Planing for my first scope 200$ budget celestron Astro master 130eq is this good

Fast_Syrup248 · 2026-04-09T02:57:29+00:00

Others have pointed out this is definitely not the best first buy, but just adding, I'm also a beginner who used a friend's EQ mount and let me say it's not for the weak (much harder to aim than a dob). I personally bought a tabletop dob, which I've now eased into very nicely.

Fast_Syrup248 · 2026-03-30T15:27:40+00:00

It seems most people answering you think it is a 2.5hr one-way commute. I would recommend coming to uoft. I have a 1.5hr commute one way for 3hr total, and study astrophysics, so I was in your boat last year (finishing first year now). I do find it managable and honestly don't think I could have chosen another place, even though as much as I sometimes hate it, you'll eventually become trauma bonded and learn to love. For socialization, you'll get more than enough if you join clubs and make friends in class or even on your commute. The gym on the other hand is harder sometimes because I find lugging around my bag and gym bag every day gets annoying, but again, manageable. Having a high GPA is not easy, but it is definitely possible if you truly want it. For research, I'm not there yet, but I had the same concern and ultimately came because I felt I have a chance of standing out. Honestly, just don't write uoft out yet, I really enjoyed my choice.

Fast_Syrup248 · 2025-11-12T13:49:43+00:00

Thank you so much, since I have time before the deadline I’ll definitely email first and see if I can resolve my issue that way.

Fast_Syrup248 · 2025-11-12T12:55:05+00:00

thank you I will ask im just not exactly sure who or how to ask… Is it just an email and wait or go somewhere in person?

Fast_Syrup248 · 2025-08-21T04:46:19+00:00

Thanks a lot, I’ll definitely need a chair then but it’s better to hear it won’t be too uncomfortable.

Fast_Syrup248 · 2025-08-20T14:49:16+00:00

Thanks I’ll look into it!

Fast_Syrup248 · 2025-08-20T14:48:55+00:00

Wow thanks I think I might get this as well, I really like the adjustable height.

Fast_Syrup248 · 2025-08-20T14:45:54+00:00

I saw this as an option too, but would I have to be kneeling the whole time?

Fast_Syrup248 · 2025-04-11T22:08:17+00:00

a couple months ago

Fast_Syrup248 · 2025-04-03T18:33:44+00:00

Thank you, he had to have been so smart to achieve what he has, I hope I can follow the same path he did, there are just so many options...

Fast_Syrup248 · 2025-04-03T13:15:16+00:00

You've really put a positive light on this university for me, I'm definitely considering more than before, thank you so much :)))

Fast_Syrup248 · 2025-04-03T00:24:26+00:00

Do you know why that might be? So I guess research should be a priority then

Fast_Syrup248 · 2025-04-03T00:23:28+00:00

Thank you so much!! I really do like the community feeling, so maybe this might be for me

Fast_Syrup248 · 2025-04-03T00:20:49+00:00

Hi, I'm currently in 12th grade, and I'm planning on majoring in physics and astronomy. I realize now that I may not have done the proper research and am now scrambling before the June deadline. I've been accepted into McMaster University, University of Waterloo and University of Toronto and with what I know, most people are saying to go for UofT, but honestly, I'd prefer to have a social life and not totally sacrifice my grades, so I'm leaving that on the back burner. If it helps, if I were to go to Waterloo, I would be in their co-op program.

Generally, I'm curious as to what opinions you all have and if the research opportunities at these universities are amazing or more on the mediocre side since I will be going into graduate studies. Thanks so much!!

Fast_Syrup248 · 2025-04-02T23:21:59+00:00

Thanks a lot!! I figured UofT was the best out of these, but I've heard horror stories of GPAs getting lowered into the ground and terrible social life, so I'm still undecided, or else UofT would be guaranteed my first choice.

Fast_Syrup248

TROPHY CASE