The "right" beginners telescope

[Dominatus]

Hey, everyone. With Christmas around the corner I thought it was past time I got myself a telescope. Problem is, I don't know much about telescopes other than what I was taught in school. So, I was hoping to get some recomendations on a quality, clear-image telescope. I wouldn't mind learning how to read star charts, so computer assistance isn't a priority. Other than that I would love to hear some tips.

[Codz]

Ideally, depending on your budget, I'd go for a 6+ inch Dobsonian reflector. Something like this would come highly recommended.

http://www.telescope.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=102004&gclid=CNrWyJrylrsCFahj7Aod1RMA0A

For something a bit cheaper, but still fairly good on quality, this is also a fairly good telescope for the price.

http://www.telescopes.com/telescopes/reflecting-telescopes/celestronastromaster114eqreflector.cfm

Also, remember that aperture is arguably the most important aspect of any telescope. The larger the aperture, the better the image, though the optic quality will also definitely impact this. As a side note, be sure to consider a good pair of binoculars if this is your first real foray into the (all consuming) world of amateur astronomy. Anyway, welcome to one of the most rewarding hobbies out there!

[Tex]

I use the AstroMaster 70 AZ telescope, works great but the included lenses aren't the best for detailed viewing of features on most of the planets. The moon looks simply astounding though! With it, I have seen the rings upon Saturn and some of the larger bands around Jupiter. No Great Red Spot, though

[brdavis]

Ideally, depending on your budget, I'd go for a 6+ inch Dobsonian reflector…. be sure to consider a good pair of binoculars if this is your first real foray into the (all consuming) world of amateur astronomy.

What he/she just said.

Seriously, that hit all the main points. I went with a good pair of 10x50 binoculars with a tripod mount and a tripod for about 8 months - saw all the planets except Pluto, more than half a dozen asteroids, lots of lunar features, geosync satellites, some of the brighter galaxies, double stars, etc. Then I stepped up to an XT-8 (the 8" version of the first telescope recommended, a Dobsonian reflector) with a couple of eyepieces. To start, this is all you need. To continue… well, this is still pretty much all you need.

[HAL9000-2001]

What he/she just said.

Seriously, that hit all the main points. I went with a good pair of 10x50 binoculars with a tripod mount and a tripod for about 8 months - saw all the planets except Pluto, more than half a dozen asteroids, lots of lunar features, geosync satellites, some of the brighter galaxies, double stars, etc. Then I stepped up to an XT-8 (the 8" version of the first telescope recommended, a Dobsonian reflector) with a couple of eyepieces. To start, this is all you need. To continue… well, this is still pretty much all you need.

+1 on the orion XT8, that's what I use.

[Codz]

What he/she just said.

He, and thanks.

[jwenting]

http://www.celestron.com/astronomy/celestron-nexstar-5se.html this is what I got. It's great.

Maybe not what you consider a "beginner's telescope" but IMO you'd better spend a little more at the outset and get something that doesn't frustrate the hell out of you, destroying your interest (as happened to me when I got just such a one as a kid 30 odd years ago, which was optically so bad and had a mount so unstable it was impossible to even get the moon in focus, let alone see any detail on its surface).

[Dominatus]

Yeah, I had one of those years ago... It got misplaced when we moved over the summer. Just as well- no real precision movement, snaps and jerks to get it in place... Couldn't even figure out how to focus the darn thing. Guess that's what you expect from Natgeo's $30 one.

[Codz]

Yeah, generally Celestron, Meade, and Orion are safe choices as far as quality goes. I would recommend against getting a telescope with "GoTo" installed (motorization), as getting a manual telescope is, in my opinion, far more rewarding and usually quite a bit cheaper. It forces you to find objects on your own, and really get a feel for navigating the night sky. I also still recommend getting a Dobsonian with at least 6 inches of aperture as well.