5 questions you should definitely ask yourself before buying a telescope
1. How much is it worth to you to observe the sky?
You may find this question a little premature. Aren't there other topics to address first? Of course.
But your budget is a good indicator to start classifying those that are worth it and leaving aside those that are not. Therefore, from the beginning you need to decide how much money you want to invest.
What options are there and how much do they cost? In this regard, there are 4 reference groups:
Up to 200 euros: It is not much for a complete telescope with tripod and mount. In most of these cases some sacrifice is made, either in optics or stability, which are two fundamental aspects in order to guarantee enjoyment during observation. Despite this, you don't want to spend more? In that case, we recommend some good binoculars or a spotting scope and a rotating star chart. With them, you will learn to move through the sky and discover your first large-surface objects in the deep sky. Plus, binoculars and spotting scopes are also very useful during the day!
Up to 400 euros: Do you have more money and prefer a telescope with good optics? Then choose a small lens or mirror telescope on an azimuth mount, which can be moved in all directions. You can also opt for a Dobson telescope, only in this case most of the budget will go to the mirrors. However, it offers an advantage, and that is that they are very stable telescopes with large optics, ideal for visual observation. With one of these, you will have to look at for many years.
Up to 800 euros: In this price range we can already contemplate initiation into the world of astrophotography. You now have access to mounts that are either suitable for photography use or can easily be equipped for it. Depending on your interests, you can place a lens telescope or a mirror telescope on the mount (we cover this topic in detail below). Photo frames compensate for the Earth's rotation and automatically chase the stars. For this system to work, assembly requires more work, but we will talk about this later.
From 1000 euros: Do you like to tinker with your smartphone and its applications? Then the computer-controlled GoTo telescopes, which approach celestial objects at the touch of a button, will surely interest you. You just have to select your target with your remote or mobile phone and wait for the telescope to navigate to it.
Practical exercise: What is your budget? Think about it and approach the following questions well prepared.
+ Here you will find binoculars up to 200 euros
+ Rotating star maps and atlases
2. Fast vs. slow sky?
Obviously, this isn't about food... But let's take advantage of this analogy: we can set up the telescope quickly to take a brief look at the sky, or we can take the whole night to thoroughly enjoy the observation.
The amount of time you are willing to invest will determine the type of telescope you need.
Let's take an example: a Dobson telescope consists of 2 parts, is quickly assembled and is easy to operate manually to find and follow objects in the sky.
An instrument with an equatorial mount consists of a tripod, counterweights, optics, mount, electronics and power. Once all this is set up, the alignment with the north celestial pole must be made.
Astrophotography involves more work than visual observation. Of course, we can lengthen or shorten our observing sessions regardless of the instrument we use, but as a general rule we prefer to avoid expensive setups to simply take a quick look at the sky.
Practical exercise: How much time do you want to take for setup and observation? More or less one hour? Or 3 hours every night? During the weekend or a little while in the afternoon after work? Think about it and decide which is the ideal option for you.
+ Dobson Telescopes
+ Telescopes with azimuth mount
+ Telescopes with equatorial mount
3. Traditional style or with digital technology?
Obviously, it is not about living without technical advances, like the Amish in the United States. However, sometimes it is comforting to observe only through the telescope, without cutting-edge technologies. Just like Herschel and Messier did. What would it be like to enjoy nature without smartphones and digital inventions?
By this we not only refer to observation, but also to the search for objects: without electronics, only with a map or a celestial atlas. When he finds a galaxy very far away like this, millions of light years away, a pleasant feeling of happiness invades him.
Although, it may also be the case that you are fascinated by digital advances. In your childhood, did you dream of having the job of the legendary Scotty or Pavel Chevok on the ship Enterprise? In that case the ideal option for you is a telescope with GoTo or an automatic alignment system.
In electronic systems we operate the telescope from a remote control or from the smartphone and configure the settings with the programs through the screen; Integrated motors then move the telescope to the object and track it, all automatically. And, to do this, we must tinker with technology. If you choose one of these telescopes, you are guaranteed fun.
Practical exercise: Think about what you would like more: a manual telescope or a fully automatic one. Some telescopes can be later equipped with control systems and tracking motors. Our Push+ mounts bridge both worlds: software on your phone helps you locate objects in the sky, and then you track them manually with your Dobson telescope.
+ Telescopes with GoTo
+ Push+ mount telescopes
4. Visual observation or astrophotography?
There are two ways to observe:
Enjoy the live visual image or photograph the objects. Both practices have their appeal, but if in your free time you are one of those people who always carries your camera, astrophotography is probably your thing. What do you find most interesting?
To get started in this world, we recommend starting with visual observation, since this way you will learn to operate your telescope and gain experience in moving through the night sky. This takes time, and there is a lot to learn and discover.
For those who are really interested, astrophotography is the second step. Dobsonian and other azimuth-mounted telescopes are specially designed for visual observation. However, those with an equatorial mount and GoTo system allow you to take long exposure photos of nebulae and galaxies.
Many astronomy enthusiasts decide to dedicate themselves exclusively to visual observation or, on the contrary, concentrate on cameras, technology and image processing. One of the reasons is the great differences that exist in terms of equipment and knowledge between visual observation and astrophotography, because there is no ideal instrument for both.
Practical exercise: What do you find more interesting: visual observation or astrophotography? With the answer to this question you will be able to take the right course from the beginning without the need for large investments later.
+ Telescopes for astrophotography
5. The Moon and the planets or nebulae and galaxies?
Some of the first celestial objects to be discovered are the Moon and the planets.
The sensation when exploring the lunar surface is fascinating, because you feel as if you were traveling in a spaceship, or when observing Saturn with its rings or Jupiter with its moons and bands of clouds in real time.
Lens telescopes are better for observing the Solar System.
The Moon and the planets are bright objects, so we do not need too much aperture and we also benefit from the richness of contrast that refractors offer.
But to delve into the depths of space and reach nebulae, globular clusters and galaxies, then we will have to opt for a mirror telescope that, for the same price, has a larger aperture than that of a refractor and, therefore, captures More light.
But it must be taken into account that the galaxy through the telescope is not seen as in the photographs. The observation of a galaxy millions of light years away pushes the limits of perception. However, by knowing what you are looking at and with well-trained vision, you will be able to identify many details. The fun lies in the challenge.