Star gazing

MissJR

not in the mood for your shenanigans
Team MTBNJ Halter's
Looking for an entry-level, easy-to-use and easy on the wallet telescope for a little star gazing and peeping at the man on the moon... Also something that won't kill my back if I hike with it to an overlook.

Was looking at something like these but suggestions welcomed:


Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners - Travel Telescope with Carry Bag, Phone Adapter and Wireless Remote. https://a.co/d/8YXTZcL



Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm - Astronomical Portable Refracting Telescope Fully Multi-coated High Transmission Coatings AZ Mount with Tripod Phone Adapter, Wireless Control, Carrying Bag. Easy Set Up https://a.co/d/5hygMqZ
 
I've never owned a high-end telescope - always enjoyed ones in this range.
couple of friends have high end home equipment - kinda funny just setting it up, and typing in an app what you want to look at.....

planets are amazing! Saturn's rings are near on edge right now, but will be back in a few years.
Jupiter's moons are awesome (you can see them with binoculars, but much better with a telescope.)

something with a tracking tripod would be a serious step up.

couple of cool galaxies and nebulae are visible - you can use the apps to find them - star walk is one of my favorites.
there are others with more deep space objects. hestia/gravity works.

Never thought about hiking too far, seems like they are in the 6-7lb range - which is a two person 3-season tent weight.
not bad.

Post pics!
 
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Limited-time deal: Celestron - 70mm Travel Scope - Portable Refractor Telescope - Fully-Coated Glass Optics - Ideal Telescope for Beginners - Bonus Astronomy Software Package https://a.co/d/4PiJm4U

I currently have 2 Schmidt telescopes but looking for a larger 8-10 inch Cassegrain in the secondary market. For your price point, you can't go wrong with the entry level above, which happens to be on sale
 
Sorry but I will jump in.
I have been looking to get into Astrophotography for a couple of years now.
I guess I been a good boy and got an early X mas present.
I got a Seestar S50. https://www.seestar.com/
It is a full Auto Robot Astrophotography Telescope for Deepsky Bodies. There was a good sale before holidays. Less than $450.
Moon is great, planets are so so.

Just got it about 3 weeks ago so still learning.

This is a NGC 891 Silver Silver galaxy, from tonight's 2.5 hour photo session in Central NJ in my driveway. 10 second frames stacked with basic telescope program. No process with other programs, but I do use - Gaxpert, Siril and GIMP to bring out more detail and color.
I think its OK with all the light pollution.


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Sorry but I will jump in.
I have been looking to get into Astrophotography for a couple of years now.
I guess I been a good boy and got an early X mas present.
I got a Seestar S50. https://www.seestar.com/
It is a full Auto Robot Astrophotography Telescope for Deepsky Bodies. There was a good sale before holidays. Less than $450.
Moon is great, planets are so so.

Just got it about 3 weeks ago so still learning.

This is a NGC 891 Silver Silver galaxy, from tonight's 2.5 hour photo session in Central NJ in my driveway. 10 second frames stacked with basic telescope program. No process with other programs, but I do use - Gaxpert, Siril and GIMP to bring out more detail and color.
I think its OK with all the light pollution.


View attachment 253341

View attachment 253342
That is fantastic - thank you for sharing!
 
Limited-time deal: Celestron - 70mm Travel Scope - Portable Refractor Telescope - Fully-Coated Glass Optics - Ideal Telescope for Beginners - Bonus Astronomy Software Package https://a.co/d/4PiJm4U

I currently have 2 Schmidt telescopes but looking for a larger 8-10 inch Cassegrain in the secondary market. For your price point, you can't go wrong with the entry level above, which happens to be on sale
Just grabbed this (along with a variable filter) after staring up at what looked to be Venus (according to Sky Tonight app) with my wife.
 
Sorry but I will jump in.
I have been looking to get into Astrophotography for a couple of years now.
I guess I been a good boy and got an early X mas present.
I got a Seestar S50. https://www.seestar.com/
It is a full Auto Robot Astrophotography Telescope for Deepsky Bodies. There was a good sale before holidays. Less than $450.
Moon is great, planets are so so.

Just got it about 3 weeks ago so still learning.

This is a NGC 891 Silver Silver galaxy, from tonight's 2.5 hour photo session in Central NJ in my driveway. 10 second frames stacked with basic telescope program. No process with other programs, but I do use - Gaxpert, Siril and GIMP to bring out more detail and color.
I think its OK with all the light pollution.


View attachment 253341

View attachment 253342
I saw someone using it to seal watch last weekend at SH. What are you using for a tripod, the shots are pretty impressive for a sub $500 unit. Will be on my list for a bday present later in the year
 
I saw someone using it to seal watch last weekend at SH. What are you using for a tripod, the shots are pretty impressive for a sub $500 unit. Will be on my list for a bday present later in the year
The unit came with a small travel Tripod.
I found an old Manfrotto laying around the house, so that what is being used.
 
Picked up a Celestron 100mm refractor telescope for my son a couple years back. It’s nice enough but the cheap (they’re all cheap in the lower range) rack and pinion focuser has a built in wobble that makes it tricky to focus. The base is rock solid though. You can see Saturn’s rings, other planet moons and great detail of the moon with it.

I would think getting one that you can upgrade the focuser on is a good idea. A moon filter is a good idea too because it can appear very bright through the scope.

Also keep in mind a celestial telescope will invert the image if you’re using it for terrestrial purposes. If you’re gonna use it to look at land too, get a terrestrial telescope. They have a prism that inverts the image.
 
A few weeks ago, I went to the Franklin Township (Somerset County) Astronomy Club night. Held in a township park with a super wide viewing angle. Super clear night and got to see Saturn, Jupiter, and the most intense shots of the moon i could see. Had me dreaming about getting one of those fancy telescopes, but until then, I'll piggy back on their event nights and tag along.
 
Telescope arrived!!! 🎉

But it's overcast so I'm only looking at some naked tree branches right now 🙁
Mine did too!!! Got the moon filter and the variable one. Moon is out, looking at it now, pretty cool! So are the naked tree branches. 😄
 
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