A Few Tips On Buying Telescopes

People looking to buy telescopes are generally lured to the more powerful and expensive models that come with some high-quality, avant-garde features. The matter of fact is that the high-end telescopes have intricate attributes and its set-up procedures are complex making it a bit difficult for a novice user to comprehend and eventually, they are rarely used and end up being locked in a closet. Such a deal leaves a nasty scar on the buyers' skin and soon proves out as a futile investment.


While seeking to buy a telescope for the first time, you need to ensure that you are buying one that you can actually use. This will actually retain its purchase value. When you think you are in dire need of an advanced model, you can always sell off the previous one and be rest assured that it will not take a toll on your pocket.

For the novice or the first time users, it is recommended to opt for a lightweight telescope. Buying a hefty model will never be the right option because it would be difficult to move it to the desired position/area in a flash. The next big thing to consider is the sturdy tripod, as it is the tripod that holds the telescope firmly in place and a feeble one could fall over, damaging the telescope. As a matter of fact, cheap tripods cannot hold their position firmly and have a tendency to drift which means you have to adjust the position of the telescope while using it.

It should be remembered that most of the inexpensive telescopes are "planetary" telescopes that have small apertures. Unlike the telescopes with large apertures that can squeeze in a lot of light enabling the users to view the nebulas and far off planets clearly, the planetary telescopes will not help you locate the celestial bodies residing far off. These type of telescopes are only suitable for locating the bigger planets and the moon.

It is quite natural to be lured to purchase a telescope which boasts high-end features such as an automated star finder or a motorized mount or other such fancy widgets. Undoubtedly, these telescopes are useful in some instances but for a beginner it is better to keep them at bay. These high end telescopes are quite complicated to use and will never function if it is not properly configured.

As a beginner, it is recommended to use the long tube planetary telescopes. These models are lightweight, easy to assemble, easy to use and highly portable and can be availed at a pocket friendly price.

It goes without saying that a good telescope would offer ample stargazing opportunities and there is no real need to invest hundreds of dollars in purchasing a large telescope if it is just going to find a place in your closet. The larger models are best suited for ace professionals and features complex attributes. For the first-time users, it is better to settle with the basic models that do not cost too much, yet serve the basic purpose.

Nick Coulson is a globe trotter and an avid blogger. He writes blogs and articles and provides in-depth analysis and reviews on different kinds of imaging and optics including digital cameras, binoculars and telescopes.

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