I need to pros and cons of buying a telescope, anyone?

Question

Do you feel as if your purchase of a telescope was worth it? Do you thoroughly enjoy it and use it as much as you anticipated?
I really really enjoy space and astronomy, and know more about the sky than most... I just wanna be assured that spending this amount of money is gonna be worthwhile, ya know?

Answer 1

I've never regretted it. It's given me hours of enjoyment, and the ability to share wonders with others.

Campbelp2002's advice is good (and Judi L's experience is educational). A cheap one will be frustrating. That's the biggest con. But I recommend a short tube refractor instead of a Dobsonian, for a beginner. They're sturdier, easier to move around and use, and more intuitive.

Like this:

http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=refractors/~pcategory=telescopes/~product_id=24688

If $300 is too much of an investment for you, how about $100? You can do a lot of astronomy with these quality instruments:

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-7249-Action-10x50-Binocular/dp/B0001A3N58

This will help:

http://www.amazon.com/Binocular-Highlights-Celestial-Telescope-Stargazing/dp/1931559430/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196957529&sr=8-2

If you like that experience, and want to go ahead, they'll still be very useful, after you get a telescope. Many of us with telescopes routinely have binoculars at hand too.

But don't cheap out on the binoculars, either.

Answer 2

My first actual purchase was a 10" dobsonian mounted telescope form Orion Telescopes for $649 about 8 years ago and well worth every penny. I still use it every chance I get. I spent over a year going to star parties and public nights at some observatories and asked many questions and used many different kinds of telescopes before making up my mind on what to buy. I tell everyone I know who is interested in purchasing a scope not to buy one from a department store, e-bay or amazon. These telescopes will leave you wishing you had saved a little more money to buy a real telescope. It's worth the time to investigate this purchase so you do not end up being dissappointed with one that will end up sitting in your closet.

Orion offers a 4" reflector on a dobsonian mount, I think its called the Astroblast for $179 which is rated very well and perfect for beginners.

Answer 3

I bought my first telescope 50 years ago. I bought my 25th telescope three months ago. I've loved them all:
http://www.gaherty.ca/telescopes.htm

I can truthfully say that some of the happiest times in my life have been out under the stars with one of my telescopes. I've also had some frustrating times, especially when I can't find some object in the skies I'm looking for.

I know some people just don't enjoy their telescopes, for one reason or another. Sometimes it's the poor quality of the telescope itself, sometimes it's unrealistic expectations, some people just aren't comfortable in the dark or in the cold. Well, I'm not comfortable in the cold, but if what I'm looking at is compelling enough, I don't notice the cold.

The suggestion we often give about finding your local astronomy club and attending a few star parties is a very good one. It's only by spending some time under the stars looking through typical telescopes that you can tell how satisfying this hobby is likely to be for you.

Give it a try!

Answer 4

It is extremely worthwhile and very satisfying IF you buy the scope that you really want. There is no hurry to do this. If you rush and buy the wrong thing, you will regret it as described above. So - really - your best course of action is:

1. Go to a local astronomy club observing session. Go to 3 or 4 of them if you can. Try out the different scopes and eyepieces to see which scope does what you like without breaking your car when you load it in the back (or breaking your back when you load it in the car?).

2. Things to think about include - what do you want to look at - planets or deep sky objects? - Is it your intent to use it as a demonstration tool for others? If so, you might like a clock drive. Are you planning on using it for photography? etc etc

3. Once you have settled on what you really like, then go ahead and buy it - preferably from a reputable local dealer who can help you if you have difficulties. Don't buy a cheaper scope than the one you really want.

4. In the meantime, use a good binocular. You can see a great deal with a good one.

I have spent quite a bit on my scope, eyepieces, equipment, etc. I use it frequently and I'm glad I spent what I did. I am very pleased with the hobby. What the heck - it's cheaper than a boat!

Answer 5

My telescope is about 5-6 inches across, has a wooden tripod for a stand. It has been an extremely frustrating experience trying to use it; as I can never get the thing to stay still after getting the planet or whatever in the scope, then changing over to the actual telescope lens: it's gone. I would say unless you can afford a really really expensive one, don't bother. If I want to look at a comet, I just use good binoculars.

Answer 6

Using a telescope, especially a crummy cheap one, can be very difficult and frustrating for a beginner. So I say get a small, high quality but not too expensive telescope to start out. Like the smaller ones in the source.

Answer 7

Best value (cost per aperture) is a Dobsonian, the biggest you can afford. Very good for nebula. Next best is a biggish newtonian on a driven (not computerrized) mount. the mount MUST be solid, not wibbly wobbly, good for everything. Next is the refractor, good for planets. Finally the catadioptic, most expensive but shortest so most portable if you want to get away from the city lights. Computer mounts are not all they are cracked up to be.

Answer 8

I concur with anyone who says go to a star party and look through some scopes to find what you can expect to see. It's important that you know that you won't see pretty wallpaper when you look through a scope. Some things are instantly mind-blowing, but it takes years to fully appreciate what you're seeing. Like any other hobby.

Answer 9

Before purchasing a telescope, check it thoroughly to verify that the objective lens or mirror is, in fact, present.

Answer 10

Another excellent source of information is at http://www.astronomy.com and www.skyandtelescope.com.