On Buying a Telescope …
I was thinking of buying a telescope and…………Let me give you the bad news right up front: there are only a few telescopes available for under $300 that is worth buying. Most beginner level telescopes are in the $500 to $1,000 price range.
What about those inexpensive telescopes I’ve seen in department stores and Camera shops? ………….
Stay away from these telescopes, as they are useless! These telescopes have poor quality optics and very shaky mounts. Trying to observe with these telescopes is at best frustrating, and any breeze that comes up, forget it. The majority of these telescopes end up as dust collectors, and the purchaser ends up being disgusted with astronomy.
Is a 400x telescope better than a 200x telescope?………..
Astronomical telescopes are rated by aperture, not power. The larger the main lens or mirror, the more light it will gather, giving a brighter, sharper image. Changing eyepieces varies power or magnification. Magnification does nothing to improve the image. Good celestial telescopes use low magnification.
I hadn’t planned on spending that much money …………..
Consider buying binoculars instead. A pair of binoculars will reveal a surprising number of celestial sights. You can see the 4 moons of Jupiter, craters on the moon, the Andromeda Galaxy, and several star clusters. Many amateur astronomers still use binoculars in addition to their telescopes. Binoculars are useful for many other activities as well.
What size binoculars should I get? …………..
Binoculars are specified with 2 sets of numbers, such as 7x50. The first number is the magnification, (seven times in this case), and the second number is the main lens size in millimeters. For astronomical use, 7x50 is generally considered to be the best size. Larger size magnification are generally much heavier, and harder to hold steady. Look through your binoculars before you buy, and be sure you can see properly, especially if you wear glasses. Coated binoculars means that the lenses have been coated to prevent glare. Good binoculars may cost you anywhere from $100 and up.
What about spotting scopes? …………..
Save your money. Spotting scopes are primarily daytime scopes, and are not good scopes in the dark. A spotting scope would only give you good views of the Moon.
I still want to buy a telescope ………..
If you have $400 to spend there are several quality telescopes on the market. The 4.5-inch or 6 inch Newtonian reflector is the best starter telescope for a beginner . If you are on a tight budget, you could purchase a 70-mm refractor on an alt-azimuth mount. Make sure you buy your telescope from a reputable dealer. Department store clerks are selling on commission, not knowledge. Most telescope shops will have quality trade-ins from people trading in their old scopes when they upgrade their equipment. A telescope is a major purchase, and you should arm yourself with as much knowledge and information as possible. Go to your local library, get good books on astronomy, and read up on telescopes especially. Later visits will enable you to study the heavens, the stars, the galaxies, and the constellations.
You don’t have to buy a telescope from me, but if you follow these simple rules, I will be happy knowing that another person is enjoying the wonders of our skies.
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