You’ll get lots of hype when trying to pick a telescope. But by knowing just a few basics, described here, you’ll be able to choose the one that’s right for your observing interests, lifestyle, and budget.
Here’s a quick guide to help you make sense of all the types of telescope models available today. Armed with these few basics, you’ll have a good idea what to look for (and what to avoid) when scouring the marketplace for your new scope.If you still have questions or need more details, check out these additional resources:
- Telescope buyer’s guide (online article)
- “What to Know Before You Buy” (PDF) from SkyWatch 2010
- Guide to Buying Your First Telescope (video) from Sky & Telescope‘s Skywatching Video Series
Many (arguably most) good starter scopes cost $400 or more, though some superb choices are available for under $250. But read this article first, so you’ll understand the terminology and what type of telescope will be best for you.
Read more: http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/types-of-telescopes/