Contents
Top 10 Telescope Reviews
[amazon bestseller=”Telescope”]Celestron NexStar 5 SE
As with the 8SE, the Celestron NexStar 5 SE says it is made for the ‘Professional’ astronomer. It is possible to use it as an avid or recreational stargazer due to its ease of use and a wide array of features.
If you’re looking for a high powered scope that won’t require too much upgrading soon, but you don’t want to pay more than $1,000 for it, the Celestron NexStar 5 SE is a better bet than its popular cousin the 8 SE
Pros:
- Easy to set up and comfortable
- Strong construction
- Nice lenses
- Portable and great features
Cons:
- Somewhat complicated for the average stargazer
What To Look For When Buying An Telescope
There are some technicalities that you need to consider when buying a telescope.
Eyepiece
The eyepiece is probably the most essential part of the telescope itself since that’s what you will be looking through to see the skies.
Ideally, you’ll want a telescope that will have an adjustable eyepiece so you can adjust the magnification.
The eyepiece should have a crisp, clear view and little to no chromatic aberration or little halos of color around bright objects.
Primary purpose
Regarding celestial targets, do you have a specific preference?
Are you interested in observing deep space objects, such as nebulae, star clusters, or galaxies?
Or is the observation and possible photography of the planets and moon more critical? Both, maybe?
If you are intrigued by the thought of deep space, of interstellar gas clouds far larger than our solar system hanging motionless in the most remote corners of our galaxy.
Or if you want to see for yourself the faint glow of galaxies that exist millions of light-years from us, then you will want the largest telescope that you can afford or physically manage.
This means a Dobsonian mounted reflector, preferably with a “push-to” or go-to location system.
It should be noted that for taking in vast expanses of space or large open star fields, a smaller reflector or refractor would be preferable.
If you are more interested in planetary or lunar observation, an electronically driven mount may be as important as the optics.
Planetary observation requires concentration and keeping and keeping an eye on the target for extended periods, to take advantage of fleeting moments when atmospheric conditions stabilize and image clarity improves.
This is difficult without a motor-driven mount. The observer is forced to nudge the telescope carefully every twenty seconds or so, to keep the target within the field of view.
Some will undoubtedly say that refractors are ideal for planetary observation.
This may be true of telescopes up to six inches if one is willing to spend between five and eight thousand dollars.
But aside from the cost, there is no substitute for size when it comes to resolving detail at higher levels of magnification.
Leave a Reply