Jessops 102 (Reflector) or maybe Skywatcher Startravel 102 (Refractor)?

[BrianB]

I currently don't have a telescope and need a way in at a sub-£200 mark. Something that is relatively portable and compact but gives a decent view of the stars, planets and moon.

Jessops have two entry level telescopes on offer at the moment. Does anyone have any thoughts on these (http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/Binoculars%20and%20Scopes/Telescopes/products/Jessops/Astronomical%20Telescope%201100-102-76685/Show.html) - more specifically the 1100-102.

Alternatively; I was thinking of pushing the boat out and going for something like SKYWATCHER STARTRAVEL-102 (EQ1) (or maybe even pushing it to the SKYWATCHER STARTRAVEL-120 (AZ3)). (http://www.sherwoods-photo.com/sky_watcher/skywatcher_short_tube_refractor.htm).

I am looking in to astrophotography as well as normal viewing - the Skywatcher appears to have the connections already there.

I know that there is a considerable price difference but I am thinking that Jessops is not a brand name in the telescope market so they can't charge the premiums but they might have something quite nice there. I have included the Skywatcher as I have found in the past that if you go too cheap with something and then want to upgrade soon after your costs are more than if you went for it at the beginning... right?!!

Any reviews and comments are welcome....

many thanks

[David]

Hi Brian

I would recommend that you talk to a few members like Roy Bicknell and Lester Selmes.  Also Brian Walker and Bob Okines can give you advice based on their experiences.

First don't underestimate the mount.  Even a low magnifications of say x50 and fragile tripod will give a shakey image and your headaches with frustratiion.  So go for a sturdy mount.

If you want to take photos you will need some form of motorised guidance.  This puts the cost up.  Without a motorised mount you will be limited to taking pictures of the Moon and possibly Jupiter, Venus and maybe Saturn.

If you get a refractor check for colur fringing around bright objects.  Cheap refractors will produce stars with a multitude of colour rings around them

Magnification is generally only important for looking at planets.  And with the normal atmospheric conditions and a smallish aperature scope you will rearely get a good image over x100 magnification.

For looking at feint objects and detail a big aperature is better.

A "GoTo" scope makes like much easier for finding objects in the sky, particularly those very feint ones.  Star hoping is a traditional old skill that comes with lots of experience but can waste lots of time when you only have a short viewing period between cloud breaks.

I cannot comment on the telescopes you mention, but you could try a few that the Society have for loan.

And remember that whatever telescope you buy it will never match the images you see in magazines.

Regards

David

[JamesT]

Hi Brian

I cannot comment on the telescopes you mention but would suggest from personal experience buying a telescope needs careful thought before making a decision.

I would suggest first step should be to buy or borrow a good pair of binoculars (10x50 are good) then (and most important) get to know the night sky!

I did not do this and brought a big 10" reflector with GOTO computer guidance which is a nice scope but I really wish I had taken the time to learn the night sky before buying the scope. Even with a GOTO it is surprisingly difficult to know what you are looking at in the night sky! The scale of the actual sky compared to sky charts is always a surprise!

Binoculars make it much easier and getting guidance from one of the experienced members is worth its weight in gold.
Chris Woodcock gave me a quick tour of the night sky at the dark site one night and experience beats equipment hands down!  :

Good luck
James

[Doug]

     Although not a member of ESAS, I read your post about the Jessops and Skywatcher `scopes and I thought ........

     I would really recommend the SkyWatcher telescopes for you.   I have recently bought the SynScan 102 refractor and find it a very fine instrument.  The GoTo works a treat, once you have set it up which is quite easy and it places objects of your desire in the field of view nicely.  The optics are excellent and I have not noticed any color aberration in the lenses.

     I also have a SkyWatcher 1145 reflector which is also very good .....  it was a "Sky at Night" magazine Highly Recommended `scope ... and works well.  Mine has a small motor drive on it which can be a boon or a pest, depending on how you want to operate your telecope.  Small Meade ETX telescopes may be within your price range, reflectors or Cassegrain style; optics are excellent but the mounts can be fragile.  My ETX 70 stripped it`s gears .... but that is another story.

     Get advice from experienced astronomers in the Society,as was recommended and don`t but the first thing that you see.  Cheap `scopes are okay for children if they want to peer at the countryside, but a no-no for budding astronomers.  A good pair of binoculars are an essential; I have a pair of Meade 10x50`s which are superb.

     I have been interested in astronomy from the age of about 8 years old and I am now 73!!  So it is one of the finest and most interesting hobbies you can get into. 

     All power to your elbow, as they say.

     Doug.  (Guest)

[piff]

Skywatcher are supposed to be good telescopes (endorsed I believe by Patrick Moore!) but I would suggest going to Marriotts (on Hastings sea front, just by the junction with Robertson Street) rather than Jessops. You will find that Marriotts also sell Skywatchers if those are your choice, but more importantly they know a bit more about them then the staff in Jessops who are basically camera salesmen.

Incidentally have you noticed the advert on the home page of the Telescope House website for a Meade ETX60 package at £179.99? Look at www.telescopehouse.com. If you want to have a closer look at it before you buy, they are only up the road in Tunbridge Wells.

[SimonAllen]

Telescope House have gone from Tunbridge Wells and are now in Edenbridge in Kent.  Details are on their website.