what is the best brand of computer based telescope?

Question

what is the best brand of computer based telescope?

Answer 1

Well, ..., I'm partial to Meade. I've been a Meade owner for quite some time, however, in reality both Meade and Celestron make great higher-end computerized goto Schmidt-Cassagrain (SCT) scopes starting at the Dual Forked 6" level. Celestron does make an decent EQ mount and it works very well. However, both Meade and Celestron make really crappy low-end scopes and you need to stay away from those.



IMHO the Meade LX90 (6" and above) series is a good line. The Celestron 'C' series of SCT's is a good series. Both Meade and Celestron have a series of "1-armed-bandits" both 6" and 8" SCT. The ratings are pretty high for them as well, however, they may not be well suited for astrophotgraphy. Neither can carry a lot of attachments and in some cases may not have an option for adding the very necessary "equatorial wedge". So you need to research the astrophotography capability of each before you buy.

Answer 2

That may be a more difficult question than you think it is. There are several things to consider, starting with:



1. Is this telescope for you or for someone else? If it's for someone else, you really need to involve that person in the decision.

2. How much are you willing to spend? The more you can afford, the less the brand matters.

3. What is the intended use for this scope? Will it be moved to observation points? Who will do the moving? Can the person handle the weight and the trunk space that goes along with the better hardware?

4. Do you know what aperture is needed in order to see the targets that are being anticipated? This has nothing to do with the brand, and it is only related to the computer in one way: if you get an aperture that is insufficient, the computer will point at a target that you cannot see because of the lack of that aperture.



If you really want the best, then you need to consider all of these issues and more. If you really want the best, you should be prepared to spend several thousand dollars and also be prepared to transport a scope that may weigh a couple hundred pounds (although the individual components will be lighter). I guess what I am advising is that you take your time with this purchase. There is no simple answer to your question. Spend some time with a local astronomy club. Try before you buy. See what is important in a scope before you select one. Try to know why you want the specific scope that you finally do purchase. Good Luck and Clear Skies!

Answer 3

There's no one "best brand" as most brands include small cheap junky scopes as well as larger high quality scopes. Meade is constantly introducing new features, which results in its buyers being beta testers for buggy software and hardware. Celestron is more conservative in its innovations, so is a more stable and reliable system. Orion and SkyWatcher use a fairly new system based on Celestron's. IOptron is a new brand with an unproven track record. Then there are the high-end systems like Losmandy/Gemini and Astro-Physics.



Myself, I have chosen Celestron's middle range systems, a NexStar 6SE and a CPC 1100, and have found these to be solid and reliable, except that my CPC 1100 has an annoying irregularity in its azimuth drive. The less expensive Celestron and Orion systems are cheaply made and unreliable, My Orion Sirius GoTo mount has so far proven to be a solid and accurate performer.

Answer 4

"RC Optical Systems, Inc. was started in the mid 90s with the goal of manufacturing the highest performing optical instrumentation possible."

http://www.rcopticalsystems.com/index.html





"With no doubt, the Takahashi FSQ-106ED is one of the most famous astrograph used in the world by deep-sky astrophotographers. They love the high-grade Petzval optical design, the flat field associated with the huge image circle (88mm !) which is able to accept all kind of CCD or DSLR cameras (up to 6x7 format) and, las but not least, the incredible mechanichal capabilities of this state-of-the-art Japanese APO refractor."

http://www.takahashi-europe.com/en/index.php



"Cave Optical Company of Long Beach, California produced thousands of high quality telescopes for advanced amateurs and universities during the 1950s through the 1970's.

The telescopes have high quality optics and massive mounts and are rapidly becoming collectors items."

http://www.frobenius.com/cave.htm

Answer 5

If you want a good telescope get a skywatcher 12.5 inch dobsonian with new synscan technology. It combines the classic push-to dobsonain with computer technology so it is good for push to people and guys who like go-to scopes.



go to http://www.skywatchertelescope.net/swtinc/product.php?id=172&class=class1&class2=106

Answer 6

Hi ,

It is related to your country.that is which one of products find in your contry.Takahashi is one of the best brands or selestron or mead or orion .

I have a EQ6 mount and blieve that it is the best.

Best wishes

Answer 7

i haven't tried them all, but celestron is one of my favorites.



why don't you go to a star party, the astroguys there love showing off thier toys to interested and curious newbies