Buying Your Initial Telescope: A Guide

In the vast expanse of the night sky, a telescope can help bring the cosmos closer. For those new to the world of astronomy, selecting the right telescope can be a daunting task. Here's a guide to help you navigate the options.

There are three basic types of telescopes: refractors, reflectors, and Cassegrains. Refractors employ glass lenses at the end of a tube to bring a magnified view of the sky to focus. They tend to be lightweight, easy to set up, and require minimal maintenance.

One popular choice for beginners is the Bresser Arcturus 60/700 AZ, a refractor telescope with a moderate aperture and simple mounting. It offers ease of use, sharp images, and high contrast, making it ideal for observing the Moon, planets, and star clusters. Another highly recommended option is the Skywatcher SkyLiner 200P Classic Dobson, praised for its stability, ease of setup, and excellent suitability for deep sky observations, especially at dark sites.

Smaller refractors are best suited for wider views of the night sky, while larger refractors can provide views of galaxies, globular clusters, and bright nebulae. However, refractors have limits in terms of visual astronomy due to the cost and size of large lenses.

Reflectors, on the other hand, utilize mirrors instead of lenses to achieve an enlarged sky view. The Sky-Watcher Explorer-130PS is a lightweight and compact Newtonian reflector for beginners, featuring a pre-collimated primary mirror. The Orion Optics VX8 is an affordable reflector with a rolled aluminum tube, suitable for observing deep-sky objects and planets.

Cassegrains, similar to refractors, may need occasional adjustments to the mirrors but provide a comparatively more magnified view for a given size of eyepiece. Cassegrain designs like the Celestron Nexstar 8SE and the Sky-Watcher SkyMax 180 Pro are excellent for those wishing to experience the best views of the planets and our Moon.

Dobsonians, a type of reflector, offer cost-effective and rewarding views of the deep sky. The Omegon ProDob N 203/1200 is a lightweight Dobsonian telescope with a 32mm super wide angle eyepiece, suitable for observing deep-sky objects and planets.

When choosing a telescope, it's essential to consider where and how you plan to use it. Smaller reflectors can be used on tripod-style mounts, while larger ones are often mounted on a rotating base known as Dobsonians. For convenience, a grab and go' simple setup may be preferred, while more complicated equipment may offer more features for advanced users.

Remember, the best telescope should be practical, comfortable to use, and provide great views of the night sky. It's advisable to purchase a telescope from specialist astronomy dealers for expert advice and answers to questions. Many telescopes are also available with various features such as computerized controls and built-in wi-fi for smartphone operation.

Happy stargazing!