Comments on: I would like a good beginners telescope… https://habitablezone.com/2011/10/08/i-would-like-a-good-beginners-telescope/ Sun, 05 Apr 2026 21:05:37 -0700 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: RobVG https://habitablezone.com/2011/10/08/i-would-like-a-good-beginners-telescope/#comment-6874 RobVG Sat, 08 Oct 2011 18:11:33 +0000 http://habitablezone.com/?p=4313#comment-6874 <p>Go to "CloudyNights.com" and ask that in the Beginners forum. </P> You'll be flooded with suggestions. Or at least pointed to tons of similar threads. Also there are lot's of telescope reviews. They also have a classified section where you can find great deals on all kinds of scopes and accessories. Check out my observatory build if you like. <a href="http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbarchive/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/1544889/page/0/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/all/fpart/1" rel="nofollow">Here</a> Go to “CloudyNights.com” and ask that in the Beginners forum.

You’ll be flooded with suggestions. Or at least pointed to tons of similar threads. Also there are lot’s of telescope reviews.

They also have a classified section where you can find great deals on all kinds of scopes and accessories.

Check out my observatory build if you like.

Here

]]> By: ER https://habitablezone.com/2011/10/08/i-would-like-a-good-beginners-telescope/#comment-6870 ER Sat, 08 Oct 2011 17:40:35 +0000 http://habitablezone.com/?p=4313#comment-6870 Since Raoul is probably not tuning in, I'm probably the expert here. Here are my suggestions. 1) Get a scope that is good for both astronomy and nature study, bird watching, and general spotting like at the beach. This way if you lose interest in astronomy, it won't go to waste and if you do become an expert, the beginner's scope will still be useful when you upgrade to a more specialized model. A very good alternative (perhaps even better than a scope) is a good pair of 10x50 or 7x50 binoculars. They are excellent for beginners, the pros use them as spotters and finders, and they have many non-astronomical applications as well. They also will help you learn the sky, which you need to do anyway. You just can't look around at random and hope to stumble onto anything except the moon. 2) Get a low-power, wide-field scope, preferably a refractor, it is easier to use and learn how to use. Remember, the primary purpose of an astronomical telescope is to make faint things brighter, NOT make distant things look closer. When you get ready to use higher magnifications, you can just buy higher power eyepieces for it, and they will also work on any other telescope you may buy down the line. Make absolutely sure you buy a scope that can handle 1 1/4" outside diameter eyepieces, the standard size. 3) Do NOT buy at the store. You will get crap, I can guarantee it. Order online, there are many reputable dealers there and they employ real knowlegeable American people who love astronomy who will talk to you on the phone and give you good advice. My favorite is Orion Telescopes in California. 4) Don't take my word for it, follow their advice. But if I were you, I would go with the Orion ShortTube 80 telescope. Don't buy the expensive equatorial mounting for it (it is hard for a beginner to set up and operate), a good quality camera tripod is all you really need for now. The scope, tripod, a good star chart and an eyepiece or two will set you up for about $200-$300. 5) Get yourself a friend who knows astronomy and can teach you how to use it. Remember, astronomers do it in the dark. AND we can do it all night long. Since Raoul is probably not tuning in, I’m probably the expert here.

Here are my suggestions.

1) Get a scope that is good for both astronomy and nature study, bird watching, and general spotting like at the beach. This way if you lose interest in astronomy, it won’t go to waste and if you do become an expert, the beginner’s scope will still be useful when you upgrade to a more specialized model. A very good alternative (perhaps even better than a scope) is a good pair of 10×50 or 7×50 binoculars. They are excellent for beginners, the pros use them as spotters and finders, and they have many non-astronomical applications as well. They also will help you learn the sky, which you need to do anyway. You just can’t look around at random and hope to stumble onto anything except the moon.

2) Get a low-power, wide-field scope, preferably a refractor, it is easier to use and learn how to use. Remember, the primary purpose of an astronomical telescope is to make faint things brighter, NOT make distant things look closer. When you get ready to use higher magnifications, you can just buy higher power eyepieces for it, and they will also work on any other telescope you may buy down the line. Make absolutely sure you buy a scope that can handle 1 1/4″ outside diameter eyepieces, the standard size.

3) Do NOT buy at the store. You will get crap, I can guarantee it. Order online, there are many reputable dealers there and they employ real knowlegeable American people who love astronomy who will talk to you on the phone and give you good advice. My favorite is Orion Telescopes in California.

4) Don’t take my word for it, follow their advice. But if I were you, I would go with the Orion ShortTube 80 telescope. Don’t buy the expensive equatorial mounting for it (it is hard for a beginner to set up and operate), a good quality camera tripod is all you really need for now. The scope, tripod, a good star chart and an eyepiece or two will set you up for about $200-$300.

5) Get yourself a friend who knows astronomy and can teach you how to use it. Remember, astronomers do it in the dark. AND we can do it all night long.

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