I’d advise a small refractor in the 400-500mm focal length range for a beginner scope. For visual, you can use a barlow or powerful eyepieces to get reach for planets and the moon, but you can also use it for astrophotography for a wide range of deep sky object. You won’t need to collimate it and it’s relatively lightweight.
I have an 8" SCT and am about to order a RedCat 51, wife permission pending. I can use my current mount, imaging camera, guide camera, ASIAir, and dew straps. Being able to mix pieces and parts can help reduce costs in the long run. No one telescope can do it all as you state. Just keep in mind some accessories can. Love your content, Trevor. Thank you for your channel.
I absolutely love love my Seestar S50 for its simplicity, portability and making deep space so incredibly accessible. It provides a wonderful entry point to the hobby and will help you figure out what you want next. I love it so much I just placed an order for the Seestar S30 even though I have an 11" Celestron sitting right beside it. Yes the Seestar doesn't always provide great results and can be frustrating, but if you think ANY option hobby is free of bad results and frustration, you're in for a long road haha.
I have a lot of trees and didn't want to spend the money and time for a big rig. It would be nice, but with two bad knees the S50 fits the bill for now. Light and easy to carry wherever I go. Plus I love the tech side as it all works pretty well. The framing mode in the latest update is outstanding from my experience. Now I'm getting into post processing learning curve.
Well presented and thought out, Trevor. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I've been doing astronomy for over 25 years. Sometimes, the right presenter can make all the difference. Kudos! See you again sometime. Maybe CSSP again. Who knows?
My first ever telescope was a 10 inch dob. I had it for a year before finding an amazing deal on Facebook marketplace for a astrophotography kit. I do not regret buying the dob though! Great advice
This advice is dangerous, all these choices are so good that before you know it your bank account is empty! I own 3/4 of the setups discussed here, and honestly, wouldn't change a thing :)
Hi there Im looking at getting into this for the first time. Maybe you can answer my question I was wondering if its possible to view or track the International Space Station? Im looking at the Apertura AD8 Dobsonian 8" Telescope as my first choice?
I always recommend Celestron Starsense DX5. It's relatively cheap, lightweight and extremely good travel buddy, also for beginner it's easy to use and you don't have to know anything about the night sky to used it efficiently. Dobs are good, but if you are a bigger person or have some challenges moving, horrible choice. Computer mounts can be good, but they also can have problems. I know nothing is perfect.
many years ago i only did visual astronomy and never really had any luck with astrophotography, sold most of my heavy gear and i stopped viewing. decades later, technology improved and i jumped into astrophotography. what a game changer. i must warn you, learning the editing process is a whole new ballgame. right now i own a ZWO mount, scope and camera and it has rekindled my interest in the heavens. i own the Seestar 50, for the money, it is a nice piece of equipment. join a club, good investment and you will save money and learn much.
Good video to help beginners make a solid first purchase. I have the AD8 and S50, and they both are great. My gear lives in the basement (9 ft ceilings), so the lighter, the better. Because of this, the dob doesn't get out as often. The S50 it great for getting out quickly, which I need. I have three little kids. I do have a SW SA GTI with DSLR and ASIAIR rig, which I'm learning how to use.
Really good review. The beauty of the Red Cat 51 is you can use it with a star tracker mount, I started off with a Red Cat 51, Sky Watcher Star Adventurer and a Canon EOS600D (Rebel 3Ti?) As I already had the DSLR, it wasn't that expensive,. Of course I added things to it such as an EAF, Cooled Astronomy Camera, Guide Scope, Filter Wheel, ASIair, and Harmonic Drive Mount. It is still my favourite scope because it is still light enough to move around and gives great results. I have this set up ready for use and can be outside imagining within minutes. I personally like the Samyang/Rokinon f2 135 lens as well for astro photography, here in the UK it is about half the price of the Red Cat 51 and there are various adapters and enhancement kits available. Again it can be used with a star tracker type mount. I've never really been into visual astronomy with a scope, though I do like star gazing with binoculars. I do have an explorer 150p but only use it occasionally.
I bought all my stuff second hand, I found the astrophotography community on buy and sell sites to be super friendly, and if I want to upgrade my kit I can resell and hopefully not loose much money! Think I saved ~40% on resale
Great video Trevor, I remember my first scope a Skywatcher 150/750 Newt reflector on an EQ3 manual mount. A complete pain in the backside for a paraplegic wheelchair user like myself. Of course it hooked me to hobby though to the point I've progressed to RC and SCT's on computerised mounts. I can only imagine what it would have been like to take those first few steps into the hobby using an S50.
I'm an old guy with mobility issues. I bought the S50 about a year ago. So much fun. I did have plans on setting up a 9.5 edge with all the toys until I discovered smart telescopes and settled on the S50. After 200+ images captured so far this clearly for me the best choice.
My friend who has pretty severe mobility issues, we have looked this same telescope. S50 costs about 700€ in EU. Since he has fixed income we have been thinking, is it worth it. On the other hand you can just think that, why don't i just look pictures online and save my money. There is still the appeal of setting it up and watch the image coming alive on the tv.
I have an 80mm refractor with a focal length of 560 mm. It has been great for deep sky objects, such as the Lagoon Nebula in Saggitarius, the Horsehead in Orion, and the M33 galaxy. Using this telescope, a Celestron AVX mount, a ZWO MC553 camera, and an ASI Air, I have been able to take great photos. This is another option to consider. Expect to pay around $2500 for this setup.
In Germany the 8se costs up to 2,000 euros. Astronomical instruments are very expensive in Germany and I don't know why. Maybe a science tax I don't know. Your videos help a lot of people. Great job and Thank you. CS and best regards from germany.
I have the 8se with dedicated cam, asi air, etc. Also the s50 By the time i get the 8se outside, setup, my s50 is already imaging. In the north east time is of essence with weather. Love the s50
So far my path has been 10 inch Orion dob -> Seestar S50 -> Celestron C6 -> Askar 103 APO (photo rig.. poor wallet) and I still use each one. When my astronomy club meets up, I always take my dob and askar so I can do visual plus photo in one night. My C6 I use for planetary imaging(trying hyperstar soon) and seestar was my intro to processing data and I we now use it for outreach events. Just go ahead and buy them all.. lol
It depends on what you plan to do. For just looking at things, a big Newtonian is the most glass for the buck, but a Dob's image rotates as it's exposed, so an equatorial mount is best for imaging. No one should start with an SCT or an astrograph. It's too much money to spend when you don't know how to use it or whether it's what you actually need. Selling used scopes always means taking a big loss if you can even find someone who's interested. The fork mount that comes with most SCT's means if you image with one, the image rotates on long exposures and needs to be corrected either digitally or with a rotating focuser to turn the imager. More money. The way to start a hobby is simple and cheap, and go see what other people are using and what they think of it before spending tons of money. Join a club, they're everywhere. Scope stores usually organize free star party nights, which are a great place to see everyone's prize equipment and actually try some out. Hell, set up a scope in a park and we nerds will wander over to give you advice. When someone's an absolute beginner, I usually recommend something like an 8" Dob. That's big enough to see some cool stuff, but still manageable and easy to use. Some basic star maps, even the ones in Nightwatch, and a little willingness to learn. You have to learn at least a bit about the sky to even set up a go-to scope. I've had the same scope for more than twenty years, and the only original parts left are the mirrors and spider. It's a 12.5 Newtonian on a custom-made steel split-ring equatorial mount with a rotating cradle for the tube so the eyepiece is always aimed at a comfortable height and angle. You needed a stepladder to use it when it was a dob, and it got painful on the neck and back fast. I built a stepper motor drive so you push it around to aim, then turn it on. It tracks, has a non-rotating field, sets up in five minutes, and gets mistaken for a water heater. Not exactly a starter scope.
Hi, thanks again for the videos. One comment. The 8 inch SCT and the 8 inch dob will give a view of exactly the same brightness at a given magnification. Dob has the advantage of supporting wider views. SCT is more compact. Yes, lower focal ratios make brighter images at prime focus, but the image is also smaller. Visual observation uses eyepieces to adjust magnification, so the brightness at prime focus is not relevant.
I’d highly recommend buying the lifting straps for the Dobsonian (specifically the Farpoint Astro ones). I’ve got the 10” Apertura and they make hauling it around a breeze.
For beginners anything between 400-500mm with aps-c size camera covers most of the targets. William optics Zenithstar or Gran Turismo lineup is great for that. It's also decent for the Moon.
My first scope is a dob which has been good, but being time poor isn’t always as friendly as I’d like. I think next for me will be a ZWO AM5N mount. I’ll pair that with a 8inch Edge HD. That should be small enough to easily go to dark sites.
I started with a redcat51, ioptron skyguider pro, a micro four thirds mirrorless camera, and a decent carbon fiber tripod. I wish I hadn’t because I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing. Even just getting polar alignment is a struggle for me. I just preordered the Seestar S30, but I do hope to learn how to use my more expensive equipment properly someday.
Ahh Darn just too late, i just bought a RedCat61 WIFD an Asiair plus, a Zwo guiding scope and a Zwo asi533mc pro. \o/ But no EAF and learning to get good focus via my ipad and the Asiair. clear skies! ...And ofcourse thanks for this awesome content
Another excellent video, and perfect timing! I’m looking to get a scope for deep sky astrophotography and really like the idea of starting out with a shorter FL to minimize the effects of less-than-optimal tracking, but will want to go longer eventually. Would you mind telling me your thoughts on these options I’m considering? 1. Get a scope with a little longer FL (~700mm) and use reducers at first. Thinking about the Stellarvue SVX102T-RA here. 2. Get something like the Askar V that supports multiple FLs out of the box. Or 3. Get something like a RedCat 61 or Askar FRA 300 pro and plan to get another scope when the time for longer FL comes? Thanks Trevor, your channel has been a big part of my wanting to get into this amazing hobby!
The stellarvue with a .8 reducer will give you 102 at its native focal length and about 82 with reducer . So two scopes in one . Much cheaper in the long run . Also American made premium optics with excellent support .
You can get a goto Dobsonian, focal reducer, a Ryzen 7 mini pc, nice camera and do planets and astrophotography (short exposures 5s to 10s sometimes up to 30s if the mount is tuned properly). I’ve been taking images with my Sky-Watcher 300P. Not easy but very possible.
Great video Trevor, 👍🤓👍 Which option would be the best for an area close to a town (with average light pollution...)? I know we should avoid this as best we can but in a situation where time is scared, so I can't get very far from the city nor have much time to process the images... The smart telescope seems a good choice, but if this is the case, is the one from your video the best, or would there be better scope for those conditions? (Hopefully, smart scope are not using AI to create their pictures...)
The first two are by far the best value. 8SE or any of its lower versions don't have much of learning curve. Point to three stars to get aligned and you are all set.
If you're planning to get a redcat51, I would strongly suggest looking at the svbony sv555. I don't think they started shipping yet, but Cuiv just reviewed it and it's better than the redcat for like $350 less.
Hey Trevor I just wanted to ask if telescopes overall are durable. Like did you ever get something destroyed? Also thank you so much for making great videos every single time😃
I have a skylux 70/700 that i bought for 30 euros used. And a 10mm eyepiece got me able to see 2 clear bands of jupiter and its 4 moons i have a 2x barlow on the way to see saturn better
hey! for Christmas i am getting a star adventure gti and I have a cannon r50 that i am going to put on it, i am having a hard time deciding what lens/telescope I should get. what do you think I should get? price range 200-450 Love your videos btw
Honestly as owner of NexStar SE - I absolutely hate the mount. Its interface is outdated and while tracking is nice it really disconnects you from the sky for visual. At some point I disocovered that one of the bearings failed creating backlash that was just too big, instead of replacing the bearing/motor, I just disassembled all the electronics and battarey tray and converted it to manual alt-az mount (that is BTW very good) and I point to objects with AstroHopper (much easier than the "robot") However the huge advantage of C8 is storage space and ability to use from balcony, take it out in reasonable size pack. Something I couldn't do with a dob.
The Apertura AD line is pretty much the best value on the market. All three dobs you mentioned will be practically the same optics-wise. The Apertura comes better equipped by a mile (especially the dual-speed focuser and finder scope). The Celestron is pretty much a bare bones dob with their StarSense dock bolted on (and an extra $200 bolted on). Don't get me wrong, it's a fantastic app, just a bit pricey. Alright, so the Sky-Watcher Flextube dob is a strange one. I really wanted one of these (I think they look cool) until I dug into the specs. You only gain 11" (28 cm) vertically from the collapsible design, which doesn't (to me, anyway) provide any real benefits when it comes to transport or storage. Interestingly, their Flextube dob is 5.2 lbs (2.4 kg) HEAVIER than the Classic solid tube dob. If it were me to decide between the three, I'd get the AD8. Then, if you also really want that StarSense experience, I'd get one of the cheaper Celestron StarSense telescopes like the LT 114AZ (new or used) solely for the dock and app code. You can easily adapt the dock to use on any telescope you want. There's a couple threads on the CloudyNights forum about this.
Hi Trevor, pls could you help me? have a dslr and a tracking mount, however my current lens has star deformities (canon 100-400 mk2), i am thinking of getting a Sigma 105mm f1.4 as it seems to have little to no defects with stars, do you think this is a good idea?
@@AstroBackyard I can confirm, I have the same lens but the 35mm version which I specifically bought for meteor showers and it's been one of my best purchases for sure.
Good day, I am planning to purchase a celestron powerseeker 114eq for my personal use and academics, that is to replace my 1st scope, a 76mm reflector. The celestron powerseeker 114 eq cost atleast 13,599 php (234 usd) , however there were good comments about the scope, but I am a bit skeptical, and so I wanted to know your's and other's opinion about this scope.
Thanks for the forecast! I have a quick question: I have a SafePal wallet with USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (alarm fetch churn bridge exercise tape speak race clerk couch crater letter). How should I go about transferring them to Binance?
Gr8 stuff Trevor! Do you consider the Skywatcher 150i with steel tripod to be "stable" enough for a 9.6 kilo SCT or refractor for "visual astronomy?" Thank you kindly Canadian friend! Best wishes to you from down under, Annika 🔮🍹🌎🔭
@AstroBackyard Many thanks legend! I hear you were a hit in Byron Bay a few months ago. I am off to the beautiful seaside village for a few nights across Christmas holiday. Your efforts to visit our folks here is most appreciated. I sure hope you enjoyed your time enough to encourage your return back to Australia and Byron Bay. Next time, you must visit Coffs Harbour, Noosa and Port Macquarie. There are some excellent tours along the coast line and inland where you can enjoy Dorrigo's stunning water falls. Take care mate, Annika 🌎🍹
will you be doing a review on one of the sv503 70/80/102 ed refractors soon would really like to see what them can do for the price I've been looking at getting one for months but need a really good review on it before i would buy?
I currently have an ed120 but it seems more and more companies and people are going smaller, even smaller than the traditional ed80. are these newer small ones just as good as the older large ones? I would have always thought bigger is better.
1. Due toy budget constraints I'm planning to get Athlon 12*50 g2 midas for 396$ via a friend from USA (walmart portal). Do you think it's good decision or can suggest a Telescope instead around that budget if star gazing is main agenda for buying it? 2. If we get via a friend then will vat be applicable? Happy Thanksgiving:)
Whats the reason for buying a guide scope on the redcat, the camera has a guide chip inside similar to an oag setup right? Is it more for looks? Which admittedly it does look cooler with it on :)
You didn't mention that you can power the 8SE from internal batteries, which although not perfect, it does mean that you don't have to use external power.
Also, finding an astronomy club here in Michigan has been, well, depressing. I found a short list, but every website I visited hasn't been updated in over a decade, has the domain for sale, or is no longer functioning. Do you have any resources for finding local astronomy clubs?
WAY less expensive rigs for astrophotography are available for those wanting to get started. I'm starting with a Sony A6400 and the lens that came with it, just stuff I had on hand already. However, mentioning the price of your astrophotography kit in this video seems like it would scare people away from astrophotography.
I hate to be that person! BUT, I would like a DSLR as well as the red cat 61 or 71, Could you please recommend a Cannon DSLR that pairs well with the telescope.
I only ever buy used equipment. Brand is nuts. Many of the telescopes I have bought over the years were disappointing. Favorited was Meade ETX 127 OTA on a eq3 mount. Dobsonian is tough to use, hard to find planet and even harder to track unless you had a super flat surface to sit it on, impossible in a field.
Hey! AstroBackyard, thank you for you're tips but i am a 12yo kid who can't use a 8-inch Dobsonian cause ofc its heavy for me, and a seestar its too expessive in my country, i am looking for smth manual and easy to use. Balkankid from Romania
I had google what ofc and smth mean. I have never felt so old. If visual astronomy is your thing, I'd go for a tabletop dob. Decent views - less expensive, and easy to manage. Also - check the used market in your area. Eventually something good will come along!!
I live in Brazil, the values that are practiced in telescopes are ridiculous here, in addition to the few options we have here, unless you are rich you can have a minimally decent telescope, it's a shame
Your comment about going to a local club astronomy observing night is the best idea. Hands on exposure to each type of equipment will very much help in choosing a first scope. The question about which scope to buy for a first scope is so complex that ask 10 astronomers the question and you will get 10 different opinions. My 2 cents, the 8 inch dob (or 6 inch) is the best first scope. It provides good light gathering and resolution for visual use. Disadvantage: No tracking or goto and can be limiting on keeping a subject in the view as powers go higher. Add an electronic push to guide/finder to the tube for a little help finding a chosen object. Dollar/ performance/ value is a high point in this least expensive entry scope. But it is big and requires traveling space to take it beyond your home base location. For a more travel friendly scope and one that has the brightness to provide good visual use I would lean toward a ED+ refractor 115mm to 127mm as still transportable, rugged and simple. The 115EDT is often on sale for $1300 (plus a mount), and while it's not inexpensive, it does come in as a great value per dollar scope. And it might be a decent entry level cross over from visual to begging imaging if one were so inclined. As for a beginning imaging setup, the Petzval quad will eliminate various frustrations dealing with a flattener. I'd like to see 70 to 80mm (or slightly more - under 4 inches) as an imaging scope, But in reality, the highest quality glass and supior mount will tend to put the prices over the $3k range. Interestingly, the recent concept of "instant" push button imaging, such as the S-50/rasa type may find a following in the more affluent beginning imagers. I do find the intriguing new Celestron "Origin " to be of a capable size and ability to produce some nice quick fun instant gratification images. We will see.
Just getting into this hobby. But can u help me please? I got my Celestron 90slt and it's okay. Definitely would help if I got a bigger one. But is there a dedicated astronomy camera I could use to photograph? My phone just isn't cutting it
any advice on how to afford all this stuff? xD jk but fr though I am about to start saving because I am obsessed with space and I neeeeed to be able to take these professional pics. Im excited thinking about it.
Sorry, I deviated a bit from the telescope discussed in the video. I want to buy a Celestron Powerseeker 127 EQ telescope. Are there any of you here who already have one? I want to know your experience and whether it is suitable to buy.
My first time staying up all night with a dobsonian was such a wonderful time. Finding the objects myself was 80% of the fun.
I’d advise a small refractor in the 400-500mm focal length range for a beginner scope. For visual, you can use a barlow or powerful eyepieces to get reach for planets and the moon, but you can also use it for astrophotography for a wide range of deep sky object. You won’t need to collimate it and it’s relatively lightweight.
I have an 8" SCT and am about to order a RedCat 51, wife permission pending. I can use my current mount, imaging camera, guide camera, ASIAir, and dew straps. Being able to mix pieces and parts can help reduce costs in the long run. No one telescope can do it all as you state. Just keep in mind some accessories can. Love your content, Trevor. Thank you for your channel.
That wife permission ain't coming anytime soon my friend
I absolutely love love my Seestar S50 for its simplicity, portability and making deep space so incredibly accessible. It provides a wonderful entry point to the hobby and will help you figure out what you want next. I love it so much I just placed an order for the Seestar S30 even though I have an 11" Celestron sitting right beside it. Yes the Seestar doesn't always provide great results and can be frustrating, but if you think ANY option hobby is free of bad results and frustration, you're in for a long road haha.
I absolutely love my AD8 paired with a Baader 8-24 zoom eyepiece and a telrad. The clarity and ease of use of the AD8 is so good.
I have a lot of trees and didn't want to spend the money and time for a big rig. It would be nice, but with two bad knees the S50 fits the bill for now. Light and easy to carry wherever I go. Plus I love the tech side as it all works pretty well. The framing mode in the latest update is outstanding from my experience. Now I'm getting into post processing learning curve.
Well presented and thought out, Trevor. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I've been doing astronomy for over 25 years. Sometimes, the right presenter can make all the difference. Kudos! See you again sometime. Maybe CSSP again. Who knows?
My first ever telescope was a 10 inch dob. I had it for a year before finding an amazing deal on Facebook marketplace for a astrophotography kit. I do not regret buying the dob though! Great advice
This advice is dangerous, all these choices are so good that before you know it your bank account is empty! I own 3/4 of the setups discussed here, and honestly, wouldn't change a thing :)
😊
Too funny the same i own some version of 3/4 he's showing. 8" orion dob, 9.25" celestron, and a vespera. Definitely a dangerous hole to fall into.
@@dn5101evolution 9.25?
Haha, you can't threaten me... My bank account is already empty !! 💸
Hi there Im looking at getting into this for the first time. Maybe you can answer my question I was wondering if its possible to view or track the International Space Station? Im looking at the Apertura AD8 Dobsonian 8" Telescope as my first choice?
I love my small 130 pds, it’s relatively lightweight for its aperture and does fairly well almost everything. Cons: you need a mount & tripod
Great advice!
Just picked up a 6 inch dob for 250 CAD and love it
I always recommend Celestron Starsense DX5. It's relatively cheap, lightweight and extremely good travel buddy, also for beginner it's easy to use and you don't have to know anything about the night sky to used it efficiently. Dobs are good, but if you are a bigger person or have some challenges moving, horrible choice. Computer mounts can be good, but they also can have problems. I know nothing is perfect.
Great video! My favorite is the Dobsonian 🤩
Thank you! Good choice ;)
many years ago i only did visual astronomy and never really had any luck with astrophotography, sold most of my heavy gear and i stopped viewing. decades later, technology improved and i jumped into astrophotography. what a game changer. i must warn you, learning the editing process is a whole new ballgame. right now i own a ZWO mount, scope and camera and it has rekindled my interest in the heavens. i own the Seestar 50, for the money, it is a nice piece of equipment. join a club, good investment and you will save money and learn much.
You are a brave man to try to cover all the options a beginning astronomer has! Well done. I’ll refer new guys to this.
Good video to help beginners make a solid first purchase. I have the AD8 and S50, and they both are great. My gear lives in the basement (9 ft ceilings), so the lighter, the better. Because of this, the dob doesn't get out as often. The S50 it great for getting out quickly, which I need. I have three little kids. I do have a SW SA GTI with DSLR and ASIAIR rig, which I'm learning how to use.
Really good review.
The beauty of the Red Cat 51 is you can use it with a star tracker mount, I started off with a Red Cat 51, Sky Watcher Star Adventurer and a Canon EOS600D (Rebel 3Ti?) As I already had the DSLR, it wasn't that expensive,. Of course I added things to it such as an EAF, Cooled Astronomy Camera, Guide Scope, Filter Wheel, ASIair, and Harmonic Drive Mount. It is still my favourite scope because it is still light enough to move around and gives great results. I have this set up ready for use and can be outside imagining within minutes. I personally like the Samyang/Rokinon f2 135 lens as well for astro photography, here in the UK it is about half the price of the Red Cat 51 and there are various adapters and enhancement kits available. Again it can be used with a star tracker type mount.
I've never really been into visual astronomy with a scope, though I do like star gazing with binoculars. I do have an explorer 150p but only use it occasionally.
I bought all my stuff second hand, I found the astrophotography community on buy and sell sites to be super friendly, and if I want to upgrade my kit I can resell and hopefully not loose much money! Think I saved ~40% on resale
Great video Trevor, I remember my first scope a Skywatcher 150/750 Newt reflector on an EQ3 manual mount. A complete pain in the backside for a paraplegic wheelchair user like myself. Of course it hooked me to hobby though to the point I've progressed to RC and SCT's on computerised mounts. I can only imagine what it would have been like to take those first few steps into the hobby using an S50.
Will buy my first telescope next spring. An 8" Sky-Watcher Dobson. Really looking forward to it.
I'm an old guy with mobility issues. I bought the S50 about a year ago. So much fun. I did have plans on setting up a 9.5 edge with all the toys until I discovered smart telescopes and settled on the S50. After 200+ images captured so far this clearly for me the best choice.
My friend who has pretty severe mobility issues, we have looked this same telescope. S50 costs about 700€ in EU. Since he has fixed income we have been thinking, is it worth it. On the other hand you can just think that, why don't i just look pictures online and save my money. There is still the appeal of setting it up and watch the image coming alive on the tv.
I have an 80mm refractor with a focal length of 560 mm. It has been great for deep sky objects, such as the Lagoon Nebula in Saggitarius, the Horsehead in Orion, and the M33 galaxy. Using this telescope, a Celestron AVX mount, a ZWO MC553 camera, and an ASI Air, I have been able to take great photos. This is another option to consider. Expect to pay around $2500 for this setup.
I own the AD8 dobs it is wonderful, it's just the right size for me and comfortable to use from a regular lawn chair too. 😁
In Germany the 8se costs up to 2,000 euros. Astronomical instruments are very expensive in Germany and I don't know why. Maybe a science tax I don't know.
Your videos help a lot of people. Great job and Thank you.
CS and best regards from germany.
Thank you! Clear skies!
I have the 8se with dedicated cam, asi air, etc. Also the s50
By the time i get the 8se outside, setup, my s50 is already imaging. In the north east time is of essence with weather. Love the s50
Helpful For Newbies In Astrophotography!!
Planning to get the Seestar 50 I think it's the best all round beginners scope, time will tell.
You will have fun with it - great choice
So far my path has been 10 inch Orion dob -> Seestar S50 -> Celestron C6 -> Askar 103 APO (photo rig.. poor wallet) and I still use each one. When my astronomy club meets up, I always take my dob and askar so I can do visual plus photo in one night. My C6 I use for planetary imaging(trying hyperstar soon) and seestar was my intro to processing data and I we now use it for outreach events. Just go ahead and buy them all.. lol
Thanks for the great reviews. Very helpful with my decision on which to buy. I'm going with the Seestar for dso and the 8" Dob for planets
It depends on what you plan to do. For just looking at things, a big Newtonian is the most glass for the buck, but a Dob's image rotates as it's exposed, so an equatorial mount is best for imaging.
No one should start with an SCT or an astrograph. It's too much money to spend when you don't know how to use it or whether it's what you actually need. Selling used scopes always means taking a big loss if you can even find someone who's interested. The fork mount that comes with most SCT's means if you image with one, the image rotates on long exposures and needs to be corrected either digitally or with a rotating focuser to turn the imager. More money.
The way to start a hobby is simple and cheap, and go see what other people are using and what they think of it before spending tons of money. Join a club, they're everywhere. Scope stores usually organize free star party nights, which are a great place to see everyone's prize equipment and actually try some out. Hell, set up a scope in a park and we nerds will wander over to give you advice.
When someone's an absolute beginner, I usually recommend something like an 8" Dob. That's big enough to see some cool stuff, but still manageable and easy to use. Some basic star maps, even the ones in Nightwatch, and a little willingness to learn. You have to learn at least a bit about the sky to even set up a go-to scope.
I've had the same scope for more than twenty years, and the only original parts left are the mirrors and spider. It's a 12.5 Newtonian on a custom-made steel split-ring equatorial mount with a rotating cradle for the tube so the eyepiece is always aimed at a comfortable height and angle. You needed a stepladder to use it when it was a dob, and it got painful on the neck and back fast. I built a stepper motor drive so you push it around to aim, then turn it on. It tracks, has a non-rotating field, sets up in five minutes, and gets mistaken for a water heater. Not exactly a starter scope.
Hi, thanks again for the videos. One comment. The 8 inch SCT and the 8 inch dob will give a view of exactly the same brightness at a given magnification. Dob has the advantage of supporting wider views. SCT is more compact. Yes, lower focal ratios make brighter images at prime focus, but the image is also smaller. Visual observation uses eyepieces to adjust magnification, so the brightness at prime focus is not relevant.
I’d highly recommend buying the lifting straps for the Dobsonian (specifically the Farpoint Astro ones). I’ve got the 10” Apertura and they make hauling it around a breeze.
That's a great solution - thank you for sharing that
For beginners anything between 400-500mm with aps-c size camera covers most of the targets. William optics Zenithstar or Gran Turismo lineup is great for that.
It's also decent for the Moon.
I just got the s50 for photography and c6 for visual lunar and planets
My first scope is a dob which has been good, but being time poor isn’t always as friendly as I’d like.
I think next for me will be a ZWO AM5N mount. I’ll pair that with a 8inch Edge HD. That should be small enough to easily go to dark sites.
Thank you for this video! I appreciate it a lot!
I started with a redcat51, ioptron skyguider pro, a micro four thirds mirrorless camera, and a decent carbon fiber tripod. I wish I hadn’t because I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing. Even just getting polar alignment is a struggle for me. I just preordered the Seestar S30, but I do hope to learn how to use my more expensive equipment properly someday.
Absolutely fantastic video. Many thanks for the guidance, have watched this a few times. Great to see where the market is at at the moment.
Thank you very much!
Ahh Darn just too late, i just bought a RedCat61 WIFD an Asiair plus, a Zwo guiding scope and a Zwo asi533mc pro. \o/
But no EAF and learning to get good focus via my ipad and the Asiair.
clear skies! ...And ofcourse thanks for this awesome content
Another excellent video, and perfect timing! I’m looking to get a scope for deep sky astrophotography and really like the idea of starting out with a shorter FL to minimize the effects of less-than-optimal tracking, but will want to go longer eventually. Would you mind telling me your thoughts on these options I’m considering?
1. Get a scope with a little longer FL (~700mm) and use reducers at first. Thinking about the Stellarvue SVX102T-RA here.
2. Get something like the Askar V that supports multiple FLs out of the box.
Or
3. Get something like a RedCat 61 or Askar FRA 300 pro and plan to get another scope when the time for longer FL comes?
Thanks Trevor, your channel has been a big part of my wanting to get into this amazing hobby!
The stellarvue with a .8 reducer will give you 102 at its native focal length and about 82 with reducer . So two scopes in one . Much cheaper in the long run . Also American made premium optics with excellent support .
You can get a goto Dobsonian, focal reducer, a Ryzen 7 mini pc, nice camera and do planets and astrophotography (short exposures 5s to 10s sometimes up to 30s if the mount is tuned properly). I’ve been taking images with my Sky-Watcher 300P. Not easy but very possible.
Great video Trevor, 👍🤓👍 Which option would be the best for an area close to a town (with average light pollution...)? I know we should avoid this as best we can but in a situation where time is scared, so I can't get very far from the city nor have much time to process the images... The smart telescope seems a good choice, but if this is the case, is the one from your video the best, or would there be better scope for those conditions? (Hopefully, smart scope are not using AI to create their pictures...)
The first two are by far the best value. 8SE or any of its lower versions don't have much of learning curve. Point to three stars to get aligned and you are all set.
If you're planning to get a redcat51, I would strongly suggest looking at the svbony sv555. I don't think they started shipping yet, but Cuiv just reviewed it and it's better than the redcat for like $350 less.
Hey Trevor I just wanted to ask if telescopes overall are durable. Like did you ever get something destroyed? Also thank you so much for making great videos every single time😃
I have a skylux 70/700 that i bought for 30 euros used. And a 10mm eyepiece got me able to see 2 clear bands of jupiter and its 4 moons i have a 2x barlow on the way to see saturn better
hey! for Christmas i am getting a star adventure gti and I have a cannon r50 that i am going to put on it, i am having a hard time deciding what lens/telescope I should get. what do you think I should get? price range 200-450 Love your videos btw
0:09 Skywatcher solar scope spotted! so excited for that review!
Eagle eye!
Honestly as owner of NexStar SE - I absolutely hate the mount. Its interface is outdated and while tracking is nice it really disconnects you from the sky for visual. At some point I disocovered that one of the bearings failed creating backlash that was just too big, instead of replacing the bearing/motor, I just disassembled all the electronics and battarey tray and converted it to manual alt-az mount (that is BTW very good) and I point to objects with AstroHopper (much easier than the "robot")
However the huge advantage of C8 is storage space and ability to use from balcony, take it out in reasonable size pack. Something I couldn't do with a dob.
Totally right about the compact design of the SCT - I should have mentioned that!
🔭Excellent Overview Trevor🔭
Thank you!
I'm curious about care and cleaning of lenses and filters. What if they get scratched?
Can you compare the Apertura AD8 with the Celestron StarSense Explorer 8" Dobsonian and the Sky-Watcher Flextube 200P Dobsonian?
The Apertura AD line is pretty much the best value on the market. All three dobs you mentioned will be practically the same optics-wise. The Apertura comes better equipped by a mile (especially the dual-speed focuser and finder scope). The Celestron is pretty much a bare bones dob with their StarSense dock bolted on (and an extra $200 bolted on). Don't get me wrong, it's a fantastic app, just a bit pricey. Alright, so the Sky-Watcher Flextube dob is a strange one. I really wanted one of these (I think they look cool) until I dug into the specs. You only gain 11" (28 cm) vertically from the collapsible design, which doesn't (to me, anyway) provide any real benefits when it comes to transport or storage. Interestingly, their Flextube dob is 5.2 lbs (2.4 kg) HEAVIER than the Classic solid tube dob.
If it were me to decide between the three, I'd get the AD8. Then, if you also really want that StarSense experience, I'd get one of the cheaper Celestron StarSense telescopes like the LT 114AZ (new or used) solely for the dock and app code. You can easily adapt the dock to use on any telescope you want. There's a couple threads on the CloudyNights forum about this.
Thanks Trevor. My question is, what is your opinion on the Williams Grand turismo 71 telescope?
Hi Trevor, pls could you help me? have a dslr and a tracking mount, however my current lens has star deformities (canon 100-400 mk2), i am thinking of getting a Sigma 105mm f1.4 as it seems to have little to no defects with stars, do you think this is a good idea?
I haven't used that one - but my Sigma 24mm F/1.4 Art series has been fantastic. They make great astro lenses!
@@AstroBackyard I can confirm, I have the same lens but the 35mm version which I specifically bought for meteor showers and it's been one of my best purchases for sure.
Good day, I am planning to purchase a celestron powerseeker 114eq for my personal use and academics, that is to replace my 1st scope, a 76mm reflector. The celestron powerseeker 114 eq cost atleast 13,599 php (234 usd) , however there were good comments about the scope, but I am a bit skeptical, and so I wanted to know your's and other's opinion about this scope.
I also have a 50mm Lunt solar scope
Thanks for the forecast! I have a quick question: I have a SafePal wallet with USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (alarm fetch churn bridge exercise tape speak race clerk couch crater letter). How should I go about transferring them to Binance?
he knows its starting to get darker faster and longer, good timing to make a video for beginners
Trevor, just 1 point, the 8 inch sct is not dimmer than the dob for visual astronomy. What you said only applies when using a sensor.
Interesting
Does focal length come into play for viewing or only for astrophotography?
How about the skywatcher skymax 150?
Pretty comparable to the celesteon 8se with better clearer images.
Can you put the Dobsonian on an EQ Platform and do some astrophotography?
I just got my redcat 51 and took photos of the Andromeda Galaxy the only night of no bad weather
Nice!
I'l wait for new Sky Watcher Ha telescope and I see you have in your garage for testing ;)
Gr8 stuff Trevor!
Do you consider the Skywatcher 150i with steel tripod to be "stable" enough for a 9.6 kilo SCT or refractor for "visual astronomy?"
Thank you kindly Canadian friend!
Best wishes to you from down under,
Annika
🔮🍹🌎🔭
Thanks! The 150i can definitely handle that with ease just make sure the tripod is stable. Clear skies!
@AstroBackyard
Many thanks legend!
I hear you were a hit in Byron Bay a few months ago.
I am off to the beautiful seaside village for a few nights across Christmas holiday.
Your efforts to visit our folks here is most appreciated. I sure hope you enjoyed your time enough to encourage your return back to Australia and Byron Bay.
Next time, you must visit Coffs Harbour, Noosa and Port Macquarie.
There are some excellent tours along the coast line and inland where you can enjoy Dorrigo's stunning water falls.
Take care mate,
Annika
🌎🍹
Meade lx90 or celestron 8se?
Thoughts on the Sky Watcher Sky-Watcher Flextube 300 SynScan Dobsonian 12-inch for a first telescope?
Oh wow. If you're most interested in photographing planets that is an incredible choice!
will you be doing a review on one of the sv503 70/80/102 ed refractors soon would really like to see what them can do for the price I've been looking at getting one for months but need a really good review on it before i would buy?
I currently have an ed120 but it seems more and more companies and people are going smaller, even smaller than the traditional ed80. are these newer small ones just as good as the older large ones? I would have always thought bigger is better.
Incredible video as always but I have a request, can you please review the iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight Equatorial Mount by explore scientific
1. Due toy budget constraints I'm planning to get Athlon 12*50 g2 midas for 396$ via a friend from USA (walmart portal). Do you think it's good decision or can suggest a Telescope instead around that budget if star gazing is main agenda for buying it?
2. If we get via a friend then will vat be applicable?
Happy Thanksgiving:)
Whats the reason for buying a guide scope on the redcat, the camera has a guide chip inside similar to an oag setup right? Is it more for looks? Which admittedly it does look cooler with it on :)
When I have my other camera attached (non-duo sensor), I need the guide scope. It's nearly weightless so I just keep it on there.
@AstroBackyard makes sense! Thanks
Is that a heliostar 76 in the background?
Hey Trevor, I'm sure you've been asked this a million times. Any review of Celestron Origin?
❤Great Moccasins Trevor❤
They live on my feet from November to March
You didn't mention that you can power the 8SE from internal batteries, which although not perfect, it does mean that you don't have to use external power.
The Nexstar 8SE is currently on sale for $1,299!
Also, finding an astronomy club here in Michigan has been, well, depressing. I found a short list, but every website I visited hasn't been updated in over a decade, has the domain for sale, or is no longer functioning. Do you have any resources for finding local astronomy clubs?
WAY less expensive rigs for astrophotography are available for those wanting to get started. I'm starting with a Sony A6400 and the lens that came with it, just stuff I had on hand already. However, mentioning the price of your astrophotography kit in this video seems like it would scare people away from astrophotography.
Based on the antenna on the camera, I assume it’s a 2600 air. If so, how do you like that combined with RedCat 51?
It's a dream. I have limited clear skies - and this kit with a dual-band filter is super practical
I bought the Celestron 8 Se and I don’t know how to use it to see the Planets tell me information Okease ❤
NEXSTAR CAB BE POWERED BY AA BATTERIES TOO
I hate to be that person! BUT, I would like a DSLR as well as the red cat 61 or 71, Could you please recommend a Cannon DSLR that pairs well with the telescope.
I only ever buy used equipment. Brand is nuts. Many of the telescopes I have bought over the years were disappointing. Favorited was Meade ETX 127 OTA on a eq3 mount. Dobsonian is tough to use, hard to find planet and even harder to track unless you had a super flat surface to sit it on, impossible in a field.
I’m getting a celestron nexstar 6se should I buy a 2x Barlow or 3x ?
2X
@@AstroBackyardthanks!
Hey! AstroBackyard, thank you for you're tips but i am a 12yo kid who can't use a 8-inch Dobsonian cause ofc its heavy for me, and a seestar its too expessive in my country, i am looking for smth manual and easy to use.
Balkankid from Romania
I had google what ofc and smth mean. I have never felt so old. If visual astronomy is your thing, I'd go for a tabletop dob. Decent views - less expensive, and easy to manage. Also - check the used market in your area. Eventually something good will come along!!
Hello I need information I have a Celestron and need more information
Nice!
I live in Brazil, the values that are practiced in telescopes are ridiculous here, in addition to the few options we have here, unless you are rich you can have a minimally decent telescope, it's a shame
I have the 8 se I would not trade this for anything great telescope
I'm thinking of getting a sharpstar 61 is it good?
That's a good one too, yup
No room for a Mak Cass. in the group ?
Trevor - when can we expect you to get a Cat 91 WIFD review out?
Still sitting in the box. Busy month!
Understandable 😂. Can’t wait to see it, considering it for my first refractor!
Your comment about going to a local club astronomy observing night is the best idea. Hands on exposure to each type of equipment will very much help in choosing a first scope. The question about which scope to buy for a first scope is so complex that ask 10 astronomers the question and you will get 10 different opinions.
My 2 cents, the 8 inch dob (or 6 inch) is the best first scope. It provides good light gathering and resolution for visual use. Disadvantage: No tracking or goto and can be limiting on keeping a subject in the view as powers go higher. Add an electronic push to guide/finder to the tube for a little help finding a chosen object. Dollar/ performance/ value is a high point in this least expensive entry scope. But it is big and requires traveling space to take it beyond your home base location.
For a more travel friendly scope and one that has the brightness to provide good visual use I would lean toward a ED+ refractor 115mm to 127mm as still transportable, rugged and simple. The 115EDT is often on sale for $1300 (plus a mount), and while it's not inexpensive, it does come in as a great value per dollar scope. And it might be a decent entry level cross over from visual to begging imaging if one were so inclined.
As for a beginning imaging setup, the Petzval quad will eliminate various frustrations dealing with a flattener. I'd like to see 70 to 80mm (or slightly more - under 4 inches) as an imaging scope, But in reality, the highest quality glass and supior mount will tend to put the prices over the $3k range.
Interestingly, the recent concept of "instant" push button imaging, such as the S-50/rasa type may find a following in the more affluent beginning imagers. I do find the intriguing new Celestron "Origin " to be of a capable size and ability to produce some nice quick fun instant gratification images. We will see.
Is it possible to track the International Space Station? with any of these telescopes
Yes, trevor has a video tracking it.
Just getting into this hobby. But can u help me please? I got my Celestron 90slt and it's okay. Definitely would help if I got a bigger one. But is there a dedicated astronomy camera I could use to photograph? My phone just isn't cutting it
I'd try a DSLR first - you can get a t-ring adapter and attach it. And you could use it on future telescopes - or with lenses.
@AstroBackyard awesome thank you so much!
any advice on how to afford all this stuff? xD jk but fr though I am about to start saving because I am obsessed with space and I neeeeed to be able to take these professional pics. Im excited thinking about it.
Costco has a 10 inch dob for $599 that is the cheapest one.
Sorry, I deviated a bit from the telescope discussed in the video. I want to buy a Celestron Powerseeker 127 EQ telescope. Are there any of you here who already have one? I want to know your experience and whether it is suitable to buy.
I wanna see some nebula
Leave the Cstar alone and you can grow in the hobby
seestar s50, all day long