thelord2004 Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 Hi all, I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this but I would like some advice on which is the best telescope to buy first off. regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 Hi Simon, You are usually better off starting with binoculars. There is a lot you can see with them. Telescopes are suitable for looking at details on planets but can take a lot of time setting up. I enjoy taking my binoculars out after dark in summer, with no need for warm clothing. Quite often, I will browse the Milky Way and star clusters while I am taking longer exposures on my camera. Hope you enjoy your new hobby. Cheers, Phil P.S. The folk on here are very helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brantuk Posted March 29, 2017 Share Posted March 29, 2017 Hi Simon and welcome to EMS. It's a bit like asking which is the best car - there's a lot of choice out there, suiting a lot of different budgets, and for many different purposes. If you'd like a chat and a look at a range of gear then pm me and we can arrange meeting up. Or drop in to the next meeting at one of our dark sites to meet the members and look at a wider range of scopes. Enjoy the forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tuckstar Posted March 29, 2017 Share Posted March 29, 2017 (edited) Hi Simon. I always advice buying a half decent pair of binoculars that you can use if you don't take to the hobby. Joining a local club is always a good idea, there is a list of local clubs on the forum, and of course you're welcome to join us at our monthly meetings at one of our dark sites. This will give you a chance to have a look at, as well as through some scopes before you part with any cash. Andy Edited March 29, 2017 by tuckstar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philjay Posted March 29, 2017 Share Posted March 29, 2017 As per Andy, start with a pair of 8x50 or 10x50 binoculars and a good book such as Turn left at Orion. Join a club, or come along to one of our meets. Then when you've looked through a few scopes and decided just what you want to look at up there, planets/deep sky/moon, then go for a scope that suits you and your preference and circumstances. Most of all though, enjoy the hobby Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thelord2004 Posted March 29, 2017 Author Share Posted March 29, 2017 15 hours ago, Sunny Phil said: Hi Simon, You are usually better off starting with binoculars. There is a lot you can see with them. Telescopes are suitable for looking at details on planets but can take a lot of time setting up. I enjoy taking my binoculars out after dark in summer, with no need for warm clothing. Quite often, I will browse the Milky Way and star clusters while I am taking longer exposures on my camera. Hope you enjoy your new hobby. Cheers, Phil P.S. The folk on here are very helpful. Hi Phil, I will try that thankyou for the advice . cheers Simon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thelord2004 Posted March 29, 2017 Author Share Posted March 29, 2017 Hi All, Wow thanks all I remember some years ago buying a set of celestron 15x70 binos are they suitable ? If so how could I join up at a dark site meet ? again thanks all I'm looking forward to learning more regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tuckstar Posted March 29, 2017 Share Posted March 29, 2017 (edited) 15x70 are perfect, although a bit big to hold steady. A camera tripod can be used with these and will give you much steadier views. First visit to a darksite is free, if it's to your liking it's £20 a year which gives you use of our to darksites whenever you want, dependant on cricket matches at Belper. You can Join up through the forum. Just keep an eye on the meet thread for an future meets. Edited March 29, 2017 by tuckstar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philjay Posted March 29, 2017 Share Posted March 29, 2017 Yep the Celestrons are fine but with the extra mag at 15x plus extra weight are difficult to hold steady on target for any length of time without a mount. A full height photo tripod with bino bracket will suffice. Keep a look out on the announcement section for meetings Great minds think alike Andy You posted at the same time as me tuckstar 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brantuk Posted March 29, 2017 Share Posted March 29, 2017 Yup I have the 15x70's too and they're nice but heavy. For casual use I lean elbows on the car roof but for extended observing a tripod takes the weight off and opens the sky up a whole lot more. thelord2004 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caldwell 14 Posted March 29, 2017 Share Posted March 29, 2017 A good pair of Bins in a great suggestion. As a first outfit that is a joy to use is a AZ4 and a 6 inch Skywatcher Newtonian. thelord2004 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thelord2004 Posted March 29, 2017 Author Share Posted March 29, 2017 mmm that's always been my problem I don't do things by halves I like to have the equipment. (all the gear know idea) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thelord2004 Posted March 29, 2017 Author Share Posted March 29, 2017 I might be thick here but when is the next darksite meets ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tuckstar Posted March 29, 2017 Share Posted March 29, 2017 (edited) We try to have a monthly meet, in fact we just had one last Saturday, and darksite members will usually start a thread if they are going to the sites and see who else fancies it. These can turn in to impromptu meets. Details of the next monthly will be announced once confirmed. Edited March 29, 2017 by tuckstar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thelord2004 Posted March 29, 2017 Author Share Posted March 29, 2017 Oh ok thanks . I'll look out for them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 31, 2017 Share Posted March 31, 2017 I have 15x70 bins (Helios Stellar) and normally lean against walls or rest my elbows on the car. Having said that I'm a big <expletive> and have steadier than average hands. I would recommend a tripod and would also suggest a smaller pair of binoculars for more quick, casual use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thelord2004 Posted March 31, 2017 Author Share Posted March 31, 2017 ok I will stick to trying my binos for now blooming cloudy in Leicester and ive not a clue what I'm looking for Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 31, 2017 Share Posted March 31, 2017 Just now, thelord2004 said: ok I will stick to trying my binos for now blooming cloudy in Leicester and ive not a clue what I'm looking for You could get a star atlas or get Stellarium for free. You could Goofge it. You might also like this: http://binocularsky.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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