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I have always been interested in space, stars, etc. and have recently thought about getting a telescope...I know nothing about them but saw these at Kohls. Would you recommend any one of these or do you have any advice? I'm not looking to spend a fortune, but I dont want to go too cheap either. Thanks!
It depends on the power you want. You can buy a decent reflector telescope fairly cheap. I have a hard time with reflector scopes though; everything is the opposite because they use mirrors. I looked at those scopes online and they aren't bad deals. I haven't bought a telescope in ages though.
it was recommended to me by someone who knows to starts out with binoculars
this turned out to be a great idea economically and for enjoyment opened up a brand new world. walmart ll do ya bout 20 bucks or less.
Generally, you should get the largest aperture you can afford financially and able to physically handle. Dobsonian reflectors (tube which sits on a cradle-style rocker box with up-down and side to side motions) offer the largest apertures for the lowest cost. Most amatuer astronomers recommend these as they are easy to use and you can get a decent quality instrument for a low price.
I would recommend a "goto" type of telescope if you can afford it. Basically, once it's properly aligned, you tell it where to point, and it moves to the correct location for you. It also provides automatic tracking to keep the desired object in sight.
You never realize how quickly the Earth rotates until you focus on an object with a telescope only to watch the object move out of the field of view rapidly. A goto telescope prevents this from happening by moving the telescope to keep it focused on the desired object.
I got a Meade 4" reflecting telescope with Goto capability at Wallyworld for about $400.00 plus tax. I believe it was a pretty good deal for that type of telescope. I have seen similar units that cost considerably more. Meade doesn't list my model on their website, so I believe it was produced exclusively for sale at WM. I am pleased with it, but now that I've used it quite a bit, I'm wishing I bought an 8" telescope instead (of course it would have cost 4-6 times as much).
Generally, you should get the largest aperture you can afford financially and able to physically handle. Dobsonian reflectors (tube which sits on a cradle-style rocker box with up-down and side to side motions) offer the largest apertures for the lowest cost. Most amatuer astronomers recommend these as they are easy to use and you can get a decent quality instrument for a low price.
This unit isn't motorized, but it tells you which way to adjust the telescope. Automatic object tracking isn't possible with this setup, but it is with motorized goto telescopes.
I suggest Orion telescopes- they have many scopes of excellent quality starting at $100 and up. They range from beginner, to intermediate to advanced.
They have a nice 70mm refractor on an equatorial mount for $150
They have a great 'dobsonian' 4.5" reflector for $230
do not overspend or buy a scope beyond your knowledge of the night sky.
see telescope.com
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