When you're set to buy a telescope, you'll want to make an informed purchase. A telescope is a powerful device that can bring you closer to the stars, planets, clusters, and galaxy, but you should get a scope that fits your budget, skill level, and interest. In time, you can always move up to intermediate, advanced, and designs beyond $1,000.
One of the first rules is to avoid falling for marketing language. If a scope is defined by its "power," then you should look elsewhere as the key to any good scope isn't its magnification, but rather – its aperture. Aperture measures the diameter of a telescope's objective lens or mirror, where the light enters. The more light, the better, with sharper images resulting from concentrated light sources. With "power," the magnification simply spreads the light across a greater surface, thus creating fainter images. This isn't what you want, especially from a first telescope. So, don't pay attention to the power. Instead, focus on the aperture. For a starter telescope, say a Dobsonian, an aperture of 6" should prove illuminating.
There are three general types of telescopes: Refractor, Reflector, and Catadioptric:
Now, for the amateur astronomer, each of these scopes offers a mix of advantages and disadvantages. Much of your decision will be based on your budget. As noted, a refractor will cost more than a reflector, but it can also provide sharper images of the stars, planets, and moon. However, for more expansive viewing, you may want to go with a reflector, like the Newtonian or Dobsonian telescopes. For most consumers, the market is broken into price range: below $300, up to $500, and up to $1,000.
In addition to knowing the pros and cons of each design, you should also pay attention to a telescope's focal ratio, its mount, and eyepieces. Focal ratio could help with savings by pointing you to scopes that have similar ability, but for a substantially different price. You can then do a price comparison as you would any product. As for the mount, this is an important aspect of any scope. Bear in mind, you should have a steady mount that enables you to better control the position and movement of the instrument. This will help you get the most out of your new telescope.
And finally, eyepieces are important in determining the magnification of a telescope. While "power" should again not be a selling point on the part of the manufacturer/vendor, it should be something you as a buyer look into. Measured in millimeters, remember that the lower the magnification, the less that's required and the easier it will be to keep objects in focus.
Now, with all this in mind, it's time to go shopping. One other good way to prepare for your purchase is to read consumer reviews. Glean information from other beginner astronomers like yourself, who made a purchase and either found it positive or wanting. You can always learn from the fortune or misfortune of others, who usually want to warn fellow consumers of what to beware of. Good luck!
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