Minimum requirements for a telescope (contrail spotting)

[PeterDM]

Hello,

I would like to start with contrail spotting and photography.
Can someone give me advice for the minimum requirements of a telescope. What is acceptable as focal lenght?
Considering that he may not be too large because the space for storage in our apartment is too small.

Thx P

[contrailwatcherUK]

Hi,

Many users on this forum use the dobsonian style telescope, due to its large focal length (of approx. 1200mm) and large light gathering abilities.

The most popular choice is the 8" & 10" Skywatcher Skyliner model (the all-white one, NOT the one with the huge gap in the middle!).

As a minimum requirement I would say a 6" dobsonian telescope like this:
http://www.harpersphoto.co.uk/product/s ... escope_716_/

Good luck
James.

[sn26567]

As a minimum requirement I would say a 6" dobsonian telescope like this:
http://www.harpersphoto.co.uk/product/s ... escope_716_/

There is presently one on eBay. The current quote is £102 (new is £199).
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SkyWatcher-Sk ... 0911428585

[simon180399]

if you do opt for the 6" make sure it has a 2" focuser as standard, i have a 6" skywatcher dob and once id ordered the 2" barlow i found to my dismay that my focuser was indeed 2 and a quarter inch so i had to fabricate 2 tubes to make it fit.
if you dont want to use a barlow though you will be fine as the scope allows for direct SLR connection using a t mount.

good luck and look forward to seeing your photos
regards simon

[PeterDM]

Thx all for the replies.

@ simon180399. Can I see some pictures taken with your 6 "Dobsonian telescope?
You may post them here or my e-mail.


Thx
Peter

[simon180399]

hi pete if you look at viewtopic.php?f=25&t=46433&start=20#p259243 and look on page 2 about a quarter of the way down, you will see my pics.

alternatively click on my name on a post and look through my posts, there you will see my very first ones up to my latest, ive been wanting to get the scope out this week but the weather has been too cloudy down here
good luck
cheers simon