What things should I check when buying a used telescope?
periklis asked:
I plan on buying a telescope, after observing the sky for quite some time with binoculars. My budget however is kinda small so I plan on buying a used reflector telescope(skywatcher 8′ dobsonian), but i must first ensure that it is in good condition. What should I check and how to make sure that it is working correctly?
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I plan on buying a telescope, after observing the sky for quite some time with binoculars. My budget however is kinda small so I plan on buying a used reflector telescope(skywatcher 8′ dobsonian), but i must first ensure that it is in good condition. What should I check and how to make sure that it is working correctly?
October 9th, 2009 at 10:51 am
make sure it has lenses and not just a cut out picture of the moon at the end? Dr.Robert
October 9th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
The first thing you need to think about is the price of the telescope. The lowest price starts around $50. The more expensive ones can reach into the thousands. If you are just starting out, it’s a good idea to get a less expensive telescope. If you plan on plan on using it for a long time, you should get one that allows you to upgrade the pieces as you become more advanced. While price is always a factor, the design should be considered also.
Telescopes come in two main designs. Refracting telescopes utilize lenses to focus light into an eyepiece, while reflecting scopes use mirrors. The advantage of refracting telescopes is that they are virtually maintenance free. You don’t have to adjust the mirrors periodically. The only negative about these kinds are that they are considerably more expensive than reflecting telescopes.
Reflecting telescopes come cheaper because mirrors are easier to produce than lenses. The disadvantage with this is that you will have to readjust the mirrors periodically for the telescope to be at peak performance. Dirt and dust will also accumulate on the mirrors so they will need to be cleaned regularly.
The aperture size is one of the most important aspects of the telescope. The aperture is the lens or mirror that gathers light. A bigger aperture will gather more light enabling you to see fainter objects. The bigger your aperture, the more bulky and expensive the telescope will be. This leads to another consideration.
Size is another thing you must think about before buying a telescope. If you plan on setting it up near your window or on your porch, this shouldn’t be a big factor. If you plan on taking the telescope away from home, portability can be a big issue.
Choosing a new telescope can prove to be a tricky ordeal. Before buying one, there are a variety of things you must think about such as price, design, and size. Once you have decided on your ideal scope, the fun can begin. Lαnα Loves Pumpkin Pie ♡