Telescope Users: I Need Your Input Please

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OyajiJon

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San Marcos, CA
My 8th grade student of a son is REALLY into stars and rocks. He loves to get offroad with me, and enjoys hitting the beach at night to watch the waves and gaze into the sky.

My wife isn't so much of an outdoor person, but she also loves going to the beach under a starry sky to enjoy the view. This is something we've done since I was stationed in Hawaii years ago and took advantage of North Shore nearly nightly.

For Christmas this year, I want to get them a telescope so we can expand our family enjoyment and make some memories. To the point: which one should I get? My wish is that I can find something reliable that I won't wish I bought the next model up everytime I use it. I'd like it to have a computer interface that is compatible with a MAC. I don't know if such an animal exists, but I'd like snapshot capability so they can save the view for playing around with in a digital editor. I'd like to keep cost to around $500 but am willing to spend more for the right equipment.

Can someone with experience please chime in and point me in the right direction?

Thanks,
Jon
 
Thank you for the input. They have a pretty large selection on that site, and they are close to home. I appreciate the help.
 
OyajiJon said:
Thank you for the input. They have a pretty large selection on that site, and they are close to home. I appreciate the help.
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You are welcome. I didn't notice where you are at, definitely go check out their shop. When we lived in Watsonville, it was fun to stop by there sometimes.
 
beaufort-fj60 said:
Personally, I think star maps and the naked eye are more fun than a telescope or binoculars. It takes awhile before you can identify all the constellations, zodiacs, and whatnot.
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I agree with you, to an extent. As a professional sailor, I've spent my share of time staring at the night sky in various oceans of the world, and I've enjoyed every minute of it. My boy is getting to that age where I'm encouraging him to use technology and explore his physical and creative worlds. He doesn't like to paint, but he has a natural knack for using that confounded box with all the connections coming out the back to make cool stuff. Digital media is his thing, and I want him to tap into his ability to do what he likes.

You know, at first I tried to fight technology when it came to him and his use of the computer, but I've begun to embrace it. He's extremely active as an athlete, but now I want him to use the technology he enjoys to do something other than stare at You Tube and laugh at stupid videos. Thanks for the comment.
 
Hi there,

There is a lot to discuss actually. First, consider what you actually want to see with a scope. Also, you have to know that when mfg'rs talk about magnification levels, they usually mention that maximum theoretical possible magnification, rather than the realistic level you can use. The lenses/mirors allow a huge amount of magnifcation, but it is the amount of light that can get in (diameter of the opening) that creates the realistic amount of magnification. So the bigger appeture (can't recall how to spell it correctly right now), the better. They always show a 4 inch scope viewing a giant, super clear Saturn & such, and it really isn't the case. But that isn't to say you can't see a lot of great things with a 4 inch scope.
A dobsonian & a Newtonian Reflector are basically the same scope, but with different mounts. A Dobsonian is a cheaper mount, & easier to use, but if you are buying a computer interface, then a computer controlled mount works great with a Newtonian Reflector. If you can afford it, a computer controlled, 8 inch Schmidt-Cassegrain is a great scope for to buy. It is fairly portable, & also has great optics. The first night, you will undoubtedly look at the moon. It is super cool & you will love it! use the filter, because it adds depths & can be bright enough to hurt your eyes without it.
After that, since it is winter, find Orion & look to the lower side of his belt, towards the back. That gas cloud is Orion's Nebula & is really kick ass (best to find a good dark area for it). For fun, do both of these on your own, without the computer, as they are really easy to find. If you know how to spot any of the planets, go there next without the computer (it is really a neat experience to find them yourself the first time & then see it in the big scope). But if you don't know how to spot them, turn on the computer & start looking at the planets. They all come with a book of amaizng sky coordinates, so just play. It will be worth the money. I break mine out (10inch newtonian) when non interested friends/family are in town & they are always absolutely amazed about it. My older brother even mentioned how amazed he was by the things I have shown him in my wedding!
best,
Abe
 
Hi Abe,

I'm going to the Orion shop tomorrow to see what I can find. I've decided to look specifically at an 8" C-S scope that I expect them to have. I'll post back about what I find out.

I appreciate the reply!

Jon
 
Hey Abe,

I found the Celestron 8" C-S scope that I wanted and have decided I like the alt-azimuth mount version best. They are on sale for $1700. That's a lot of coin! I'm going to hold off for a bit. I don't like impulse buys, so I'll let it settle before I decide whether we absolutely must have it right now.

Thanks again for the advice!
 
5" is the absolute minimum, with 8" being much better. Get a solar filter so you can look at the sun.

If you decide you want to make one, this guy has a bunch of videos on mirror making. Very similar techniques to what I did back in the late '70s.
Lightweight 14" f/4.3 Finished and Available For Sale |
That 14" mirror he has is tempting...
 
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