I can understand your frustration. I bought my first telescope last year, and since I didn't know much at the time, I found it hard to use, etc. This summer I was in John and Lisa's telescope making class where I built a larger aperture scope. Besides this class, I have done quite a bit or reading and experimenting (built a small scope in order to understand better how it works) and I am just finish an Astronomy class as well. While I don't consider myself an expert by any means, I would like to share some of my experience. First, the scope I got last year is not that bad. It was not great, but as I have learned this year, I have made improvements to it. Compared to last year, it works much better now, I have seen cloud bands in Jupiter open clusters, crater on the moon, etc. The two major improvements were that I replaced the eyepieces that came with the telescope with some better ones. (I don't know what your budget is, but I am cheap, so you can find some good EPs for a relative low cost). The second major improvement is that I also replaced the plastic finder. The third improvement was not with the telescope, but with myself. I am learning how to be a better observer - avoid city lights, learn the constellations so I can find objects, and being patient at the eyepiece, The longer you look, the more you see. (and patience is virtue) I don't know the sizes of your two previous scopes, but if you have time this coming school break (and the skies cooperate) perhaps we can get together one evening and see what we can find with your scopes and mine, even from our light polluted skies. --- J Waterreus <jwaterr@comcast.net> wrote:
Hi Everyone,
Over the past several years, we've purchased two telescopes for our daughter that haven't been very good and have caused more frustration than enjoyment. We are now in the process of trying to sell them and buy something she can use and enjoy. We had thought we might get astronomical binoculars, but we're also not sure if this is the best decision. We're wondering if we should try for our third telescope, and hope we get it right this time! So, if any of you have any opinions about all this, I'd love to hear from you! Does anyone have binoculars that are designed for astronomical use? If so, do you like them, or not, and why? If anyone would like to suggest a telescope, or features of a telescope, that we should look for, I'd love to hear about that also. Our daughter is14 years old. She wants something that will enable her to see the planets (and have them look like more than just a star!), but at the same time, we want it to be simple enough to use that she won't get frustrated. Please feel free to share your opinions and experience with me! Thanks so much.
Dottie
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