Buying Guide

Complete 2023 Telescope Buying Guide

Here are some things to consider when buying a telescope:

1. Type of telescope: There are several types of telescopes, including refractors, reflectors, and catadioptrics. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the right one for you will depend on your needs and preferences.       

2. Aperture: The aperture of a telescope is the diameter of its main lens or mirror, and it determines how much light the telescope can gather. A larger aperture means you'll be able to see fainter objects, but it also means the telescope will be larger and more expensive.

3. Mount: The mount is the stand that holds the telescope in place. There are two main types of mounts: altazimuth and equatorial. An altazimuth mount is simple and easy to use, but an equatorial mount is better for tracking celestial objects as they move across the sky.

4. Focal length: The focal length of a telescope is the distance from the main lens or mirror to the point where the image is focused. A longer focal length means a higher magnification, but it also means a smaller field of view.

5. What you plan on using your telescope for: Are you looking to get into astrophotography? If so you should keep in mind what objects you plan on capturing. Catadioptric telescopes are best for capturing images of planets while refractor telescopes are best for deep sky objects such as galaxies and nebulas. For astrophotography you will also need an equatorial mount to track the objects. If you just want to look into the night sky for the cheapest price possible then a dobsonian telescope will be perfect for you. 

6. Price: Finally, consider your budget. Telescopes can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, so it's important to set a budget and stick to it.

I hope this helps! Let us know if you have any other questions. Good luck and clear skys!