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Home  > Telescope Buying Guide

Telescope Buying Guide

Don't know which telescope to buy? You've come to the right place. But let's start with a key pointer:

Buy a Telescope Bundle

We've built a bunch of value bundles for you. These great telescope packages include everything you'll need to get started in space. Plus you'll typically save 30-40% off the price of the accessories, books and software if you buy a bundle. Our Pros have put 5 bundles together for you:

  • Beginner Bundle : The basics you'll need for an adult to get started with the telescope. These bundles include a chart of the features on the moon, a star chart, astronomy software for your PC and, depending on the telescope model, a book or two on the basics.
  • Kids Pak : A chart for viewing the moon (kids love the moon), StarryNight Constellation Adventure software, illustrated field guide to the stars, 30 glow in the dark sticky stars for your ceiling, a stargazing red LED light and for older kids telescopes, a full-featured star chart.
  • Deluxe Bundle : More is good. For adults who want to start off with more than just the basics, these package deals typically include intermediate accessories, books and software.
  • Ultimate Bundle : The gift they'll never forget. Star charts, software, books, extra eyepieces and accessories designed to match the telescope model.
  • Camera Bundles : Telescope packages that include cameras for astrophotography. Check out the great deals we offer on complete packages to start taking pictures of your favorite celestial object.
  • Check the Chart : We've got a chart that rates our telescopes on a 5-star system. Take your time. Look it over. It helps.

Bargains Under $100

Don't have the bucks to spend. Don't despair, we've got telescopes for any budget.

Best for Beginners

We have several great scopes that are ideal for the total novice. These scopes do a great job balancing performance with easy use. No matter what your budget, we have a beginner telescope that's right for you!.

  • AstroVenture 4.5" Reflector -- Our favorite all around telescope, but mostly designed for night viewing. Great for the moon and planets, but also the beginners best bet for finding deep space objects like nebulae and galaxies. Uses a "serious" EQ mount, and can be upgraded to the hilt.
  • AstroVenture 90mm Cassegrain -- An incredibly balanced telescope and super easy to use. Fairly portable, this telescope can be used day or night and requires virtually no experience to use.
  • AstroVenture 80mm Refractor -- Ultra-portable, this telescope comes with its own carrying case. Great for camping trips because it doubles as a wildlife and bird watching scope during the daytime.
  • Meade 4.5" Computer Controlled Reflector -- A great entry-level telescope that offers sharp imaging of space objects. Also includes the AutoStar Computer Controller which locates and points the telescope to over 1,400 celestial objects with just the push of a button.
  • Meade 102mm Computer Controlled Beginner Cassegrain -- Like all Cassegrain style optical telescopes, the dual mirror/lens type opticals yield high powered views in a compact package. Also includes the AutoStar Computer Controller which locates and points the telescope to over 1,400 celestial objects with just the push of a button.
  • Meade 80mm Portable Computer Controlled Observatory -- The premier traveling telescope! Complete with an expedition backpack designed specifically for the telescope, along with an ultra-portable, yet sturdy, lightweight aluminum tripod. Also includes the AutoStar Computer Controller which locates and points the telescope to over 1,400 celestial objects with just the push of a button.

For the Space Nut

If you're ready to get totally into astronomy, or you want to give a gift that will simply blow ' em away, we've got the telescopes for you:

Viewing the Moon & Planets:

  • AstroQuest 6" Reflector -- With the biggest magnification of any of our telescopes, the 6" offers jaw-dropping views of the Moon, Saturn's Rings, the Moons of Jupiter, Jupiter's Red Spot and Mars.
  • AstroQuest 8" Reflector -- Bigger is better. This is our premier telescope, you can't go wrong with the big guy, great for everything -- the space buff will love it.
  • Meade 4.5" Computer Controlled Reflector -- A great entry-level telescope that offers sharp imaging of space objects. Also includes the AutoStar Computer Controller which locates and points the telescope to over 1,400 celestial objects with just the push of a button.
  • Meade 6" Computer Controlled Newtonian Reflector -- Premium optics and superior light-gathering power. Advanced optical coatings means clearer and brighter space views with less distortion than other refractors. Also includes the Advanced AutoStar Computer Controller which can automatically track to any of 30,000 celestial objects.
  • Meade 6" Computer Controlled Schmidt-Newtonian Reflector -- Jaw-dropping views! The unique Schmidt-Newtonian design results in sharp stellar views that are typically 50 percent better than traditional Newtonian reflectors. Also includes the Advanced AutoStar Computer Controller which can automatically track to any of 30,000 celestial objects.
  • Meade 8" Computer Controlled Schmidt-Newtonian Reflector -- A backyard astronomer's dream come true! Enjoy both high-powered planetary and extreme deep-space object hunting. The unique Schmidt-Newtonian design results in sharp stellar views that are typically 50 percent better than traditional Newtonian reflectors. Also includes the Advanced AutoStar Computer Controller which can automatically track to any of 30,000 celestial objects.
  • Meade 80mm Portable Computer Controlled Observatory -- The premier traveling telescope! Complete with an expedition backpack designed specifically for the telescope, along with an ultra-portable, yet sturdy, lightweight aluminum tripod. Also includes the AutoStar Computer Controller which locates and points the telescope to over 1,400 celestial objects with just the push of a button.
  • Meade 90mm Computer Controlled Advanced Cassegrain -- This "Maksutov-Cassegrain" telescope uses both mirrors and lenses to offer the clearest, most powerful views in a compact size. The telescope itself weighs just 8 pounds but packs quite a punch. Also includes the Advanced AutoStar Computer Controller which can automatically track to any of 30,000 celestial objects.
  • Meade 102mm Computer Controlled Beginner Cassegrain -- Like all Cassegrain style optical telescopes, the dual mirror/lens type opticals yield high powered views in a compact package. Also includes the AutoStar Computer Controller which locates and points the telescope to over 1,400 celestial objects with just the push of a button.

Viewing Deep Space Objects

  • AstroQuest 8" Reflector -- Again, the big telescope that does it all. Dual axis motor drive lets you track planets or stars with a push of a button.
  • AstroVenture 4.5" Reflector -- Don't let the smaller size fool you. This telescope has an astonishing light gathering power of f/4.4 (lower is better). It packs a great punch for deep space viewing.
  • Meade 6" Computer Controlled Newtonian Reflector -- Premium optics and superior light-gathering power. Advanced optical coatings means clearer and brighter space views with less distortion than other refractors. Also includes the Advanced AutoStar Computer Controller which can automatically track to any of 30,000 celestial objects.
  • Meade 6" Computer Controlled Schmidt-Newtonian Reflector -- Jaw-dropping views! The unique Schmidt-Newtonian design results in sharp stellar views that are typically 50 percent better than traditional Newtonian reflectors. Also includes the Advanced AutoStar Computer Controller which can automatically track to any of 30,000 celestial objects.
  • Meade 8" Computer Controlled Schmidt-Newtonian Reflector -- A backyard astronomer's dream come true! Enjoy both high-powered planetary and extreme deep-space object hunting. The unique Schmidt-Newtonian design results in sharp stellar views that are typically 50 percent better than traditional Newtonian reflectors. Also includes the Advanced AutoStar Computer Controller which can automatically track to any of 30,000 celestial objects.
  • Meade 80mm Portable Computer Controlled Observatory -- The premier traveling telescope! Complete with an expedition backpack designed specifically for the telescope, along with an ultra-portable, yet sturdy, lightweight aluminum tripod. Also includes the AutoStar Computer Controller which locates and points the telescope to over 1,400 celestial objects with just the push of a button.
  • Meade 90mm Computer Controlled Advanced Cassegrain -- This "Maksutov-Cassegrain" telescope uses both mirrors and lenses to offer the clearest, most powerful views in a compact size. The telescope itself weighs just 8 pounds but packs quite a punch. Also includes the Advanced AutoStar Computer Controller which can automatically track to any of 30,000 celestial objects.
  • Meade 102mm Computer Controlled Beginner Cassegrain -- Like all Cassegrain style optical telescopes, the dual mirror/lens type opticals yield high powered views in a compact package. Also includes the AutoStar Computer Controller which locates and points the telescope to over 1,400 celestial objects with just the push of a button.

Daytime Use

Whale watching from your ocean front home? Watching wild life from your cabin in the woods? Bird watching? Apartment dwellers who want to spy on the neighbors (admit it!). Here's what you need:

  • AstroVenture 90mm Cassegrain -- 48x and 133x magnifications will do the trick. Pretty easy to set up, take down and take with you. Your best bet.
  • AstroVenture 80mm Refractor -- Ultra-portable. 16x and 40x magnifications, but crystal clear and very, very bright. Ideal for use in the woods or other low light day uses.
  • FirstView 50mm Refractor -- 30x and 75x magnification gives you a good look at anything for a terrific price.
  • Meade 80mm Portable Computer Controlled Observatory -- The premier traveling telescope! Complete with an expedition backpack designed specifically for the telescope, along with an ultra-portable, yet sturdy, lightweight aluminum tripod. Also includes the AutoStar Computer Controller which locates and points the telescope to over 1,400 celestial objects with just the push of a button.
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