What make of telescope would you recommend and what makes would you avoid?

Answer 1

If you're shopping for an inexpensive beginner's scope, I'd recommend Orion (http://www.telescope.com/ ), Zhumell, or Konus. I'm going to disagree with the other posters and say you should avoid the low-end Meade and Celestron scopes, especially the small refractors. Also avoid Tasco, Baytronix, and Bushnell.

If you're willing to invest a little time in learning how to use it, a small dobsonian is a good starter scope. Orion and Zhumell are good brands here.

In the middle price range (say $400 - $2000), Meade, Celestron, Orion, Vixen, Zhumell, Discovery, and Antares are good.

There are few, if any, real dogs in the upper price ranges, though you will find some scopes aren't right for you. Before you spend a lot of money, do some research.

Also, buy from a real telescope store, such as Orion, Astronomics (http://www.astronomics.com/ ), or Anacortes (http://www.buytelescopes.com/ ). Avoid discount stores, sporting goods stores, science stores, and camera stores; most of them sell junk telescopes and know nothing about astronomy.

Answer 2

it depends on your budget. The fact that you are asking implies that you are relatively new to astronomy. First and foremost , don't waste a lot of money if you won't stick with it. There are many good scopes under $300. Stick with Meade or Celestron and you will be okay. Rule #2: Don't purchase for magnification you will be frustrated and disappointed. Get a quality refrator or reflector to learn on and if it has a large enough aperature you can invest in better eyepieces later, or if you enjoy your scope you may upgrade later. #3: If you are new to astronomy or if the scope is for a child then I stongly recommend an altazimuth mount over an equatorial. An equatorial is better in the long run but it can be rather difficult for the beginner.
Hope this helps...

Also you can check the Meade factory outlet for some graet deals on inexpensive scopes

Answer 3

To Avoid: Tasco, Chinese scopes sold on e-bay or other auction sites, scopes sold through mass-market retailers.

To Consider: Orion, Meade, Celestron, Starsplitter, StellarVue, Obsession Telescopes, Zhumell.

Bushnell has a solid reputation in optics, but I can't speak to their telescopes. I would be very surprised if they were inferior.

Please, consider reading this web page:

http://www.my-spot.com/whatkind.htm

It will really help. Remember, a good telescope that fits your viewing style and available time will cost you more than you think! :)

HTH

Charles

Answer 4

Hi

I brought a cannon, but hey dont take my word for it, i had money to spend at the time, read some user revieews:
http://www.cloudynights.com/category.php?category_id=6&pr=2

some more profesional user reviews:
http://www.weatherman.com/scope.htm#One

also for prices + reviews:
http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/telescopes.asp

Enjoy, i have used telescopes for over 7 years, cannon is the best, the lenseses are the best, a to which one, it depends on your usage, and budget. Also make sure you get a good guarantee, as they are fragile as well, i would say £200 - £600 should be your range, and then buy a better one later on in life when you have masterd using that one.

Enjoy

Regards

Jam

Answer 5

Whichever make or model you buy, don't buy one that has the objective lens (the big one at the far end) stopped down with a large disk with a smaller hole in it. This indicates poor quality optics and you'll be disappointed with what you can see.

Answer 6

We have a Meade with the computer tracking and it seems to be a fine unit.