dots?
elite ares said:
I have several telescopes. The larger the diameter, the fainter the objects it can "see". If you live in a very light polluted area, large aperture just gathers more light pollution. The "best telescope" is the one you will use the most. You can easily see and log the entire Messier list with a six. If an eight inch is a little too heavy to carry outside, you may not carry it outside and stay in to watch TV. Sure, you can see more with an eight than you can a six but will you use it as much? If the answer is yes, go for it. When you get to 10, 12, and up, they become pretty heavy and tend to become "garage queens" while you observe with a six or smaller. Then when you have time to drive out away from city lights, you haul out the big guns. It's all a matter of personal choice.

Also check out these links:

Cloudy Nights Classifieds (CNC) - Main Index - Powered by PhotoPost Classifieds Cloudy Nights

Used Telescopes, Binoculars & Cameras | Astronomy Classifieds Astromart
Click to expand...
 
Most of the Messier list is distinguishable in a six inch scope. Globular star clusters can be resolved to some extent. The only color you will see is star color (a function of their temperature). Catalogs want to fool you with time exposure photos to make you think you will see colorful nebulea. No so, unless you get up to about 16 - 20 inches and larger. Most of the galaxies are just faint smudges though. You will usually be able to detect the shape of the galaxy. Dark skies are a must for several of the Messier galaxies.
 
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