Guide for Picking Your Initial Telescope

In the vast expanse of the night sky, a telescope can be a gateway to discovering celestial wonders. For amateur astronomers, selecting the right telescope is crucial to unlocking the beauty of the cosmos. Here are some facts to consider when making your choice.

Firstly, it's essential to understand that there are three basic types of telescopes: refractors, reflectors, and Cassegrains. Refractors, invented by Isaac Newton, employ glass lenses at the end of a tube to bring a magnified view of the sky to focus. They are known for their lightweight, easy setup, and sharp views, but can be on the pricier side.

On the other hand, reflectors, a type of reflector telescope, are popular for their cost-effectiveness and rewarding views of the deep sky. The most recommended beginner telescopes with large aperture include 8-inch f/4 Dobsonian reflectors. These telescopes offer a wide field of view and strong light gathering suitable for observing star clusters and asterisms. They combine ease of use with significant aperture to provide excellent views of deep-sky objects for newcomers.

Cassegrains involve mirrors with a hole in the middle and give a comparatively more magnified view for a given size of eyepiece. They are similar to refractors but have a compact design and may need tweaking from time to time. Maksutov-Cassegrain or Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes may be the best option for those wishing to experience the best views of the planets and our Moon.

The quality of the optics in a refractor significantly affects the quality of the views. For instance, the Sky-Watcher Evostar 150ED DS-Pro refractor, with a large aperture for finding fainter objects, and the Celestron Nexstar 8SE, an 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, are examples of high-quality telescopes.

The right telescope can be determined by deciding where and how it will be used. Smaller reflectors can be used on tripod-style mounts, while larger ones may be mounted on a rotating base that sits on the floor. The Sky-Watcher SkyMax 180 Pro, a Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope with a compact, relatively portable optical tube, is an excellent example of a versatile telescope.

It is advisable to make a purchase from specialist astronomy dealers that know all about the telescopes they offer and can answer questions. These dealers can help guide you towards the best telescope for your needs, such as the Orion Optics VX8, an affordable reflector telescope, or the Omegon ProDob N 203/1200, a compact Dobsonian telescope with a mirror-cooling fan and a red dot finder.

Lastly, remember that the best telescope is one that is practical, comfortable to use regularly, and provides exciting views of the night sky. So, take your time to research, ask questions, and explore the wide variety of telescopes available on the market to find the perfect companion for your stargazing adventures. Happy exploring!

Light entering the tube is reflected back inside the tube onto a smaller angled secondary mirror, then out through the side of the telescope near the top end, which is where the eyepiece goes. The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 70AZ refractor, with a 70mm diameter front objective lens and a focal length of 700mm, follows this principle.

Smaller refractors are best suited for wider views of the night sky, while larger refractors can open up the skies to hundreds of deep-sky objects. The Bresser Messier 8-inch Dobsonian, a simple altaz Dobsonian telescope with a red-dot finder, a 25mm Plössl eyepiece, and an eyepiece rack, is a great example of a larger reflector.

In conclusion, whether you choose a refractor, reflector, or Cassegrain, the key is to find a telescope that suits your needs, budget, and level of expertise. Happy stargazing!