“This post contains affiliate links. If you shop using these links I make a small commission, but you are never charged any extra! And as always, my opinions are completely my own.”
So your little nerd is a stargazer. It is important to do some research before buying your first telescope. There are some important questions to ask before clicking buy. With doing a little research, you can find a good starter telescope for under $300.
What Are the Three Main Types?
There are three main types of telescopes. Each has pros and cons including portability and cost. Figuring out where you are using your telescope is important. You do not want to be lugging a 20 pound telescope camping.
Refractors
Refractors collect light with lenses that are at the front of the telescope’s tube. They are very easy to maintain but can get expensive if you are looking for a larger lens. Refractors come in two main types: apochromats and achromats. You should use apochromats because they offer better optical quality, even though they are more expensive.
One of the best inexpensive refractor telescopes is the Orion 10013 GoScope 80mm TableTop Refractor Telescope
If you’re looking for a really inexpensive option that isn’t a pair of binoculars, the Celestron 21035 70mm Travel Scope
Reflectors
Reflectors use mirrors to gather light. They require more maintenance because the optics can fall out of alignment, but they are less expensive than Refractors. Adjusting the optics, also called collimation, is very straightforward.
A popular choice for a reflector is the Orion SpaceProbe II 76-mm. This telescope comes with either an Altazimuth
Another popular choice for a reflector is the Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope
Compound Telescopes
Compound telescopes are hybrids of the refractors and reflectors and use both lenses and mirrors to gather light. Their tubes tend to be more compact and lighter, making them easier to move. The two most popular designs are Schmidt-Cassegrains and Maksutov-Cassegrains.
A great choice is the Orion 9820 Apex 90mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
What Features Should You Look At?
Aperture, focal length, finder, and mount. There is some lingo that is useful to learn before you buy your first telescope.
Aperture
Aperture is the most important feature of a telescope. It refers to the diameter of the primary lens, or mirror, in a telescope. It is important for gathering light and also for seeing detail. A larger aperture will collect more light, meaning you can see fainter objects like faraway galaxies. A larger aperture will also let you see smaller features that are on a body like craters on the moon.
The aperture’s diameter is normally expressed in millimeters. Your telescope should have at least 70 mm aperture. From a dark location, you can spot dozens of galaxies beyond our Milky Way through a scope with an aperture of 80 mm (3.1 inches). But you will probably need a 160mm telescope to see those same galaxies from a normal suburban yard.
Focal Length
The Focal length is the distance between the point where the object is brought into focus and the primary lens or mirror. The focal length is the main factor in how well a telescope magnifies objects. To figure out the magnification, divide the focal length of the telescope by the focal length of the eyepiece. For example, If you have a 25-millimeter eyepiece and a refractor of 800 mm, the magnification is 32 power. This is written as 32x (or, 800 / 25 = 32). It is important that the magnification is no more than twice the aperture of your telescope in millimeters to avoid a blurry view.
Finder
A finder makes it easier to find objects in the sky. It is an observing aid that sits on the telescope and normally projects a red dot into the sky. Because looking through the telescope itself can be difficult at high magnifications, it is a good idea to have a finder.
Mount
Make sure to use a good mount for your telescope. There are two main types of mounts, altazimuth and equatorial. An altazimuth mount can be moved side to side or up and down. This mount usually requires you to make manual corrections when you’re watching an object move across the sky. A better option is the equatorial mount. This mount has one axis aligned parallel to the Earth’s axis of rotation. You can orient an equatorial mount by pointing at the North Star, also known as Polaris, if you live in the Northern Hemisphere. This mount will track the motion of the stars by turning on a single axis.
When looking for a telescope high-quality optics and a good mount are essential. The best telescope for you is the one you will use.
If you are still hesitant to purchase your first telescope don’t worry. Next week we will look at a less expensive way to satisfy your little stargazer – Binoculars.
Enjoying MommyNerdist? Sign up for our free newsletter today!
