![]() ![]() Learn how telescopes work with OpticsPlanet and become an avid astronomer for life. We have also included some telescope recommendations for beginning astronomers to make shopping easier. Here are some frequently asked questions about telescopes for the person buying gifts for an astronomer. So how do you choose a telescope for a new astronomer? With so many telescope models designed for the beginner, it is sometimes hard to figure out how to pick a telescope, especially if you are not an astronomer yourself. Astronomy is truly an interest that can last a lifetime, especially if you know how to pick a telescope that will continue to be used as the hobbyist picks up more skills. With a medium or large telescope, amateur astronomers rarely see everything there is to see with a telescope, even after years of observing. Even a majority of the smallest inexpensive telescopes are capable of revealing the rings of Saturn, the cloud belts of Jupiter, hundreds of star clusters, and even distant galaxies. A telescope makes a wonderful gift for someone who has an interest in the night sky. See the telescopes they currently have in stock.In this guide you’ll learn how to choose a telescope, including how to choose a telescope for stargazing and some tips on how to choose a telescope for a child. We recommend First Light Optics whom we know to be a very reliable, helpful and customer focussed supplier of telescopes and associated equipment. We highly recommend you go to an independent astronomy equipment supplier (rather than any online retailer). Other types of telescopes can be found cheaper however you may well find yourself venturing into the realms of poor build quality and difficult to use (in which case you really must try before you buy!). Your budget goes primarily towards how powerful the telescope is (the size of the light-gathering mirror) rather than fancy electronics.Ī Dobsonian telescope with a 6″ mirror costs in the region of £280, an 8″ about £360 and a 10″ approximately £520. They are terrific fun to use too, and little can go wrong if you look after them! How much does a Dobsonian cost?īeing of simple design, Dobsonian telescopes are amongst the best value telescopes that money can buy without too much compromise. They are good value for money, ideal for beginners (including children from about 10), and great for observing the Moon, planets, and the brighter deep sky objects such as galaxies and nebulae. They move up and down and twist on a rotating base, meaning they can point at any part of the sky. Named after their inventor John Dobson, an amateur astronomer from San Francisco, these telescopes are sturdy, have good quality optics, and come with large reflective surfaces (mirrors) that gather more light.ĭobsonians are extremely easy to use. The team here at Go Stargazing highly recommends a particular type of telescope known as a Dobsonian. The best telescopes have good light gathering area, quality optics, a solid mount and are easy to setup and use. ![]() The power of a telescope is determined by how much light it can collect - not by how much it can magnify! ![]() The more light a telescope can gather, the brighter the image formed and the more detail you will see. The light that is gathered by the telescope forms an image which is then magnified using an eyepiece that you look through. If you are going to buy a telescope, it’s good to understand how they work! Telescopes work by gathering light - some do this using mirrors (reflecting telescopes), and others use lenses (refracting telescopes). The best advice we can give before buying a telescope is first to visit your local Astronomical Society or Astronomy Club who will be happy to help you choose a suitable instrument - many will be able to offer hands-on practical experience with a variety of telescopes explaining the pros and cons of each design.įor your nearest Society or Club check our events map or the Federation of Astronomical Societies website. In a nutshell, the best beginner’s telescope is used regularly and not one that lives in its box! It, therefore, needs to be easy to set up, practical and enjoyable to use. This article offers advice on which one may be most suitable for you, your budget and your circumstances. With such a variety of telescopes on offer, it can be tricky to choose which one is most suitable, especially for beginners. ![]()
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