Beginner Telescopes: A Guide to Choosing Your First Telescope

Are you fascinated by the stars, planets, and galaxies? Do you want to explore the vast expanse of the universe from the comfort of your own backyard? If so, a telescope might be just what you need.

However, with so many different types and brands of telescopes on the market, it can be overwhelming for beginners to choose the right one. Here, we provide a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the world of telescopes and find the best one for your needs and budget.

First, consider your observing goals. Do you want to explore the planets in our solar system, observe deep-sky objects like nebulae and galaxies, or simply get a closer look at the moon? Different telescopes are optimised for different types of observing, so knowing what you want to see will help you choose the right telescope.

Next, consider the three main types of telescopes: refractors, reflectors, and catadioptrics. Refractors use lenses to bend and focus light, while reflectors use mirrors to do the same. Catadioptrics, on the other hand, use a combination of lenses and mirrors to focus light. Each type of telescope has its own advantages and disadvantages, so research them thoroughly before making a purchase.

Finally, consider your budget. Telescopes can range in price from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on their size and features. While it can be tempting to splurge on a top-of-the-line model, remember that you don’t need the most expensive telescope to have a great observing experience. A beginner telescope in the $200-$500 range can provide excellent views of the night sky.

In summary, choosing a beginner telescope requires some research and consideration of your observing goals and budget. With the right telescope, you can embark on a journey of discovery and exploration of the wonders of the universe.

Deep sky  vs Planetary astronomy, which telescope is best?

Choosing the best telescope for either deep sky or planetary astronomy ultimately depends on your observing goals and personal preferences. Both types of telescopes have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Deep sky astronomy refers to observing celestial objects that are beyond our solar system, such as galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. These objects are typically faint and spread out over a large area of the sky. For deep sky observations, larger aperture telescopes are generally better as they can gather more light and provide brighter and clearer images. Reflectors and catadioptric telescopes tend to be better suited for deep sky astronomy as they offer larger apertures and wider fields of view.

On the other hand, planetary astronomy involves observing objects within our solar system, such as the moon, planets, and their moons. These objects are generally brighter and smaller, and require high magnification to observe fine details. Refractor telescopes are often preferred for planetary astronomy as they offer excellent image contrast and sharpness, allowing for better observation of planetary details.

Keep in mind that while a telescope may be optimised for one type of astronomy, it is still capable of observing the other. It is also important to note that observing conditions such as light pollution, atmospheric conditions, and observing location can also impact the quality of your observations.

Ultimately, it is best to choose a telescope that aligns with your observing goals and fits within your budget. Consider factors such as aperture, focal length, and magnification, as well as the type of mount and accessories that come with the telescope. By doing your research and selecting a telescope that suits your needs, you can enjoy the wonders of both deep sky and planetary astronomy.

What type of mount should a beginner look at?

For a beginner, the most recommended mount type is the altazimuth mount. The more technically minded beginner may feel comfortable looking into an EQ ( equatorial) mount, however.

Altazimuth mounts are the most straightforward and easy to use. They have two axes of motion – vertical and horizontal – and allow you to move the telescope up and down and left to right. Altazimuth mounts are generally less expensive and lighter in weight, making them a good choice for beginners who want to set up and move their telescope quickly. 

A Dobsonian mount is a variance on an Alt-az mount, and are often idea for beginners, but are only available for reflectors.

Equatorial mounts, on the other hand, require a bit more setup and calibration but offer more accurate tracking for celestial objects. Equatorial mounts have a single axis aligned with the celestial pole and another perpendicular axis. This configuration allows you to easily track the apparent motion of the stars and planets, making it ideal for astrophotography and deep sky observations.

While equatorial mounts may be more complex than altazimuth mounts, many come with motors and computerised systems that can help beginners track celestial objects more easily. However, equatorial mounts can be more expensive than altazimuth mounts and can be heavier and bulkier to move.

Ultimately, the choice of mount will depend on your observing goals, budget, and personal preference. For most beginners, an altazimuth mount will provide a good balance of ease-of-use and functionality. However, if you plan to do astrophotography or want more accurate tracking for deep sky observations, an equatorial mount may be a better choice.

Is a goto mount a good idea?

A goto mount can be a great idea for some beginners, especially those who are interested in astrophotography or want to locate celestial objects quickly and easily. Goto mounts use computerised systems and motors to automatically move the telescope to specific objects in the sky, making it easier for beginners to find and observe them.

Goto mounts can save a lot of time and frustration by eliminating the need to manually locate objects, especially for those who are just starting out and may not yet be familiar with the night sky. They can also be helpful for those with physical limitations that make it difficult to move a telescope manually.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that goto mounts can be more expensive than manual mounts, and may also require a bit of setup and calibration. Additionally, relying solely on a goto mount can hinder a beginner’s learning and understanding of the night sky, as manually locating objects can help them develop their star-hopping skills.

The decision to invest in a goto mount will depend on your observing goals and personal preferences. If you are interested in astrophotography or want to locate celestial objects quickly and easily, a goto mount can be a great investment. However, if you are interested in developing your observing skills and learning more about the night sky, a manual mount may be a better choice.

What’s a good size aperture for a beginner?

The aperture of a telescope refers to the diameter of its main optical element, which is usually either a lens or a mirror. A larger aperture generally means that the telescope can gather more light, resulting in brighter and clearer images.

For a beginner, a telescope with an aperture of 70mm to 90mm can be a good choice. These sizes provide enough light-gathering ability to observe the moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects such as star clusters and nebulae.

However, if you have the budget and are willing to invest in a larger telescope, an aperture of 100mm to 130mm can provide even better performance and allow you to observe fainter objects such as galaxies and faint nebulae.

Keep in mind that larger aperture telescopes can be heavier and more expensive than smaller ones, and may require a larger and more stable mount to support them. Also, the quality of the optics is important, so it’s essential to choose a reputable brand with good reviews.

Ultimately, the best aperture size for a beginner depends on your observing goals, budget, and portability requirements. A smaller aperture telescope can still provide a great observing experience, especially if you are just starting out, and can be easier to set up and transport.

What type of Beginner telescope is best?

The best type of beginner telescope depends on their observing goals, budget, and personal preference. However, generally speaking, there are three types of beginner telescopes that are commonly recommended: refractors, reflectors, and catadioptrics.

Refractor telescopes use lenses to bend and focus light, and are generally easy to use and require little maintenance. They also provide sharp and high-contrast images, making them ideal for observing the moon and planets. Refractors can be a good choice for beginners who want a low-maintenance telescope that provides good views of the solar system.

Reflectors, on the other hand, use mirrors to focus light and are generally less expensive than refractors. They offer larger apertures for a given price, making them a good choice for deep sky observations. Reflectors require more maintenance than refractors due to the mirrors needing to be periodically adjusted, but they provide great views of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.

Catadioptric telescopes use a combination of lenses and mirrors to focus light and offer a compact and portable design. They are versatile telescopes that can provide good views of both the solar system and deep sky objects. Catadioptrics are often more expensive than refractors or reflectors, but their portability and versatility make them a great choice for beginners who want a telescope that can do it all.

The best type of telescope for a beginner is one that aligns with their observing goals and budget. Consider factors such as aperture, focal length, and magnification, as well as the type of mount and accessories that come with the telescope. By doing your research and selecting a telescope that suits your needs, you can enjoy the wonders of the night sky and embark on a journey of exploration and discovery.

Are binoculars a good idea for beginners?

Yes, binoculars can be a great idea for beginners who are interested in astronomy. Binoculars offer several advantages over telescopes, such as being lightweight, portable, and easy to use. They are also less expensive than telescopes and can be a great way to explore the night sky before investing in a telescope.

Binoculars provide a wider field of view than telescopes, which can be helpful when observing larger objects such as star clusters or the moon. They can also be used for a variety of activities beyond astronomy, such as birdwatching or nature observation.

When choosing binoculars for astronomy, it is recommended to select a pair with a large aperture (at least 50mm) and a magnification of 7x to 10x. Higher magnification can lead to shaky images, so it is important to balance magnification with stability. Additionally, choosing a pair with a tripod mount can help stabilise the view and reduce hand tremors.

Overall, binoculars can be a great introduction to astronomy for beginners, providing a portable and cost-effective way to explore the night sky. They are easy to use and offer a wider field of view, making them a great tool for observing larger objects and getting a feel for the night sky before investing in a telescope.

What’s sort of budget would be appropriate for a beginner telescope

The budget for a beginner telescope can vary depending on the individual’s needs and preferences. However, a good range to consider for a beginner telescope is around $200 to $500.

In this price range, there are a variety of telescopes available that offer good quality optics and suitable features for beginners. Refractor and reflector telescopes with aperture sizes of 70mm to 90mm can be found in this price range and offer good views of the moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects.

Additionally, some telescopes in this price range may come with accessories such as eyepieces, finderscopes, and mounts, which can be helpful for beginners who are just starting out.

While it may be tempting to spend more money on a larger or more advanced telescope, it is important to consider your needs and observing goals before making a purchase. A beginner telescope in the $200 to $500 price range can provide an excellent introduction to the world of astronomy and offer many hours of observing enjoyment. As you gain more experience and knowledge, you can always upgrade to a larger or more advanced telescope in the future.

Examples of beginner telescopes

Remember to do your research and read reviews before purchasing a telescope, to ensure you get the best one for your needs and budget. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to join an astronomy club or find a mentor who can help you learn how to use your telescope and get the most out of it.