: You have an adequate amount of capital to purchase a fine instrument. The answer hinges upon another question; what is it you want to observe? Deep sky, planets, and other types of celestial objects might require somewhat different types of telescopes. My first suggestion would be to hitch up with your local astronomy club so you can see first-hand what different telescopes are like and to talk with the people who use them. Read up on the subject, also. Research is important when you plan to spend this kind of dough. I'm positive with a little effort and contact with a group of like-minded enthusiasts, you'll make an appropriate decision! : : I am just recently getting involved in astronomy. I would like eventually to get involved in astrophotography. My question is, what would be a good scope less than $2,000 to start with.

as sailcat said you do have alot of dough to start out with,I started in astronomy about 2 years ago after reviewing alot of information on telescopes and astronomy in general.one excellent book I do suggest is "nightwatch" by terrence dickinson or "the backyard astronomers guide"again by the previos author. these books contain excellent information on first time telescope buyers,also stuff for just starting out watching the heavens. about 16 months ago I purchased a very fine telescope which is the celesteron c-8,this I bought from a classified add in a local paper It came with all the accessories,and it is 9 years old, but it has very fine optics still,the price was $1100.00 canadien! I bought this particular scope because I (like you!)want to get into astrophotography,but one word of warning,GO SLOW! meaning don't go out and buy a scope like this and go into the prime focus method,right away because it takes alot of practice! if you purchase these 2 books I have mentioned it explains in there what I mean! best of luck in purchasing your telescope!and I hope this little bit of info helps you!

• Re: getting started - day-glo - December 11, 1998 - 15:11 UTC
• Re: getting started - Robert_Lensmire/">Robert Lensmire - December 13, 1998 - 10:01 UTC