help with a telescope purchase.

[jch364]

Ive been doing some reasearch into the idea of purchasing a telescope. Now, my main focus , no pun intended, is planetary but maybe a star cluster would be nice. Anyway, after reading about both refractor, reflector versions Im still not clear,,, again no pun intended. I know aperture is all important. the more light the better but after that it gets a little confusing. Im looking at the $250 to $350 range. Of course it may not be that much of a distinction within that price range anyway but I thought I would field some ideas cause I know we got some astronomy buffs on here.

 

[fallenarch]

I was looking at going all in with a computer-controlled huge one for my deck. My wife teaches science so I ended up just hanging with their watch night trips. Don't know much on the specifics though but will be watching this.

 

[jch364]

Im kinda thinking along the lines of this one.

Celestron - StarSense Explorer 114mm Newtonian Reflector Telescope - Silver/Black​

It has a good size aperture and a nice attachment to put your phone and use it as a map with an app they have. works pretty well from what I have found on you tube.

 

[Bumblebee]

My son has one, I'll ask him what kind it is....I know it is bluetooth capable.

 

[bigoltool]

I know next to nothing about these aside from wanting one! Costco has this one for $199 right now.

 

[jch364]

I know next to nothing about these aside from wanting one! Costco has this one for $199 right now.

thanks for heads up. that one is actually better I think than the one at bestbuy and its less

 

[bigoltool]

thanks for heads up. that one is actually better I think than the one at bestbuy and its less

They had few others as well. That one was the queen of the fleet.

 

[jch364]

well Im gonna see how good the queen is cause I just ordered it. Headed to florida in a couple of weeks to hang out on the beach for a week, eat blackened grouper and drink a really large amount of alcohol. So Im gonna take it with us and take it down on the beach at night and see what we can see!