In this buying guide, we will see how to choose a telescope. The sky is a marvel! Especially at night, when many stars are visible to the naked eye, or when the full moon holds us up with our noses. In short, who would not like to observe all this with an optical instrument capable of making us appreciate every little facet?
We are talking about the telescope! And, since there are all types and for all budgets on the market, it is good to know how to orient yourself during your purchase because there will be many factors to consider.
Let’s see together through this short guide how to choose a telescope. First of all, when choosing a telescope, we must list the main categories:
- Refractor telescopes. As far as this category is concerned, it is also possible to find very cheap models on the market. Still, I advise you not to buy them as they are absolutely not suitable for a satisfactory observation of the sky. They consist of a long tube where a front lens is placed at the end that collects and focuses the light.
- Newtonian telescopes. They are a favorite for sky lovers as they guarantee good image rendering at affordable prices. They consist of two mirrors, and the first collects the light coming from the observed body and the second mirror makes the focal plane accessible to the user.
- Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. These are perfect models for astrophotography, and the most recent is equipped with computerized systems that allow you to point to celestial objects automatically.
- Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes. Technically very similar to the Schmidt-Cassegrain models. They have only one difference: in this case, the correcting plate is made of a meniscus with a double spherical profile.
When choosing a telescope should also give particular importance to the mounts as they are essential. There are two main types:
- Altazimuth. They are simple and inexpensive and allow you to move the telescope only up-down and left-right.
- Equatorial. This mount allows following the celestial object with a single movement by rotating with the earth’s rotation motion. These mounts lend themselves positively to astrophotography.
This guide on how to choose a telescope is finished. You have to search for the telescope that meets your needs based on its characteristics and make your purchase.
Note! The fact that they are the best-sellers does not mean that they are the best to buy for your needs.
SaleBestseller No. 1
Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners - Travel Telescope with Carry Bag, Phone Adapter and Wireless Remote
- Quality Optics: 400mm(f/5.7) focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings...
- Magnification: Come with two replaceable eyepieces and one 3x Barlow lens.3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each...
- Wireless Remote: Free includes one smart phone adapter and one Wireless camera remote to explore the nature of the world...
Bestseller No. 2
NASA Lunar Telescope for Kids – 90x Magnification, Includes Two Eyepieces, Tabletop Tripod, and Finder Scope- Kids Telescope for Astronomy Beginners, Space Toys, NASA Gifts (Amazon Exclusive)
- INSPIRE CURIOSITY – The NASA Lunar Telescope allows your child to see the moon in incredible detail; the perfect gift for...
- HIGH-QUALITY OPTICAL GLASS AND FINDER SCOPE – This easy-to-use telescope comes with a finder scope, low power, and...
- TABLETOP TRIPOD & SMOOTH MOUNT SYSTEM – Use the included tripod to steady your Lunar Telescope for optimal viewing, with a...
SaleBestseller No. 3
80x100 High Power Monocular Telescope with Smartphone Adapter Tripod, Larger Vision Monoculars for Adults with BAK4 Prism, Suitable for Bird Watching Hunting Hiking Camping Wildlife
- 【80100 High Definition Monocular Telescope】80 times magnification and 100mm object lens diameter monocular that provides...
- 【High Quality Optics】HD zoom focus monocular with high quality optics, BAK-4 prism, a fully multi coated lens, which...
- 【Easy Adjustment】This monocular has a compact, durable and high-quality precision design. The high powered monocular...
Bestseller No. 4
MEEZAA Telescope, Astronomy Telescope for Adults High Powered, 90mm Aperture 800mm Professional Refractor Telescopes for Kids & Beginners, Multi-Coated High Transmission with Phone Adapter Carry Bag
- 【Professional Astronomical Refractor Telescope】If you are interested in astronomy or like to explore the night sky, the...
- 【90mm Fully Multi-coated High Transmission Coatings】This astronomy telescope is 800mm(f/8.88) focal length and 90mm...
- 【32x-240x High-Powered Magnification】The telescope for adults astronomy kids and beginners comes with two interchangeable...
SaleBestseller No. 5
ToyerBee Telescope for Adults & Kids, 70mm Aperture (15X-150X) Portable Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners, 300mm Professional Travel Telescope with A Smartphone Adapter& Wireless Remote
- High Magnification: The telescope equipped with 2 eyepieces(H20mm and H6mm) and a 3X Barlow lens. The 3x Barlow lens trebles...
- 70mm Large Aperture: The refractor telescope is equipped with a large 70mm objective lens and the lens is fully coated with...
- Wireless Remote & Phone Adapter: Our telescope is equipped with a wireless remote and phone adapter. Just install your mobile...
Bestseller No. 6
Telescope for Adults & Kids, 70mm Aperture Refractor (15X-150X) Portable Travel Telescope with Phone Adapter & Wireless Remote, Astronomy Beginners Gifts, Black
- 【Great Telescope for Kids& Beginners!】 The telescope meets all the needs of astronomy beginners, the adults & kids’...
- 【70mm Large Aperture】The telescope equipped with 70mm aperture and 300mm focal length, which provide more lights and...
- 【Wireless Control】This telescope set includes one smartphone adapter and one Wireless camera remote. Just install your...
SaleBestseller No. 7
Telescope for Kids, Children's Telescopes & Projector, 24 Space Images & Educational Insights Book Included, Great STEM Activity Science Toys, Learning Gifts for Boys & Girls Ages 3 4 5 6-12 Year Old
- SPARK IMAGINATION 🌟: View constellations in the night sky and project bright, space-themed pictures on your bedroom wall...
- ADJUSTABLE VIEW 🌟: Includes several projection discs with 24 images of planets, space ships and more! Swivel this kids...
- DESIGNED WITH KIDS IN MIND 🌟: Our kids telescopes for kids are built to last using high-quality materials for supreme...
SaleBestseller No. 8
PhysioPhyx 80x100 Monocular-Telescope High Powered for Smartphone Monoculars for Adults High Definition for Stargazing Hunting Wildlife Bird Watching Travel Camping Hiking
- 【80×100 HD Magnification】80 times magnification, 100 mm object diameter monocular. Using optical technology, this...
- 【Compact Monocular】Compact and light monocular brings you the distant scenery by adjusting the eye cup and focusing...
- 【Compatible With Any Smartphone】It is equipped with a quick positioning smartphone bracket and a tripod. It can be...
Bestseller No. 9
80X100 Monoculars for Adults High Power Monocular Telescope for Smartphone Wildlife Bird Watching Hunting Camping Travel Scenery with Smartphone Holder & Tripod
- 【80×100 HD Magnification】80 times magnification, 100 mm object diameter monocular. Using optical technology, this...
- 【Compact Monocular】Compact and light monocular brings you the distant scenery by adjusting the eye cup and focusing...
- 【Compatible With Any Smartphone】It is equipped with a quick positioning smartphone bracket and a tripod. It can be...
Bestseller No. 10
Celticbird Telescope for Adults High Powered, 80x600mm Travel Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, Beginners,Kids with AZ Mount, Backpack, Moon Filter, Phone Adapter
- 【Excellent Optics】Astronomical telescope features 80mm aperture 600mm(f/6.7) focal length-The big aperture can capture...
- 【Portable & Stable】Our refractor telescope has a backbag, an adjustable aluminum tripod and an upgraded phone adapter....
- 【Easy to Operate】 This telescope is easy to assemble even for astronomy beginners and kids. You can set up easily with...
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