|
|
|
Vixen offers small and medium refractors with achromatic doublet and triplet objective lenses (optically superior to the lower priced achromats in the $600 to $1200 range). These sell for $1300 to $3000. By the way, Vixen is a division of TeleVue.
Vixen offers an A80Mf Achromatic Refractor with SkyPod Mount. This complete setup is available for $1,399 – an excellent buy, and very highly recommended!
.
Pictured here is the Vixen R200SS on a Sphinx SXW Mount, that can be purchased for $3,899. At f/4 there's no room for error when forming the surface of an 8" parabolic mirror. Vixen’s solution is to execute each R200SS mirror with its High-Precision Poly-Order Aspherical Mirror Molding Technique. The result: an exquisite state-of-the-art paraboloide form.
|
|
Orion
Orion Sirius 8 EQ-G Reflector with
Dual-Axis Controller
Orion SkyQuest XX12 IntelliScope Truss-Tube Dobsonian
|
Orion has some high quality telescopes for excellent value. The Sirius line of scopes offers a good middle ground of large aperture and solid GoTo mount with a very reachable pricetag.
The 8" Sirius 8 EQ-G Reflector with Dual-Axis Controller is priced at $1,149.95 and includes everything you need for great visual observing. It is capable for use with SLR or astronomical CCD cameras for entry level astrophotography as well. This is an excellent choice for a first-time telescope.
Orion also makes great Dobsonian telescopes that are high quality and affordable for the average user. IntelliScope makes finding celestial objects easy, and still offers that feeling of 'finding' an object manually.
Orion recently released a new SkyQuest dob that is a truss-tube configuration, which makes its jumbo 12" optics manageable for transportation and storage when not in use. The SkyQuest XX12 IntelliScope Truss-Tube Dobsonian sells for $1,299.95 and comes fully loaded and ready to please your eye with bright images. Remember, aperature is king, and this 12" big Dob will not let you down. This is another solid choice for a first-time telescope.
|
|
|
The Meade LXD75-Series models are versatile, high-resolution telescopes. Supplied with the Autostar controller, the LXD75-Series models offer excellent mechanical and electronic performance for the price.
The LXD75-Series telescopes reveal nature in an ever-expanding level of detail. Observe the feather structure of an eagle from 50 yards or study the rings of the planet Saturn from a distance of 800 million miles. Focus beyond the Solar System and observe majestic nebulae, ancient star clusters, and remote galaxies. Meade LXD75-Series telescopes are instruments fully capable of growing with your interest and can meet the requirements of the most demanding advanced observer. Pictured here is the LXD75 6" refractor which sells for $1,199.
The LX200 Series feature a state-of-the-art optical system. The telescopes also feature Meade's Smart Drive technology which provides permanent periodic error correction (PPEC) on both axes. This may not mean much to the budding astronomer, but error correction capabilities of the mount are extremely important when taking long exposure photographs.
Pictured here is the 8" LX200-ACF w/UHTC Coatings model. A Sony GPS Receiver Sensor automatically inputs precise time, date, and geographical location to help quickly and precisely align the telescope. Price on this telescope with ultra high transmission coatings on the optics is $2,799.
|
|
Beware! The dangers of TV Shopping Networks, Big Box and Department Stores
Telescope Recommendations: Affordable Scopes
Telescope Recommendations: Ultra-High Quality Scopes
Mount Recommendations
Binoculars - the portable solution
Choosing the right Viewing Conditions
The Mars Hoax strikes again!
