Hey guys i just recently got into astronomy and i love it found my first couple of consstilations(sp) (constellations) last night. So im getting really exited about the whole thing. I own a telescope right now its a Tasco 60mm 700mm department store(But the store i got it from is great its called sports authority and it doesent sell crap) Refractor. As of right now with what i know about astronomy and the starts this telescope is fine for me(im yet to find saturn or venuse or any planet for that matter only because they are not in view of were i am right now 40 degrees north latitude 74 degrees W langitude in other words the NJ area). In the near future when i learn the night sky better and have no problem finding constalations i would like to get a Cassegrain telescope becaouse its small all porpuse and has the best of both worlds(Reflector and Refractor) but mainly because it is small and compact. I was just wondering if anyone know a good telescope dealer around the NJ area that i can go to? I want to see what im going to buy before i buy it. One of my main cocerns is the tripod, i want a good sterdy tall one not the little ones that come with the  Orion Starmax 90mm EQ compact Mak and the Apex 90mm min-EQ Makcass. I know i can just go to a star meet and use other people telescops but i would really like to go to a good dealer if there is one and just borwse around a lilltle. Thanks in adnvance from Starmanzs!

Starmanzs wrote:

Hey guys i just recently got into astronomy and i love it found my first couple of consstilations(sp) last night. So im getting really exited about the whole thing. I own a telescope right now its a Tasco 60mm 700mm department store(But the store i got it from is great its called sports authority and it doesent sell crap) Refractor. As of right now with what i know about astronomy and the starts this telescope is fine for me(im yet to find saturn or venuse or any planet for that matter only because they are not in view of were i am right now 40 degrees north latitude 74 degrees W langitude in other words the NJ area). In the near future when i learn the night sky better and have no problem finding constalations i would like to get a Cassegrain telescope becaouse its small all porpuse and has the best of both worlds(Reflector and Refractor) but mainly because it is small and compact. I was just wondering if anyone know a good telescope dealer around the NJ area that i can go to? I want to see what im going to buy before i buy it. One of my main cocerns is the tripod, i want a good sterdy tall one not the little ones that come with the  Orion Starmax 90mm EQ compact Mak and the Apex 90mm min-EQ Makcass. I know i can just go to a star meet and use other people telescops but i would really like to go to a good dealer if there is one and just borwse around a lilltle. Thanks in adnvance from Starmanzs!

Your location isn't what is effecting your ability to find the planets. It is your timinng. Jupiter is too low in the southwestern sky around sunset, and Saturn is rising in the eastern sky shortly before sunrise right now.

AS for retailers in your area?  i can't answer that question, however, I can refer you to someone who can. There is a member here, screen Name "NJNightSky"
Here are his links. Contact Jim and perhaps he can Help.
http://www.njnightsky.com
http://www.jnt-telescope.com


Have A Nice _________

"In the near future when i learn the night sky better and have no problem finding constalations i would like to get a Cassegrain telescope becaouse its small all porpuse and has the best of both worlds(Reflector and Refractor) but mainly because it is small and compact."

I'm assuming you mean a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope.  Unfortunately, the compound nature of the SCT design results in an optical compromise, not superior optical capability.  That is the price you pay for its compact nature. 

Dave Mitsky 

 

i wouldnt worry about finding a local dealer- 99% of us order from  internet dealers anyway- i think an SCT is a good all purpose choice myself- you didnt mention photo work- you may wanna look at the new celestron CPC series

SCTs are essentially jack-of-all-trades telescopes, and are marketed with astrophotography/imaging in mind, but they are not the best design optically speaking.

Dave Mitsky

I am also interested in this style of telescopes.  What is wrong with the optical designs?  Will you not get clearer DSO or plantary systems with this style of scope?  Eventually I plan to purchase a 10" or 12" Cassegrain with astrophotography and research in mind.