When it comes to picking the perfect telescope for your needs, there are a few factors you will want to consider first.
Size and weight are important considerations, but you must factor in how much you’re willing to spend. And since telescopes can range in price from just a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, it can take time to know exactly what’s best for your wallet.
That’s why we have put together this quick guide to help you figure out how much a telescope costs and what features are most important to you.
From beginner-level scopes up through some of the more advanced models on the market, we have covered you.
So whether you are looking for an affordable option or something that offers top-notch features, we have you covered!
Cost of a Telescope
A telescope can cost as little as $100 to over $10,000. Expect a quality telescope for visual observation at about $300, but the sky is the limit for what you can spend.
A low-cost telescope may be the perfect choice for those just starting in astronomy.
However, don’t expect to see much with a telescope at this price point. As you increase your budget, you’ll gain more features and capabilities in your telescope.
But don’t worry, even a budget-priced telescope will give you an appreciation for the night sky and help you learn more about the universe around us.
What Can You See With a Telescope?
The night sky is a beautiful place to explore with a telescope. Depending on the type of telescope, you can see all sorts of interesting objects and phenomena, from distant galaxies to bright stars and planets. Here are some of the most common things you can see using a telescope:
Planets and Moons: With a good amateur telescope, you can see Mercury, Venus, Earth’s Moon, Jupiter’s moon Europa, Saturn’s moon Titan, Uranus, and Neptune.
Star Clusters: With a good quality instrument, you can see clusters such as the Pleiades or Hyades.
Open clusters: Open clusters are groups of stars that have not been gravitationally bound together by their gravity and so appear as one point source in an optical telescope.
Buying Guideline of a telescope
- Aperture Size
- Magnification
When shopping for a telescope, the aperture size is one of the features to consider. Telescopes with larger apertures can see fainter objects than telescopes with smaller apertures. However, larger apertures also require more powerful optics to achieve the same clarity.
The aperture size is important for observing faint objects and using the telescope at its best. For astronomical viewing, choose an aperture large enough to see all the objects you’re looking at without straining your eyes.
If you plan on using your telescope for terrestrial viewing, choose an aperture size that’s small enough so that details in close-up subjects such as flowers and trees are still visible.
Magnification is one of the most important considerations when considering what features to look for in a telescope.
A telescope with a higher magnification will enable users to see distant objects more clearly than those with lower magnifications.
Additionally, telescopes with higher magnifications often come with advanced optical systems that can provide sharper images and greater detail.
Type of mount
When choosing the type of mount for your telescope, make sure to consider the features that are important to you. Some mounts have more versatile features than others and may better fit your needs.
The mount’s platform size. Some mounts are designed for larger telescopes, while others are better suited for smaller ones. Choosing a mount that will accommodate your telescope’s size and weight is important.
The mount’s altitude capacity. Most mounts can handle up to a certain height above ground level (AGL), but some can go much higher. Make sure the mount you choose can handle the altitude you want to use it.
Resolution
Telescopes come in various resolutions, from low-resolution models that are good for viewing faint objects to high-resolution telescopes ideal for more detailed observations.
- The higher the resolution of your telescope, the better it will be at resolving details on astronomical objects.
- Higher resolutions typically cost more than lower resolutions, but they’re worth it if you’re interested in doing detailed observation or photography of astronomical objects.
- Some telescopes offer low- and high-resolution options, so you can find one perfect for your needs.
Choosing the right eyepiece
- Focal length
- Magnification range
- Field of view
The focal length is the distance from the center of the lens to the object being viewed. The magnification range is the power the eyepiece can produce with each turn of the focus knob. The field of view is how much area inside the designated telescope field will be visible at once.
One important factor to consider when choosing an eyepiece is your viewing situation. If you plan on using your telescope for terrestrial viewing, look for an eyepiece with a short focal length to get closer to objects.
Consider your budget when you buy a telescope.
When you are looking to buy a telescope, it is important to consider your budget first.
Telescopes range in price from around $20 to thousands of dollars, and it is important to find the right telescope for your needs and budget.
Some features that should be considered when purchasing a telescope include magnification, type of viewing lens, and portability.
Make sure to read the reviews and compare prices before making a purchase.