I'm looking for a telescope in the $500 or less range for a present.  Use: Backyard & country astronomy

I saw several on the Edmund Scientific web site, [url]http://www.scientificsonline.com[/url]

Also saw one by Meade for $99 at a Brookstone store though I didn't get the model number and that is not included on the Brookstone web site.

Anyone got advice on what to look for, what features, brands, models, retailers, etc?

You should be able to get a decent 6 or 8" telescope for around $500.  Orion, Meade, and Celestron all make reflector telescopes in that price range.  

For reviews you can go to:

http://www.skypub.com/resources/testreports/telescopes/telescopes.shtml

If you want to save some money and look for some good deals on used equipment try:

http://www.astromart.com

Stay away from any of that department store trash.  With telescopes you get what you pay for.  I personally recommend a 6 or 8" reflector on a good sturdy Dobsonian mount.  You'll want 2 or 3 good eyepieces.  Plossl's are probably the best design in your price range.  I like the Tel Rad finder for aiding in locating celestial objects.  I also use an 8x50 finder on my 13" dob, but find I don't use it except to help locate extremely faint objects.

$500 will get you started, but you're going to find that you will want a few accessories as you go, to help make your viewing experience easier and more enjoyable.  Make sure you do your homework before making a purchase.  You will find that a little research will help you get the most bang for your buck.  Good Luck!!

MG

agree with Mean Green. I chose a scope with an equatorial mount other than a Dobsonian. Just easier to track objects, and show others. I have kids. Don't buy cheap trash as stated and stick with quality eyepieces-the cheap shit will only piss you off. I have an 8" Meade reflector on an equatorial mount. Very happy with it. You could probably afford a 6" based on your budget but it may run a little more before you're done with objective eyepieces, etc.

Would you be interested in a trade for an 8" dobsonian reflector from Celestron?  I have a Star Hopper, 2 plossel lenses, a solar filter and a star chart that is all like new.  Two weeks after we purchased the telescope the moron down the road from me put up a street light that ruins our previously pristine, dark skies.  Grrrr!

I have a little over 800.00 in the whole setup.  Email me if you might be interested in working out a trade, or if you want to make a reasonable cash offer.

here are some links:

[url]http://home.att.net/~jblessin/myscopes.htm[/url]

[url]http://ca.geocities.com/richardsnowca/recommend.htm[/url]

TheRedGoat/Baphomet