astronomy pics

[gregswaim]

Originally Posted by crytklmass

Thanks Greg, Pete, everyone. I'll be checking out those links and hopefully break down what im looking for. Like audio gear, there are so many different manufactures. Does anyone have any pics they took with there telescope's they can post?
There used to be a hobby store that set up in the parking lot once a month so you could actually view and talk with other owner's, but they went out of business.

Here's a few of pixxx that I took :

[Vintage Pete]

Great pics Greg!

Pete

[gregswaim]

Originally Posted by Vintage Pete

Great pics Greg!

Pete

Thank you Pete.

[gregswaim]

Originally Posted by crytklmass

Just wondering if there are any astronomer photographers on here. if so, I am looking for some advice. Telescopes can range from $50.00 -your limit. I still have my cheap telescope that's 15 years old. Mars looks like a tiny dot. The only thing I can view good is the moon. Now that my kids are getting older I was thinking of buying a new telescope that can actually SEE planets and take photographs. I know some have tracking systems through your laptop etc. I visited a hobby store but I have no idea whats good, bad, etc. Salesman could sell me anything. I don't want to invest a fortune but want something worth buying. Was wondering if I can find something nice up to $500.00 or if I'll have to spend more. I can get into more details if someone on this site has knowledge and can help me out.

This tutorial on how to buy a telescope will help you decide what's right for you. Like most things in the world, better results cost more $$$$.

How to pick a telescope

[f1 fan]

Originally Posted by gregswaim

Here's a few of pixxx that I took :

beautiful pics Greg

[gregswaim]

Originally Posted by f1 fan

beautiful pics Greg

Thanks.

[crytklmass]

Thanks for posting those pics. Those were great. I'm still looking through all the options. Didn't realize there would be so many to choose from. I want to make sure I buy the right one the first time.

[gregswaim]

Originally Posted by crytklmass

Thanks for posting those pics. Those were great. I'm still looking through all the options. Didn't realize there would be so many to choose from. I want to make sure I buy the right one the first time.

That's very smart. Join your local astronomy club and familiarize yourself with different scopes and why people are using them.
Even if you have lots of money don't buy anything. Study then re-study everything and then say 6-8 months down the road you still want a certain thing then buy at that point.
Build your observing tools/scopes very slowly taking time to evaluate every possible option.
My rule of thumb is: I have to use a certain item at least 90% of the time or I don't buy that item. You'll know when you're ready to make a purchase.
In the mean time, there's a lot to learn so have fun with this and the hobby will be with you for a long time. You'll meet some interesting people along the way too.

[crytklmass]

That's great advise. Too bad my local dealer went out of business. Every month they used to close the parking, allowing amateur's to view the sky's even allowing the use of his telescopes. Test before buy. Since he went out of business i've been looking for another dealer in the area with no luck. I know all those astronomers are somewhere, ill find the club eventually. Thanks for your advice and pics. keep em coming.

[gregswaim]

Originally Posted by crytklmass

That's great advise. Too bad my local dealer went out of business. Every month they used to close the parking, allowing amateur's to view the sky's even allowing the use of his telescopes. Test before buy. Since he went out of business i've been looking for another dealer in the area with no luck. I know all those astronomers are somewhere, ill find the club eventually. Thanks for your advice and pics. keep em coming.

The best scope stuff is always by mail order. One advantage is that there's no taxes unless you live in a state in which you're placing a order.
Do a Google search for a local astronomy club in your area, most have their own web site.