How to Buy Telescope Accessories

To enjoy your telescope and get involved in more complicated stargazing projects, you'll need a few accessories. Carefully consider what you need before buying anything.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Sky Charts
• Barlow Lenses
• Telescope T-rings For Camera
• Telescope Camera Adapters
• Telescope Carrying Cases
• Telescope Dew Caps
• Telescope Eyepieces
• Telescope Filters
• Telescope Focal Reducers
• Telescope Lenses
• Telescope Prisms
• Telescope Shades
• Telescope Tripods
• Telescopes Cleaning Kit

1. Figure out the kind of stargazing projects that you are interested in and learn what kind of accessories you will need.
2. Research where and what to buy for those projects. Try to purchase accessories that will be useful for future projects so that your kit can grow with you as you learn.
3. Consider your budget. It is probably better to save money to buy higher-quality equipment than to buy cheap accessories that won't last.
4. Know the brand and size of your telescope. For example, you'll need to get 1.25-inch accessories that fit a Meade 1.25-inch system.
5. Look for low-cost alternatives to lenses if appropriate. This means thinking about buying lenses with plastic viewfinders and focusers.
6. Consider purchasing an adapter that will let you attach low-cost lenses to your high-quality telescope. This allows you to get involved in projects that require more extensive or different equipment without spending an arm and a leg.
7. Purchase a cleaning kit for your telescope. The more you take care of your telescope, the longer its life will be.
8. Purchase books containing star charts. As you become a proficient stargazer, you will want to be able to plot your course and have a better understanding of the heavens.
9. Find out whether the accessories you plan to purchase are covered by a warranty and whether the warranty is included in the price of the accessories. Decide on an extended warranty if desired.
10. Be sure you can return the accessories if they are defective.