Anyone here own a telescope?

[emeraldknight47]

Hey all. I'm thinking about buying something I've always wanted: a telescope so I peer up at the night sky and see things I've only looked at from (very) far away. With Mars at such an optimal viewing point, I figure now might be the time to get one. Do any of you guys have a telescope? If so, can you make recommendations on a good brand/power? Nothing too fancy, just something I can take with me out into the countryside away from the city light.

[Mikey]

Back in the day I had a common K-mart-special refractor which cost around $50.00 at the time.

Wasn't bad, was able to see the rings of Saturn, Jupiter and Mars polar icecap.

Later I upgraded to astronomical binoculars --- paid like $200.00 Orion brand.

They worked good for bringing in light more than magnification ... was able to see Andromeda, Haley's comet and Hale–Bopp quite well.

Before you buy - remember, light gathering is just as (if not more) important than magnification.

That's why a lot of people go with a reflector (best of both worlds) --- biggest problem with them is having to constantly keep them perfectly clean - and quick temperature changes will give you a foggy mess.

If I was a millionaire and had money to burn i'd like to try a Schmidt Cassegrain (only thing, they look like they'd have the same problems as a standard reflector)

[mego maniac mark]

I bought a beater at a yard sale last year. You won't be mad at yoursel if you buy yourself one. Lot's of fun.

[Mego Magyar]

Had at least one for most of my life, currently have 2 with motors. A 114mm diameter with 910mm length is the minimum for a reflector that will give you good viewing.