Anyone bought a telescope lately?

[kmitch200]

Looking for advice on something to check out stars 'n planets.
Don't have the cash to buy REAL quality but don't want total junk either.
I've found a Celestron 130EQ for about $230. It has terrestrial capability also.

Anyone know their sky scopes?

[Solus]

I have a Meade ETX-125.

This is a 5in Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope.  

I started with an ETX-90 which is a 4" scope.

This is a small scope with tremendous capabilities.  

I really don't know how the Celestron line compares, but do the comparison and check the reviews.  

The ETX line won't be the least expensive, but they can be used as the high water mark for this class of telescope.

You can get them with a hand held programmed control that will point the scope at the start, object or constellation you choose from it's menu.  If you are just starting out, this will be wonderful and a tutorial.  If you are experienced this will be a time saver.

The Meade optics in the ETX line are top line.  

http://www.meade.com/etx


http://www.amazon.com/Meade-ETX-90AT-13-8-Maksutov-Cassegrain-Telescope/dp/B00329THEQ

If you like/afford the Celestron better, here is a line where you can get your model for $190.

http://www.telescopes.com/telescopes/reflecting-telescopes/celestronastromaster130eqreflector.cfm?source=googleaw&kwid=celestron%20130eq%20review&tid=exact&k_clickid=5bd95b75-ad3f-1be8-1af8-000053e8d4f3&gclid=CPG2qPjBoK0CFasaQgodhmhtmA

The Celestron NexStar line is in the same class as the Meade ETX line.

[MikeBjerum]

I quit buying telescopes when I learned that it is easier to look at targets and game with a spotting scope 

[fightingquaker13]

I quit buying telescopes when I learned that it is easier to look at targets and game with a spotting scope 

Bullshit! You just preffered spying on the twenty something neighbor right side up.
FQ13

[kmitch200]

Bullshit! You just preffered spying on the twenty something neighbor right side up.
FQ13

If she really is a 20 something, position is secondary.   

Thanks for the link Solus. That Meade is tempting but the budget says go lower.

[Sponsor]

[1911 Junkie]

I have one, it was the ex's. It's just sitting in my storage room. When I get a chance I can get the specifics on it if you are interested. It's never been used and is just taking up space.

[1911 Junkie]

OK.  It's a Bushnell model 78-9669 telescope. Diam 76mm, focal length 700mm.  I even still have the CD that came with it.  Though I'm not quite sure if all the lenses are there. I think they probably are.

It can be all yours for the princely sum of.......... ahhhhhhhhh........... ok, you can have it, just PM me your address if interested.   

[Solus]

Free hand me down is not a bad way to get your feet wet 

Gave my ETX 90 to a friend when I got my 125 and with his 90 we spotted the ice cap of Mars when it made it close approach about a decade ago.

[kmitch200]

OK.  It's a Bushnell model 78-9669 telescope. Diam 76mm, focal length 700mm.  I even still have the CD that came with it.  Though I'm not quite sure if all the lenses are there. I think they probably are.
It can be all yours for the princely sum of.......... ahhhhhhhhh........... ok, you can have it, just PM me your address if interested.   

Awesome! PM sent!

[ske1eter]

Looking for advice on something to check out stars 'n planets.
Don't have the cash to buy REAL quality but don't want total junk either.
I've found a Celestron 130EQ for about $230. It has terrestrial capability also.

Anyone know their sky scopes?

For an good introductory scope, the research I've done point to buying a Dobsonian style telescope for the most bang for the buck. Some other options are listed as well:  http://www.universetoday.com/39934/telescopes-for-beginners/