Astronomy can be a difficult hobby to get into, and it can be even harder—even downright frustrating—if you start off with the wrong telescope. Many inexpensive models described as “entry-level” can actually be more difficult to set up and use than more advanced telescopes (computerized or otherwise) due their poor optics, smaller apertures, and cheaper components. That can make it a struggle to see anything other than the moon with many of them. Even avoiding the cheapest telescopes, however, you’re still looking at a range from $200 or so to well over a thousand, so it’s important to determine the best type for you before you take the plunge and make an investment in one.
Take a look at quick info on the top-rated telescopes, then scroll down for buying advice and more in-depth reviews of these models.
Great All Around
Celestron NexStar 6SE
amazon.com
$1,229.97
Consumer Score: 87% gave it four stars or more
Best Budget
Astronomers Without Borders OneSky
shop.astronomerswithoutborders.org
$199.99
Consumer Score: N/A
Entry-Level Refractor
Celestron Inspire 100AZ
bhphotovideo.com
$289.95
Consume Score: 76% gave it four stars or more
Big Aperture
Orion SkyQuest XT8
amazon.com
$399.99
Consumer Score: 92% gave it four stars or more
For Astrophotography
Orion ED80T CF
amazon.com
Consumer Score: 96% gave it four stars or more
Start With Binoculars
In fact, what many astronomers advise is to not start out with a telescope at all, but with a good pair of binoculars. They’ll not only give you a great view of the lunar surface, but let you see things like Saturn and
This post was originally published by Popular Mechanics on . Please visit the original post to read the complete article.
