Is this scope better way to go than the Meade 10', also would it be worth getting the computer with this?
613056
First, which Meade 10 are you talking about. This is a Dobsonian style without a computer. It is a very good, inexpensive telescope. You need to direct it yourself, which means you have to know the sky, or be willing to learn it. If you are looking for quick an easy way to look at celestial objects without having to learn how to find them, a Schmidt-Cassagrain with a computerized guiding mount, while more expensive, is the way to go. Orion, Meade, Celestron are 3 of the biggest names in amateur astronomy (there are others.) All market both Dobsonians and Schmidt-Cassagrains and all make quality products, so brand preference is a personal thing.
613057
First, which Meade 10 are you talking about. This is a Dobsonian style without a computer. It is a very good, inexpensive telescope. You need to direct it yourself, which means you have to know the sky, or be willing to learn it. If you are looking for quick an easy way to look at celestial objects without having to learn how to find them, a Schmidt-Cassagrain with a computerized guiding mount, while more expensive, is the way to go. Orion, Meade, Celestron are 3 of the biggest names in amateur astronomy (there are others.) All market both Dobsonians and Schmidt-Cassagrains and all make quality products, so brand preference is a personal thing. First, which Meade 10 are you talking about. This is a Dobsonian style without a computer. It is a very good, inexpensive telescope. You need to direct it yourself, which means you have to know the sky, or be willing to learn it. If you are looking for quick an easy way to look at celestial objects without having to learn how to find them, a Schmidt-Cassagrain with a computerized guiding mount, while more expensive, is the way to go. Orion, Meade, Celestron are 3 of the biggest names in amateur astronomy (there are others.) All market both Dobsonians and Schmidt-Cassagrains and all make... » Read More First, which Meade 10 are you talking about. This is a Dobsonian style without a computer. It is a very good, inexpensive telescope. You need to direct it yourself, which means you have to know the sky, or be willing to learn it. If you are looking for quick an easy way to look at celestial objects without having to learn how to find them, a Schmidt-Cassagrain with a computerized guiding mount, while more expensive, is the way to go. Orion, Meade, Celestron are 3 of the biggest names in amateur astronomy (there are others.) All market both Dobsonians and Schmidt-Cassagrains and all make quality products, so brand preference is a personal thing. « Show Less
1066004
I think either one would do fine, IF you have a good tripod mount. You need to get one specifically designed for binoculars and for stargazing, not terrestrial viewing. The weight of the binoculars will get tiring fast. :-( Personally, if I were a beginner stargazer I would get a telescope. Better magnification and, due to the size of the optics, more light.
1328107
Excellent scope, does not take pic's on a mac unless you have lion installed. The better one with adjustable lite is better on windows system.
1491356
Short answer is that this is the best scope in its price range. It is incredible for moon viewing. As for other planets; using a high powered lens gives a great view of Saturn and it's rings. If this is your price range I'd say buy this scope.
1465775
I don't think so. Orion has the AutoTracker for $199, but it's not always favorably reviewed. Search Jim's Telescopes or JMI for information on other makers of alt az drives. Someone is going to make a good small one soon. Meade already makes a good one for medium size and large Dobsonians. The Dobsonian is probably the most fun you'll have with an astronomical telescope. Period.
1413313
I bought this scope for basic birdwatching, and hunting use. Landscape features a few miles away? I wouldn't expect much from it. I would go for something higher power than 16x for that. An inexpensive spotting scope? I'd look into this: Enjoydeal Multifunctional High Power MONO Multi-Coated 15-50X21 Single-tube Telescope MonocularTelescope Black
1572478
Yes, the optics on the scope are excellent. I think the main thing youwould be concerned with is having the right mounting for the scope.
989234
No - I don't think so. My husband never owned a telescope before. He is a nature enthusiast and a photographer. I bought this for him as a gift and he was up and running in no time. I highly recommend you utilize the computer software that comes with it. My husband used it all the time at the beginning - you plug in the date/time/location and it will show you the night sky. That way you can go outside and easily start trying to find things and identify them. Go for it! This is a high quality telescope for a great value. Would recommend it to any beginners who have serious interest in astronomy. No - I don't think so. My husband never owned a telescope before. He is a nature enthusiast and a photographer. I bought this for him as a gift and he was up and running in no time. I highly recommend you utilize the computer software that comes with it. My husband used it all the time at the beginning - you plug in the date/time/location and it will show you the night sky. That way you can go outside and easily start trying to find things and identify them. Go for it! This is a high quality telescope for a great value. Would recommend it to any beginners who have serious interest in... » Read More No - I don't think so. My husband never owned a telescope before. He is a nature enthusiast and a photographer. I bought this for him as a gift and he was up and running in no time. I highly recommend you utilize the computer software that comes with it. My husband used it all the time at the beginning - you plug in the date/time/location and it will show you the night sky. That way you can go outside and easily start trying to find things and identify them. Go for it! This is a high quality telescope for a great value. Would recommend it to any beginners who have serious interest in astronomy. « Show Less
1248219
Yes, it's actually a really good scope. I would say no if you're going to use it for really long distances though.
1954778
Yes the is a very easy scope to use. it would be great for that. Maybe a wide angle lens would help a little more.
1634743
I have used it on the C8 and Meade 12, SCTs, and it works great with a 2x barlow on these scopes. I do not have a 3x. As far as the AstroMaster, I think the barlow would be too much power, JMO. I would try it with the zoom alone and see how it resolves at the lower fl range. I've had mixed results with the lower focal lengths on this ep. Of course, the higher seem better. I use this mainly as an indicator of the seeing conditions and the best fl for the object I'm observing. Then I usually change to that dedicated ep that fits the condition. It's hard to get a multipurpose ep to perform as well as a dedicated fixed fl one. However, again it does work pretty well on the higher fl. Hope that helps. WEK. I have used it on the C8 and Meade 12, SCTs, and it works great with a 2x barlow on these scopes. I do not have a 3x. As far as the AstroMaster, I think the barlow would be too much power, JMO. I would try it with the zoom alone and see how it resolves at the lower fl range. I've had mixed results with the lower focal lengths on this ep. Of course, the higher seem better. I use this mainly as an indicator of the seeing conditions and the best fl for the object I'm observing. Then I usually change to that dedicated ep that fits the condition. It's hard to get a multipurpose ep to perform as... » Read More I have used it on the C8 and Meade 12, SCTs, and it works great with a 2x barlow on these scopes. I do not have a 3x. As far as the AstroMaster, I think the barlow would be too much power, JMO. I would try it with the zoom alone and see how it resolves at the lower fl range. I've had mixed results with the lower focal lengths on this ep. Of course, the higher seem better. I use this mainly as an indicator of the seeing conditions and the best fl for the object I'm observing. Then I usually change to that dedicated ep that fits the condition. It's hard to get a multipurpose ep to perform as well as a dedicated fixed fl one. However, again it does work pretty well on the higher fl. Hope that helps. WEK. « Show Less
2026022
It's really not critical to have a Barlow lens but it's nice. When I first got my telescope, I just used the lens take came with it. Later on, I purchased a Barlow lens and some filters. With these items, I was able to see better details. Now I wish I had a bigger telescope. I guess just like any other hobby it depends on how much can you afford to spend. You might want to try to hook up with a astronomy group some night and see for yourself before you decide.
1924096
Novice skywatcher here, but from what I've researched, it not that they're "better", it just more convenient. You can't see Mars or the rings of Saturn with these, but you can see details of the Moon as well as faint views of star clusters and glows of nebulas and galaxies that you'd never see with the naked eye. Skywatching isn't just about 500x magnification, its also about low magnification observations. So, the short answer is portability, quick setup and overall convenience. People say smaller scopes are used more then larger ones.
529133
Probably. I don't know much about telescopes. It's really nice. My teaching partner bought it but no longer works with me. You can buy it from me for quite a discount.
856983
I'm sure u could, a little. I primarily use it for the shooting range. It's not going to have the desired effect that I believe you are looking for, like a telescope would have.
804755
You might want to read the dimensions before you buy. The scope is 4 feet in length and comes with a Dobsonian mount. Unless you are 7 feet tall, table won't be necessary. I use an adjustable stool to sit on, works well.
801416
The 70 Travel Scope can handle a "Shorty Barlow" from the top of the diagonal. The Scope is 70 mm, so It's Magnification Max is 140 power. Your 20 delivers 22.5 Magnification, the 10 mm 45. The Scopes power is the ability to not surpass 2 X the MM appeture (front Lens Diameter) so 70 X 2 +140. A Two times barlow would double your current numbers; a triplet would get you 135 Power with your 10 mm. That's 5 mm under the scope capacity so as not to darken the Picture. This Scope is great BTW, we used It to film the Venus Transit across the Sun and other Dark Sky Objects, great for Landscape photography as well (on a budget :) Though make sure It's a "Shorty" Barlow Lens, some are too long to go into the "top" of the diagonal (you need the Diagonal because It's part of the 450 mm Focal lenght ) from the "tube side" you won't be able to focus. Celestrons shortys work well as Meades. Hope this helps.