
We also inspected the eyepieces to see if they provided a useful range of magnifications. Focuser and eyepiecesįine focusing is vital for sharp views, but the focuser shouldn’t be too stiff or have too much play in movement. We checked whether they were awkward to look through and if they were easy to align with the main scope. The features we looked at included: Finderscopeįinding what you want to look at is the first step, so we examined the finderscopes supplied, testing how easy they were to use. The telescopes on our list were tested using the same criteria: assembly, build and design, ease of use, features and optics. If you're on the lookout for a mount to go with your new telescope, read our guide to the best telescope mounts available.
WHATS A GOOD TELESCOPE FOR STARGAZING HOW TO
If you think you might be interested in learning how to image the night sky, read our guide to the best telescopes for astrophotography. For more detailed help you can also read our guides to choosing your first telescope and how to spend your first night with a telescope. Have a look at our pick of some of the best telescopes suitable for astronomy beginners.

Speak to people who know best, and you may even get the chance to try before you buy. If your first telescope is too large and unwieldy or requires a lot of tinkering, you'll be put off, you'll find it difficult to transport and your scope maybe consigned to the garden shed or garage, never to be used again.īut how can you know where to start? Good advice is to join your local astronomy society, attend a star party or find your nearest astronomy kit stockist. Credit: Mark Garlick / Science Photo Library There is one simple thing to consider when buying your first telescope, and that's making sure you get an instrument you'll actually use. If you're a beginner, it can be difficult to wade your way through the jargon of practical astronomy and work out which is best suited to your observing needs. Newcomers to astronomy face a seemingly daunting array of different types of telescope, different brands and different prce ranges.


18 best telescopes for astronomy beginners, 2023Īre you interested in buying your first telescope but have no idea where to start? How is it possible to know which telescope is best for beginners?
