81 replies to this topic

[AT2008]

Hi, I recently started getting into astronomy and I have absolutely no idea what telescope I should buy, I have a budget of roughly $300, I don't intend on getting into astrophotography (yet).. maybe a few pictures with my phone here and there but mostly just visual astronomy, mostly gonna be looking at the moon Jupiter Saturn etc. Maybe a few deep sky objects if sky's allow, any suggestions within my price range? Thanks.

[Henrik R]

Hey

Welcome to a new world then

 

Given that you will mostly aim at observing the moon, planets, a little nebulae, don't intend to go into astrophotography and in modest pricerange, i would definetly recommend a dobson.

 

300USD should get You a 150mm f/8 dobson.

Should you later on want to do more serious work (photo) you can supplement it with an EQ mount.

 

Unless of course ease of use and/or portability also is at stake?

In that case i would recommend along achromatic refractor like skywatcher evostar90 AZ

 

(Normally i would also recommend a good pair of binocular for nebulaes, but they won't get you close enough to planetary objects)

 

BR Henrik

[aeajr]

StarSense Explorer DX100AZ at your budget.

DX102AZ or DX130AZ would be even better, but over your budget.  But they are a better choice.

https://www.celestro...JEaAh51EALw_wcB

Edited by aeajr, 30 January 2023 - 04:55 PM.

[SkyDays]

Some good recommendations at this previous thread as well ......

https://www.cloudyni...p-small-budget/

[Paul Murphy]

I'm new to Astronomy myself. There is excellent advice on this site, including before you get a scope, get some decent binoculars, and a star chart, sit out on a clear night and find and spot targets, and learn the constellations a bit. That way when you get a scope you'll know where to point it. Svbony SV 206 binoculars fit the bill. Then, for a scope in that range, there are two popular choices, in your price range. The Astronomers without borders Onesky 130, or the Celestron Omni AZ 102mm. I have no experience with the Onesky, other than good reviews, but I bought the Celestron 102mm two

weeks ago as my grab and go, and it is an excellent scope! I've viewed the moon, Jupiter, various DSOs and the Comet that is in the sky right now, Comet 2022 E3. The optics are excellent, though I would recommend eventually upgrading the diagonal, and eyepieces for clearer brighter views. There are videos about the pros and cons of both, but for $300 you could get the binoculars, and either telescope. There are wise and experienced Astronomers here, with excellent advice. Admittedly, I know just a little, but look up these suggestions, I hope they help! Clear skies, and welcome to your new hobby!!

As a Post Script, here is a video about the Omni 102mm  AZ and some links for pricing. https://youtu.be/WdEh4EODjV8

SVBONY SV206 Astronomy Binoculars 10x50 Waterproof, Telescope Moon for Beginners, Compact for Adults, Full Size, with Neck Strap, for Observe Moon,and Planets https://a.co/d/dWXt57S

When you are ready for upgrades and accessories, the sponsor of this site is an excellent source.

https://www.ebay.com...emis&media=COPY

Edited by Paul Murphy, 30 January 2023 - 05:03 PM.

[CarolinaBanker]

That’s a tough budget to work with, if you really want planets and moon saving some more and get a 6” dob.

 

Personally I'd get a ST80A and a VersaGo, that’s right around $300. It’s an achro so planets and moon will definitely show chromatic aberration, but it is a good generalist scope, it’ll do open clusters, bright DSOs, but is not an ideal lunar/planetary performer,

 

Versago AltAz Mounts: https://www.telescop...60/p/118202.uts

ST80A: https://www.telescop...ts?keyword=ST80

Are you near a club where you can try other members equipment?

[Bob Campbell]

Hey

Welcome to a new world then

 

Given that you will mostly aim at observing the moon, planets, a little nebulae, don't intend to go into astrophotography and in modest pricerange, i would definetly recommend a dobson.

 

300USD should get You a 150mm f/8 dobson.

Should you later on want to do more serious work (photo) you can supplement it with an EQ mount.

 

Unless of course ease of use and/or portability also is at stake?

In that case i would recommend along achromatic refractor like skywatcher evostar90 AZ

 

(Normally i would also recommend a good pair of binocular for nebulaes, but they won't get you close enough to planetary objects)

 

BR Henrik

+1 "You a 150mm f/8 dobson" Most bang for your buck by far.

 

Bob

[rhetfield]

Zhumell 130, AWB OneSky, and heritage 130 are good options. Good general purpose grab and go travel scopes that have a good combination of wider field of view and decent magnification.

[Notdarkenough]

Where do you live? The Astronomical Leauge and NASA have put thousands of telescopes in public libraries in the US and Canada. You can check them out for free.

 

The easiest way to get your feet wet is free with your local astro club. They can show you different telescope types, help with curbing expectations, and they will have the best local knowledge regarding astronomical Seeing. Find you local club here:

https://nightsky.jpl...-and-events.cfm

[Achernar]

I would work on saving up more than $300.00 bucks for one big reason. You'll need more than the telescope to start out with. You'll need at least three eyepieces, one for low, medium and high magnifications, a star atlas or planetarium program, a chair or stool to sit on, and a red filtered or LED light to read your star charts. A case to store your eyepieces and future accessories will also be needed, you will find a narrow band nebula filter and a Barlow lens to be useful time and time again. A good 6-inch Dob will show you a lot under good skies, and even under badly light polluted skies you can always enjoy the Moon, planets and double stars. Best of all, you can sit on a chair or stool regardless of where it's pointed in the sky if the seat's height is adjustable. You can make one for very little money if you have access to basic woodworking tools.

 

Taras

[Jethro7]

Hi, I recently started getting into astronomy and I have absolutely no idea what telescope I should buy, I have a budget of roughly $300, I don't intend on getting into astrophotography (yet).. maybe a few pictures with my phone here and there but mostly just visual astronomy, mostly gonna be looking at the moon Jupiter Saturn etc. Maybe a few deep sky objects if sky's allow, any suggestions within my price range? Thanks.

Hello AT2008,

Wellcome to CloudyNights,  I would suggest that you do two things first. (1) Buy this Book book " NightWatch" by Terrence Dickerson and actually read it. This book will begin your Astronomy journey and help you make educated Astronomy gear decisions (2) As others have said, your present budget really does not favor the purchase of a decent scope set up. The scope and mount are just the start, you will need other stuff to really get started. You can find some nice Achros or Newts for around $300.00 but the accompanying mounts will be garbage, wasting your budget on junk is counter productive. So save up your money while you read " NightWatch" 

 

HAPPY SKIES TO YOU AND KEEP LOOKING UP Jethro

 

The Apertura AD6 Dob is just about in your budget. They are manufactured by GSO and have pretty good optics and have a good base.

https://www.highpoin...onian-telescope

 

The Apertura AD8 Dob may be the only scope that you really need. In many cases Aperture is a good Thing.

https://www.highpoin...n-telescope-ad8

 

New edition "NightWatch"

https://www.amazon.c...&s=books&sr=1-1

 

Cheap used previous edition Of "NightWatch" The information is still relevant.

https://www.thriftbo...edition=3204786

Edited by Jethro7, 29 January 2023 - 07:16 PM.

[Bob Campbell]

I would work on saving up more than $300.00 bucks for one big reason. You'll need more than the telescope to start out with. You'll need at least three eyepieces, one for low, medium and high magnifications, a star atlas or planetarium program, a chair or stool to sit on, and a red filtered or LED light to read your star charts. A case to store your eyepieces and future accessories will also be needed, you will find a narrow band nebula filter and a Barlow lens to be useful time and time again. A good 6-inch Dob will show you a lot under good skies, and even under badly light polluted skies you can always enjoy the Moon, planets and double stars. Best of all, you can sit on a chair or stool regardless of where it's pointed in the sky if the seat's height is adjustable. You can make one for very little money if you have access to basic woodworking tools.

 

Taras

so you are explaining to AT2008 about the dollar-lined rabbit hole?  

 

You are right of course, there is a natural desire to enhance what we initially get in a scope, and we all have a desire to see more and better.

 

don't mention aperture fever,OK?

 

Bob

[sevenofnine]

Welcome to C/N! 

 

You can start this hobby on your budget but just. This Zhumell Z130 or similar could be a good start for you. Before you buy equipment, I recommend getting a good astronomy guide book like "NightWatch" or "The Backyard Astronomer's Guide" both are available on Amazon. They will give you an idea of how deep the rabbit hole is 

 

https://www.amazon.c...a4-dc28e6d374b3.

[CarolinaBanker]

so you are explaining to AT2008 about the dollar-lined rabbit hole?

 

You are right of course, there is a natural desire to enhance what we initially get in a scope, and we all have a desire to see more and better.

 

don't mention aperture fever,OK?

 

Bob

I feel a lot of aspiring amateurs don’t have a sense for cost. A reasonable budget is probably closer to $1,000. A DX102 is $400 on sale at Celestron usually it’s $450, if you go with an 8” dob it’s $600, add an observing chair that’s $200, a zoom eyepiece another $100, a few books, a red light flashlight, a few other sundry accessories (Barlow, moon filter) and there’s a grand. Of course it really isn’t that bad when you recognize that many other hobbies are substantially more expensive. Consider skiing, at a “local” mountain ski lessons are $64/lesson add $40 for ski rentals and a lift pass is $54 plus $200/night for a hotel. Buying skis isn’t cheap either and if you get serious you’ll need them and boots, jackets, pants, helmet, season lift passes. A trip to Vail or Breckinridge is easily $10,000 for a family of four for a week, a good scope can make memories for a lifetime for a fraction of that amount.

[Bob Campbell]

Welcome to C/N! 

 

You can start this hobby on your budget but just. This Zhumell Z130 or similar could be a good start for you. Before you buy equipment, I recommend getting a good astronomy guide book like "NightWatch" or "The Backyard Astronomer's Guide" both are available on Amazon. They will give you an idea of how deep the rabbit hole is 

 

https://www.amazon.c...a4-dc28e6d374b3.

Resistance is futile.

[Echolight]

4 inch achromat or a 5 inch mini-dob. Pick your poison.

[Echolight]

I'm new to Astronomy myself. There is excellent advice on this site, including before you get a scope, get some decent binoculars, and a star chart, sit out on a clear night and find and spot targets, and learn the constellations a bit. That way when you get a scope you'll know where to point it. Svbony SV 206 binoculars fit the bill. Then, for a scope in that range, there are two popular choices, in your price range. The Astronomers without borders Onesky 130, or the Celestron Omni AZ 102mm. I have no experience with the Onesky, other than good reviews, but I bought the Celestron 102mm two

weeks ago as my grab and go, and it is an excellent scope! I've viewed the moon, Jupiter, various DSOs and the Comet that is in the sky right now, Comet 2022 E3. The optics are excellent, though I would recommend upgrading the diagonal, and eyepieces for clearer brighter views. There are videos about the pros and cons of both, but for $300 you could get the binoculars, and either telescope. There are wise and experienced Astronomers here, with excellent advice. Admittedly, I know just a little, but look up these suggestions, I hope they help! Clear skies, and welcome to your new hobby!! 

These are likely the best choices for $300.

[Bob Campbell]

I feel a lot of aspiring amateurs don’t have a sense for cost. A reasonable budget is probably closer to $1,000. A DX102 is $400 on sale at Celestron usually it’s $450, if you go with an 8” dob it’s $600, add an observing chair that’s $200, a zoom eyepiece another $100, a few books, a red light flashlight, a few other sundry accessories (Barlow, moon filter) and there’s a grand. Of course it really isn’t that bad when you recognize that many other hobbies are substantially more expensive. Consider skiing, at a “local” mountain ski lessons are $64/lesson add $40 for ski rentals and a lift pass is $54 plus $200/night for a hotel. Buying skis isn’t cheap either and if you get serious you’ll need them and boots, jackets, pants, helmet, season lift passes. A trip to Vail or Breckinridge is easily $10,000 for a family of four for a week, a good scope can make memories for a lifetime for a fraction of that amount.

OK, I like your post. However.....

 

 

Used 6" f8 dob has to be under $300. The planet/moon killers were 6" f8 (i.e. criterion rv6) Add in a zoom eyepiece and moon filter, and I think AT2008 can get pretty close to the $300 budget.

 

https://www.amazon.c...c7-93deae8f9840

 

 

6" f8 like this:

 

https://www.cloudyni...0945-orion-xt6/

 

Certainly the downside that these deals come up fairly rarely, and it would probably have to be a local sale, since shipping would be expensive.

 

$200 for observing chair seems excessive, any lawn chair would do.

 

Don't need a book, since OP has CN  experienced members.

 

I realize that the $300 limit is probably too optimistic, but it depends on how quickly he/she wants to get up and running.

 

Bob

[SeattleScott]

For $300 you can basically afford most of a useful telescope, so you are almost locked in to buying these tabletop Dobs. Note they are not a full functional telescope. You need a table to put them on and a chair to sit on while observing. But perhaps you already have a table and chair that can be used for this purpose.

[sevenofnine]

To the OP...Don't be too discouraged if the cost of good astronomy equipment is way more than you figured  There are some good ways to enjoy this hobby that are far less expensive. For instance, I use Oberwerk LW series binoculars all the time. When the weather is bad, I use these more than my telescopes. For such a reasonable price, they are a good way to see how this hobby suits you 

 

https://oberwerk.com...ght-binoculars/.

 

p.s. These are large astronomy models, not "take for a hike."   

Edited by sevenofnine, 29 January 2023 - 08:45 PM.

[Dave Mitsky]

While it doesn't deal with purchasing a telescope directly, you may find some of the information on astronomy, amateur astronomy, and observing presented in my post (#22) at https://www.cloudyni...mers/?p=5184287 useful, AT2008.  There are sections on various books, observing guides, star-hopping, stellar atlases, planispheres, planetarium programs, astronomy apps, deep-sky object observing, lists of worthwhile celestial objects to observe, binocular astronomy, urban astronomy, and other related topics.

[Bob Campbell]

To the OP...Don't be too discouraged if the cost of good astronomy equipment is way more than you figured  There are some good ways to enjoy this hobby that are far less expensive. For instance, I use Oberwerk LW series binoculars all the time. When the weather is bad, I use these more than my telescopes. For such a reasonable price, they are a good way to see how this hobby suits you 

 

https://oberwerk.com...ght-binoculars/.

Excellent suggestion. At a dark site, binos can really be amazing. OP should realize though that hi mag is not always the best, and the 80mm's are hard to handle. I like my 15x50mm very much, and I might  like the 10x50mm even better.

 

Another great suggestion (brought up earlier by someone) is to go to a star party and see what the different scopes offer. There might even be someone there willing to part with their xt6+zoom eyepiece for < $300!

 

Amateur astronomers always have too much equipment, and are always trying to raise money for the next big thing.

 

Bob

Edited by Bob Campbell, 29 January 2023 - 08:52 PM.

[Anony]

A tad over budget, but the Starsense 102AZ is on sale at amazon right now at $351 ---

https://www.amazon.c...e/dp/B083JP3QYJ

 

Heritage 150p is $310:

 

https://www.highpoin...ASABEgLP-vD_BwE

 

 

I'd go for a starsense model if it was me, and that's a good price ... usually it's $400+. There will be some CA with planets, but it's not super terrible.

[Bob Campbell]

A tad over budget, but the Starsense 102AZ is on sale at amazon right now at $351 ---

https://www.amazon.c...e/dp/B083JP3QYJ

 

Heritage 150p is $310:

 

https://www.highpoin...ASABEgLP-vD_BwE

 

 

I'd go for a starsense model if it was me, and that's a good price ... usually it's $400+. There will be some CA with planets, but it's not super terrible.

And if you are a prime member, returns are fast and easy (and free).

 

Actually saw a review in some magazine, and the starsense worked surprisingly well.

 

Bob

[Anony]

I feel a lot of aspiring amateurs don’t have a sense for cost. A reasonable budget is probably closer to $1,000. A DX102 is $400 on sale at Celestron usually it’s $450, if you go with an 8” dob it’s $600, add an observing chair that’s $200, a zoom eyepiece another $100, a few books, a red light flashlight, a few other sundry accessories (Barlow, moon filter) and there’s a grand. 

One can go that way, but I don't want the OP to be scared off.

 

Alternatively he could spend $351 (DX102 on amazon) ...  maybe go with a $20-$30 barlow and/or $50-$75 zoom. And that's it, he's done. Or hunt down a cheap used eyepiece or two here in the classified.

 

A folding chair can work. Libraries have free books. There are free apps. And so on...