2006-09-26 22:25:41 · 8 answers · asked by Eep285 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The most important specification for a telescope is its aperture - the size of its main mirror or lens. A larger aperture telescope will show brighter and sharper images.
Optical quality is important, but hard to get a precise fix on. If you buy from a reputable telescope dealer, you should be okay, but some telescopes sold on eBay or in discount stores don't meet minimum optical standards.
A sturdy mount with smooth motions is very important. Too many cheap telescopes come with mounts that are shaky and hard to aim. The focuser should move smoothly, without wobbling or sticking.
You also have to consider how the telescope will work for you personally. Don't buy something that is so big or so complicated that you never want to set it up.
If there's an amateur astronomy club nearby, you can get help and information there. Go to http://skytonight.com/community/organizations to look for clubs in your area. There are also some good online discussion groups where you can ask questions; links below.
2006-09-27 05:59:04 · answer #1 · answered by injanier 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When buying a telescope I always look for something with quality diffraction limited optics and a quality mount. The other things I look for depend on how much I have to spend on one and what I want to use the telescope for.
If I just wanted to do deep space live viewing at a barebones price I'd look for something with a lot of aperture (large diameter) such as a 10" or larger Dobsonian with a shortish focal length. The more aperture the more light the telescope can collect and the more I can see.
If I wanted nice clear views of planets, nebulas and star fields and I had about $400 then I'd probably buy an 80mm apochromatic refractor.
If I wanted something for some all around viewing and some nifty astrophotography I'd probably buy a computerized schmidt cassegrain with a long focal length.
If I wanted to do some serious astrophotography and observing and had a lot of money and a backyard observatory then I'd buy a computerized Ritchy Chretien that Meade is producing right now.
If I only had $150 I'd just buy a good quality newtonian on a sturdy german equatorial mount or a nice pair of binoculars.
Basically here are all the questions you should ask.
How much do I have to spend?
Do I want to view local objects such as planets or do I want something capable of deep space objects such as galaxies as well?
Do I want to do astrophotography?
Do I want a computerized system that will help me find the object or find it for me?
Would I rather have a telescope with a long focal length (narrow field of view with little edge distortion, more detail, dimmer images) or a telescope with a short focal length (wider field of view, more edge distortion, less detail, brighter images)
Do I want to hassle with something large or do I want something compact?
As far as optics go, Celestron, Meade, and Orion all offer diffraction limted optics at the entry level through advanced telescope. Takahashi and Astro-Physics offer very excellent optics as well.
2006-09-26 23:16:27 · answer #2 · answered by minuteblue 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on what you want from the telecope. Do you want to just look at cool stuff with a high magnification or are you after something with a wider field of veiw for photography or something? I would highly recommend finding a local astronomy group & go along & ask people - nothing beats knowledge from experiance. Most scopes are made in the same factory these days anyhow.
2006-09-26 23:12:03 · answer #3 · answered by shirazzza 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
connect with close by astronomers and notice what's what earlier you spend something. too many ppl have unrealistic expectancies on what they're going to see in a telescope. please don't be considered one of them. evaluate binoculars (that are useful of their very own good) and huge call charts (which you will prefer besides). basically purchase from a telescope shop. do not purchase from a chit or branch shop, and in case you adore us in any respect you will not even think of approximately ebay. examine between the classic references like nightwatch. the nice and cozy value ticket in recent times is unquestionably a stable dob. the orion starblast is extremely counseled.
2016-10-01 10:13:40 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a Meade ETX125PE. It's about $1100 and is fully goto. Your not going to get anything close to the quality, versatility and user friendlyness anywhere on the market. Go to Meade.com and check it out. You can order strait through them. Also get involved in an Astronomy Group.
2006-09-27 12:48:52 · answer #5 · answered by profile image 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A big end on one side. A little end on the other side. And clear glass pieces or mirrors somewhere in it. And it has to make things look bigger.
2006-09-26 22:35:27 · answer #6 · answered by David S 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Above all, it must see far away.
2006-09-26 22:38:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
planets, stars and nude women in the apartments opposite......only joking.
2006-09-26 22:29:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋