If you’re wondering how to buy a telescope, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from understanding the basics to making that final purchase. It’s easier than you might think, and getting it right means years of enjoyment under the stars.
Let’s start with the most important advice: your first telescope is not about power, it’s about stability and quality optics. A smaller, well-made telescope on a solid mount will show you more than a huge, wobbly one that’s frustrating to use. We’ll break down all the key terms and features so you can shop with confidence.
How To Buy A Telescope
This section is your roadmap. Buying a telescope involves a few clear steps. Following them will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure you get an instrument that matches your skywatching goals.
Step 1: Define Your Astronomy Goals
Before looking at any models, ask yourself what you want to see. Your answer guides everything.
- The Moon & Planets: If Jupiter’s cloud bands, Saturn’s rings, and lunar craters excite you, you’ll want a telescope with good magnification and sharp optics.
- Deep-Sky Objects (DSOs): Nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters require a telescope that gathers a lot of light. This usually means a wider aperture.
- A Bit of Everything: Most beginners want versatility. A good mid-range telescope can handle both planets and brighter deep-sky objects.
- Terrestrial Viewing & Astrophotography: These are special cases that require specific equipment. For now, we’ll focus on visual astronomy.
Step 2: Learn the Key Telescope Specifications
Understanding three main specs is crucial. They determine what you can see and how easy it is to see it.
Aperture: The Most Important Number
Aperture is the diameter of the telescope’s main lens or mirror, measured in millimeters or inches. It’s the telescope’s light-gathering power. A larger aperture shows fainter objects and provides sharper, brighter images. A good starter aperture is 70mm to 130mm (3″ to 5″).
Focal Length & Focal Ratio
The focal length is the distance light travels inside the telescope to reach the focuser. It’s usually marked on the tube. Combined with the eyepiece, it determines magnification. The focal ratio (f/number) is the focal length divided by the aperture. A lower f/ratio (e.g., f/5) is better for wide-field views of nebulae; a higher f/ratio (e.g., f/10) is often better for planetary detail.
Mount: The Critical Support System
The mount is arguably as important as the optics. A shaky mount makes viewing impossible. There are two main types:
- Alt-Azimuth (Alt-Az): Moves up-down and left-right. Simple and intuitive, perfect for beginners.
- Equatorial: Aligned with Earth’s axis, it tracks stars smoothly with a single motion. Better for serious observing and basic astrophotography, but has a steeper learning curve.
Computerized “GoTo” mounts can automatically find objects, but they add cost and complexity. A manual telescope is a fantastic way to learn the sky.
Step 3: Choose Your Telescope Type
There are three primary designs, each with strengths and weaknesses.
Refractor Telescopes
These use lenses. They offer sharp, high-contrast images with little maintenance. They’re great for the moon, planets, and terrestrial viewing. For a given aperture, they are the most expensive type. Smaller refractors are very portable and user-friendly.
Reflector Telescopes
These use mirrors. They offer the most aperture for your money, making them excellent for deep-sky objects. The optics need occasional collimation (alignment). They are generally bulkier than refractors. The Newtonian reflector is the classic design for beginners.
Compound (Catadioptric) Telescopes
These use a combination of mirrors and lenses (like Schmidt-Cassegrain or Maksutov designs). They pack a long focal length into a short, portable tube. They are versatile and great for both planets and deep-sky, but they tend to be more expensive and have a narrower field of view.
Step 4: Set Your Realistic Budget
A complete telescope setup includes more than just the optical tube. Budget for these essentials:
- The Telescope Itself: A decent beginner scope starts around $200-$400. Avoid department store “toy” telescopes under $100.
- Essential Accessories: You will likely need better eyepieces than the ones included. A Barlow lens can double your eyepiece collection. A good star chart or planetarium app is a must.
- Unexpected Costs: Consider a red flashlight to preserve night vision, a comfortable observing chair, and maybe a storage case for eyepieces.
Step 5: Research and Read Reviews
Once you’ve narrowed your choices, research thoroughly.
- Read professional and user reviews on astronomy retailer sites and forums.
- Watch video reviews on YouTube to see the telescope’s size and hear real-user experiences.
- Look for common complaints, especially about mount stability or poor included accessories.
Step 6: Buy from a Specialty Retailer
This is critical. Buy from a store that specializes in telescopes and astronomy. Their staff understands the products, they offer quality brands, and they provide support. Avoid general online marketplaces and big-box stores for your first serious telescope.
Step 7: Learn to Use Your New Telescope
Your first night with a new telescope should be spent in daylight. Practice setting it up, aligning the finderscope (this step is crucial!), and focusing on a distant object. Start your observing with the Moon—it’s easy to find and breathtaking. Then try a bright planet like Jupiter. Be patient; learning to navigate the sky takes time.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Chasing Maximum Magnification: Telescope ads touting “500x power!” are misleading. Useful magnification is limited by aperture and atmospheric conditions. 200x is often the practical limit for most nights.
- Ignoring the Mount: A flimsy tripod will ruin the experience. Prioritize a solid, stable mount.
- Starting Too Big: A huge, complex telescope can be so daunting it never leaves the closet. Start with a manageable size.
- Not Learning the Sky: A GoTo scope can’t align itself if you don’t know a few bright stars. Learn the major constellations first; it’s rewarding and makes using any telescope easier.
Recommended Starter Telescopes by Type
Here are some reliable models to consider across different budgets. Remember, prices and models change, but these types are perennial favorites.
Best Starter Refractor
A 70mm to 80mm refractor on a solid Alt-Az mount. It’s a grab-and-go scope perfect for lunar, planetary, and wide-field views. It’s low maintenance and provides crisp views.
Best Starter Reflector
A 6-inch (150mm) Dobsonian reflector. The Dobsonian mount is a simple, rock-solid wooden Alt-Az mount. This combination offers the most light-gathering power per dollar, making it the top recommendation for a first telescope for many enthusiasts. You’ll see incredible detail.
Best Starter Compound
A 5-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain on a basic Alt-Az or equatorial mount. It’s compact, versatile, and offers great all-around performance. It’s a step up in price but very portable and capable.
Accessories You’ll Actually Need
Don’t get overwhelmed by accessory catalogs. Start with these:
- Better Eyepieces: Replace the cheap stock eyepieces with a couple of quality Plössl eyepieces (e.g., 25mm and 10mm).
- A Barlow Lens: A 2x Barlow effectively doubles your eyepiece collection, giving you more magnification options.
- A Moon Filter: The full Moon is incredibly bright. A neutral density filter cuts the glare and improves contrast.
- A Planisphere and Red Flashlight: The planisphere is a simple star-finding tool. The red light lets you read it without ruining your night vision.
Where to Set Up and Observe
Your observing site matters. A dark sky is best, but you can start from your backyard.
- Allow your eyes at least 20 minutes to fully adapt to the dark.
- Avoid looking at white lights. Use that red flashlight.
- If possible, observe from a spot with a wide view of the sky, away from direct streetlights.
- Let your telescope acclimate to the outside temperature for 30 minutes before observing for the best image stability.
Joining the Astronomy Community
One of the best things you can do is find local astronomy club. Most have public “star parties” where you can look through many different telescopes before you buy. Members love to share advice and are a invaluable resource for beginners. It’s a great way to learn faster and stay motivated.
FAQs About Buying a Telescope
What is the best telescope for a beginner?
A 6-inch Dobsonian reflector is widely considered the best first telescope. It offers a large aperture for the price, is simple to use with no setup frustration, and shows a huge range of celestial objects clearly.
Can I see planets with a cheap telescope?
Yes, you can see Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s moons with even a small, quality telescope. However, a “cheap” telescope from a toy store will likely provide a blurry, disappointing image. Invest in a known brand from a specialty retailer.
Is a computerized telescope better for a beginner?
Not necessarily. While it can find objects for you, it adds cost, setup time, and complexity. Learning the sky manually with a simple telescope is deeply rewarding and builds foundational knowledge. A computerized mount can be a great second telescope feature.
How much should I spend on my first telescope?
Plan to spend between $200 and $500 for a complete, quality starter kit. This range avoids the useless toy scopes and gets you into instruments with decent optics and a stable mount that will provide real enjoyment.
What can I expect to see from my backyard?
From a suburban backyard, you can expect stunning views of the Moon, bright planets (Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn), star clusters like the Pleiades, and the brighter nebulae like Orion. Galaxies and fainter nebulae will be subtle gray smudges without darker skies.
Do I need a license or special knowledge to use a telescope?
No license is needed! The only special knowledge required is a bit of patience and willingness to learn. Start with easy targets like the Moon, and use a book or app to guide you to new objects each night. Everyone starts as a beginner.
How important is portability?
Very important. A telescope that’s a hassle to move outside will rarely get used. Consider where you’ll store it and how many steps it takes to get it to your observing spot. A smaller scope used regularly is better than a huge one that stays inside.
Buying your first telescope is an exciting step. By focusing on aperture and mount quality, defining your goals, and starting with a reputable model from a dedicated retailer, you’ll set yourself up for success. Remember, the best telescope is the one you’ll use most often. Clear skies and happy observing—the universe is waiting for you.