telescope for spotting and astronomy?

[francis]

Im a beginner and want a scope for both spotting and astronomy. What selection of brand and model would be a good buy. I also want something that wouldn't need an upgrade soon. Also I want high magnification and aperture. I hope someone can help. Thanks

[optwebman]

Francis, That's a hard order to fill but a nice refractor would do both the jobs the best, but if you wanted to go real deep space I would look at the Meade EXT90. Don't go higher than the 90mm on the ETX as you will be very limited on magnification for daylight viewing. I would for refractors look at the Vixen line of small telescopes as they offer some cool alt-azm mounts that can handle both night and daytime observing. The real trick is to find a mount that is usefull in both directions, straight out or straight up, then half the battle is won.

OPTwebman

[francis]

Originally Posted by optwebman

Francis, That's a hard order to fill but a nice refractor would do both the jobs the best, but if you wanted to go real deep space I would look at the Meade EXT90. Don't go higher than the 90mm on the ETX as you will be very limited on magnification for daylight viewing. I would for refractors look at the Vixen line of small telescopes as they offer some cool alt-azm mounts that can handle both night and daytime observing. The real trick is to find a mount that is usefull in both directions, straight out or straight up, then half the battle is won.

OPTwebman

Thanks for the reply.... I was suggested this model and brand...(link to website)

http://www.telescope.com/shopping/pr...oductID=111184

What do you think? Do you recommend something else?

[Jim Fusco]

I think if you want goto's the 125 ETX i like, but get ready for image shift on some of the etx's, there are some easy mods to resolve this. The goto with the ETX is interesting as well with the 497 controller. Meade does a nice job here with updates, rather advance and simple.
The newer models do have upgrades that plage the older ones. The etx 125 can be placed in back sack and is not heavy. I have one with the UHTC, a russian mak it's not, however it's a good package with a smart system, simple when traveling. The maks are sharp scopes, they offer great color correction and sharp views. If you go with a small achro, depending you may be seeing purple or yellow.