Buying A Telescope

Telescopes are a popular gift item, but one should consider this idea carefully. Cheap telescopes are a dime a dozen and only end up discouraging, rather than encouraging, the user. There's nothing more frustrating than trying to use a telescope that wobbles so much you can't see or find anything through.

Keep in mind the following tips:

• Consider joining a local astronomy club before buying a telescope. Amateur astronomers are a good source for advice, especially if you're a beginner.
• The size of the mirror or lens is the most important thing about a telescope -- not magnification! The larger its diameter, the better the view. Don't fall for the old "Magnifies 900x!" trick. A good size telescope is at least 4 to 6-inches in  diameter.
• Consider buying a pair of binoculars as a first telescope. They are inexpensive and very portable. "10 X 50" size binoculars are good for stargazing.
• It is difficult to find a good telescope under $300.00. Don't fall for the old "$500 telescope on sale for only $99.99!" scheme. Orion's 4" Starblast Telescope and Celestron's ExploraScope are good inexpensive ones.
• What brand should I buy? Unfortunately just about all the major manufactures make both good and bad scopes. To make matters worse some of the cheaper ones are manufactured by the same company but sold under different names.
• Don't blow your entire budget on the telescope itself. You will likely need additional eyepieces, finderscopes, maps and other accessories to use with the telescope.

Check out the following articles for more information:

• How to buy a telescope: accessories, gadgets, constraints
• Sky & Telescope: "Choosing Your First Telescope"
• Phil Harrington's Book Starware is an excellent guide to buying  telescopes and accessories.