It is fun to have a telescope but most starters do not know which one to purchase or the difference between the many potions available in the market. Finding the right telescope can be hectic and that’s why this article will provide a buying guide for telescopes. To know the best telescope that suits your needs, you need to understand the three types that exist and the aspects of a telescope. Aspects of a Telescope
Magnification Power Magnification is a crucial concept of a telescope, though it does not entirely determine the purchase on its own. The eye piece that is being used dictates the power of magnification. If you need a bigger magnification, you simply get an eye piece with a higher power. Size of the aperture It determines the amount of light that is trapped. More light produces clearer images. An aperture with a big diameter will thus give brighter and sharper images. An aperture is, therefore, an important factor to consider when choosing a good telescope. Big apertures are found in big sized telescopes; however, all big telescopes are not necessarily suitable for everyone. Large telescopes are suitable for nearby ground views but the small ones are suitable for distant sky viewing since they are easy and portable. Three Types of Telescopes The Refractor It is a type of telescope that has lenses and not mirrors and its eyepiece is found at the rear end of the telescope. It resembles a binocular in their design and is highly recommended for a beginner because of its simplicity. It works well for ground objects and is the cheapest among the three types. However, it is very bulky and cannot focus on faint objects The Reflector
Unlike a refractor, it has mirrors and not lenses. Its eye piece occurs on the side of the telescope and close to the upper part. Its aperture is big hence provides great views of unclear objects especially from the sky. If you need high quality viewing, the reflector is the best telescope for you. It is usually smaller than the refractor and does not view ground objects. With a reflector, you have to incur a lot of maintenance costs but it is worth it because of its value. It is also ideal for a beginner. Compound Telescope Like the name suggests, this telescope combines both mirrors and lenses. It is characterized by its bulkiness and ability to view both land and sky objects. Its aperture is large and it is the best telescope for astrophotography. It is relatively expensive because of versatility and high durability.
