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.
- Superior 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: This refractor telescope includes one smart phone adapter and one Wireless camera remote to explore the...
SaleBestseller No. 2
Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm - Astronomical Portable Refracting Telescopes Fully Multi-Coated High Transmission Coatings AZ Mount with Tripod Phone Adapter, Wireless Control, Carrying Bag.
- Optimum Magnification: Our telescope for kids and adults is quipped with two replaceable excellent-quality eyepieces (25mm...
- Excellent Quality Optics: This telescope is 600mm(f/6.7) focal length and 80mm aperture, 80mm aperture to capture more light...
- Portable And Convenient: Comes with a phone adapter and an adjustable aluminum tripod. Wireless remote control and carrying...
SaleBestseller No. 3
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 phone adapter and one Wireless camera remote. Just install your mobile...
Bestseller No. 4
ToyerBee Telescope for Adults & Kids, 70mm Aperture Astronomical Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners (15X-150X), 300mm Portable Telescope with an Phone Adapter & A Wireless Remote
- 70mm Large Aperture: The telescope is equipped with a 70mm large aperture objective lens which makes the images brighter and...
- 15X-150X Magnification: Our refractor telescope is equipped with two eyepieces (H20mm and H6mm) and a 3X Barlow lens. The 3x...
- Adjustable Tripod: With an adjustable tripod, our astronomical telescope’s height can adjust from 13.8’’ to 40.5’’,...
Bestseller No. 5
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...
Bestseller No. 6
MEEZAA Telescope, Telescope for Adults High Powered Professional, 90mm Aperture 800mm Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners Fully Multi-Coated with AZ Mount Tripod & Phone Adapter & Carry Bag
- Professional Astronomical Refractor Telescope: If you are interested in astronomy or like to explore the night sky, the...
- 90mm Large Aperture: The astronomy telescope has an 800mm(f/8.88) focal length and 90mm aperture. The 90mm aperture captures...
- Optimum Magnification (32X-240X): Our telescope for adults high powered is equipped with two eyepieces(10 mm and 25 mm) and a...
SaleBestseller No. 7
Celticbird Telescope for Adults High Powered, 80mm Aperture 600mm Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, Travel Telescopio for Beginners with AZ Mount, Backpack, Phone Adapter, Moon Filter
- 【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...
SaleBestseller No. 8
16X52 Monocular Telescope High Powered for Adults, 2023 Power Prism Compact Monoculars for Adults,HD Monocular Scope for Gifts, Outdoor Activity,Bird Watching,Hiking,Concert,Travelling
- 【16X52 HD MAGNIFICATION】16x magnification and 52mm object lens diameter monocular, provides a clearly, bright image and...
- HIGH CONTRAST AND RESOLUTION IMAGES】The Monocular telescope equipped with the BAK4 prism and fully muti-coated lens, The...
- 【EASY TO USE & Christmas gifts】This compact monocular is convenient to use by single hand,You can see scenery easily and...
SaleBestseller No. 9
Telescope for Kids & Adults - 70mm Aperture 500mm AZ Mount Fully Multi-Coated Optics Astronomical refracting Portable Telescopes, with Tripod Phone Adapter, Carrying Bag, Remote Control White
- High-Quality Optics: The astronomical telescope features 500mm(f/7.1) focal length and 70mm aperture, provides stunning views...
- High Magnification: Our durable telescope for kids and adults is quipped with two excellent-quality eyepieces (25mm and 10mm)...
- Portable and Convenient: Telescope comes with a phone adapter and an adjustable aluminum tripod. Wireless remote control and...
Bestseller No. 10
Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescopes (20x-200x) for Kids & Adults, Portable Travel with Tripod Phone Adapter, Remote Control, Easy to Use, Black
- Superior quality optics: Our telescope uses high-quality lenses with anti-reflection coatings, delivering bright, clear, and...
- 70mm Large Aperture: The telescope equipped with a focal length of 400mm(f/5.7) and an aperture of 70mm, good light...
- 20X-200X Magnification: The telescope equipped with 3 eyepieces(K6mm, K10mm, K25mm) and a 3X Barlow lens that can triple the...
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Any price and availablility information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of any products.