buying a telescope

what is a good starter telescope?
how much do you have to spend to see the limit from our planet?
any info would be appreciated

I have been very happy with my Vixen scope:

www.amazon.com...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316083769&sr=8-1

It is very easy to understand and use. It is easy to take apart and put back together when traveling. I'm not sure what you mean by see the "limit", but you'll be able to see other galaxies with this no problem. Not Hubble quality of course.

I would say get a simple scope first, and really understand how to use it with a good sky chart before investing in something more expensive. I have had friends get all fired up about backyard astronomy, investing in $1000+ scopes, only to lose interest in a couple of months.

I've been considering a telescope myself. In all that I've looked up, I am considering going with an Orion Skyquest xt8. Seems to be the biggest bang for the buck. I haven't purchased yet, so I can't say if it's worth it or not.

I think I found a couple bad reviews, but overall most seemed to like it.

Good luck.

Here is a good link for you, it depends on what you want to get out of a telescope. If it's just for visual use or pohotography, budget, portability and other type of things need to be considered.

www.myastroshop.com.au...

I don't know much about telescopes, but Meade are the best of the best, to my understanding. They set the standard.

www.meade.com...

Their new LS series is what i would get, if i had extra money to spend.

reply to post by UniverSoul


Hi UniverSoul

I made two posts here on MadernAcademia's thread - you might find helpful. Has a nice pic of the Messier 51 - Whirlpool Galaxy - not bad for a beginners scope of $250.