Expert: Paul Wagner - 2/18/2009

Question
Can you recommend a good telescope for beginners that is not too exspensive.

Answer
Hi David

this is a much more complicated question than you might think.  There are three options--and I would encourage you to research all three.  I"ve include the web pages from Orion--they are a pretty reputable dealer.

1.  An inexpensive 6 inch dobsonian scope.  These have a very simple mount, but that allows you to spend the money on the optics and paerture--the size of that mirror will catch a lot more light!  This would be my choice--but I know my way around the nighttime sky! Remember that a 6 inch scope will gather TWICE the light of a 4.5 inch scope.  $250?

http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=dobsonians/~pcategory=tele...

2.  A smaller telescope with GOTO technology---a computer system that allows you to find any object in the sky, once you have the scope loaded up and oriented.  Because the computers are expensive, you don't get the same size optics, so you won't quite see some much...but you will find what you are looking for much more often.  $400?

http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=goto_computerized/~pcatego...

3.  A really good pair of binoculars--7x50 or 10x50.  These are great.  You can carry them anywhere, they will show you a lot of stuff--especially in dark skies--and they will really help you find your way around the sky.  $150?

http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=binocular_giant/~pcategory...

Hope that helps!

Paul Wagner