Choosing a “First Telescope”

Here are some good articles on shopping for a telescope:

https://astronomy.com/-/media/Files/PDF/Buying%20Your%20First%20Telescope.pdf

https://www.space.com/15693-telescopes-beginners-telescope-reviews-buying-guide.html

https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/types-of-telescopes/

https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-equipment/telescope-buying-guide/

(Plain Text Version)

As wonderful as the night sky appears to the naked eye, there is much more to see with the aid of a telescope. 

Rather than tell you how to pick out a telescope, I will post links to some very informative articles.  I will just add a few ideas of my own:

1.  If you can get to a star party, the telescope owners will be glad to show how their telescopes work.  They will help you to learn the advantages and disadvantages of the various choices.

2. Your local public library may be lending telescopes.  These telescopes are usually in the low price category, but they will help you to learn how to use a telescope.

3. Some manufacturers who offer low priced telescopes of good quality: Celestron, Meade, Orion, Sky Watcher.

4. If you want to do astroimaging, consider doing it with your second telescope.  Scopes suitable for imaging are much more   expensive than ones for visual use only.  For your first telescope, choose one that is easy to set up, and enjoy visual astronomy for a while.  Later, you will be able to make a better choice for your new instrument.

5. Think about size, weight and ease of setup when making your selection.  When the Sun goes down, your energy level may be declining.  If the telescope is hard to set up, you may be tempted to stay indoors!

To be continued …