Ultimate Guide to Telescope Buying for Beginners

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and dreamed of having a better understanding of what's up there? You are not alone; astronomy has been a popular hobby for many generations, which is why the telescope was invented. We urge you to consider getting a telescope of your own and having a closer look.

While the allure of the cosmos remains constant, the tools we use to explore it have advanced significantly. A telescope for beginners is more than just a device; it's a gateway to a universe of knowledge. To ensure a smooth journey, it's essential to choose a telescope that aligns with your skill level and aspirations. That’s where we come in!

• What telescope should I buy?
• Telescope Specifications Explained
• Understanding Telescope Magnification
• Telescope Accessories: Make the most of your view
• Browse Popular Telescopes at Ted's

While most telescopes look the same externally, on the inside they use one of a few different designs to project their image to you, the viewer. Whether you want a telescope for stargazing or a telescope that can see galaxies, you need to understand the different types of telescopes available. Here are the two main styles you will find.

Reflector Telescopes Explained - Reflector telescopes use a mirror-based design to collect light and provide you with a view of the sky. These telescopes are generally known for providing excellent value for money, and you can get a telescope with a very large aperture at a reasonable price. Reflector telescopes are spectacular if you are on the lookout for a telescope for stargazing, viewing the moon, and other large and bright objects, but are not the best choice for deep-space viewing. Reflector telescopes provide a telescope image that is upside down through their eyepiece, which does take a bit of time to get used to.

Refractor Telescopes Explained - Refractor telescopes are designed using a series of large lenses, which can be costly to make, which means larger refractor telescopes tend to be more expensive. Refractor telescopes are sturdy and beginner-friendly, they are available in portable, travel-friendly sizes, and they provide an image that is the right way up. If you want a telescope that can see galaxies, nebulae, and other deep space objects, refractor telescopes are the way to go; they can also be used with great success for land viewing.

With the main styles of telescopes out of the way, there is still a whole bunch of jargon that you will have to try and get your head around when choosing the best telescope for you. 

Here is a list of some common parts and features found on telescopes,  with a brief description of each.

Aperture - If you are coming from a photography background, this will already be familiar to you. The aperture refers to the diameter of the telescope's main lens or mirror. It is directly responsible for the light-gathering abilities of the telescope, with a larger hole resulting in a brighter and more detailed view.

Focal length - The focal length of a telescope refers to the distance at which the rays of light converge together to form a sharp and focused image. If this is too confusing, just remember, focal length is directly related to magnification and field of view, with a longer focal length resulting in a longer magnification and narrower field of view. 

Focal ratio - This is an equation which involves dividing the focal length of a telescope by the aperture. This measurement tells someone how good a telescope can gather light, and therefore how suitable it is for astro purposes, with a faster focal ratio, or smaller f-number, being better suited for such purposes. 

Eyepieces - A telescope generally comes with a few different eyepieces which are required to view the image being captured. The eyepiece alone does not decide the magnification of your view, but rather the eyepiece in conjunction with your telescope's focal length.

Exit pupil - This is how far back from the eyepiece you should view from for a clearer image. A high magnification will allow you to view from closer, while a low magnification has a larger exit pupil, with the difference between the two often being only millimeters.

Working out the magnification of a telescope involves dividing the focal length by the eyepiece measurement. For example, a 1000mm focal length and a 10mm eyepiece would yield a 100x magnification. (1000 / 10 = 100).

While it may seem that we would always need a high magnification for astro viewing due to the physical distance between us and the sky, this is not the case with telescopes. For example, for viewing galaxies and similarly large subjects, you are best to use an eyepiece that will provide a very wide field of view. Conversely, higher magnification is required to view individual planets and similar subjects. Here are some real world examples to consider when choosing the best telescope for you:

• Stargazing Telescopes:  Lower magnifications (around 20x-40x) are best for wide-field views of star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies.
• Telescope for Planet Viewing: Higher magnifications, starting at around 100x, are needed to see details on planets like Jupiter's bands and Saturn's rings.
• Telescope for Moon viewing: A range of magnifications can be used, from lower for a full moon view to higher for close-ups of craters and surface features.

As with any hobby, there are a range of accessories available that make the job easier or help you to get better performance out of your equipment. Here are just a few that you can consider.

Barlow lens: This item sits between your eyepiece and telescope focuser and doubles the magnification. With this in your kit, you have twice as many magnifications at your disposal, although it must be mentioned that super-high magnifications often result in a poorer view.

Smartphone telescope adaptors: So your exciting night sky adventures are not just memories that you can call upon, consider purchasing a smartphone telescope adaptor, such as the Vixen Smartphone Telescope Adaptor, or the Celestron NexYZ Adaptor. These handy accessories simply attach to the eyepiece barrel of your telescope, so you can position the camera of your phone directly over the eyepiece to capture images.

Camera Mount: A telescope with camera and mount allows you to capture stunning celestial images and share your astronomical discoveries with the world. The specific part that you need to set up this kit is called a T Mount.

We hope this guide has equipped you with the knowledge to make an informed decision on your first telescope for beginners. Be confident and happy with your first telescope, and as your passion for stargazing grows, you can always upgrade.

Don't forget: Binoculars for stargazing are a great way to start your astronomical journey. They're affordable, portable, and offer stunning views of the night sky.

Visit your local Ted's Camera Store or check out our photography blog for more expert advice and the latest gear.