Where can I buy a good telescope?

Answer 1

Buy from a store that specializes in astronomical telescopes. A few reputable ones:
Astronomics - http://www.astronomics.com/
Orion - http://www.telescope.com/
Anacortes - http://www.buytelescopes.com/

Check the ads in Sky & Telescope for more sources.

Answer 2

Good telescopes can typically be bought from a telescope shop, however few cities have them and most people end up mail ordering the telescope from the back of an astronomy magazine or ordering online. You can also buy good used telescopes from telescope classifieds, like on www.astromart.com or www.cloudynights.com

Let's talk about where NOT to buy a good telescope.

1. Any department store
2. A toy store.
3. Wal-Mart
4. Any store like Wal-Mart

Befor you buy, know what size and kind of telescope you want and can afford. Expect to spend at least $300 for a decent one.

Don't buy a refractor unless you can afford an apochromatic one, and don't buy a refractor if you want to see galaxies.
Get a telescope with at the very least, 4.5" of aperture. If you don't know what aperture is, you need to learn a bit about telescopes.

Make sure your new telescope has a sturdy mount. Avoid mounts made out of plastic, and "rack and pinnion" style mounts.

Don't buy a telescope that makes claims like "900x power!" Aperture is the most important aspect of a telescope, power depends on the eyepiece you put into the telescope, and the telescope's focal length. Most of the time, high power will give you very bad views. There is a practical limit on how much power you can use, and it's waaay lower than 900x even in large telescopes.

Answer 3

Try to buy locally from an independent merchant. That way, if you have a problem or need help, you have someone nearby to help you. Most of the telescopes sold at large chains are not that great. If you want a serious telescope, look for a serious telescope buff, usually the owner of a small telescope/camera store would meet that qualification. Using a telescope requires patience and learning...if you have someone available for advice and help, you will be more likely to stick with it.

Someone suggested that you attend a local astronomy club meeting...that is a great idea for getting tips and suggestions where and what to buy. Good luck!

Answer 4

Zariah D.........
Before you decide to buy a 'good' telescope, I suggest you go along to your nearest Astronomical Society/Club 'open night' or monthly meeting & look at all that is available.
You'll be very disappointed if you rush out & 'buy before you try'...
All the members of all the Societies etc are more than willing to help with your selection.
They will ask questions you never thought of & offer good advice on exactly what you 'need', to pursue this facinating hobby.
It has such varied aspects ranging from just 'pushing a Dobsonian telescope' to Astrophotography on a scale you can only imagine.
I can suggest that for a start, you go with a good pair of 7 X 50 Binoculars & a 'Chandler' brand Planishere.
Both can be purchased at a store like 'Bintel' in Sydney.
They also have a range of very good 'starter' telescopes, eg; 8" or 10" Dobsonian for very reasonable outlay.
Oh, you'll also need a red LED torch.
Good luck with your selection.
ps. #1 Rule = Aperture Wins....:D

Answer 5

A lot of people like Meade but I'm a Celestron fan.
(Ever since I worked with one manufactured in the 1930's and routinely used by teenagers that still held up and didn't need adjusted - mine just survived Burningman without a hitch - you also get handy free sky software with Celestron)

I recommend shopping on the manufactures web site to see what your options are and find the one you want - then browsing for prices once you make up your mind.

Adorama often has good deals on telescopes:
http://www.adorama.com/

Almost always lower cost than what I see in the malls. I have ordered many things from them and never had a problem.

If you are new to this, I recommend that you don't get anything to fancy. Don't worry about tracking and electronics, just get yourself decent optics. You will learn more doing it by hand and there is a lot to look at before you would really feel a need for that sort of thing. (You may never feel a need for that sort of thing.) You also won't break your bank or let your optical quality suffer in exchange for computer chips. Keep portability in mind.
Good Luck!

Oh, above was mentioned a red LED flashlight and a planisphere. Astronomy can be an expensive hobby. Here's some money saving tips from someone who does astro programs on a teachers budget.
A regular old flashlight that you already own and a box of red cling film. I always stock up when it's out at Christmas. If you layer it thick enough and tape it to the flashlights it works just as well. There are also lots of sites out there - that can be found with little searching - that provide you free star maps for the day you are heading out.

Answer 6

I completely agree with Mike545 - visit a local society. Better yet, join one! Using a telescope isn't the same as looking through binoculars - the things you're looking at can be very difficult to find at first, and they're often faint and insignificant once you've found them. It helps a lot to have someone on hand to give you advice and encouragement. Your local society may have 'scopes you can rent before you take the plunge.

Answer 7

Google Meade ( telescope manufacturer) or get a copy of "Sky & Telescope" or "Astronomy" magazines. They are full of ads and helpful information.

Answer 8

I asked for one last year and my husband bought mine from Meade. He got the LX90GPS model and I adore it. They have SO many to choose from you are sure to find something that works for you. Also, when I first started using it I come across a small technical problem - their tech support was fabulous, and my problem was fixed quickly. I hope you find something you like, and take care. :)