How to Choose the Right Telescope

Choosing the right telescope depends on your personal needs and interests. What may be ideal for one person isn't necessarily right for you. Before you begin your search for the ideal telescope it is wise to consider where you intend to use your telescope, what you want to view, and how much you are willing to invest in one. Read on to learn how to choose the right telescope.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Assessment of needs

1. Consider your viewing needs. If you intend to view the heavens from your deck or backyard, portability isn't an issue; but, if you intend to take your telescope to other locations for optimum viewing, then portability can make a big difference. Consider the ease of transporting the telescope, the time it will take to set it up, and the weight of the telescope. Can one person reasonably move and set it up?
2. Avoid purchasing a telescope that has been advertised as high powered. In viewing celestial objects the power of magnification isn't what creates a great view. It is the amount of light the scope will take in, or the aperture, that will determine how clearly you will see objects in the night sky.
3. Consider a basic refractor telescope with a 60mm to 80mm lens if you are only interested in viewing the moon and planets. These telescopes are easy to transport, require little maintenance, and cost anywhere in the $100 to $300 range.These are not well suited for viewing deep sky objects like galaxies and nebulae, but are great as a starter telescope.
4. Contemplate purchasing a reflector telescope, if you wish to observe deep sky images. Those with 6- to 8-inch apertures will capture galaxies and nebulae, but are larger and more difficult to move and come with a price tag beginning in the mid $300.
5. Choose a telescope that most closely matches your needs. It may be tempting to buy a high powered telescope that promises high magnification. Keep in mind it is the aperture not the magnification that matters.

Tips & Warnings

• Make an honest assessment of your needs.
• Consider the portability of the telescope you choose if you intend to move it from one location to another.
• Evaluate the cost in comparison to the added features of a more expensive model.
• Enjoy your view of the night sky.

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