Can you recommend a good telescope for under $250??

Question

I'm looking for a telescope that really magnifies the sky...like makes it able to see planets & such. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

The Orion XT4.5 is a good one for $239. It's not as compact, but it will do a better job on planets than the Astroscan. Orion's Starblast is another good choice in a low-cost telescope.

Answer 2

Some One suggested the Orion 6" Newtonian reflector on a Dobsonian ( DOB ) mounting. I totally agree. This is more telescope then you will ever out grow, yet it is light enough, inexpensive, well made enough that you will totally enjoy it and really, never out grow. Add on other eyepieces as your experience grow,, but the two eyepieces supplied, both the popular and excellent Plossl design are more than enough for this f/8 ratio ( medium speed focal ratio). You Will enjoy the moon, Jupiter,Mars, Nebula, star clusters, and double stars.
You can not go wrong. We all may suggest you visit a local star party. Find a astronomy club nearby and go. You'll learn a lot.
Clear Skies,

Pete

Answer 3

I agree, Orion Star blast or any of the 4.5" series from Orion. IF you can manage it, get a friendly relative to kick in a few more bucks at Xmas and get the Orion 6", it is a great inrease in capability.
DO NOT be tempted to get one of the so-called bargains from ebay, amazon, department stores or places like that. Most of the scopes sold there are junk. Not even suitable as toys!

Adolph

Answer 4

I'll agree with Injanier: the Orion XT4.5 is absolutely the best telescope on the market under $250:
http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=dobsonians/~pcategory=telescopes/~product_id=09804

But if you can afford a tiny bit more, the 6" version is more than twice as good:
http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=dobsonians/~pcategory=telescopes/~product_id=09185

Answer 5

everyone picks on cheap scopes, but hey, if you don't know a lot, this is a good start.

http://www.telescopes.com/telescopes/refracting-telescopes/tasco675x60refractoreqtelescope.cfm#navbar=a

Best advice is go find a local Amateur Astronomy Club or Public Invited nite at a local Observatory.

Those guys are a very good resource when buying a scope.

(if any of them are snotty to you, tell 'em I will come kick sand on their calculators)

Answer 6

I would highly recommend the Astroscan, made by Edmund Scientific Inc.

It has fine, professional quality optics set in a rugged plastic tube, and the mount system is extremely simple, so pretty much impossible to screw up.