Telescope Buying Guide

Sara Kosik asked:


I want to get my husband a telescope for a Christmas present. We live on a small lake in the middle of nowhere, and the stars are always bright. I would love to get him a reasonably priced telescope to see stars and planets. Any suggestions? I would like to stay below $300. Is that possible?

Blue samba asked:


My 7 year old is obsessed with the universe and all it contains. I would love to buy her a telescope for Christmas that will enable her to see stars and whatever else is up there. I’ve looked on ebay but have not got a clue what to look out for. Is there anyone experienced out there who can give me a little advice?

Sarah C asked:


I want to get my daughter a telescope for Christmas but know nothing about them, any help would be greatly appreciated!

Igarashinanigans asked:


Hi, I’m trying to buy a telescope for a friend as a Christmas gift. Dispite all the reading, I feel completely lost! If someone couple PLEASE just post a guide of decent ranges for whatever qualities ,or name brands I would be forever grateful
Thanks!
Oh, and I wanted to find a way he can take pictures of what he sees (him being a bit of a photographer and all). How in god’s green earth do I help that happen? Is there a way to connect the digital camera he already has to a telescope.

tammy_sprague@verizon.net asked:


He has wanted a telescope for some time, and we would like to get him one for christmas but I dont want to get him something that he isn’t going to be able to see with. I want to stay in about the $100 range and would like to be able to see alot more than the naged eye.

tammy_sprague@verizon.net asked:


He has wanted a telescope for some time, and we would like to get him one for christmas but I dont want to get him something that he isn’t going to be able to see with. I want to stay in about the $100 range and would like to be able to see alot more than the naged eye.

Justelle asked:


HELP i am determined this year to get into astronomy and for christmas my sister bought me a star with magnitude of 9. I am looking for a good telescope not a beginners one as i dont want to buy a better one later what would you suggest and what type would i need to see the star i got as a present!? Any other suggestions welcome. I am joining my local astronomy club later in the month. Thanks

C B asked:


My son wants a telescope for Christmas, but we’re pretty uneducated as to which kind to get. He is 10, but extremely smart and interested. We don’t want a piece of junk, but yet we want something good enough to support his interest. Advice??

katvelk asked:


I would like to buy a telescope for my dad for christmas but have no idea what I am looking for. He just bought a new house and loves to sit on his back porch and look at the stars, so I thought he might enjoy a closer look. I would like something fairly inexpensive and easy to use and would appreciate some advice as far as what to look for.