Best Optical Quality in a Beginner Telescope: Meade StarNavigator 102 with AudioStar. Refractor (other types available) / Go-To AltAz Mount; Works for terrestrial targets, too. Welcome to our Telescopes Lab! If you are a beginner astronomer, an experienced stargazer or looking for the best telescope for viewing planets and galaxies? When it comes to considering telescopes, it’s easy to get a little bamboozled by all the choices available.
Buying your first telescope can be a challenge. There are not only so many different types of telescopes but so many different manufacturers and models that it can be overwhelming. Lets break it down a little and see if we can find the perfect first telescope for beginners for you. How serious are you?This question will help define your budget. Amateur telescopes can range from little $40 specials you may find in a department store to $25,000 monsters, and everything in between. If you are simply looking for a Christmas gift for a small child who seems mildly interested in astronomy, then a $40 telescope might be something to think about.If on the other hand you are looking at a teen or young adult who shows a serious interest, that same $40 telescope will probably do nothing but make them mad because it will provide blurry views, not be stable at all (which is important when viewing objects under high magnification) and will be prone to breakage and malfunctions.
A great example is that cheap telescopes tend to have poor focusers which means getting an object in focus can be time consuming and difficult. They also tend to have poor quality eyepieces which make it difficult to hold your eye just right to see through the tiny hole, and even then provide dim and blurry images.This doesn’t mean you need to spend thousands of dollars on a first telescope for beginners, but it does mean you should probably stay away from the one in your local department stores. What brands should you look at?The brands you look at will affect the price you pay, the quality you get, and the resale value should you ever want to sell the telescope. Two telescopes with the exact same specifications, one of which has a good brand name, will vary greatly in resale value and potentially in quality of construction.Unfortunately there are a ton of knockoff brands, primarily from China, which manufacture telescopes with the same magnification, size, and accessories as the name brand models for far less money.
The tradeoff is that the name brand versions are good telescopes that can last many years whereas the knockoffs are cheap flimsy versions that will likely not only provide horrible views and be tiresome to use, but will most likely fall apart quickly.Again, if you are looking for something for a small child which will most likely be destroyed in a few months anyway, there is nothing wrong with going the cheap route. If however you are not trying to extinguish the hopes and dreams of someone with a genuine desire to view the heavens, stick with the brand names.So what are the brand names you can generally trust? Orion, Meade, Celestron, Skywatcher and iOptron all make excellent equipment (as long as you stay away from the absolute bottom of the line equipment). Although there are other quality manufacturers out there, these are the ones I have personal experience with who make good quality equipment which would be an excellent choice for a best first telescope for beginners. What objects do you want to look at?Different types of telescopes are better at different things. A long focal length refractor will be better at viewing planets than a short focal length Newtonian.
Large Dobsonians are better at faint objects than refractors at the same price point, whereas an MCT would be an awesome choice for observing the moon’s surface.The first thing you should do is get a realistic expectation of what you can see with off the shelf beginner equipment. You can get pretty good views of Saturn and Jupiter with most inexpensive equipment, but Mars will be difficult at best and the other planets will look like fat stars with no detail. Nebula and galaxies are a little more exciting and there are plenty out there so the better your equipment, the more you can see. The moon and sun (with the correct protective equipment!) are usually awesome targets with even the most basic of equipment. How hard are you willing to work?Telescopes come with one of two basic types of mounts, computerized or manual.
With manual you do everything; you find the object and you move the telescope to keep the object in the viewfinder as you view it. With computerized you run through the computer’s alignment procedure and then tell it what you want to look at. The computer has a list of probably many thousands of objects and you simply select the one you want, then it moves and tracks the object.Technically there is a third type of mount, a manual mount that you can put motors on which will keep an object in the viewfinder once you find it.
This is not that common and you will have to learn to manually align your mount in order for the motor to work correctly so I suggest you avoid this type for your first beginner telescope.The advantage to a computerized mount should be obvious, you spend less time looking for things and more time actually viewing things. The disadvantage is that they cost more. Different telescope typesGenerally telescopes have two basic types; reflector and refractor. A reflector uses one or more mirrors to present you with an image while the refractor uses one or more lenses. There are some designs that use both, and of course if you want to be really picky all telescopes use eyepieces which have lenses in them making all telescopes a sort of hybrid.The first issue is aperture, or the diameter of the opening at the front of a telescope. The larger the aperture, the more light the telescope can collect so the dimmer things you can see (more nebulae and galaxies primarily).Refractors are usually the most expensive per inch of aperture, but typically provide the highest quality view with the most contrast, again, per inch of aperture. This is due to there not being any obstructions in the light path like reflectors have, and the fact that light is lost when bouncing off of mirrors in reflectors meaning refractors have higher light transmittance per inch when compared to reflectors.Reflectors are far cheaper to manufacture since there are no big pieces of high quality glass to mess with.
This allows you to get a telescope with far larger apertures then you might could afford otherwise. The loss of image quality due to obstructions and other issues is usually not noticeable by people buying their first beginner telescope.Beginner reflectors can then be divided into the Dobsonian, Newtonian, SCT and MCT.Dobsonians are some of the most popular beginner telescopes out there because their inexpensive mount design allows for relatively large telescopes to be sold for extremely attractive prices.
Dobsonians are also very easy for the beginner to set up and use. Larger mirrors however do require longer times for the telescope to adjust to the outside temperature before it will provide sharp images, so keep this in mind. Dobsonians also can require more expensive eyepieces to get good views but this is not that much of a concern when just starting out.Newtonians are open tube reflectors just like the Dobsonian, but are mounted on tripod style mount instead of a Dobsonian style mount. They are also usually smaller in aperture, lighter and are easier to find in computerized versions. This makes them great for someone who doesn’t have a lot of room to store a large telescope and would like the convenience of a computerized system without a large expense.SCT (Schmidt–Cassegrain Telescope) telescopes combine several mirrors enclosed in a short tube to provide a large aperture and high magnification in a compact package. The down side is that these are more expensive than Newtonians or Dobsonians, and require far longer to adjust to the outside temperature than any other type of telescope (except for MCTs). They are also relatively heavy for their size making larger aperture versions very heavy to deal with.
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The main advantage of an SCT is that you get most of the benefits of the Dobsonian and Newtonian in a nice small package with higher magnification making them excellent for splitting double stars, observing galaxies, etc.MCTs (Maksutov–Cassegrain Telescope) are very similar to the SCT with the addition of a meniscus lens in the front and increased focal length. This makes these extraordinarily good for planetary observations, including high resolution lunar observing. They are as heavy or heavier than SCTs and require even longer to acclimate before they can be used.SCTs and MCTs are usually reserved for more advanced users. Recommendations $100-$399 Celestron 31042 AstroMaster 114 EQ Reflector $170This setup is small enough to fit in a closet or under your bed yet large enough to provide excellent views for the beginner. One thing I really like is that the telescope tube is mounted to a standard dovetail meaning that if you wanted to upgrade the mount to something with a full computer on it, you would simply slide the telescope off this mount and onto the new one, no fuss. Orion 9024 AstroView 90mm Equatorial Refractor Telescope $299The is an awesome introductory telescope for beginners.
With crisp views of anything you want to point it at it is sure to please. Orion makes the for this telescope should you want it to track the objects for you which is an awesome upgrade. My personal opinion is that this is probably the best investment for the money and would be my choice in this price group. In fact, I still own an Orion 90mm refractor, albiet a much older one, and even with thousands of dollars worth of other telescopes, I occasionally come back to this one for some fun and relaxation.
IOptron SmartStar-E-N114 8503B Computerized Telescope $358This has a computerized mount that will point it to any one of 5,000 objects in it’s catalog with the press of a button. The setup trades optical quality and stability for the convenience of push button viewing.
Recommendations $400-$600 Orion SkyQuest XT8 PLUS Dobsonian Reflector Telescope $499The is an excellent telescope for anyone to start with. While Orion and others make cheaper 8″ Dobsonians, this one is a far better product for just a little bit more money. Adjustable tensioners, improved mount, dual-speed crayford focuser, thumbscrew adjustable secondary, and upgraded eyepieces makes this one a real winner. Orion 13161 StarSeeker IV 150mm GoTo Reflector Telescope $579With most of the light capturing ability of the Dobsonian above, the adds a stable tripod, full go-to computerization and more. If you are serious about exploring the heavens on a budget, this is the investment for you. With over 42,000 objects in the computer, you are sure to never have to want for something to look at. In conclusionAny one you get is sure to provide you some amazing adventures in the heavens.
If you choose to purchase your new telescope used, be sure you try it out before you purchase it.
This wiki has been updated 14 times since it was first published in April of 2017. Many aspiring astronomers gaze into the heavens and wonder how all that stuff got up there. While not necessarily answering that cosmic question, these telescopes for beginners can, at least, help identify what that 'stuff' is and provide a closer view of it.
From refractor to reflector, we've included a range of models to suit any budget.When users buy our independently chosen editorialpicks,we may earn commissions tohelp fund the Wiki.Skip to. This wiki has been updated 14 times since it was first published in April of 2017.
Many aspiring astronomers gaze into the heavens and wonder how all that stuff got up there. While not necessarily answering that cosmic question, these telescopes for beginners can, at least, help identify what that 'stuff' is and provide a closer view of it. From refractor to reflector, we've included a range of models to suit any budget.When users buy our independently chosen editorialrecommendations,we may earn commissions tohelp fund the Wiki.Skip to. Editor's NotesJune 06, 2019:After more carefully considering the needs and age of the average beginner, it was decided that the Orion SkyQuest 10014 was a bit too large, and required too much assembly upon arrival for anyone just getting started. We swapped it out with our previous number three pick, the Celestron Nextstar 130SLT, which most people can simply prop up on its included tripod and point at the night sky. Then, of course, as you grow into the hobby, it has more advanced capabilities like automated object tracking and a vast computer database.
Our list's biggest loser might be the Celestron Powerseeker 70, which fell all the way to our tenth spot due to challenges presented in setup including counterbalance adjustments and laser collimation. It's a fine scope for a great price, but it's better if you've got someone with experience to help you put it together. Space is one of those things that’s so enormous that you might have a hard time completely conceptualizing it. It’s kind of like the national debt or the afterlife, in that it’s so large and mysterious that we can’t wrap our hands or heads around it. But an understanding of the universe is central to the discovery of the self.When you take the time to realize that every atom of matter that you're made of was born inside the furnace of distant and the long since dead stars, it should fill you with an undeniable sense of magic, while also humbling you to know your small place in such a large picture. It can be a little scary to come in contact with those kinds of truths, but increasing your perspective will only make you a stronger, more empathetic human being.There are a number of ways to get at this truth.
Some folks like to or watch documentaries on the topic. Others prefer a more hands-on approach, or in this case, a more eyes on approach. This is something that you can achieve with a telescope. As you gaze through the eyepiece and view in great detail distant celestial bodies like the moon with its seemingly endless craters, the bright red neighbor we call Mars, or even the magnificent rings of Saturn, you will undoubtedly feel deeply connected to the universe around you.It doesn’t matter whether you’re investing in a telescope for a child in the family or whether you, as an adult, have decided it’s time to explore the heavens. Children of all ages will look up at the sky with wonder.Of course, for those of you with more flexible ethics, you can also use your telescope to check in on your neighbors. And if one night you find yourself looking down the street through an unsuspecting parties window and you find them looking right back at you through a telescope of their own, simply wave and acknowledge the humorous coincidence. Then invest in some good window blinds.
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To Refract Or To ReflectIn order to choose the best possible beginner’s telescope from the excellent selection we’ve put together, it would be helpful for you to know some of the key differences among the available models. The biggest dividing line between the two major groupings of telescopes on our list separates them into the refracting and reflecting categories. Refracting telescopes utilize lenses to bend incoming light toward an eyepiece. Reflecting telescopes, on the other hand, employ a set of mirrors that reflect light into your eyepiece.It’s also true that the redirection of light within the reflecting telescope will create a more comfortable viewing experience through a side-mounted eyepiece.Quite possibly the biggest advantage of a refracting telescope is that it’s a closed system. The tube is completely sealed from the front lens element all the way to the back eyepiece. That means you don’t have to worry much about dust or other maintenance issues.
Nothing will dampen a young astronomer’s excitement to explore the skies quite like a blurred image from a dusty telescope that requires cleaning.On the negative side, lenses are than mirrors, so the image quality and brightness produced by a refracting telescope in a beginner’s price range are often less than that of a reflecting telescope. The light path through a refracting telescope is a straight line, placing the eyepiece in the exact opposite direction of wherever the telescope is pointed.
This can make for some more uncomfortable viewing angles that could require the use of a chair or some other method to see comfortably.This is not to say a reflecting telescope is far and away the better option. It is true that the less expensive manufacturing process of mirrors will allow for a greater light collecting area resulting in better image quality. It’s also true that the redirection of light within the reflecting telescope will create a more comfortable viewing experience through a side-mounted eyepiece.
But reflecting telescopes are not closed systems the way their refracting brothers are. The end that you point upward is open to the elements, which easily allows dust and other debris to settle on the mirrors whose cleanliness directly determines the quality of your image.At the end of the day, the choice between a refracting and a reflecting telescope will largely come down to the behavior of the beginning astronomer. If you know that he or she will have a tendency to ignore cleaning and maintenance, then it’s probably smarter to go with a refracting model. And if, on the other hand, image quality is of such great importance to them that they’re willing to put forth that extra maintenance effort, then a reflecting model will surely be your best choice. Other Stargazing Tools And TricksHeading out at night to observe the heavens seems like a pretty straightforward process.
For the most part, you want to get far away from any source of light pollution, and then simply look up. But there are a few tools and tricks you can employ, in addition to your telescope, that will make your stargazing experience that much more fruitful.Even at its lowest brightness settings, that blast of light to the eyes is going to cost you time better spent assessing your place in the universe.One of the best things that you can have with you when stargazing is a star chart of some kind. This can help you locate any celestial bodies in which you're particularly interested. Even more fun, however, is identifying patterns in the sky and then referencing your star chart to find out what they are.Because some telescopes require a little bit of effort to target a certain area of sky, it's helpful to bring along a good pair of binoculars. There are even binoculars specifically that can help you spot a star or planet much more quickly than you can with your telescope. Then, you can point your telescope in that direction and get an even closer look.Finally, it's important to remember that it takes time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. The last thing you should be doing when you're out in the field enjoying the night sky is taking glances at your phone.
Even at its lowest brightness settings, that blast of light to the eyes is going to cost you time better spent assessing your place in the universe. Last updated on June 12, 2019 byDaniel Imperiale holds a bachelor’s degree in writing, and proudly fled his graduate program in poetry to pursue a quiet life at a remote Alaskan fishery. After returning to the contiguous states, he took up a position as an editor and photographer of the prestigious geek culture magazine “Unwinnable” before turning his attention to the field of health and wellness. In recent years, he has worked extensively in film and music production, making him something of a know-it-all when it comes to camera equipment, musical instruments, recording devices, and other audio-visual hardware. Daniel’s recent obsessions include horology (making him a pro when it comes to all things timekeeping) and Uranium mining and enrichment (which hasn’t proven useful just yet).
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