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thehangedman-XII t1_ja9dyiw wrote

Maybe look for one used, and if you find some in your price range (like others said, $30 is going to be tough) just do some research on reviews and see if it worth picking up. I picked up a decent used one for $90.

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Gusto88 t1_ja9bu52 wrote

You cannot even buy a toy scope for $30. To get a decent scope that won't drive you insane with its garbage mount and awful optics multiply your budget by ten. That's the minimum.

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lorfeir t1_ja9j3y8 wrote

I absolutely agree with the other comments about going for binoculars over a cheap scope. Go for binoculars with big objective lenses and don't go for huge magnification. While you want some magnification, what you really want is to get more light into your eyes. With binoculars like that, you should be able to see lots of interesting and beautiful things in the sky. You may be able to find an old pair in a second hand shop... Goodwill for instance?

As for telescopes, you won't find anything that won't frustrate you terribly for the kind of money you're talking about. I got a department store scope when I was a kid, and it just drove me nuts. You might look into making one. One of the popular telescope designs is called a "Dobsonian". It's a simple telescope, often made from cardboard tube and plywood, with a home-ground mirror. They are named after the guy who developed the design, John Dobson. He used to make these telescopes and take them out in San Francisco and show the sky to local kids. Sometimes, he'd give one away to an eager kid. He was a monk (if I remember right) and had to make them cheap.

Look around your area and see if there is an amateur astronomers' club around. If so, there are bound to be old codgers there who would be helpful with advise on getting into astronomy, what sort of equipment might be good, and how to make your own, if that sounds interesting.

Don't forget, by the way, that you don't have to have expensive equipment to get into star gazing. You just need at least one eye and clear skies. Although having a star chart with you (either printed or an app) would be a big help too. Binoculars and telescopes will show you more, but there is a lot to see just by looking up.

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phatprize t1_ja9kbz4 wrote

What do you think about the Celestron – SkyMaster 20X80 Binoculars? I got them for 75 but it’s been cloudy so I haven’t gotten to look through them at night.

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lorfeir t1_jaa0aqp wrote

Those are probably fine (I've never used those particular ones). Looks like they may have a tripod adapter built in. If so, that's pretty good, as those might be a little difficult to hold steady.

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ExpertDingleberry t1_ja9dn7q wrote

If $30 really is your price point, you should consider binoculars. You won't find any telescopes at $30.

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CFCYYZ t1_ja9fbke wrote

Agreed XDinglberry. I suggest to all beginning astronomers they find a decent pair of new or used 10 x 50 binocs and get a star map or software. Learn to constellation hop and identify things Out There. If interest is lost, there is no scope to unload at a loss, and the binocs are still good for a day's birding or at the beach.

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EmpathyZero t1_ja9h5qy wrote

To get started you can use good binoculars. Maybe you can get a used set for close to $30.

The other option is to start mowing lawns and walking dogs for folks. You can earn decent cash and buy a nice telescope.

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space-ModTeam t1_ja9l18k wrote

Hello u/Smitrang, your submission "Regarding buying a telescope" has been removed from r/space because:

It looks like you are looking for recommendations on buying a telescope. Check out the beginner guide on r/telescopes for advice depending on your budget.

Please read the rules in the sidebar and check r/space for duplicate submissions before posting. If you have any questions about this removal please message the r/space moderators. Thank you.

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NoFan3693 t1_ja9q6sv wrote

20 is a lot of magnification to hold and steady I can barely handle 10.

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