Telescope Advice Please

[BobA]

I live on the South Coast in view of the English Channel and very occasionally something passes that I wouldn't mind taking a closer look at.

Today, it was some sort of Royal Naval vessel that plodded past.

So, I've suddenly decided I must be related to Horatio Nelson or Blackbeard as I would like to buy a BUDGET telescope, so I can scan the horizon for smugglers or Pirates.


I WANT A CHEAP OPTION, so please don't tell me I need something capable of seeing Ur anus OK!!!


I guess I would like to see vessels that are anywhere between 2 to 5 miles off the coast in some detail if poss. If I'm able to see some old sea dog throwing some fish heads overboard, all the better!



Your suggestions please!??

Pointers to suitable stuff on eBay would be appreciated. (I'd love one of theose old cast iron ones you put 10p in!!)




Bob




P.S. I posted a canoe thread a few days ago, but this is something I've discovered I definitely can't afford at the moment, so the telescope is to placate me for a while!!!

[tendays]

Toys R Us is your friend. I got an 'educational' telescope there for about 40 quid. Its plasticky but it works, comes with star chart software, tripod etc. Very difficult to aim it accurately though cos the stars move!

[Boris]

Your suggestions please!??

Look through the little end

[Warthog]

I don't know what you mean by cheap, but decent magnification is not particulary cheap.

I have a Meade ETX70 Astro telescope that is "weak" enough to be used as a ground telescope. Comes with tripod, alternative lenses, and a star tracker in case astronomy was also an interest.

If this is too much, then I actually would recommend either a spotting scope on a tripod, or simply a pair of astro binoculars.

A long telescope has a small field of vison that can make finding your target quite hard, and being so much longer they are hard to keep steady so you get that black edging where your eye is not inline with the lenses...

Examples here.

[Sohoeasy]

Bob,what about a canoe and a magnifying glass ? That would cover last weeks must have as well

[StumpyFingers]

How about a pair of Binoculars?
They are just as good as a telescope and are easier to handle, as it happens I have a pair I do not use if you want to try them.

[BobA]

Ahoy there!


D'ya know what, I just had a feeling I shouldn't have asked about a telescope after my brief love affair with canoes!!

I am clearly an eccentric bald man with expensive tastes!

Thanks Simon, but I've now been offered a pair of binoculours to try out by my cousin who's gonna pop down with them tomorrow. Of course, he's as dim as me about them, so hasn't got clue how powerful they are, so lets see how I get on. They'll probably be those things they use at the ballet or theatre knowing him.




Cheers



Bob

[StumpyFingers]

If they are not suitable these are mine;

[Whealie]

No matter what magnification you try, the important bits in Bob's avatars are always hidden.

[BobA]

No matter what magnification you try, the important bits in Bob's avatars are always hidden.

That's the whole point. Give me the right equipment, and all those topless chics laying on powerboats here on the Sussex Riviera are mine (and in effect yours, as they will become my avatar bunnies!