If you’re asking yourself, ‘where can i get a telescope,’ you’re in the right place. Getting your first telescope is an exciting step, and knowing where to look is half the battle.
This guide will walk you through every option, from local stores to online giants. We’ll cover what to look for and how to avoid common mistakes. Let’s find the perfect telescope for you.
Where Can I Get A Telescope
You can purchase a telescope from a variety of retailers, both physical and online. The best choice for you depends on your budget, experience level, and whether you want expert advice.
Major categories include specialty astronomy shops, large online retailers, big-box stores, and the secondhand market. Each has its own pros and cons.
Specialty Astronomy & Camera Retailers
For the best experience, especially for beginners, a dedicated astronomy shop is often the top recommendation. The staff are usually passionate astronomers themselves.
They can provide invaluable advice tailored to your interests. They won’t sell you a poorly made scope just because it has a big box.
- Expert Guidance: Get advice on what aperture and mount suit your goals (planets, deep-sky, etc.).
- Hands-On Experience: You might be able to look through different models in the store.
- Quality Assurance: They typically stock reputable brands known for good optics.
- After-Sales Support: Help with setup, collimation (aligning mirrors), and troubleshooting is often included.
You can find these shops in larger cities or through astronomy club referrals. Well-known online specialty retailers include Oceanside Photo & Telescope, High Point Scientific, and Astronomics. They offer expert support over the phone or chat.
Major Online Retailers (Amazon, etc.)
Websites like Amazon, Walmart.com, and eBay offer vast selection and convenience. Prices can be competitive, and delivery is fast.
However, buying here requires more caution from you. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by options or misled by marketing.
- Do Your Research First: Know the specific model you want before searching.
- Read Reviews Carefully: Look for detailed reviews from verified buyers, not just the star rating.
- Beware of “Magnification” Hype: Scopes advertised with extreme magnification (e.g., 600x!) are often of low quality.
- Check the Return Policy: Ensure you can return it if the optics are faulty or it’s not what you expected.
This route is best if you know exactly what you want and have done your homework. The lack of expert guidance can be a pitfall for newcomers.
Big-Box Department Stores
Stores like Costco, Target, or Walmart sometimes carry telescopes, especially around the holidays. The appeal is immediate availability and sometimes very low prices.
Be very cautious here. The telescopes are often what the astronomy community calls “department store scopes.” They prioritize flashy packaging over good optics.
The mounts are typically wobbly, and the accessories are plastic and useless. This can lead to immense frustration and turn a beginner away from the hobby entirely. If you must buy here, set a low budget and even lower expectations.
The Secondhand Market
Buying a used telescope can be a fantastic way to get more aperture for your money. Many astronomers take excellent care of their equipment.
- Astronomy Club Classifieds: The best source. Sellers are knowledgeable, and scopes are often well-maintained.
- Online Forums (Cloudy Nights): Dedicated astronomy forums have robust classifieds sections with trustworthy sellers.
- Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist: Requires more caution. Inspect the scope in person if possible.
When buying used, always ask why the seller is parting with it. Test the focuser and smoothness of the mount. Check the mirrors or lenses for major scratches or mold. A little dust is okay.
Direct from Manufacturer
Some telescope companies, like Celestron, Meade, and Orion, sell directly through their own websites. This can ensure you get the latest model and any manufacturer promotions.
It also guarantees authenticity. Support will come directly from the company, which can be good or slow depending on the brand.
What to Consider Before You Buy
Before you click “buy” or walk into a store, think about these key factors. They will determine your satisfaction more than anything else.
Aperture: The Most Important Spec
Aperture is the diameter of the telescope’s main lens or mirror. It determines how much light the scope gathers. More light means brighter, clearer, and more detailed images.
For a beginner, a 70mm to 114mm (4.5-inch) refractor or reflector is a common starting point. A 6-inch or 8-inch Dobsonian reflector offers incredible value and performance.
Mount Type: Stability is Key
A good mount is as important as the optical tube. A wobbly mount makes viewing frustrating.
- Alt-Azimuth: Simple up-down, left-right movement. Easy to use. Dobsonian mounts are a robust type of alt-az mount.
- Equatorial: Aligned with Earth’s axis, it allows easier tracking of stars as they move. Has a learning curve.
- GoTo: Computerized mounts that find and track objects automatically. Great for beginners frustrated with star-hopping, but you pay more.
Portability and Storage
Where will you store it? How far will you carry it? A huge 12-inch scope is amazing, but if it’s too heavy to move, you won’t use it. Be realistic about what you can handle.
Your Sky Conditions
Do you live under bright city lights or dark rural skies? In light pollution, planets and the Moon still look great, but faint galaxies require darker skies. A smaller scope under dark skies can often outperform a large scope in the city.
A Step-by-Step Buying Guide
Follow these steps to make a confident purchase.
- Set Your Budget: Include a little extra for essential accessories like a better eyepiece or a star atlas.
- Define Your Interests: Are you most excited by Saturn’s rings, the Moon’s craters, or faint nebulae? This guides aperture and type.
- Research 2-3 Models: Based on your budget and interests, pick a few candidate models from reputable brands.
- Read In-Depth Reviews: Look for reviews on astronomy websites and forums, not just retail sites.
- Choose Your Retailer: Decide if you need a specialty shop (for advice) or are ready to buy online (for convenience).
- Check Shipping & Return Policies: Especially important for fragile optical goods.
- Make the Purchase: Use a secure payment method.
- Inspect Upon Arrival: Check for any shipping damage immediately and test all parts.
Essential First Accessories
The telescope alone isn’t enough. These few accessories will greatly improve your experience.
- A Better Eyepiece: The included ones are often basic. A 6mm or 8mm “gold-line” eyepiece is great for planetary views.
- A Moon Filter: The full Moon is incredibly bright. A neutral density filter makes it more comfortable to view.
- A Planisphere or Star App: SkySafari or Stellarium are excellent apps to help you learn the night sky.
- A Red Flashlight: Preserves your night vision while you read star charts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from the errors of countless beginners before you.
- Chasing High Magnification: Useful magnification is limited by aperture and atmospheric conditions. 300x is often the practical max.
- Ignoring the Mount: Investing in a solid, stable mount is non-negotiable.
- Buying Too Much Telescope: A complex, heavy scope that’s a chore to setup will collect dust.
- Expecting Hubble-like Images: Visual astronomy shows you live, subtle, beautiful views, not colorful long-exposure photos.
- Not Joining a Club: Local astronomy clubs are full of helpful people and let you try different scopes before you buy.
FAQs About Getting a Telescope
What is the best place to buy a telescope for a beginner?
A specialty astronomy retailer, either local or online, is the best place. The expert advice will help you avoid a bad purchase and get a scope you’ll actually enjoy using.
Can I get a good telescope on Amazon?
Yes, but you must be a informed buyer. Know the exact model you want from your research. Avoid no-name brands and be skeptical of exaggerated claims. Stick to well-known brands like Celestron, Orion, or Sky-Watcher.
Are used telescopes a good option?
They can be an excellent option, offering great value. The best places to look are astronomy club sales or dedicated forums like Cloudy Nights. Always try to inspect the optics and mechanics before paying, if possible.
What’s a reasonable budget for a first telescope?
A good starting budget is between $200 and $500. In this range, you can get a quality tabletop reflector or a small refractor on a decent mount. The best value is often a 6-inch Dobsonian reflector, which can cost around $350.
Should I get a computerized “GoTo” telescope?
GoTo scopes are great if you are frustrated with finding objects or have heavy light pollution. However, they cost more, require power, and have a setup process. Many astronomers recommend learning the sky manually first with a simple scope.
What should I look for in a telescope for kids?
Durability and simplicity are key. A small refractor (70mm) on a simple alt-azimuth tripod or a tabletop Dobsonian are great choices. Avoid flimsy, toy-like models. Involve the child in the process if you can.
Final Thoughts Before You Purchase
Remember that the best telescope is the one you’ll use most often. A smaller, easy-to-use scope that you take outside every clear night is far better than a giant, complex instrument that stays in the closet.
Patience is your greatest accessory. Learning to set up, align, and navigate the sky takes time. Your first nights may be confusing, but it gets easier quickly. The moment you see Saturn’s rings with your own eyes, it will all be worth it.
Start by learning the major constellations with your naked eyes or binoculars. This foundational knowledge makes using any telescope much more rewarding. Clear skies!