expiredphoinix | Staff posted Yesterday 09:47 PM
Item 1 of 2
Item 1 of 2
expiredphoinix | Staff posted Yesterday 09:47 PM
Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ Short-Tube Refractor Telescope w/ Tripod
+ Free Shipping$160
$360
55% offAmazon
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This would still be a good deal mainly from the scope being an aperture size larger than the 80AZ. you don't get the app enabled from the 80AZ but you could get your own app to map the sky or look at objects using your phone. This deal gives you a finder that is mounted on top of the scope, use a phone app like stellarium or some other Astronomy app to find things in the sky and look at the shape of stars and constellations. then use the finder to see that constellation to find your way in the sky. You'll learn A LOT faster than relying on the phone mounted on the scope. Think of it more like you are being forced to memorized phone numbers naturally than letting a phone dial for you and when you are in an emergency, you just call out the number by heart. Whenever you walk outside and look at the sky, you know what you're looking at without any aid because you can recognize the shape of the stars and constellations
A star or object you look at eventually leaves view because the sky rotation. The only way to get the telescope to track is buy an electronic mount that's upwards of $600 or more. Scope not included too. To counter the vibration, you could try putting a sandbag attached to the bottom of the tripod, on top of the eye piece tray or tie it down to dangle below the eye piece tray.
In the hours of research I did about a getting a casual, fun telescope, every thing/one called these types of telescopes "hobby killers". Meaning, they are frustrating enough to use that people eventually give up on the idea of stargazing altogether.
From my research, if you're serious about wanting to get into the hobby, but aren't ready to go all in, start with 10x50 binoculars. Apparently you can actually achieve a lot.
If you're still really into it and find yourself wanting more and to go deeper, then get a Dobsonian telescope. Period. End of conversation. You can do the research and what that is and what that means, but seems like a decent used one will set you back at least about $250 to start.
So if you're ok taking a gamble on $160, maybe it's worth going an extra $100 for a used Dobsonian for some? For me, I'm starting my journey with binoculars.
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In the hours of research I did about a getting a casual, fun telescope, every thing/one called these types of telescopes "hobby killers". Meaning, they are frustrating enough to use that people eventually give up on the idea of stargazing altogether.
From my research, if you're serious about wanting to get into the hobby, but aren't ready to go all in, start with 10x50 binoculars. Apparently you can actually achieve a lot.
If you're still really into it and find yourself wanting more and to go deeper, then get a Dobsonian telescope. Period. End of conversation. You can do the research and what that is and what that means, but seems like a decent used one will set you back at least about $250 to start.
So if you're ok taking a gamble on $160, maybe it's worth going an extra $100 for a used Dobsonian for some? For me, I'm starting my journey with binoculars.
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