BUYING A TELESCOPE

 

When buying a telescope, several considerations must be taken into account. The following guidelines will help you make the correct telescope purchase decision.

Purpose of Telescope

If the telescope is a first-time purchase, most people want to observe the entire range of astronomical and terrestrial subjects. Refracting telescopes and mirroror-lens telescopes are usually more versatile in a wide array of land and astronomical applications. But if you are mainly interested in astronomy then reflecting telescopes and mirror-lens telescopes are perfect.

Reflecting Telescopes

Reflecting telescopes usually give the largest telescope aperature per dollar. However mirror-lens telescopes are the most versatile of all optical designs for the serious astronomer.

Many advanced amateur astronomers began astronomy with a 60mm diameter (2.5") refractor telescope.

Intermediate-level astronomers, or the non-casual telescope user who wishes to purchase one telescope for a lifetime, should consider a telescope such as the Meade Model LXD55 series, 8LX90, or LX200GPS. However it is unusual to need a telescope with aperture larger than 8".

For serious astronomy observers, consider the purchase of a Meade telescope equipped with an equatorial mount, such as the Meade LXD55 series. The motorized equatorial mount greatly facilitates tracking all celestial objects.

If your budget permits, consider the advantages of larger telescope diameters - try to buy a telescope you won't quickly outgrow. For example the Meade Model NGC-60 is a fine beginner telescope, but the Model DS-2114ATS collects more than three times as much light for a modest additional expenditure.