The more expensive the telescope does not necessarily mean the better. The best telescope for you is the one that best suits your needs. There is a saying: The best telescope for you is the one you will use the most. There are many things to consider when buying a telescope:
1. What kind of experience do you have? If you are new to astronomy and are just starting out, click here first. If you have already done so proceed on (seasoned amateurs go to step three by clicking here )...
2. If you are buying your first telescope:
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If you are going to buy your first telescope, I would recommend this one. It's a Dobsonian. Essentially a reflecting telescope on a simple up and down/left and right (altitude/azimuth) mount, the Dobsonian mount is the brainchild of John Dobson... and hence the name "Dobsonian". This one is a Meade 6" Dobsonian. This is my particular recommendation for a first telescope. |
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It is best for beginners for a number of reasons:
A.Ease of use - A strong point of this telescope. The simple movement of this telscope makes it easier for a beginner to use it and find their way around the sky. Other types of mounts are more complicated and make it difficult for the beginner to use. This will result in frustration making the whole experience unenjoyable and will make you want to give up. Disadvantage: You can't do photography, the image moves out of the field since there is no clock drive (very fast at higher powers), you have to star hop unless you use digital setting circles (optional equipment and more money), and perhaps portability.
B.Price - Dollar for dollar, these scopes offer the most "bang for your buck". Compare the prices on these 8" telescopes:
Dobsonian: about $450
Equitorial Reflector: about $750
Schmidt-Cassegrain: about $1600
Refractor: Yeah right! They are not made in "normal" production. If they were, it would probably be about $12,000-$15,000.
If the disadvantages bother you, or you have more money you are willing to spend and want a different (perhaps better, but not always) telescope, continue on...
3. Buying a telescope if you are a vetern amateur or a beginner who wants more: Your options are wide open (the bigger your wallet, the wider your choices). Consider the following telescopes. They are the most popular telescope designs:
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The Schmidt-Cassegrain (You may hear a Schmidt-Cassegrain refered to as an SCT. This stands for Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope) is the most popular amateur insturment, especially the 8". It provides a decent amount of light gathering power in a small and portable package (the tube is about 2 feet long on an 8"). This is a major consideration for many amateurs since they must travel away from home to find a good observing site. An evil many have due to light pollution. Since it is so popular, there are a wide varity of accessories available for the Schmidt-Cassegrain. Expect to spend anywhere from $1200 (bottom of the line) - $2800 (top of the line computer controlled) for an 8". The Meade 8" LX50 is to the left and goes for about $1700 with the tripod. |
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The refractor is usually the design of "junk" telescopes sold in retail stores. But that does not mean that refractors are junk. They are quite the contrary. Refractors provide the sharpest image and best contrast of any design. That makes them great for planetary/solar/lunar observing. The biggest drawbacks are limited aperature and price. Refractors are usually only made up to 7" in aperature, and they go for at least $6,000 on up to $10,000. The Meade 4 inch refractor to the left is a very good telescope on a very nice mount. It goes for about $700. |
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The reflector is the cheapest telescope per inch of aperature. The reflector is usually mounted in one of two ways, on an equitorial mount (on the left) or a Dobsonian (on the right). In addition, Dosonians are made two different ways, a regular solid tube (pictured above in number two), or a Truss Tube (pictured at right). A truss tube consists of a base that holds the mirror, steel poles (or tubes, hence the name), and an upper tube assembly (which holds the secondary mirror and focuser). A black shroud usually goes around the tubes extending the lentgh of the mirror box to the upper assembly. This helps block stray light and protects the optics. This design allows easier transportation of a larger aperature telescope. These are made up to about 36". A telescope of this size is not easy to handle, but the views are jaw-dropping. Expect to pay from about $3000 - $15,000 depending on the size. The one to the right is an 18" from Obsession Telescopes. These are probably the best large aperature telescope. |
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