Digital Telescope Advice

[Dizeee]

Hi all;

I have always been fascinated with astronomy but never delved into the world of buying any kit or observing for myself. I have an idea of what is out there having always had an interest in the night sky and spent a lot of time over the years reading and watching things to do with our solar system and deep space.

So now I am tempted to go out and spend some money on a digital scope. The main reason to go down this lazy option is having no experience of telescopes I want something easy and effective. I have a great garden for viewing purposes and it would be great to be able to just bring out the telescope and start viewing.

Is it that easy? If so any recommendations on brands or models of scope? I have seen John Lewis do Celestion and I was looking at one for £800, however as a newbie maybe it is worth looking a the simpler £350 option from the same company? Thing is it would be a treat for myself so I don't mind spending a bit more on something I can keep a few years and really cherish.

Any advice?

[nellyleelephant]

By digital do you mean GoTo? (Automatic finding of objects)

[Dizeee]

Yep.

Looking online £580 gets me a goto celeston which will auto align - simply turn on. Sounds tempting...

[Dizeee]

This looks better:

http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?q=skywatc...

[nellyleelephant]

Is there a local club you can visit to try a few scopes out?

Also, worth looking at Stargazers lounge (website) as you'll find these questions answered there in the beginners section, you're also more likely to find people who have used the scopes you're interested in.

[Dizeee]

I've just joined cheers - surprised I've not had more responses on here though.

[Eric Mc]

I think there has been a long running thread on telescopes in this forum in which a lot of your questions might have already been answered.

[Mojocvh]

Don't rule out binoculars in the range of 15x70-20x90 or, like my first foray into "scopes", 25x100.

Correct orientation, mobile, easy to set up and get on with it, remember the best telescope is the one you actually USE!