Donal wrote:



I've got a cheap Tasco (optimum mag 105x). I'd like to get something
better, but I know sod all about telescopes.


Tasco are not generally very good instruments. Anything sold in a
department store is just a toy. I'd say you really get what you pay for.
Quality lenses and mirrors are expensive and as size goes up the price
goes up faster. A rough guide, don't look at less than 3" aperture
costing about $1000 (the smallest worthwhile aperture). A 5" Mak or 8"
SCT might also be found for that sort of figure. Some Dobs are good
value and you can get about a 8-10" mirror for that. Check out Meade and
Celestron as starters. Then you'll have to add eyepeices (good ones are
more than $150)etc. I'd recommend you go to a star party, astronomers
are really nice and helpful and will help you get started. Quality
second hand kit can be good but good optics tend to hold their price...

Cheers

"Navigator" wrote:

snip


Thanks for changing the subject line. I'm surprised at how many suckers bit
on the bait and never changed the subject line...

Carry on,

LP

boob**** should have got one.