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What Scope To Buy????
[Intro | Proper
steps | Choosing the right one]
[How to learn about your new scope | Caring for it]
Choosing the right telescope is not easy to do, however, it is not
impossible if you know what to look for. Many people may see the large and sophisticated
telescopes and think that they are the best. This is not always true. For an advanced
astronomer, a Schmidt-Cassegrain
telescope may suffice, yet for a beginning astronomer, even a small pair of binoculars can
be the best way to start learning the sky.
What good is it to have a tracking telescope, if one does not know where
to find objects in the sky. Sure somebody can read the telescope manual and type in a
number and see the object, but that takes half the fun out of observing.
Below are the steps that you should follow while planning to buy your
telescope.
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| 1. |
The first step in your journey should be to
purchase a decent pair of binoculars and a start chart if you do not already have one.
Although this may not seem like a type of observing, it is a great way to learn the sky. |
| 2. |
Begin going to local star-parties or group
observations to learn about telescopes and what kinds you like. Talk with astronomers
there, many will be glad to tell you what they know. |
| 3. |
After you become familiar with the sky, it
is time to search for a new telescope. A good model of telescope to start out with is a
refracting telescope. The lower end models are not extremely expensive and they provide
crisp images of planets. Bushnell and Meade both make quality beginning telescopes. |
| 4. |
You may feel that a refractor is not the
right telescope for you. Which ever telescope you purchase, take it to observations and
set up next to somebody that has a similar model to you. Watch and ask them questions. |
| 5. |
If and when you feel that you have learned
everything about your telescope, it may be time to move on to a new one. An excellent
telescope to get next would be a Dobsonian Reflector. Reflecting telescopes are both
inexpensive and easy to transport. They also provide a wide aperture to gather light. |
| 6. |
After you decide the model you like, I
would recommend that you do research and ask people which types they like better. Both
Celestron and Meade provide quality products that are liked by different people. |
In review: Before you buy, consider your level and choose the proper telescope
for your needs. Research different companies and visit star-parties to learn about the
telescope. When you get your telescope take it back to the star-parties and learn to use
it alongside
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