First off thanks for all of the advice so far I have learned quite a bit about this great hobby and purchasing telescopes and optics.
I am visiting a member of a local astronomy club on Thursday who is selling his telescope because he is moving out of state and does not want to drag it with him. The scope will be used as our first family scope (2 boy 8 and 5 who love science). The scope he is selling is a Celestron StarHopper 8" for $200. Here are more specifics:
-He ordered it direct from Celestron in 2000
-He has used it considerably and has been used at a number of star parties for the local club
-Comes with a 10mm and 25mm lens. TelRad finder. Weather cover. Rack and Pinion focuser
-Photos look great and it looks to be well cared for.
-It has the more sought after white DOB base (A couple of reviews of the black base had it less stable "Newer (white rocker box) versions are more desirable since they tend to hold their altitude position a little better" quote from Scopereviews.com)
-He is showing it to me Thursday and we will also take it outside for a night viewing on Thursday as well.
My main concern that has been expressed in reviews is that the secondary mirror is affixed on a single spindle as opposed to a "spider" spindle and when aligning the mirrors you actually have to bend and manipulate the spindle to properly align.
I would like to hear more from people who have this setup about their positives and negatives of this make/model. Also any additional thoughts are welcome and anything I can look for to determine if I should buy.
I am visiting a member of a local astronomy club on Thursday who is selling his telescope because he is moving out of state and does not want to drag it with him. The scope will be used as our first family scope (2 boy 8 and 5 who love science). The scope he is selling is a Celestron StarHopper 8" for $200. Here are more specifics:
-He ordered it direct from Celestron in 2000
-He has used it considerably and has been used at a number of star parties for the local club
-Comes with a 10mm and 25mm lens. TelRad finder. Weather cover. Rack and Pinion focuser
-Photos look great and it looks to be well cared for.
-It has the more sought after white DOB base (A couple of reviews of the black base had it less stable "Newer (white rocker box) versions are more desirable since they tend to hold their altitude position a little better" quote from Scopereviews.com)
-He is showing it to me Thursday and we will also take it outside for a night viewing on Thursday as well.
My main concern that has been expressed in reviews is that the secondary mirror is affixed on a single spindle as opposed to a "spider" spindle and when aligning the mirrors you actually have to bend and manipulate the spindle to properly align.
I would like to hear more from people who have this setup about their positives and negatives of this make/model. Also any additional thoughts are welcome and anything I can look for to determine if I should buy.
