This content comes from @What's worth buyingAPP, and the views only represent the author's own |Author: Attack on Delevingne
A friend has been privately texting me, asking me to come up with the latest version of 2024 for Xiaobai's astronomical telescope.
This time, I'll go straight to the point and say: Which one should be the first astronomical telescope for novices and novices?
Two doubts for newbies to get started
In fact, for any new thing, novices and novices who want to get started will be more entangled.
It's normal to be very afraid of choosing the wrong choice at the beginning and want to pursue the best route. It's like that for everybody.
So to get started, how to choose an astronomical telescope?
1. How expensive is it to buy an astronomical telescope?
As an inappropriate example, an astronomical telescope can be simply compared to a camera.
Image
If you want to start learning to take pictures, you also need to have equipment first, do you need to buy a camera? What type of camera to buy, SLR, mirrorless, card player? Which brand to buy? How much do you want to buy? And so on and so forth, and it will be very tangled.
But we also know very well that when we first learn to take pictures, we don't need to buy too expensive cameras.
Just like a friend said that he wanted to learn to take pictures, you wouldn't let him buy a tens of thousands of SLRs first, and most likely he would tell him that you would take pictures with your mobile phone first, and then it would not be too late to buy an expensive one.
What kind of photos you take and whether the equipment you use is expensive or not are two different things.
The same goes for astronomical telescopes.
I'm not too much of a novice or novice, it's really unnecessary to buy very expensive equipment at the beginning.
Although the performance of a good device is good, because we haven't started yet, we don't know how to use it, we can't see, at this time, we have to learn from scratch, how to use, how to see, how to find stars, how to change eyepieces, how to take pictures...... Wait a minute
Wait for the use of very proficient, it is really the equipment that limits you, and it is not too late to change to a new machine.
Here's another example
Anyone who has watched my videos knows that I often push the 600-plus Centron 80EQ to newbies and let them use it to get started first.
I used to be 80EQ
From some friends and my private messages, I can see that some people have doubts, although I don't say it explicitly, but I can feel it, what he means is, is it too low for an astronomical telescope with such a low price, can it be used? Can you see things?
How to say it, in fact, you don't need to think of astronomical telescopes too high-end, it is still a telescope in essence.
Although the price of 80eq is low, it can actually be photographed on the three common planets, the moon, and even M42.
80eq shoot the moon
80eq shoot Saturn
M42 at 80eq
At the end of the day, an astronomical telescope is a tool. Don't spend extra money to keep it tough.
2. How to choose two products with the same price?
There is another question that many of my friends often ask me.
That is, take two similar models, the price difference is also within 1~200, but the brand is different to ask me, ask me which one is more suitable.
It doesn't matter which one I say, as long as I say one of them, he will ask the other one how it is.
In fact, I think that the gap between the two products at the same price is not big, especially when we first started, we actually couldn't feel the difference.
Of the two, which one is actually okay, I really don't know how to choose, so choose one, it looks like you like more, basically no problem.
Besides, this is a suggestion for novices and novices to buy, if you are still familiar with the old birds, then it is not applicable.
The brand of astronomical telescopes
Friends often ask me, how to choose xx brand and xx brand?
There are still many brands of astronomical telescopes, such as Xingtrang, Mead, Innovent, Discovery Science, Boguan and so on.
I won't say much about the specific introduction, you can look at the table I organized.
It can be seen from the table that in fact, most of the brands are already domestic brands, and the best-selling one is, of course, Xingtron.
Recommended words: Centron, Boguan, Innovent, Explore Science, etc., are still OK.
By the way, it is not recommended to buy unknown small brands, there is a great chance that small brands will step on the pit, and the products of these well-known brands are not expensive, or there are cost-effective products at various prices.
Therefore, there is no need to buy unknown brands, especially if you may also step on the pit.
Astronomical telescope product recommendations for beginners
I think that when you are just starting to get started with astronomical telescopes, there is no need to buy them too expensive. Of course, if you have money, then I didn't say it.
As for the suggestion, the budget is not too high, so it is okay to choose within 1000 or 2000; If the budget is higher, you can directly choose the advanced one, such as more than 2000 or more than 3000.
There's no need to force your budget to buy more astronomical telescopes than you can buy.
Within 1000
Astronomical telescopes up to 1000 are basic entry-level models. Well, there's no big difference in performance.
If you look at my table, you can also see that the configuration and performance are very different.
Cintron 80EQ
The first is the 80EQ from Cintron.
This is the introductory mirror that I highly recommend. And it is also a very famous entry-level mirror.
The aperture is 80mm, the focal length is 900mm, and it is equipped with an EQ1 equatorial mount, which is not bad in aperture and focal length
It is a telephoto refractive telescope, which is very suitable for observing bright celestial bodies, such as the moon, Jupiter and other planets, which are also must-see planets for beginners.
It is used as an entry mirror, which is properly enough, and the price of less than 700 is super cost-effective.
Don't think it's cheap and the performance is poor. It's actually OK visually and photographically, even the M42 can be seen.
80eq 拍 M42
So, if you're on a low budget, then just buy this one.
The difference between 80EQ and 80EQ Pro is very simple.
Only the color and tripod are different, the rest is the same.
If you don't care about the looks, or the difference between the tripods, the 80EQ is a bit more cost-effective.
Also, I recommend the 80DX over the 80eq Pro.
Cintron 80DX
The Centron 80DX is the luxury model of the 80EQ.
The basic configuration and accessories, such as caliber, focal length, and accessories, are the same for both models.
There are 3 main differences.
First, the equatorial mount is different, the 80EQ is a German EQ1 equatorial mount, while the 80DX uses a German EQ2 equatorial mount, which will have higher accuracy when tracking observations
Second, the tripod is different, the 80EQ is an aluminum tripod, and the 80DX tripod is the same as the 80EQ Pro, which is stainless steel.
Thirdly, the coating effect of 80dx is also better.
And, the price of the 80DX is not much different from that of the 80EQ Pro. If you're on a budget, it's also good to go for 80DX.
Explore the Science 80EQ3
By the way, at this price, some friends always ask me: which is better, the Cintele 80EQ or the Discovery Science 80EQ3?
In the case of these two models, the exploration science is more expensive, and the performance is also better.
His strengths are:
First, with the same aperture, he has a longer focal length of 945mm.
Second, its equatorial mount is better, and the Centrão 80EQ is the equatorial mount of EQ1; Explore Science: This is the equatorial mount of the EQ3.
Innovent Little Black 130EQ
The biggest advantage of Innovent's little black 130EQ is its large diameter of 130.
Caliber is the most important factor affecting stargazing.
The larger the aperture, the more light the telescope collects, allowing it to see fainter and farther celestial objects.
Therefore, the large diameter of 130mm is the biggest selling point of this one.
However, this little black belongs to the telephoto ball cow.
Theoretically, a 130mm caliber ball cow needs to have a focal length greater than 1000mm to basically see the ball difference.
However, this one only has a focal length of 900mm, and in fact can only support a maximum caliber of 120mm, so this little black is a ball difference.
Although it is said that there is a ball difference, the caliber is here, and the effect is still better than that of 80EQ.
So, how to choose?
- If you have a low budget, choose 80EQ, which is enough to get started.
If you have a budget of 1000 or less:
- For value for money: choose the Xingtron 80DX
- When it comes to performance: the Discovery Science 80EQ
- If you want a caliber, choose: Xinda Xiaoxiao Black 130EQ.
1000～2000
At the price of 1000 to 2000, according to the caliber, it is divided into 3 categories: 90mm, 102mm and 130mm caliber.
Let's start with the caliber of 90mm. The products of this caliber are: Discovery Science 90eq, Cintron 90eq, Centron 90dx, Centron 90LCM.
Among them: I recommend the Cintron 90DX
Syntron 90DX
Let's talk about my most recommended first, Xingtron 90DX, 90mm aperture, 910mm focal length, and also telephoto refraction.
The biggest advantage of this 90DX is that it has electric tracking.
Its equatorial mount is a German-style EQ2 equatorial mount, which includes an eq2 luxury motor and has an electric controller.
The advantage of the electric heel is convenience, the electric heel is to counteract the rotation of the earth, it will automatically fine-tune, and it will always track the position of the celestial body.
Therefore, in the case of other configurations similar to the Centron 90EQ and Discovery Science 90EQ, it is still very comfortable to have electricity.
Cintron 90LCM
Speaking alone, Cintron's 90LCM.
This one is special, it is the only astronomical telescope with an automatic star-seeking system within 2000.
What is automatic star hunting?
It is a real one-key automatic star hunting, it has a built-in sky align automatic star finding and positioning system, built-in data of 4000 stars, and a Chinese hand control, select the planet to see, it can directly find and track it for you with one key.
You just have to look at it.
Automatic star hunting within 2000, except for him, there is no choice.
The other configurations are also not bad, the caliber is 90mm, although the focal length is only 660mm, but the magnification can be modified by replacing the eyepiece, which is not a big problem.
The 102mm caliber is also three in this range, but I don't recommend any of them too much.
The most embarrassing thing about this 102 maca of Boguan is that he only has a primary mirror and a tripod, and the equatorial mount does not have it, so it is not recommended.
The Discovery Science 102EQ and the 102AZ of the Syntron, one is an equatorial mount and the other is a theodolite, with similar aperture and focal length.
Why not recommend it?
Because I think the 130mm caliber is more cost-effective.
Recommended 130 caliber, Syntron 130DX
Cintron 130DX
This 130DX is a Newtonian reflective type, and it uses a parabolic primary mirror, which means that it belongs to bull herring.
The aperture is 130mm, the focal length is 650mm, and it is equipped with an equatorial mount of a German EQ2.
The biggest difference between this and the Xingtrang 130eq and the Xinda Xiaoxiao Black just mentioned is that the 130DX is a bull, while the Xingtelao 130EQ and the Xinda Xiaoxiao Black are both ball cows.
The ball cow will have a ball difference, and compared with the two, the bull will be better.
Therefore, 130DX is more recommended, there is no ball difference, no color difference, and the caliber is large.
How to choose?
- For budgets under 1500, then the Syntron 90DX
- With a budget of more than 1500 points, that's a large-caliber 130DX.
- If you want to find stars automatically, you can only choose the Star Tran 90LCM.
2000～3000
Two or three thousand is not quite an entry-level model, and it can also be regarded as an advanced model. The caliber and performance of the products at this price will be relatively better.
Let's talk about the one I recommend the most, that is Xinda Xiaohei.
Xinda Xiaohei
If you've searched for astronomical telescopes, then you've probably heard of Xinda Black.
Xinda Xiaohei can be used as an entry or an advanced magic mirror, and it also has a high upgrade potential in the later stage.
In terms of type, Xinda Xiaohei belongs to the Newtonian reflex of bull herring. It is suitable for deep space photography and astronomical observation and shooting.
The caliber is 150mm, which is the largest caliber in this price range. 750mm focal length, EQ3 equatorial mount, aluminum tripod.
In addition to visual vision, Xinda Xiaohei is also a powerful tool for deep space photography.
Innovent Black-M33 LRGBHa 3.5 hours
Why does Cinda Xiaohei have great potential?
Because in addition to the original version, it is also divided into, regular version and photographic version. You can also change accessories, such as upgrading to an electric heel or automatic star finder, which can be modified by yourself at a later stage.
In short, Xinda Xiaohei is an advanced mirror that I highly recommend
Cintron 127EQ3
The 127EQ3 from Cintron is also a very cost-effective one.
His caliber and focal length are not bad. With a diameter of 127mm and an ultra-long focal length of 1900mm, the EQ3M equatorial mount belongs to the catadioptric maca.
Maca In general, the focal length is relatively long,
The longer the focal length allows for higher magnification, making it ideal for planetary observation.
However, due to the long focal length, the field of view is relatively small, so it is not suitable for photography
This one is more suitable for friends who like visual and planetary observation.
The rest of the two, I don't feel like these two are suitable.
In fact, in this range, I still recommend Xinda Xiaohei first.
3000～4000
Within the range of three or four thousand, let's talk about two astronomical telescopes that automatically seek stars.
The Cintron 127SLT and the Centron 4SE are also often compared.
Cintron 127SLT
The 127SLT is an astronomical telescope that automatically seeks stars.
At this price, the performance is definitely a lot higher than 90LCM.
It belongs to the catadioptric Maca, with a large aperture of 127, which can accept more light sources, and an ultra-long focal length of 1500, which can obtain higher magnification.
It is equipped with the latest automatic star hunting system of Xingtron, and it is also equipped with a dual power supply, which can be used with a battery or a power supply for mobile charging, and the battery life is further strengthened.
When you go out, you don't have to worry about seeing half of it and suddenly running out of power.
Catadioptric type, photography and observation are very OK, and the effect is also very good.
Cintron 4SE
The NexStar 4SE is also an astronomical telescope that automatically seeks stars.
It is also a catadioptric macha, with a diameter of 102mm, a focal length of 1325mm, and a theodolite with a single wishbone.
Same as the 127SLT, the same automatic star hunting control system.
However, the 4SE has a more high-definition imaging experience, as well as a design with an upper and lower dual optical path that synchronizes photography and observation. This is a difference from the 127SLT.
127SLT vs 4SE, which one to choose?
The 4SE and 127SLT are two products that are relatively close. They are all catadioptric maca, they are all automatic star seeking, and the control system is almost the same.
The biggest difference is in aperture and focal length.
Among them, the 127SLT has a larger aperture than the 4SE, the focal length is also longer than the 4SE, and the price is cheaper than the 4SE.
So overall, I think the 127SLT is a bit more cost-effective.
127SLT is more recommended.
Explore Science 127EQ
Also, the 127EQ for exploring science is okay.
Catadioptric Maca, 127mm aperture, 1900mm ultra-long focal length, plus EQ3 equatorial mount, steel tripod.
The focal length is larger than the 127SLT, so the magnification of this one is very high.
Plus two eyepieces, finderscope, zenith scope, mobile phone holder, very complete.
If you don't need automatic star hunting, you can also consider this one.
Jinghua Grand View 10 inch DOB Dobson
Finally, let's talk about the special, Jinghua Daguan.
This is a Newtonian reflective DOB (Dobson Telescope).
The aperture is extra-large, with 254mm and a focal length of 1270mm. The bench is a floor-standing Dobson bench, which is relatively heavy, about 33kg.
This one features a large aperture, plus the effect of DOB, which is very good for visual and photographic purposes.
Great for those who like to look at it.
How to choose?
- If you want to automatically find stars, choose Xingtron 127SLT;
- If you want a super large caliber and are invincible, then choose Jinghua Daguan.
- For a catadioptric with a large focal length, look no further than the Discovery Science 127EQ.
If you don't know how to choose, you can look at this table and follow the choice.
What else do I need to buy?
Some accessories come with their own, such as zenith lenses, eyepieces, and some also come with a Bard membrane.
Eyepieces: For novices, it is recommended to buy a few more eyepieces, but it is not so rushed, use the ones that come with them first, and it is not too late to buy them after becoming proficient.
Bard film: If you want to buy Bard film, especially if you want to see the sun, you must buy Bard film, don't look at the sun with naked eyes, you will be blind.
Mobile phone holder: Mobile phone holder, it is also recommended to buy one. After all, in addition to visual inspection, sometimes I also want to take a picture of a coin and the like.
SLR bracket: If you don't have a SLR bracket, it is not recommended to buy it first, if you have one, you can buy one.
In addition, it is also recommended to read some books to improve your understanding of the starry sky, there is no harm.
For example, such as: the universe, stargazing at night, starry sky illustrated, naked-eye stargazing, introduction to astronomy, etc.
Some can be prostitutes in WeChat reading, and some have not yet been on it.
You can pay attention to it.