Expert: Paul Wagner - 2/1/2010

Question
When I was a kid I studied the stars.  Now I would like to buy a telescope but just need something very basic as I don't want to spend a ton of money but at the same time I know you get what you pay for.  Any ideas?

Thanks,

John

Answer
HI John

It would really help to get an idea of budget...

My first suggestion is a really good pair of binoculars.  Those will show you lots of stuff in the sky, and are also a great way to learn your way around the constellations.

But I suspect that you want a bit more magnification.  Try going to Orion Telescopes' website.  They have an excellent guide to selecting a scope, and their prices are also in the ballpark on most scopes, as well.  I would look for something that has at least 4.5 inches of aperture, and ideally six inches or more.  The bigger the aperture, the more light it collects, and there is NO SUBSTITUTE.  With that in mind, I'd be looking at a 4.5 or 6 inch reflector scope...

Hope that helps

Paul Wagner