For ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS - Part 2 - All about telescopes!

[@tedmouser6880]

Ed~ I've learned more from you in just a couple of weeks than I have cumulatively learned over the past 35 years over many other amateur astronomy.

[@edting]

Wow, thanks for that!

[@TheBanjoShowOfficial]

How is that even possible lol

[@ba2724]

Ed, you wrote an article reviewing a telescope many years back. It wasn't so much about the actual telescope that hooked me into astronomy, it was how you wrote the article. I felt like you wrote that article just for me with your passion and simplicity in explaining things, especially "value" in all things. So thank you, and I wish you nothing but the best in all you do.

[@parva777]

"You will have to give me a minute" ... 😂😂😂 ... Excellent ! Keep it funny Ed I love you sens of humour 👍

[@mrjack8849]

I was out in my apartment parking lot the evening of the closest part of the conjunction. I had 10 random people walk by and ask about my scope. I think astronomy is a growing market with the advances in imaging and cameras and people want to share their photos. I still mostly just enjoy visual, but slowly getting into Astro photography.

[@ericnesheim8541]

I don't know which video to put this under, but I want to thank you so much for 1 - Good Advice 2 - Making Sense 3 - Being Honest. A saying among "Horse People" is ask 10 Horsemen the same question and you will get 11 different answers. I have found that this principal applies to many different areas, but not with you. After over a year of trying to get involved in astrophotography, I just bought a good pair of binoculars, a planisphere and a beginner's book and put the camera and telescope away. Thank you so much.

[@Bobcatwill]

You deserve more subscibers. I think, once more people in the hobby find out about you, you'll take off.

[@peterpiper7094]

Excellent clear concise information delivered with the skill of an expert ☺️

[@burtonrasmussen2833]

I'm so glad I found your channel! I ordered a 6" dobsonian that should be here in a few weeks... So not quite soon enough for the jupiter-saturn event. I do have a cheap 60mm department store refractor that I've had since I was a kid that I'll try to use. I look forward to your next videos!

[@M.C.DoWell]

Found your channel after an astroscan was donated to me. I couldn't believe what could see through it. Now I want to get my own "casual" telescope. I am so overwhelmed by all the things I don't know, but your two beginner videos make me feel like I have a chance. I'm really excited to learn from you. You have a very good delivery and explain the information in such a way that is to the point and understandable. Ty

[@AstroDenny]

I get a LOT of questions about what people should buy. I will start to point them at this series and then come back with questions... :-) Nice job!

[@book3100]

I second that

[@lunawigglesworth3621]

Thank you for this! I just started looking at the sky with my 7x35 binoculars and fell in love with learning. My husband has a telescope I’ve used before but didn’t understand what was happening with light until today. Thank you!

[@simonking6490]

Thank you so much for this information. I really enjoyed and am acting on your advice.

[@MikeLikesChannel]

Celestron 6” is my favorite scope and the one I keep coming back to. It’s the portability. My kids like to go to dark sites with me, and the whole thing fits in the trunk in a neat little case. Just don’t forget the mount’s battery 😉 Dobs are fun, but if you’re driving your spouse and 2 kids to a park, there’s no room for an 8 or 10” Dob plus them! Also, go-to mount is very useful when little hands like to touch the scope during observing. It keeps Saturn or the moon or M42 right where it belongs.

[@ftumschk]

Great video! This would have been handy ~20 years ago, when I bought my first serious scope, a 10" reflector which I got for a great price. Whilst the optics were excellent, it was rather unwieldy and I didn't get much use out of it as a result. I soon sold it and bought a smaller, but far more manageable scope, which I still use to this day.

[@brandonrunyon]

With regards to achromatic refractors, you can get a fringe killer filter which I find does a decent job of removing some of that halo.

[@hornet224]

One of the BEST for beginners that is good to keep is the Celestron Explorer102AZ DX refractor telescope. $399 on Amazon. Add a Baader Hyperion 24mm 1.25" eyepiece for $169 more is optional. It weighs only 14 lbs. and you can move it around the yard to see around obstacles. Best of all, it has StarSense App that connects to your phone to steer you around to all the good things in the sky to see - a huge advantage that recalibrates automatically. Travels easily in your small trunk and is not a dread to carry. No purple halo that I could see. Bright and sharp images. For gazing at the Moon, planets, stars, and big galaxies like M31.

[@stevensmith9883]

A number of years ago I believe I bought a 4 1/4 Edmund Reflector from you, red tube with the tan mount. It was a great little telescope which later I gave to my niece. Thanks for your videos and happy holidays. Steven Smith

[@stevensmith9883]

ps. this was the f10 newtonian, not the Astroscan

[@tonygeddes9558]

Thanks for your advice! I’m new to all this but I’ve just bought myself a Dobsonian 8” telescope. A Sky-Watcher 200P. I’ve also ordered a couple of decent eyepieces. I’m very excited!

[@richscales7856]

love your videos ed, I am on of those kids, many many years ago, who got a tasco from a dept. store (yep, the hallys coment era)... Amazing how we fell for the closeup fake images on the box on these scopes. Ive since been into astronomy for many years, learned many things, and recently got my wife into the hobby.. I got her a pair of Zhumell 20x80 Giant Astronomy Binoculars, a bargain for $109 (they are actually really excellent for the price) , I had a spare tripod for her, and shes blown away vby what she can see. Your videos are realky excellent. Youre honest, and I really trust your opinions. My wife is going to have her first scope soon... Im getting her the starblast 6in. Im a brit who met my spouse online, married since 2001, live in alabama..... we get plenty of clear skies but man the humidity in peak summer can really mess with the atmosphere. Keep making these awesome vids ed..... theyre fantastic

[@carlstevens4981]

I've learned so much from the last couple of you're videos. Thank you. I'm stumped on with telescope to get

[@MyTube4Utoo]

Such fantastic information presented in very enjoyable videos. Especially for someone like me that's just starting into the hobby. I haven't even bought my first telescope yet, but I _think_ I've pretty much decided on an 8 inch Dobsonian, although I am considering a 10 inch, also. Thank you very much, Ed.

[@hooper365]

I'm with you I'm gonna pull the trigger on an 8' Orion dobsonian and maybe a year after having bought that one I'll get a 10' or even 12' dobsonian

[@VirgilTStone]

​@@hooper365 I've got a 12 inch. Amazing thing. Also have a couple decent telescopes.

[@davegibson6604]

Great video....lots of info. I think I like the word cassegrain for the third type of telescope. I've seen a Newtonian reflector with a spherical mirror and a corrector plate at the opening which makes it a catadioptric, even though it looks and operates like a standard Newtonian reflector (eyepiece out the side near the front. Also a Ritchey Cretian looks like a typical catadioptric (light enters at the front, reflects off two mirrors and exits through a hole in the middle of the primary mirror), but because of the hyperbolic curve of the two mirrors, doesn't require a corrector lens...so technically not a catadioptric design.

[@quarterhorsetj]

Thankyou for sharing all of your informative videos. We do not have any clubs near us, and cannot find anyone to want to start up one. I'm thankful for videos like this, and books.

[@ganderstein3426]

I commented on the part one video related to this one. Again, I'm astonished at how comprehensive these videos are for being so relatively short. Great work, again. This channel is great. I know you mentioned maybe revising part one and perhaps the others. That would be interesting to see what more you could condense into these videos.

[@3dfxvoodoocards6]

16:15 - well the 6 inch refractor gathers more light than a 6 inch newtonian or SCT, since the reflectors have a central obstruction and also mirrors with 88-94% reflectivity (the lens of the refractor loses just 1% light).

[@cday131]

Been monitoring Craiglist for several months to buy my first scope. Managed to get a complete AWB OneSky for $50 and within the past week I found an XT8 for $150 that even came with some extras since it's the 40th anniversary version. That's after narrowly missing out on a few promising listings. You got to be quick. Telescope people are ravenous. 🤯🔭

[@edting]

Wow, those are great deals! Congrats!

[@JMPants]

Hey Ed, just recently got a celestron cpc deluxe 925 after a decade out of the hobby all together, the collimation from the factory was........off, fortunately sct types are fairly straight forward, but you're right, turning screws is still terrifying if you're new and just watching videos, videos cant show torque expected to turn screws and can be off putting.

[@ronaldzincone841]

Follow up to Part 1. Great informative video, Ed.

[@selfworthy]

One of the best beginners youtube videos ive seen so far. Thenk you very much!

[@blaircolliver5194]

Thanks for the great video Ed. I have been looking at 6" scopes, so this was very timely.

[@marekcihar]

Thanks Ed, jus getting into it. Yours vids are so helpful.

[@cameronwoods7891]

Great video! Would love a part 3!

[@brianamyjohnston]

Has part three ever been made?

[@toadinthehole84]

Just ordered a starblast full newbie here but excited to get started

[@rcpmac]

Generally, we do NOT recommend doing astrophotography with your Dobsonian telescope, as the lack of a tracking mount or an equatorial mount will make long exposures impossible. That being said, photographs of the Moon, planets, and very short exposures of bright nebulae are doable with the right expectations

[@johnnymartinez478]

Love the content

[@ericaroundtheworld]

Hi Ed. I know u have answered this question before and u said either one my friend would enjoy it . But it just doesn't sit right mm getting the collapsible tube skywatcher heritage 130. Tho, it also feels WRONG to pay more . To get a lower aperture telescope z114 when u know the perfect one is z130. cuz it seems more solid and doesn't have to be too dedicated (skywatcher 130 seems too fragile) or u need to make the shroud and using plumber tape to stabilize the eyepiece . HOWEVER that is zhumell z 130 also currently unavailable. God knows when the stock comes back .I have been waiting for a month to see if I get some luck. (Some people say the stock come and go and I don't know if it is true) So now that left me between Skywatcher heritage 130 AND zhumell z 114 (which was similiar to the Orion starblast I was originally going to purchase ) If z114 (cost like £180) - on Amazon . And skywatcher heritage 130 (in store in stock ) - £162 which one would u pick ..=?? Or should I keep waiting ? Cuz despite so many people said Skywatcher 130 is great and works perfectly find and the price is great ! For some stupid reasons in my head .a solid tube is easier to learn on . (Cuz u could hold it more properly ?) What do u guys think. Please help thanks a lot

[@johnrbolam1235]

Great Videos Ed!! How about doing some on Eyepieces?

[@spamcan9208]

I was really looking forward to your mounts video but I couldn't find it. Will you be releasing it soon?

[@sfomann]

It would be nice to see a video of recommendation in each category for different price points E.g. $200, 500 and $1000 range. I don’t mind spending a little extra for that best bang for the buck!

[@edting]

Hey that's not a bad idea. Let me think about that one!

[@GoliathAngel]

Thank you for your time putting this together!

[@ericemanuelson5128]

Great videos! I just seen a Christmas commercial for a home improvement store and on the side by the tree was a cheap little refractor telescope. It made me think of you.

[@jasonmcintosh2632]

A video on Mak's would be nice to see. I'm just getting back into astronomy after a 40 year pause and I'm looking to buy a small one. I like the compact size and hope to use it as a terrestial scope as well. (BTW, you make great videos. They're a nice combination of information and enthusiasm for the topic. Thank you!)

[@edting]

I'd love to, thanks for the idea!

[@jasonmcintosh2632]

@@edting If you'd like to have another video idea... consider making a Newtonian collimination video. (I literally just got a Dobsonian from my neighbor's closet.) I know there are a ton of colimination videos out there and I seem to have watched half of them. BUT there are still things that I'm unsure about. Specifically: How important is it to get the diagional's rotation correct? Just how much will columation errors effect my viewing and photography? Most of the comination videos are in two groups: here's how you use a laser coliminator and laser colimators are terrible, use a cheshire and this cap thing... Having freshly gone through this leanring curve, I'd be willing to make a list of topics I think a good video should cover...

[@AthosKati]

I'm an absolute beginner looking to buy his first telescope! I have narrowed down my options to: 1. SkyWatcher Startravel 102/500 AZ3 2. SkyWatcher 90/900 AZ3 I want to use it for land and sky observation. I would go for the 1st one due to its highest aperture, but i'm afraid of its high chromatic aberration. Please shed some starlight on my issue!

[@jayt2266]

What ever happened to part 3? Looking forward to the eyepiece and mount knowledge.

[@ronshaw9311]

Wharever happened to fiberglass tubes? I built a 6 inch F8 about 40 years ago, but have been out of the hobby for about 30 years (marriage, kids). I am now getting back into the hobby, and started looking for parts for a new scope, and it seems fiberglass tubes are nowhere to be found. What happened?

[@sbholliday]

Thank you for the informative video. I am looking to buy my first telescope for astrophotography. I will keep studying to decide which one to start with. I took nice photos with an iphone and a gorsky spotting scope, so I am looking to upgrade for better pictures. Your video helped me get a little closer to deciding which way to go.

[@altuniversal3445]

You have taught us the more aperture , the better! Now I’m wondering , what are the differences in light gathering capability across the different designs : for instance, wouldn’t an 8 inch refractor in theory gather more light than an 8 inch reflector (all things being equal). How would a 8 inch Schmidt cassegrain compare? As a beginner currently looking to buy my first scope, it seems most manufactures seem to build scopes leaning either toward planetary viewing (high focal length) or a more moderate focal length for DSO field of view. if you had to choose, would you rather have to buy a focal reducer to help a long scope see DSOs or a nice Barlow to help a shorter scope achieve better planetary views?

[@VirgilTStone]

Neither. I'd buy two different scopes for the two different uses.

[@samalford8923]

Ed, this is a wonderful set of videos! Thank you! I have a question. I am into backpacking, and would like to add astronomy to this hobby of mine (might a well take advantage of the dark skies!). What type of telescope would you recommend based upon *durability? Of course, I know a pair of binoculars might suit my goals as well, but I thought I'd ask anyways. Thank you for your help!

[@edting]

I'd stick with binoculars. When you carry a scope around, it isn't the optical tube that causes you headaches, it's the mount. Good, usable telescope mounts are neither light nor small.

[@Fatal_Inertia]

I just realized something about the Meade sky tour mode. Wouldn't it make sense to start with the dimmest object and work up to the brightest? If you look at a bright object first, it would make it harder to see dimmer objects.

[@steveh.3370]

I learned a lot. Thanks.

[@johnnysager8899]

Great information for beginners!!

[@mtlfpv]

Fantastic video Ed, loving this series.

[@lornaz1975]

The Orion 6in Newt looks to have a different focuser than what comes stock. Unless it is old and they have changed in recent years. Great vid by the way!

[@abbasjafri5948]

Well done Ed.

[@nellynandes]

Ed, such a great video! My kids and I became fascinated with astronomy once we learned how to find Jupiter! Seems like the Short Tube 80 has been discontinued. Any other recommendations from Orion similar to the that one (outside of the Starblast)?

[@edting]

Try the Orion Observer 134 (review is elsewhere on this channel)

[@nellynandes]

@@edting thank you thank you!

[@3dfxvoodoocards6]

For 200$ you can also buy a Skywatcher Evostar or Bresser 90/900 mm F10 achromat which certainly are much better than the 80 mm Orion short tube.

[@omicronceti545]

Can you do some videos on tips and tricks maybe with you using your telescopes and how you find objects manually.

[@godsgizmogirl4197]

did anyone stop at 5:04 and look up a night scene to see what Ed was explaining? first movie that came to mind for night scenes was batman haha, so looked it up where batman kidnaps Lay from Hong Kong and sure enough, purple halos everywhere . I shall not unsee this now, cool thing to tell people

[@sandymitchell7785]

Thank you so much I really learned a lot from your videos! I will not buy a telescope and a department store for sure‼️

[@pfflying6275]

Ed, I have been spending a lot of time watching your videos (And others as well). As I think of gifts for my granddaughter (10), a telescope came to mind. My son tells me she is enjoying reading about the moon for school. I want her to be wowed by astronomy. Therefore, I decided against a good set of binoculars. I'm not sure if she will be interested in deep sky, but think she will focus on the moon and planets. Based on my research to date, I decided to take your advice and get the Orion StarBlast 4.5. The problem is they only seem to sell them with an equatorial mount on a tripod. The tabletop mount is evidently not in stock (Orion says it will be delivered in January). Is it a mistake to buy the telescope with the tripod with the equatorial mount? I want it to be small enough to prevent her mom from complaining about the space it takes and want it to be easy for her to take it outside. Thoughts? Other replacements for the Starblast, which you like as much and has the proper mount? Thanks so much. Great job on your videos.

[@edting]

The problem with the eq version of that scope is the mount. It isn't well made and will likely frustrate you. Check my review of the Orion Space Probe which uses the same mount. If you can't find a Starblast tabletop version in stock, try the Zhumell Z114, which is the same scope painted black.

[@nazmulsajib]

Hello there Is there any good 20-30° North planisphere? Searched amazon but couldn't find any.

[@darylbaker8911]

what are your comments on the celestron powerseeker 127 eq. is it deprtment store quality or a good scope?

[@book3100]

I've never used one, but I see that it has a manual equatorial mount, which is very nice. It's a newtonian reflector of about 4 inches, which will be nice for moon, planets, and closer bright nebulae, like in Orion. You'll see Andromeda galaxy alright, too. It's a nice inexpensive starter scope with room to learn and grow on, seems to me. It's about like Ed's Starblast scope, but with a nicer mount. Celestron is a good brand, it's not a dept store cheapo.

[@altuniversal3445]

Don’t fall into the same trap I did , I bought one for my dad about a year ago. Check the review on telescopestobuy.com or any of the other review sites it is unfortunately an awful scope (a poorly done bird jones design ) don’t make the same mistake I did! One professional review I read even said it has the worst optics of any scope they’ve ever seen!

[@jasonmcintosh2632]

Sorry to ask this here, but you seem very knowledgeable and i wasn't able to find an answer elsewhere. I'm wondering about eye piece field stop diameter. I assume that the more light that reaches your eye, the better the view will be. One of the things that seems will limit the light is the eyepiece's field stop diameter. When I searched for the importance of field stop, I only found stuff talking about its relation to field of view. They didn't say anything about brightness or image quality. Is the eyepiece's field stop diameter an important parameter in choosing an eyepiece? The 76 deg AFOV Baader Morpheous ep's seem to have a rather small field stop (12.1mm in 9mm ep), whereas the Orion LHD 80-Degree Lanthanum Ultra-Wide have a much larger field stop (33.4mm in 9mm ep) but don't have a much larger AFOV. Would you expect the Orion to have a better viewing experience than the Baader just considering field stop diameter, or maybe you never even think about the field stop diameter?

[@paramounttechnicalconsulti5219]

You need music background. When talking abour chromatic aberrations on a refractor, Jimi's "Purple Haze" would have worked well. ;-p

[@mikeyL3147]

You mention making a review of the AWB Onesky. Have you done a review of this telescope?

[@edting]

Can't get my hands on one! Try the Sky-Watcher clone, the 130p. I do have a review of its larger brother, the Sky-Watcher Heritage 150p elsewhere on this channel.

[@HEXZ0R-]

15:34 hahahah nice one

[@A_BLACKMANUSMC]

Hey Ed I am newbie. I am currently saving up for a 8in dobsonian reflector by "Apertura". I want to keep my telescope safe i don't have a lot of storage space. Could you please give me any tips or ideas to properly store the telescope like some do's and don'ts. Should i try to buy the protective equipment that you suggested first or telescope?

[@warlordofvideogameglitches]

Somethings i didn't know about with telescopes and i had no idea you can use a binoculars to view things.

[@utpalbanerjee382]

Information regarding mounts is needed.

[@sofiastark6576]

Sir, you are so cool.

[@ibrahemasad6931]

Hi Ed Ting (if your reading) I am a 14 year old teen who just took interest in astronomy.I wanted to ask which type oftelescope i should buy if i want to see nebulae and planets. Which are available in the subcontinent (Pakistan And India) And are unde 100 dollars.

[@chrislarson740]

Great video again, Ed - I'm hooked on your channel - extremely informative, and very lighthearted! I've had an AWB OneSky 130 on order since the first week of December... Did you get yours yet? :-) Anyway, do you have a eyepiece and accessory review/recommendation video for these small Dobsonians? Searching but I don't see one... Keep up the great work!

[@edting]

Thanks for your nice comments. I'd love to do those videos! I just need time, time time....ah, where to find more?

[@chrislarson740]

@@edting Ha!! I get that... The older we get, the more time becomes a precious commodity. Love what you do, and glad you take the time to do it!!

[@Sparky-ov1ot]

I just like a dark clear night and look up, though might be nice to see a bit clearer, but then again I am getting on a bit and my own "lenses" just aren't what they were, thanks for the video. Psalm 19:1-4 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world.

[@curlymanjordan]

Are constellations a product of astrology , astronomy, or both?

[@prod.hhaydenn]

I currently have a nexstar 4s. What do you think is the best upgrade from that telescope. I was think about get the cpc 1100.

[@spamcan9208]

The one kid in every class that walks up to the back of a reflector after you've explained it is probably the kid that eats glue.

[@JCintheBCC]

I just found your channel, and it has helped dramatically in getting up to speed with the fundamentals and terminology of the industry and hobby. I'm in a bit of an odd place. I just inherited (through a friend who's coworker's aunt passed away) a Celestron CPC 9.25. I know this is not a good starter scope. Also, the scope was in storage for at least 8 years. The image has a fair amount of shimmer, even just during daytime or lunar viewing at low mag (40mm eyepiece). Is that user error or does the scope need a tuneup? What recommendations would you have to someone starting from the ground up with a used telescope?

[@edting]

It's likely just atmosphere. Try 'er again on another night. If that fails, see if there is a local astronomy club in your area. There will almost certainly be someone there who can help you diagnose the issue. A CPC925, I'm jealous!

[@JCintheBCC]

@@edting Thank you! I certainly got very lucky. It was passed along to me since I live at 8000 feet and out of the city. It should make for decent backyard viewing, but, the mountains also mean clouds and freezing temperatures this time of year. I'll search around for a local club.

[@martzxr]

What options have I got to upgrade the tripod on my celestron travel scope 70?

[@franklinmiles1]

Catadioptric

[@simonbodill]

Hi Ed I’m very new to your channel I unfortunately got put off as a kid with a cheap telescope. I really found this video very informative question for you I am really interested in having a static setup in my loft conversion I’m happy to buy a second hand one but would like a telescope that I won’t have to upgrade in a few months time any help would be great thanks 😬

[@edting]

Hi thanks for watching. I have several buyer's guides on this channel. The recommendations have not changed in over a decade. 7X35 binos/books, StarBlast/Z114, and (best of all) any 6" or 8" Dobsonian reflector.

[@simonbodill]

@@edting thanks again 👍🏼😬

[@hudsonswann6]

Did this series end?? The first two videos were very helpful.

[@edting]

Ha, thanks for the nudge. So much interesting stuff keeps coming in here for review, it keeps getting pushed back. I'll get there, I'll get there...

[@hudsonswann6]

@@edting thanks a lot man! i’m a beginner and your videos have helped me learn about the night sky and telescopes and much more, keep it up!

[@keithgove4456]

So 15 or more years ago I bought a Meade LX 200 GPS. I can’t even remember what the actual size was and I can’t find the receipt.The manual is for an 8 inch to 16 inch. I measure a crossed and it’s 16 inches but I assuming that the mirror is smaller. So this is a 14 inch?

[@leechjim8023]

Schmidt-Cassegrain

[@SimRacingVeteran]

I’m very ignorant when it comes to this hobby. I just want to point and look at whatever is up there on whatever night. I’m considering purchasing an Explore Science First Light 8” Dobsonian. Is this a sound investment or should I be looking at something else? Anyone with some experience, your input would be appreciated.

[@edting]

That should be fine. A lot of stuff is out of stock right now, so take whatever you can find. In an 8" Dob, check Orion, Sky-Watcher, Zhumell, Apertura, etc.

[@BlackRiverx]

Did you ever review the AWB one sky reflector?

[@edting]

Check the Sky-Watcher Heritage series reviews on this channel. Same product.

[@ark8tct]

Is there a website with a good astronomy user group for finding used telescopes?

[@AstroDenny]

Cloudy Nights (cloudynights.com) or AstroMart. Beware, though- Buying used gear can be risky if you can't inspect it first (check seller ratings) and shipping on bigger scopes and mounts is crazy expensive.

[@mfaison]

Try astromart.com

[@borzak101]

LOT of people nowdays will have no clue what you mean by saying "department store" in reference to telescopes. Possibly never been in one.

[@sungerbob1786]

can you make a playlist of your beginner series?

[@edting]

Hey, that's a good idea! I should do it for the Q & A videos too.

[@sungerbob1786]

@@edting thank you for your attention!

[@utpalbanerjee382]

Mirror of my 4 inch. telescope’s got oxidised and reflectivity is almost zero. How to remirror it?

[@MetaView7]

how about advices for the absolute filthy rich beginners? there are lots of them around -- retired. just sold the house . . . downsizing, sold the big toys and ready for the homey telescope.

[@marcomeiling9313]

That 6 inch refractor, was that a CFF?

[@jpant9039]

Where is the first part? Please link it.

[@Dazx-Scotia]

The computer controlled scope sounded like the voice of Majel Barrett

[@davidpope2189]

Ed, is the Orion StarBlast 4.5 good for "back yard" astrophotography? (BTW, I live in a rural area with relatively dark sky conditions.) Or would a telephoto lens on my camera be a better option?

[@edting]

The StarBlast is a Dob, so no astrophotography. Using a telephoto lens brings you into a subset of astro imaging known as "nightscapes". I have always found this kind of astrophotography quite difficult, but you can give it a shot.

[@davidpope2189]

@@edting, thanks. I'm tempted to buy one just for observation purposes. BTW, your channel rocks!

[@XioJN]

@@edting Hey man you're awesome. I've got to see the sun (via big telescope) from a museum while I was little and shows how magical astronomy is. I plan to get a job and save up to buy the Celestron - NexStar 8SE Telescope and a few good binoculars you recommend. plan to gift a couple of neighbors some binoculars. hoping to do some star gazing at badlands. stay awesome man.

[@gurrag79]

Great videos Ed, but where is Beginners part 3? Cant find it or am I blind...

[@edting]

I need to find time! Time, ah, such a valuable commodity...

[@gurrag79]

@@edting Haha, understand fully. Could I/we chip in with patreon or similar to assist?

[@gurrag79]

@@edting Hope your 2022 start is good Ed! Have you any thoughts about my Patreon ask? :-)

[@TruthisWITHIN]

I want a good telescope. My range is anywhere between $100-1000. Any recommendations?

[@osbornephoto1955]

Are you sure that 6" cat gathers the same light as a 6" newt.? I thought one of the problems with cat's were they were slow...F:10 or so.

[@rooftopastronomer2697]

Brother. One thing that a lot of people have a hard time understanding is that f ratio is only important when you want to photograph. It isn't important when you are doing visual.

[@jimconnoy6133]

Ed--what do you think of the Celestron Powerseeker 127? I'm thinking of getting one

[@edting]

Ouch. That is the most hated piece of department store grade dreck out on the market today. The same holds true of all the PowerSeekers and AstroMasters. Avoid avoid avoid.

[@jimconnoy6133]

@@edting I've had my suspicions. What about the Orion Space Probe 130 with equatorial. The problem is I live near Tampa, Florida and there are no places to go to actually look at them up close and examine each one. There used to be a few places like that but they're long gone. It's not a first telescope for me.

[@derp812]

Is there a part 3?

[@edting]

Haven't gotten around to that yet!

[@wizardz7938]

Give me part 3 now!!!

[@edting]

Ha, thank you so much for your vote of confidence. I just need to find the time to do all this stuff!