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I need your advice for a beginner.

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Berat avatar

Hello everyone! I’ve been interested in space since childhood and have read and watched a ton of material about it. I felt it was finally time to buy a telescope, but I’m undecided and think I need some expert advice.
First of all, the telescope market in my country isn't perfect. Since a product costing 600 euros elsewhere might go for 1,200 euros here (like the Sky-Watcher Dobsonian, for instance), I tried to find specific products that are actually in stock and have a clear price.

I finally found two telescopes that—at least relatively speaking—fit my budget and suit my goals: the Pollux-II 150/1400 and the Pollux-I 150/720. Having researched the subject, I know that astrophotography is divided into two categories: deep-sky and planetary imaging. In reality, I plan to do this kind of photography only occasionally—not very often—meaning that visual observation will be my primary focus.

I’m interested in deep-space photography. I’ve heard that the Pollux-I 150/720 is more suitable because it has a wider field of view.

Here are my main questions:

Can the Pollux-I be used for planetary observation?

Would the Pollux-II be good for deep-space observation?

Or are these telescopes suitable for photography?

(Thanks in advance to anyone who answers; I’d also appreciate it if you could share any other telescope recommendations!)

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James avatar

I ‘m afraid those scopes wouldn’t be good at all for astrophotography. To get started with astrophotography at a small budget, I recommend one of the newer smart telescopes out there.. like a seestar or dwarf mini. You’ll be able to quickly start collecting data and get some exposure to post processing.

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NeilM avatar

what country are you in?

TiffsAndAstro avatar

This was taken with about £370 worth of second hand gear and 5 hours, in the last month.

In the scheme of things it's rubbish, but hopefully shows what can be done by a semi beginner and “relatively inexpensive” gear. I rather like it for that :)

📷 15222.jpg15222.jpg

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Tony Gondola avatar

I think the first thing to realize is that there are different aspects to this hobby. Visual observing is a thing unto itself, as is astrophotography, especially deep space photography. There is some crossover but generally the equipment used for one isn’t or can’t be used for the other. A smart telescope will get you into imaging quick but can’t be used visually. A basic Dobsonian is great visually but can’t be used photographically without a lot of modifications.

You could certainly start with the telescopes you’ve described but don’t let the smartphone thing fool you, these are for visual use only as the mounts are not useful for photography. You could remount the tube on a proper mount in the future and with some modifications, do astrophotography. It kinds depends on where you want to start, primary focus on visual or primary focus on photography.

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Jim Bishop avatar

TiffsAndAstro · Jul 27, 2026, 07:25 PM

In the scheme of things it's rubbish

One beginner to another, it’s hardly rubbish. There is room for improvement but I think everyone’s work leaves some room for that. Well done.

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