what do u think of this telescope?

I'm a beginner in star gazing and I want a starter telescope and I don't know if this is a great quality telescope. Its a Konus Konusmotor 90. Would u recommend this telescope or other?

http://www.first-telescope.com/telescopes/Konus_Konusmoor90_35_equaorial_refracor.asp/catalog_name/FirstTelescope/category_name/658VN6L1EP189G70RU9L3QAUM0/product_id/K90

Thanks in advance

Anonymous2007-10-25T04:58:09Z

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A toy Newtonian of 80mm? I've never heard of such a thing.

Not having experience with the Konus, I can't offer an opinion on it. I do know that a reflector on a Dobsonian mount is excellent for general viewing. I strongly advise asking at a local amateur astronomy club, because discussing your interests and expectations with experienced, helpful people can only be a good thing.

Mark2007-10-25T10:31:54Z

Make your own telescope. You can make it to be as good or better than any of the commercial products. A 4" mirror is a two-weekend project. An experienced mirror maker can grind, polish, and figure a 4" mirror in a day. Typically a first project is 10" or less. In the US there are 20 or 30 mirror making groups.

?2007-10-25T04:21:56Z

I tested a number of Konus telescopes, and their mechanical and optical performance was really poor; I wouldn't recommend them. You'll do much better with a Dobsonian reflector, such as those below. More aperture, better optics, and a much more solid mount.

Anonymous2007-10-25T03:38:53Z

Well, it looks well-made, and at least they don't try to impress you with unreasonable magnifications like other companies, but I suspect you could find a decent first scope for just about $100.....
This one seems high-quality, and is probably a safe buy, but I think you might find a a larger reflector, for example, for that kind of money. For instance on that same site, a desktop reflector for under $100...
http://www.firsttelescope.com/telescopes/Celesron_Explorascope_31_ableop_alazimuh_reflecor.asp/catalog_name/FirstTelescope/category_name/H4E7E5Q7ARVA9KXKAQTFH79VM0/product_id/EXPLO

Ernst S2007-10-25T04:26:03Z

I think that a refractor (lens) telescope of 90mm opening is FAR better than a toy Newtonian of only 80mm opening minus some obstructions.
I would recommend this 90mm/1000mm lens telescope as a good beginner's telescope.

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