[X] My Assistant

[lyford]

I seem to be finally outgrowing the Sears 60mm refractor I still have from my childhood.

I realize it would never win any awards for its optics, but I have been able to see Saturn nicely, as well as the red spot and moons of Jupiter.

I am looking for something that would at least offer comparable viewing, but under $400 U.S. if possible.

One question I have is this:

Can an astronomical telescope be used as a spotting scope?

We do like to camp and would love to be able to bring the scope to view the stars and wildlife (not at the same time of course).

Following Phil Plaits links, I stumbled across this beast - which seems like it has some decent reviews (but horrid iMac circa 1999 colors):

iOptron Refractor

I also liked the portability of the Meade ETX-80BB for camping, but I am worried it won't live up to the reputation of it's bigger brother.

[PDP8E]

My 2cents on this subject is.....

.... a great beginner scope is:
* a good star chart
* a red flash light (to preserve dark adjusted eyes)
* a pair of binoculars (!)

note: 7 x 50 = magnification × the objective diameter mm; e.g. 7×50.

(tip: divide diameter by the magnification (50/7) == about 7) try to get the highest resulting number you can afford
without going over a magnification of approx 10 ---- like 8x90 or 9x120 ...-etc)

step one:
* learn to focus binoculars (close one eye; focus using the main wheel; swap closed eyes and focus using the rotating eyepiece (usually the left?)

step two:
* wear out the star chart -- using your binoculars - memorize parts of the chart --- have favorite objects (this will take a year or two)

step three:
* you are now ready to buy a telescope (meade or celestron 5" to 8")


(step 2 is hard work -- it is harder with a bulky scope -- make sure you want to be outside at night for hours in the cold before you buy that scope! )