Should I Buy a Tabletop or Tripod Telescope? Your Telescope Buying Guide.

Many people are asking the common question "What telescope should I buy?" and many of the telescope buying guides can be confusing. Most of them are outdated and are not quite useful to the aspiring astronomer. Buying your first telescope is a very exciting event and not one to be taken lightly. Getting the proper telescope can be the difference between years of awe inspiring star gazing or having a tripod telescope coat hanger!

Astronomy is a super fun hobby that can lead to an amateur astronomer making a world changing discovery. Unlike many other hobbies, astronomy is scientific and full of passionate star gazers that are inspired by learning and discovery. This needs to be taken into account when buying a telescope or considering a telescope buying guide. You could make a world changing discovery right in your own back yard or even have your name permanently in the star records for ever. With this in mind, remember when buying a telescope even as a beginner you should invest in a quality piece of equipment that will grow with you as your knowledge and astronomical skill increases. Buying a cheap telescope can be enticing but it is the number one reason people quit the hobby, they just don't see the breath taking imagery they were expecting!

In this telescope buying guide for beginners, we will examine everything you need to know to answer your own question "What telescope should I buy"?

People in the telescope and greater astronomy hobby are some of the most passionate people you will ever meet. They can guide you on your process to buying a telescope and will gladly do so because they enjoy seeing other people's interest and passionate love for outer space. If they recommend a telescope to you based on their experience it is honest and helpful because they want to spark the same life long love affair with the cosmos that they have. I am one of these people and I will not guide you astray. You should seriously consider joining a local astronomy club where you can try out various pieces of equipment to see what best fits your telescope needs.

People in the astronomy clubs have been where you are, as a beginner buying your first telescope, they will sympathize with you not hand you sales brochures like they do at astronomy and computer stores. These clubs are always excited to find new members to share their interests with.

When buying a telescope in person you will be confronted by sales people trying to hype up and baffle you with all of the crazy bells and whistles on their newest hottest selling telescope model. One of their major aspects they try to push in you will always be the amplification level of the telescope lens. This is definitely an important factor in the telescopes ability, but it is not the only factor and remember that the actual size of the telescope lens is extremely important to the quality of imagery you will be seeing.

Telescope lens's work optimally when they take in the most possible light they can from the particular object they are viewing. The wider the telescope lens in terms of diameter the better the view of the object you are going to receive. This is one of the most important aspects of buying a telescope for a beginner and you should let this principle guide you when determining which telescope to buy. Do not simply fall for a sales pitch about amplification levels remember diameter of the lens is extremely important!

Most likely you live somewhere that is not ideal for telescope observation of the cosmos. Most people are affected by light pollution and thus they need a portable telescope to bring with them out to the countryside where there is less light pollution and a much more vivid sky. Make sure the stand for the telescope is of good quality, both strong and flexible to be rugged enough to handle setting up over and over again without being too bulky. Remember this is an expensive piece of equipment you are setting up so it has to be supported well!

We already mentioned strong and flexible as evaluation guides for the telescope stand but remember it also has to be easy to use as well. You have to be able to set your telescope up and break it down easily when you are out in the countryside observing the stars. You are often setting up or taking down this stand when it is extremely dark so if it cannot be done easily it can make for a very challenging experience that takes away from your viewing experience. Always bring a flashlight, or even better a flashlight that attaches to your head hands free so you can dissemble the stand in the dark with both hands.

This is a guide to buying a telescope for beginners that aren't sure what telescope to buy so I hope this helps you on your quest. Be sure that when buying a telescope you make sure you get something that can be upgraded and expanded so you don't have to throw away the whole unit if you want to upgrade. You want your telescope to be able to grow with your growing knowledge and skill of astronomy. If you select a telescope with these principles in mind you are well on your way to buying a telescope that will give years of enjoyment to you and your family.