Equal or Better

[peter walker]

I am going to be ordering a Apogee Widestar 90 tomorrow and was wondering
before I do if there is any scope equal or better to it for the same money.
I want to keep shipping and the cost of the scope below $200. The Apogee can
be found here:
http://apogeeinc.com/scopes.html

Peter

[Stephen Paul]

peter walker wrote:
Is this your first scope?

Too often that first scope purchase is a matter of fact announcement to
the group, followed by the question of whether it is the right choice.

What constitutes the right choice, is a damnable question. If you really
want to keep the expense down to a paltry $200. You really should hook
up with some local amateurs who have equipment you can try.

Again, I assume this is a first scope, just in case. There are certainly
better choices out there than a 90mm fast achromat.

That said, I'm a true advocate and believer that any scope is a good
scope, provided you learn something. The problem with being that kind of
advocate, is that it can be expensive for the person taking that advice.

So, if you really want to do well for your money, why not start over,
announce your budget, and then ask which scopes are available in that range.

You'll still get the same advice, but at least we'll start on the right
foot, both now, and when you come back for your second scope.

;-)
Stephen Paul

[Jon Isaacs]

>

Which one are you looking at, the 90mm Widestar that comes with a tripod or the
Optical Tube Assembly that has a 2 inch focuser??

I have contacted a few owners of these scopes to try to get a handle on how
they perform. What I have found is that they seem happy considering the price.
However they are pretty chincy, plastic focusers on both models.

If you are looking for decent deal on a refractor for $200, I often see the
Orion 100mm F6 refactor for $200 on www.astromart.com

jon

[peter walker]

Thank you for replying.

This is my first "New" scope. I have in the past bought 2 really cheap
reflectors off of eBay, but was very disappointed in them that they were
either to beat up to be of use or just wasn't what I was hoping for.

My budget is limited to $200 and under at the moment. I was looking at the
Widestar 90 that comes with the Tripod and accessories.

Peter

[wsnell01@hotmail.com]

peter walker wrote:
wondering
money.
Apogee can

I would probably suggest a 6-inch Dob (still very close to $200 and you
get two eyepieces) or else an Orion StarBlast (if I had to stay within
budget.)

[tedkord@excite.com]

peter walker wrote:
cheap
were
at the

Here's a Hardin 6" dob demo model for $189. It'll show much more than
a 90mm achromat, with no chromatic aberration to boot. Maybe a bit
less protable than you were lookign for, though...
http://www.astromart.com/classifieds...fied_id=317800

[Jon Isaacs]

>Thank you for replying.


Peter:

I think the Widestar scopes are passable but there are better choices. DBA
Astronomy Products has a 6 inch DOB for $199 plus $40 shipping. This is a
competent scope.

But why not check out your local astronomy club, there you can get some
eyepiece time in as well as get some assistance from knowledgeable folks. And
hey, some of em even have loaner scopes.

jon

[Rod Mollise]

>


Hi Peter:

It's really impossible to suggest a "better" without knowing exactly what you
intend to do with it.

For me, the best grab-'n-go scope for richfield views (while offering good
planetary performance) is the Orion StarBlast.


Peace,
Rod Mollise
Author of _Choosing and Using a Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope_
Like SCTs and MCTs?
Check-out sct-user, the mailing list for CAT fanciers!
Goto <http://members.aol.com/RMOLLISE/index.html>

[Stephen Paul]

Rod Mollise wrote:

Rod,
Which would you keep, the StarBlast or the ST80?

[John Steinberg]

Stephen Paul wrote:


Come on now, Stephen. Rod double stacks the barlows on the ST80. He
wouldn't give it up for a lifetime supply of Rebel Yell (although that
might give him pause.)

For all-around general use, I'd keep the ST80 myself, but the StarBlast
is a fully integrated beginner *system* -- and if Tim steals that copy,
I will sue!

--
-John Steinberg
email: not@thistime.invalid

-= I link therefore I'm spammed =-