Telescopes??

Question

Hello. I am looking for a nice telescope, that isn't REALLY expensive. I don't mind a little expensive, but not like 1000's of dollars. I was wondering what a good brand or kind is. Thank you in advance! =D

Answer 1

Orion Telescopes (http://www.telescope.com/ ) is a good source for reasonably priced telescopes, and their site has some information to help you choose a telescope.

The best buy in telescopes is a Dobsonian (http://www.telescope.com/jump.jsp?itemType=CATEGORY&itemID=9 ). Orion has both totally manual models and dobs with object finders to guide you to things.

Answer 2

You will not find a decent brand new telescope for under $300

Before you buy, you need to learn a little about telescopes. Generally speaking, the most important aspects of a telescope are it's aperture, and mount.

Aperture is the diameter of the telescope's primary mirror or lens. Reflectors use mirrors, refractors use lenses (most large telescopes are reflectors). The more aperture a telescope has, the more light it can collect, and the more you can see. Contrary to popular beliefe, most things in space are too dim to see with the naked eye, not too small or to "far" to see . Don't get anything smaller than 4.5" of aperture. If you can afford it, 8" is a good aperture.

What NOT to buy is a telescope from a department store, a telescope with a cheapo mount, or a telescope that advertises it's power. Power is misleading. You can use just about any power in any telescope but it doesn't mean you will get a nice image.

Good brands are Celestron, Meade, and Orion. Zhummell is also a brand to consider. Don't buy the department store line of these telescopes though.

I recommend you go to http://members.aol.com/siriusbc/telescopes.htm to learn some telescope basics.

You can buy telescopes at http://www.telescopes.com and http://www.oriontelescopes.com

I would look for a reflector, either newtonian or dobsonian, or a catadioptric such as a Schmidt Cassegrain, but probably not a Maksutov Cassegrain.

If you learn enough about what to look for in a telescope, you might want to consider buying a used one. You can find used telescopes at http://www.astromart.com and http://www.cloudynights.com

If you buy used, never pay by wire transfer.

Answer 3

Meade, Celestron and Skywatcher are good, well known makes.
4" or 5" reflecting telescopes aren't expensive and are very good for planets, the moon, and deep sky objects. Refractors of the same standard are usually more expensive and are more suited to observing just planets and the moon.
The Celestron firstscope series and Skywatcher reflectors are worth investigating. Also the skywatcher website has a page (in the "knowledge base" section) on choosing a telescope, which should help.

Answer 4

Hi,

If you are looking for a good quality 'scope, plase go for either a Celestron, or a Meade.

I would reccomend either a 6" reflector or a 3" refractor, and would also hint that you should get an equatorial mount.

If you search around you can find some great websites that give you tips and advice.

Good Luck!!

Answer 5

Meade and Celestron both make great telescopes in a wide variety of designs and price ranges.
They also have websites to do your research.

Answer 6

i like Meade telescopes myself