If you’re wondering where to get a telescope, you’re in the right place. Getting your first telescope is a exciting step, but the options can be confusing. This guide will walk you through every place you can buy one, both online and in person. We’ll also help you figure out what to look for before you spend any money.
You don’t need to be an expert to start. With a little guidance, you can find a great telescope that fits your budget and ignites your curiosity about the night sky. Let’s look at the best sources, from local shops to global retailers.
Where To Get A Telescope
You have more choices than ever before. The best place for you depends on your experience level, budget, and whether you want hands-on help. Here are the main categories of retailers to consider.
Specialized Astronomy Retailers
These are often the best places to start your search. Stores that focus only on telescopes and astronomy gear have knowledgeable staff. They can answer your questions and help you avoid cheap, disappointing models found in general stores.
- High Point Scientific: A leading online retailer with excellent customer service and a wide selection for all levels.
- Opt Telescopes: Known for high-quality equipment and great pre-purchase advice.
- B&H Photo Video: While not exclusively astronomy, their photo department has a huge telescope inventory and good support.
The advantage here is expertise. You can call or email with questions and get a real answer. Many also have detailed product videos and buying guides on their websites.
Major Online Marketplaces
Websites like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart.com offer massive selection and fast shipping. They are convenient, but you must be a more informed buyer.
- Pros: Easy price comparison, user reviews, and frequent deals. Fast delivery is a major plus.
- Cons: Lack of expert guidance. It’s easy to buy a poorly made ‘department store’ telescope based on flashy box claims. Always check the return policy.
Tip: Stick to known brands (like Celestron, Orion, Meade, Sky-Watcher) when shopping on big marketplaces. Read the negative reviews carefully to understand common issues.
Local Camera Stores
Many professional camera shops also sell telescopes. The connection is strong, as both hobbies involve lenses and precise optics. Staff are usually photography experts who understand optical quality.
Visiting a local camera store lets you see some models in person. You can get a feel for the size and weight, which is hard to do online. They might not have the deep astronomy knowledge of a specialty retailer, but they know good gear.
Big-Box Retailers & Warehouse Clubs
Stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, or even Target sometimes carry telescopes, especially during the holiday season. The deals can be tempting, but caution is needed.
- These are often lower-quality, “toy-grade” instruments with wobbly mounts and poor optics.
- They are usally marketed with high magnification numbers, which is a misleading sales tactic.
- If you see a name-brand telescope here at a discount, it could be a good find. But generic brands are best avoided for serious viewing.
The Secondhand Market
Buying a used telescope can be a fantastic way to get more aperture for your money. Astronomy gear is often well-cared for by its owners.
- Astronomy Club Classifieds: Often the best source. Sellers are knowledgeable, and the equipment has a known history.
- Cloudy Nights Classifieds: A very popular and trusted online forum for buying and selling used astronomy equipment.
- Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist: Can have deals, but requires more caution. You need to know enough to inspect the equipment.
Always try to inspect in person if possible. Check for clean optics (no major scratches or mold), smooth mechanical movement, and all included parts.
Direct from Manufacturer
Companies like Celestron, Meade, and Sky-Watcher sell directly through their own websites. This can be good for seeing the full product line and accessing manufacturer promotions or bundles. However, you won’t get the impartial advice that a multi-brand retailer can offer.
Science & Museum Shops
Science museums, planetariums, and observatories often have gift shops that sell quality educational telescopes. These are typically curated to be good starter models, avoiding the worst junk. Supporting these institutions is a nice bonus.
What to Know Before You Buy
Walking into a store or browsing a website without some basic knowledge can lead to a bad purchase. Here’s a quick primer on the most important things to understand.
Aperture is King
The most important spec of any telescope is the aperture. This is the diameter of the main lens or mirror, measured in millimeters or inches. A larger aperture gathers more light, allowing you to see fainter objects and more detail.
- Ignore high magnification claims on the box.
- A good starter scope often has an aperture of 70mm (2.8 inches) or more for a refractor, or 114mm (4.5 inches) or more for a reflector.
Types of Telescopes
There are three main designs, each with strengths and weaknesses.
- Refractor: Uses lenses. They are low-maintenance, have sealed tubes, and give sharp images. Good for planets and the Moon. Can be expensive per inch of aperture.
- Reflector (Newtonian): Uses mirrors. Offers the most aperture for your money. Great for deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae. The open tube may need occasional optical alignment (collimation).
- Compound (Catadioptric): Uses a combination of mirrors and lenses (e.g., Schmidt-Cassegrain). Compact and portable with versatile performance. A popular choice for intermediate to advanced users.
The Mount Matters as Much as the Optics
A telescope on a shaky, hard-to-use mount is a fustrating experience. The mount holds the telescope steady and allows you to point it smoothly.
- Alt-Azimuth Mount: Moves up-down and left-right. Simple and intuitive, perfect for beginners.
- Equatorial Mount: Aligned with Earth’s axis, it makes tracking stars easier for astrophotography. Has a steeper learning curve.
- GoTo Mount: Computerized. You select an object, and the telescope finds it automatically. Great for light-polluted areas, but you sacrifice some budget that could go toward aperture.
Manage Your Expectations
You won’t see Hubble-like color images through the eyepiece. Views are often in black and white, with subtle detail. The beauty is in seeing these objects with your own eyes—the craters on the Moon, the rings of Saturn, or the fuzzy glow of a distant galaxy. Patience and dark skies are your best tools.
A Step-by-Step Buying Guide
Follow this process to narrow down your choices and make a confident purchase.
Step 1: Set a Realistic Budget
Include everything you’ll need. A complete starter package often includes the telescope, mount, tripod, and one or two eyepieces. Remember to leave room for potential essential accessories like a better eyepiece, a star map, or a red flashlight.
Step 2: Define Your Primary Interest
What do you most want to look at? Your answer guides the type of telescope.
- Moon & Planets: A refractor or a longer-focus reflector with good optics.
- Galaxies & Nebulae: A reflector with the largest aperture you can afford and transport.
- A bit of everything / Family use: A Dobsonian reflector (a type of Newtonian on a simple rocker mount) offers the most simplicity and light-gathering power per dollar.
Step 3: Research Specific Models
With a budget and interest in mind, look at 2-3 specific models. Go to the specialty retailer websites and read their descriptions and guides. Then, search for independent reviews on astronomy forums and YouTube. Pay attention to common praises and complaints.
Step 4: Choose Your Retailer
Decide if you value expert advice (specialty retailer) or lowest price/convenience (major marketplace). Consider shipping costs and return policies. For a first telescope, buying from a knowledgeable dealer can save you from a costly mistake.
Step 5: Purchase and Inspect
When your telescope arrives, unpack it carefully and check for any shipping damage. Assemble it in daylight to familiarize yourself with all the parts. Make sure the optics are clean and the mechanics work smoothly.
Step 6: Learn to Use It
Your first night out should be for learning, not deep-sky hunting. Practice setting up, aligning the finder scope with the main telescope, and focusing on a distant object during the day (never the Sun!). Learn how to move the telescope smoothly on its mount.
Essential First Accessories
The telescope alone isn’t enough. These few add-ons will dramatically improve your experience from the start.
- A Better Eyepiece: The ones included are often basic. A single good-quality, wide-field eyepiece (e.g., a 15mm or 20mm) is a worthy upgrade.
- A Planisphere (Star Wheel): A simple, manual tool that shows you what stars are visible on any given night.
- Astronomy App: Software like Stellarium (free) or SkySafari helps you plan your observing sessions and find objects.
- Red Flashlight: Preserves your night vision. You can cover a regular flashlight with red cellophane.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here’s how to steer clear of the pitfalls that catch many new astronomers.
- Chasing Magnification: Any telescope can be made to give high magnification, but the image will be dim and blurry. Useful magnification is limited by aperture and atmospheric conditions.
- Buying Too Much Telescope: A huge, complex scope is hard to set up and may lead to it gathering dust in a closet. Start with something manageable.
- Ignoring the Mount: A flimsy mount will make you hate using the telescope. Stability is non-negotiable.
- Not Checking Local Viewing Conditions: If you live in a bright city, a huge telescope won’t show you much more than a smaller one. Consider a good pair of binoculars as an alternative start.
FAQ: Where to Get a Telescope
Where is the best place to buy a telescope for a beginner?
The best place is a specialized astronomy retailer, either online or local. Their advice is invaluable for avoiding bad starter scopes. They often have curated “beginner packages” that offer good value.
Can I get a good telescope on Amazon?
Yes, but you need to do your own research first. Stick to well-known brands, read reviews critically, and ensure the seller has a good return policy. It’s better for those who already know what model they want.
What is a good inexpensive telescope?
A tabletop Dobsonian reflector (like the Orion SkyScanner 100mm) or a small refractor on a solid alt-azimuth mount (like the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ) are often recommended as good starting points that won’t break the bank.
Is it safe to buy a used telescope?
Generally, yes. Astronomy enthusiasts typically take good care of their gear. Buying from a reputable source like an astronomy club forum or Cloudy Nights is safest. Always inspect the optics for major damage if possible.
Where can I find telescopes near me?
Check for local camera stores, science museum shops, or high-end toy stores. Use Google Maps to search for “telescope dealer” or “astronomy shop” in your area. Your local planetarium or astronomy club is also a great resource for local vendor recommendations.
What should I look for when buying a telescope?
Prioritize a sturdy mount and the largest aperture you can afford within your budget. Choose a simple design (like a Dobsonian) for ease of use. Avoid any telescope that advertises its power by magnification alone (e.g., “600x power!”).
Final Thoughts
Finding where to get a telescope is the easy part. The real work is in choosing the right one for you. By understanding the basics of aperture, mount, and telescope types, you can navigate any retailer confidently. Remember, the best telescope is the one you’ll use regularly. Start with a quality, simple instrument from a reputable seller. Learn the night sky, and let your curiosity grow from there. Clear skies!