buying a telescope

ohab

I suspect this isn't quite the right place to ask this question, but any help will be gratefully received.

I am looking to buy someone a telescope as a surprise present - they are knoweldgeable about astronomy, but the telescope cannot be permanently left on its stand - i.e. it needs to be relatively portable. It will also be used outside, mainly, but will be stored inside. I would like it to be a good quality piece of kit with good resolution etc. somewhere in the £100 - £200 price range, if that is possible.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks!

BackOnTrack

I don't think you are going to get a quality piece of kit in that price range sorry

althas

When I was looking at one, I went to a small retailer close to where I live. He said that to begin with you are really looking at £250-£300 for a bottom range one that will not be a disapointment

However, what I did see (but didn't get) was quite a nice spotting scope. Had a very nice review from the Sky at Night Mag

http://www.telescopes-binoculars.co.uk/acatalog/Celestron_Spotting_Scopes.html

The Ultima 80-45 was the one I was looking at. Could be a viable alternative?

richard734

Ohab, pop over to http://stargazerslounge.com/ there is a very active forum and a lot of people that will be very happy to help you.
This subject is discussed on a regular basis

Stompa

I've often seen this place recommended:

http://www.green-witch.com/

sleepless_saver

Stompa wrote: »

I've often seen this place recommended:

http://www.green-witch.com/

Great link, this will keep me in Xmas and birthday pressies for the OH for years.

ohab

Thank you all for some very helpful advice and weblinks!

Hammyman

Try Ebay. Whatever you do do not buy them one of those 4" jobs like Argos sell as they will be disappointed. Also do not make the mistake of going for one with the largest magnification.

All optical telescopes have good resolution - they use mirrors and MK1 eyeball so the resolution is that the eye can percieve.

andygb

richard734 wrote: »

Ohab, pop over to http://stargazerslounge.com/ there is a very active forum and a lot of people that will be very happy to help you.
This subject is discussed on a regular basis

I agree Rchard, a superb site. Here is a link to First Light Optics.

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/dobsonians.html

The OP should be able to get some good starter gear within budget, and more importantly, some good advice.

cootuk

I would avoid Ebay, too many poor quality scopes if you don't know what you are looking for.

Given your price range, you won't get one that autofinds stars, so it's manual aiming.
Skywatcher produce a wide range of fairly decent scopes.

The Skywatcher Skymax 90 is fairly compact and portable at the expense of mirror size.
The Evostar 90 is more a classical shape, with the Startravel 102 being more compact.
The Heritage 130 dobsonian is getting to a more usable mirror size and quite popular...very good beginner scopes.
The 114 and 130 newtonians are standard fare but can put the eyepiece at odd angles sometimes due to the rotation of the mount...some people love them, some hate them.

If you can push to £220, then the Supatrak 130 at least can autofollow a star (due to earth rotation) for a reasonable length of time.

Really depends how portable it has to be, storage space, ability of person to lift tripod etc, whether they live in a flat or up stairs etc etc.

First Light Optics are excellent and I would imagine would be more than willing to recommend something.