In this buying guide, we will see how to choose a telescope. The sky is a marvel! Especially at night, when many stars are visible to the naked eye, or when the full moon holds us up with our noses. In short, who would not like to observe all this with an optical instrument capable of making us appreciate every little facet?
We are talking about the telescope! And, since there are all types and for all budgets on the market, it is good to know how to orient yourself during your purchase because there will be many factors to consider.
Let’s see together through this short guide how to choose a telescope. First of all, when choosing a telescope, we must list the main categories:
- Refractor telescopes. As far as this category is concerned, it is also possible to find very cheap models on the market. Still, I advise you not to buy them as they are absolutely not suitable for a satisfactory observation of the sky. They consist of a long tube where a front lens is placed at the end that collects and focuses the light.
- Newtonian telescopes. They are a favorite for sky lovers as they guarantee good image rendering at affordable prices. They consist of two mirrors, and the first collects the light coming from the observed body and the second mirror makes the focal plane accessible to the user.
- Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. These are perfect models for astrophotography, and the most recent is equipped with computerized systems that allow you to point to celestial objects automatically.
- Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes. Technically very similar to the Schmidt-Cassegrain models. They have only one difference: in this case, the correcting plate is made of a meniscus with a double spherical profile.
When choosing a telescope should also give particular importance to the mounts as they are essential. There are two main types:
- Altazimuth. They are simple and inexpensive and allow you to move the telescope only up-down and left-right.
- Equatorial. This mount allows following the celestial object with a single movement by rotating with the earth’s rotation motion. These mounts lend themselves positively to astrophotography.
This guide on how to choose a telescope is finished. You have to search for the telescope that meets your needs based on its characteristics and make your purchase.
Note! The fact that they are the best-sellers does not mean that they are the best to buy for your needs.
SaleBestseller No. 1
Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners - Travel Telescope with Carry Bag, Phone Adapter and Wireless Remote.
- Quality Optics: 400mm(f/5.7) focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings...
Bestseller No. 2
Telescope for Adults & Kids, 70mm Aperture Refractor (15X-150X) Portable Travel Telescope with Phone Adapter & Wireless Remote, Astronomy Beginners Gifts, Black
- 【Great Telescope for Kids& Beginners!】 The telescope meets all the needs of astronomy beginners, the adults & kids’...
- 【70mm Large Aperture】The telescope equipped with 70mm aperture and 300mm focal length, which provide more lights and...
- 【Wireless Control】This telescope set includes one phone adapter and one Wireless camera remote. Just install your mobile...
SaleBestseller No. 3
Celestron - NexStar 8SE Telescope - Computerized Telescope for Beginners and Advanced Users - Fully-Automated GoTo Mount - SkyAlign Technology - 40,000+ Celestial Objects - 8-Inch Primary Mirror
- Nexstar computerized telescope: The NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope features Celestron’s iconic orange tube design with...
- 8-Inch aperture: The 8-inch primary mirror in this Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope for adults and kids to be used together packs...
- Fully-automated go to mount: Featuring a database of more than 40,000 celestial objects, the go to mount built into our...
Bestseller No. 4
Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm - Astronomical Portable Refracting Telescope Fully Multi-coated High Transmission Coatings AZ Mount with Tripod Phone Adapter, Wireless Control, Carrying Bag. Easy Set Up
- Optimum Magnification: Our telescope for kids and adults is quipped with two replaceable excellent-quality eyepieces (25mm...
- Excellent Quality Optics: This telescope is 600mm(f/6.7) focal length and 80mm aperture, 80mm aperture to capture more light...
- Portable And Convenient: Comes with a phone adapter and an adjustable aluminum tripod. Wireless remote control and carrying...
SaleBestseller No. 5
ToyerBee Telescope for Adults & Kids, 70mm Aperture Astronomical Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners (15X-150X), 300mm Portable Telescope with an Phone Adapter & A Wireless Remote
- 70mm Large Aperture: The telescope is equipped with a 70mm large aperture objective lens which makes the images brighter and...
- 15X-150X Magnification: Our refractor telescope is equipped with two eyepieces (H20mm and H6mm) and a 3X Barlow lens. The 3x...
- Adjustable Tripod: With an adjustable tripod, our astronomical telescope’s height can adjust from 13.8’’ to 40.5’’,...
SaleBestseller No. 6
NASA Lunar Telescope for Kids – 90x Magnification, includes Two Eyepieces, Tabletop Tripod, and Finder Scope- Kids Telescope for Astronomy Beginners, Space Toys, NASA Gifts (Amazon Exclusive)
- INSPIRE CURIOSITY – The NASA Lunar Telescope allows your child to see the moon in incredible detail; the perfect gift for...
- HIGH-QUALITY OPTICAL GLASS AND FINDER SCOPE – This easy-to-use telescope comes with a finder scope, low power, and...
- TABLETOP TRIPOD & SMOOTH MOUNT SYSTEM – Use the included tripod to steady your Lunar Telescope for optimal viewing, with a...
SaleBestseller No. 7
Celestron – StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Telescope – Works with StarSense App to Help You Find Stars, Planets & More – 114mm Newtonian Reflector – iPhone/Android Compatible
- UNLEASH THE POWER OF YOUR SMARTPHONE: Let your iPhone or Android phone take you on a guided tour of the night sky—no...
- PATENTED STARSENSE SKY RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY: This one-of-a-kind telescope uses patented, award-winning StarSense sky...
- STARSENSE EXPLORER APP: The app generates a list of the best objects to view based on your exact time & location. View...
Bestseller No. 8
Telescope 150EQ Astronomical Reflector Telescopes for Adults, Professional Manual Equatorial Telescope for Kids & Beginners.Comes with 2X Barlow Lens Phone Adapter,Stainless Tripod and Moon Filter
- 150 mm Large Aperture: Dianfan 150 EQ reflector telescope is 150 mm aperture and 650 mm focal length.Its large aperture...
- New Equatorial Mount: New German Equatorial with dial and slow motion cables.We have pre-assembled it, no need to be...
- Fully Equipped Telescope: The 150 EQ reflector telescope is a powerful and user-friendly.It features fully-coated glass...
Bestseller No. 9
Dianfan Telescope,90mm Aperture 800mm Telescopes for Adults Astronomy,Portable Professional Refractor Telescope for Beginners,with Stainless Tripod & Phone Adapter,Carry Bag
- Superior Optics:Dianfan astronomy telescope equipped with 800mm(f/8.88) focal length and 90mm objective lens that is fully...
- Powerful Magnification:With 2 eyepieces and a 3X Barlow lens,this telescope is perfect for both adults and beginners.The 3x...
- Easy to Assemble and Use:With its friendly design and intuitive controls,the telescope is simple to assemble.With detailed...
Bestseller No. 10
ToyerBee Telescope for Kids, Kids Telescope with 3 Eyepieces & Compass, Toy Telescope as Astronomy Gifts for Kids and Beginners, Great Educational Space and Stem Toys to See Moon
- Multiple Magnifications: Our telescope has 3 eyepieces (20X, 30X, 40X), enough to watch animals, plants, buildings, the moon...
- Accurate Positioning: This kids telescope can quickly find the direction and locate the object. It is equipped with a compass...
- Easy to Use, Multiple Angles: This portable telescope is quick and easy to install and can capture images from multiple...
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