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.
- Superior Optics: 400mm(f/5.7) focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings...
- Magnification: Come with two replaceable eyepieces and one 3x Barlow lens.3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each...
- Wireless Remote: This refractor telescope includes one smart phone adapter and one Wireless camera remote to explore the...
SaleBestseller No. 2
Telescope for Adults & Beginner Astronomers - 80mm Aperture 600mm Fully Multi-Coated High Transmission Coatings with AZ Mount Tripod Phone Adapter, Carrying Bag, Wireless Control.
- 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...
Bestseller No. 3
EZshoot 3-9x40 Rifle Scope Red Green Illuminated Rifle Scope with 20mm Scope Mounts, Rangefinder Reticle
- The EZshoot 3-9x40 illuminated rifle scope is combined with a classic 3-9x power, a 40mm objective lens, rangefinder reticle,...
- The EZshoot 3-9x40 rifle scope is assembled with multi-coated lens with anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces...
- 1/4 MOA per click of windage and elevation adjustment knobs for MOA version.
Bestseller No. 4
ToyerBee Telescope for Adults & Kids, 70mm Aperture (15X-150X) Portable Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners, 300mm Professional Travel Telescope with A Phone Adapter& A Wireless Remote
- High Magnification: The telescope equipped with 2 eyepieces(H20mm and H6mm) and a 3X Barlow lens. The 3x Barlow lens trebles...
- 70mm Large Aperture: The refractor telescope is equipped with a large 70mm objective lens and the lens is fully coated with...
- Wireless Remote & Phone Adapter: Our telescope is equipped with a wireless remote and phone adapter. Just install your mobile...
SaleBestseller No. 5
Celestron - 70mm Travel Scope - Portable Refractor Telescope - Fully-Coated Glass Optics - Ideal Telescope for Beginners - Bonus Astronomy Software Package
- SUPERIOR OPTICS: The 70mm Travel Scope comes complete with fully-coated glass optics, a potent 70mm objective lens, a...
- POWERFUL EYEPIECES FOR UP-CLOSE VIEWING: Our telescope for astronomy beginners is equipped with two high-quality eyepieces...
- LARGE 70MM OBJECTIVE LENS: This refractor telescope features a large, 70mm aperture objective lens that provides brighter,...
SaleBestseller No. 6
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...
Bestseller No. 7
GOTICAL Rail Scope Mount CVA Accura Optima Wolf and Kodiak Black DS102P, Mount: Integral Mount design allows for quick and easy mounting. 3.84 inches long, no night vision
- MATERIAL | Durable Aluminum Construction: Made from lightweight yet sturdy aluminum material.
- MOUNTING | The GOTICAL one piece system is the fastest way to mount optics on your CVA muzzleloader. It is molded from Z2...
- IDEAL FOR | Rail Scope Mount CVA Accura Optima is Ideal for Hunting , Great for spotting game while standing or walking.
SaleBestseller No. 8
Monocular Telescope 80x100 High Powered Monoculars Larger Vision with Smartphone Adapter Tripod with Compact Monocular Suitable for Bird Watching Hunting Hiking Camping Wildlife
- 80×100 HD Magnification: 80 times magnification, 100 mm object diameter monocular. Using optical technology, this monocular...
- Compact Monocular: Compact and light monocular brings you the distant scenery by adjusting the eye cup and focusing wheel....
- Compatible With Any Smartphone: It is equipped with a quick positioning smartphone bracket and a tripod. It can be matched...
Bestseller No. 9
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...
Bestseller No. 10
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...
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