Anyone know anything about telescopes?

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I know DH would like one so am thinking about one for christmas. Both DS and DD are doing their astronomy badges at cubs/brownies at the moment so everyone would benefit from it. Plus we've just had a new rooflight fitted!

However I'm not sure where to start. I just looked at the BBC patrick Moore guide and it said that anything Starter or high street was not worthwhile and its better to stick with binocculars. I suppose I could go up to £300 at a push but would prefer around the £150 mark.

Does anyone know anything about scopes: what and where should I buy? Or should I stick to Bins like PM says? Help!

Honestly? I'd stick to binoculars if I were you. The optics are pretty rubbish in the lower price range. It might say on the box that you get a fab magnification but unless the optics are spot on then they are worse than useless.

Also I'm afraid roof lights are pretty wasted on telescopes as the thermals make all the image wobbly.

But if you really want to do it then don't get less than a 60mm refractor or a 4.5" reflector and go for one that doesnt have a huge magnification - no more than about 50X as those size optics don't support higher magnification. If you go for higher the image will be too dim to make out much.

Pesonally I'd buy a really nice pair of 10x50 binoculars with a good tripod. You'll get lovely bright images and be able to see loads.

As an aside I've met Patrick Moore a couple of times. The first when I was a teenager. I told him about my (crap) telescope. His response was
'no good, won't do at all, you'll have to get a bigger one!'

Btw, if you get clear skies over the next few nights look out for Comet holme

I would agree, stick with the binoculars and a tripod if you really only want to spend £150 as you'll get much better viewing for your money. Just wondering what telescope you might be able to pick up for £300 second hand though - maybe something not too bad?

Binoculars have the added advantage of being far more portable so you can easily pop outside with them and a tripod (plus flask of soup and gloves in the winter). You might find you end up wanting to do some viewing outside as you have a relatively limited view out of a window - once you get things magnified you'll be amazed how quickly things appear to whizz by!

The other problem with cheaper telescopes is the poor quality tripods, the slightest knock and they move then you spend most of the evening trying to find what you were looking at again. Some just seem to move of their own accord .

All that said, my mum is selling her pretty good starter telescope so if you are looking for one

how about this?

dh has a meade telescope (this one's big brother), and spent hours researching it all. he says this would be a good starter one.

Meade are a good make to go for tbh but you still have the problem you get with all starter scopes as described above so maybe best do your research well before spending lots.

The general rule of thumb is to get as good as you can afford but then some brands just over-price their scopes to catch people out who follow this rule (I don't think meade are one of those types though).

Do you have a local astronomy group who you could ask for advice?

Senora
They have the same one here new for £179 - what do you think? The glowing write up makes me a bit wary but they have to sell their product.

We do have bins to use but its not the same and whenever we go to a show DH always eyes up the scope. And to be honest can't really think what else to get him. Guess I had better start saving now.

So the consensus is meade? I'll just get the best I can afford nearer the time. Thanks