Does anyone know anything about telescopes?

I'd like to get one for DH for Christmas without spending a ton of money because we set a $250 limit this year.
Is there a decent one in that price range? I know nothing about telescopes.

Re: Does anyone know anything about telescopes?

Funny you should ask, I happen to have a telescope...

Do you want to buy it???


Since I bought it we have had major urban development in our area and the skies are no longer as dark as they used to be. I keep meaning to haul it outside or drive to a place on my dark skies map, but you know how it is, its too cold, I'm too tired etc etc...

If I was going to buy another one I would buy one with a computers on it, it uses your location and automatically aligns you to see the planets and constellations...I know they have some good ones at Costco near us here, I would do some research on Amazon and read reviews there and then find one. There is bound to be a specialist telescope store near you, so look that up also. I know we have one here by us, which is where I got my telescope.

There is a good book for Astronomy beginners called Turn Left at Orion which I got for a gift...

anyway, can you now see what a total geek I am??? I love the night sky!!! Hence my desire to go to see the Aurora Borealis....

ETA...here is the one I have and here are the particulars:

MERCURY-705 70mm (2.75") f/500 REFRACTOR
Magnifications (with eyepieces supplied): x20 & x50
Highest Practical Power (Potential): x140
Objective Lens Diameter: 70mm
Telescope Focal Length: 500mm (f/7.14)
Eyepieces Supplied (1.25"): 10mm & 25mm
Red Dot Finder
90º Star Diagonal 1.25"
AZ3 Deluxe Alt-Azimuth Mount
Aluminium Tripod with Accessory Tray
Tube material: Aluminium
36% more Light Gathering than 60mm

Image Attachment(s):

Message edited 11/18/2006 6:07:55 PM.

Re: Does anyone know anything about telescopes?

I got one for my DH a few years ago, I actually bought it in Pottery Barn, but they no longer carry it. It's made of leather and brass and stands on a tripod about 4 feet off the floor. It's really just a conversation piece, he doens't use it to look up at the LI sky, LOL! Here's and old picture, you can see it next to the TV.

Re: Does anyone know anything about telescopes?

Rach-
What about this one?

Telescope


It doesn't have a computer does it?

Re: Does anyone know anything about telescopes?

I honestly do not know too much about them, I went into the shop and asked the man about them and he recommended one that was good for me..I would get one on a tripod because it will be easier to look through...

Hey, why not pop over and you can have a look through mine!

Re: Does anyone know anything about telescopes?

Posted by racheeeee

I honestly do not know too much about them, I went into the shop and asked the man about them and he recommended one that was good for me..I would get one on a tripod because it will be easier to look through...

Hey, why not pop over and you can have a look through mine!

Re: Does anyone know anything about telescopes?

I have an Orion telescope. Orion link
Here's the one I have

It is one of the simpler basic ones to use, and one of the cheaper ones ($129). I just use mine for fun I am a curious person. If I was more serious about it I would get a better one. Not sure how advanced your DH is, check out the website!