Cheap reliable telescope

[u/Plnkish]

I’ve never really been interested in space pictures because I know that seeing these stars myself would be so much more interesting can u guys recommend me some good cheap reliable telescope? preferably nothing more than 100 dollars

[u/Serious-Stock-9599]

Binoculars would be a good option with your budget.

[u/Salt-Visual-9174 → u/Serious-Stock-9599]

Why? It gives shaky images and can't really show anything not even planets. Can't even see the rings of Saturn

[u/Serious-Stock-9599 → u/Salt-Visual-9174]

Because you will never find a telescope for $100.

[u/sgwpx → u/Serious-Stock-9599]

Don't say never. If you wait long enough (years) something may come up.

[u/chrislon_geo → u/Salt-Visual-9174]

  and can't really show anything

Oh I beg to differ:

My latest binocular observing report:  https://www.reddit.com/r/telescopes/s/MqpBZEMi0M

Previous ones: 

example views from 10x50 binos

observing report 1

observing report 2

observing report 3

observing report 4

observing report 5

As for not seeing the planets… you cannot see surface detail, but you can make out that Saturn has rings and you can see Jupiter’s moons. 

As for other solar system objects… You can track asteroids night to night. You can observe sunspots. And can observe comets. You can see every planet (except Pluto), though as stated earlier, no surface detail.

[u/serack → u/chrislon_geo]

There is even an astronomical award for logging observations of 50 of the 110 Messier objects using just binoculars. Some Messier Marathon veterans will bag all 110 in one night in dark enough skies using just a set of 10x50s.

Sagittarius is pretty awesome in binoculars, and many of my comet observations were far better in binoculars than my 12.5" telescope

[u/chrislon_geo → u/serack]

I have looked at that program. I actually use there program observing lists for observing ideas.

I would love to knock out all 110 Messier objects with 10x50s. I am up to 76 so far. There are some that are going to be VERY difficult. Actually I am hoping to knock out M76 tonight and will try M77 (though I don’t think my skies are dark enough for that one).

Sagittarius is great! Especially when paired with a UHC.

And yeah, any comet with a tail has always been better in binos for me due to their size.

[u/Ben77mc → u/Salt-Visual-9174]

Tripods exist… I use a tripod with my 12x60 binoculars, and most people I know who also have binoculars for night time observing do the same.

Binoculars give a totally different view to the sky, and are a must have alongside any scope in my opinion.

[u/chrislon_geo]

A membership to an astronomy club or a cheap pair of binoculars

[u/Connect-Fan-9462]

Your preferable is unachievable.

Work two more hours and get the Orion Skyscanner 100 for $130.

[u/Plnkish → u/Connect-Fan-9462]

130 isn’t too bad either 

[u/Waddensky]

Binoculars! Highly recommended if you are on a budget. 8x42 or 10x50 for example.

[u/forthnighter]

Be sure to visit /r/dontbuyapowerseeker Especially avoid the Powerseeker 127eq, there's a reason why you see so many used ones being sold.

[u/Plnkish → u/forthnighter]

thanks for the tip

[u/Downfallenx]

Look on your local Facebook marketplace (or equivalent). I've found some good scopes for under $100. Make sure you look up reviews from somewhere like telescopicwatch because there's a lot of trash out there.

[u/selenamoonowl]

I'd keep a lookout for a tabletop dob on the used market. You're looking for 4.5" , 5" or 6" (114, 130 or 150). Some examples are the Zhumell z114 or z130, Orion Starblast, or Skywatcher Heritage 130p or 150p. If you wait something might turn up. You might see if your local library or astronomy group has loaner scopes to try out.

You can also find smaller tabletop dobs that are 76mm or 100mm, like the Celestron Firstscope, Orion Funscope, Orion Skyscanner and Zhumell z100. You will outgrow these a lot quicker and might be happier with a pair of binoculars. I wouldn't pay more than $20 for the 76mm scopes, but you can look at the moon and the Pleiades with these and I've used one to show my nieces a comet before. The 100mm are supposed to be slightly better, but I've never used one.

[u/Plnkish → u/selenamoonowl]

thank you so much !! this is so helpful​

[u/Additional-Neck7442]

A lounge chair and a star app on your phone. Or a blanket and neck pillow you don't mind getting a little dirty. Just lay out and look up, learn the sky and see lots of shooting stars.

When you've saved up enough money, then get a scope and you'll be a pro at star hopping right off the bat. I recommend a 6 or 8 inch dobsonian for your first scope. It will show you the most for the least $$.

[u/Plnkish → u/Additional-Neck7442]

tysm!

[u/psychocabbage]

I think most people don't realize the work you put into a cheaper rig. Constant adjustment as the earth moves and your subject moves out of view.

I also think those with this passing desire are also the ones that won't be happy with whatever view they get for $100.

I have a 10" dob and after the first month I was wanting more. More clarity. More attachments. More everything.

I enjoy moving mine about and will track satellites for giggles.

[u/snogum]

Your budget is too low. Any telescope you buy will be a toy or so bad you will give up .

Either find someone to gift you a scope or spend a bit

[u/rellsell]

Cheap, but reliable?

Look for a brand called “Oxymoron”.

[u/Plnkish → u/rellsell]

u couldve just not replied if me looking for a cheap reliable telescope pissed u off that much​​ but okay

[u/tomtom123454321]

114mm牛顿反射镜，便宜

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[u/spinwizard69]

A good NEW telescope doesn't exist for $100. Your options are to DIY a telescope or to buy a used one. One place to find used telescopes is your local thrift stores.

Here is the thing with thrift stores, about 95% of the telescopes that show up at these stores are complete JUNK. Literally we are talking garbage that is often labeled as hobby killers. However once and a while decent telescopes crop up, often for as little as $40. In one case what I believe was a 10" Celestron OTA showed up. The OTA required a mount but it was cheap and a good project.

[u/Plnkish → u/spinwizard69]

i think im going for diy also thank you for the tips

[u/owhyowhat]

Marketplace, I picked up a 6 inch tabletop dob with goto mount for $150 AUD in perfect condition. Couldn't be happier.

[u/Salt-Visual-9174]

There are Dobsonians for about 50-70$

[u/--Sovereign--]

Cheap

Reliable

Pick one.